Saturday, October 14, 2006
Non Investigative journalism part II
from Oregon Media Insiders
When did a police officer ever go to jail for deliberate killing of a suspect? In my recollection it never has happened. I remember long ago police shot a suspect running away 15 or more times in the back and were found " just doing their duty".
Just of late we have a had a person killed with a crushed chest...not guilty are the officers. Another shot in the back and another not guilty. The Grand Jury, always led by the hand by the District Attorney find the officers are not guilty. Was there ever an officer that was guilty? The media seems to believe every killing was a justified killing. Mostly because of endangerment to the officer/s. Just the % of the cases would suggest differently. I guess that today's good media means no dirt...just read what handed to you.
When did a police officer ever go to jail for deliberate killing of a suspect? In my recollection it never has happened. I remember long ago police shot a suspect running away 15 or more times in the back and were found " just doing their duty".
Just of late we have a had a person killed with a crushed chest...not guilty are the officers. Another shot in the back and another not guilty. The Grand Jury, always led by the hand by the District Attorney find the officers are not guilty. Was there ever an officer that was guilty? The media seems to believe every killing was a justified killing. Mostly because of endangerment to the officer/s. Just the % of the cases would suggest differently. I guess that today's good media means no dirt...just read what handed to you.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Talk is cheap, and Jim Chasse is dead
from Street Roots
James Chasse is dead. He died violently at the hands of Portland police, suffering from a beating severe enough to end his life in the back of a patrol car. Jim is dead, and the language of diplomacy swirls around his passing - talk of committees, grand juries and of "addressing inadequacies in training," as Mayor Tom Potter said. But it's doubtful Jim heard any of these gentle solutions when he received blunt force trauma, broken ribs and a direct Taser hit to his stomach. Shouldn't have acted "oddly," or had to urinate without a bathroom, as the police say he appeared to be doing. Shouldn't have been suffering from schizophrenia either, if he had a choice.
Jim Chasse is dead, and so are many others because of a failure in local policies and beyond. Indeed, the tragedy of mental illness on the streets is widespread, with a trail leading all the way to federal policies against funding social service agencies, the lack of insurance parity for the mentally ill, and an antiquated social mindset that unofficially slots mental health issues in the league with 17th century leprosy.
But Portland and cities like it are on the front lines, and its responsibility there cannot be mitigated by the widespread "inadequacies" of our representatives elsewhere. Excuses just don't cut it anymore.
Officer training for working with people with mental illness has to be hard core. No sessions in an office with a mental health expert is going to prepare anyone for the streets, where dysfunction, injustice and victimization are a part of daily life. Bring in the outreach workers who know what's really happening. Bring in the people who know what it's like to suffer from an imbalance, to have your medications and identification stolen, to be told to "move along" by uniforms, night after night, month after month. Reverse the roles for a night or two, and then see who gets targeted for acting out. Bring in the real story, because if officers can't understand the streets, they can't do their jobs, and they are doomed to failure.
At the same time the entire process for reviewing these incidents must be transparent - no more hiding behind a grand jury. The police union seems to treat an officer's oath as a pledge of sainthood, but cops are human, and should be held accountable. Why aren't officers drug tested after significant, questionable conduct? The Independent Police Review and its Citizens Review Committee, created by Portland in 2001 to conduct police oversight, have never had the independence or authority necessary to effectively review police misconduct. The system is now four years overdue for its scheduled evaluation, and sorely in need of a public review.
Through all of this, City Hall has to lend more than a sympathetic ear and an understanding nod to the crisis at hand. It has to become an advocate for people suffering from mental health issues - an estimated 60 percent of those on the Portland's streets today. It has the choice to put its muscle behind reform at the state and federal level and demand more responsive social and governmental policies. Or it can shrug, shake its head, and commiserate through more committee meetings. We're waiting to see some action.
James Chasse is dead. He died violently at the hands of Portland police, suffering from a beating severe enough to end his life in the back of a patrol car. Jim is dead, and the language of diplomacy swirls around his passing - talk of committees, grand juries and of "addressing inadequacies in training," as Mayor Tom Potter said. But it's doubtful Jim heard any of these gentle solutions when he received blunt force trauma, broken ribs and a direct Taser hit to his stomach. Shouldn't have acted "oddly," or had to urinate without a bathroom, as the police say he appeared to be doing. Shouldn't have been suffering from schizophrenia either, if he had a choice.
Jim Chasse is dead, and so are many others because of a failure in local policies and beyond. Indeed, the tragedy of mental illness on the streets is widespread, with a trail leading all the way to federal policies against funding social service agencies, the lack of insurance parity for the mentally ill, and an antiquated social mindset that unofficially slots mental health issues in the league with 17th century leprosy.
But Portland and cities like it are on the front lines, and its responsibility there cannot be mitigated by the widespread "inadequacies" of our representatives elsewhere. Excuses just don't cut it anymore.
Officer training for working with people with mental illness has to be hard core. No sessions in an office with a mental health expert is going to prepare anyone for the streets, where dysfunction, injustice and victimization are a part of daily life. Bring in the outreach workers who know what's really happening. Bring in the people who know what it's like to suffer from an imbalance, to have your medications and identification stolen, to be told to "move along" by uniforms, night after night, month after month. Reverse the roles for a night or two, and then see who gets targeted for acting out. Bring in the real story, because if officers can't understand the streets, they can't do their jobs, and they are doomed to failure.
At the same time the entire process for reviewing these incidents must be transparent - no more hiding behind a grand jury. The police union seems to treat an officer's oath as a pledge of sainthood, but cops are human, and should be held accountable. Why aren't officers drug tested after significant, questionable conduct? The Independent Police Review and its Citizens Review Committee, created by Portland in 2001 to conduct police oversight, have never had the independence or authority necessary to effectively review police misconduct. The system is now four years overdue for its scheduled evaluation, and sorely in need of a public review.
Through all of this, City Hall has to lend more than a sympathetic ear and an understanding nod to the crisis at hand. It has to become an advocate for people suffering from mental health issues - an estimated 60 percent of those on the Portland's streets today. It has the choice to put its muscle behind reform at the state and federal level and demand more responsive social and governmental policies. Or it can shrug, shake its head, and commiserate through more committee meetings. We're waiting to see some action.
Mentally ill need help of region
from the Gresham Outlook
Portland Mayor Tom Potter’s plan to convene a panel to consider ways to better serve the region’s mentally ill and address homelessness is leadership worth supporting.
Potter suggested the idea of commissioning the group a week ago as justice officials were trying to sort out why James Chasse Jr., a mentally ill man, died in a struggle with Portland police officers in Northwest Portland.
This death was extremely unfortunate. But it would be equally unfortunate if the community failed to address growing problems related to mental illness and the homeless.
Potter recognizes that these are problems without jurisdictional boundaries. The impacts of mental illness and the homeless are spreading across the region. Problems associated with both are felt not only in downtown Portland – where street people are highly visible – but also in Gresham and in numerous other districts and suburbs.
For Potter’s commission on the mentally ill to be effective, it should include representatives from East Multnomah County and Clackamas and Washington counties. The effort also should include business, hospital, civic, non-profit and religious community representatives.
Why should average metro-area residents care about the mentally ill? Local health-care officials estimate that one out of every five families has a member dealing with some form of mental illness, including depression, addiction, anger management and schizophrenia. In Multnomah County alone, there are an estimated 4,000 homeless people living under bridges and on streets, sidewalks and alleys.
Homelessness and mental illness are often connected. Due to changing state laws that went into effect beginning a few decades ago, the mentally ill are no longer detained in state institutions but allowed to live in their community – oftentimes without needed treatment services or support systems, including housing.
Finding allies to work on this matter should be no problem for Potter. County sheriffs should head the list of those willing to help. In Multnomah County, up to 30 percent of the jail population is made up of people who’ve been diagnosed with mental illness.
The first goal of Potter’s commission should be to build an understanding of problems related to the mentally ill and homeless. And then it should consider and advise solutions. We strongly urge the mayor and other leaders to make this effort an immediate priority.
No one wants another tragedy.
Portland Mayor Tom Potter’s plan to convene a panel to consider ways to better serve the region’s mentally ill and address homelessness is leadership worth supporting.
Potter suggested the idea of commissioning the group a week ago as justice officials were trying to sort out why James Chasse Jr., a mentally ill man, died in a struggle with Portland police officers in Northwest Portland.
This death was extremely unfortunate. But it would be equally unfortunate if the community failed to address growing problems related to mental illness and the homeless.
Potter recognizes that these are problems without jurisdictional boundaries. The impacts of mental illness and the homeless are spreading across the region. Problems associated with both are felt not only in downtown Portland – where street people are highly visible – but also in Gresham and in numerous other districts and suburbs.
For Potter’s commission on the mentally ill to be effective, it should include representatives from East Multnomah County and Clackamas and Washington counties. The effort also should include business, hospital, civic, non-profit and religious community representatives.
Why should average metro-area residents care about the mentally ill? Local health-care officials estimate that one out of every five families has a member dealing with some form of mental illness, including depression, addiction, anger management and schizophrenia. In Multnomah County alone, there are an estimated 4,000 homeless people living under bridges and on streets, sidewalks and alleys.
Homelessness and mental illness are often connected. Due to changing state laws that went into effect beginning a few decades ago, the mentally ill are no longer detained in state institutions but allowed to live in their community – oftentimes without needed treatment services or support systems, including housing.
Finding allies to work on this matter should be no problem for Potter. County sheriffs should head the list of those willing to help. In Multnomah County, up to 30 percent of the jail population is made up of people who’ve been diagnosed with mental illness.
The first goal of Potter’s commission should be to build an understanding of problems related to the mentally ill and homeless. And then it should consider and advise solutions. We strongly urge the mayor and other leaders to make this effort an immediate priority.
No one wants another tragedy.
Mentally ill need help
from Portland Tribune - Editorial Portland Mayor Tom Potter’s plan to convene a panel to consider ways to better serve the city’s mentally ill and address homelessness is leadership worth supporting.
Potter suggested the idea of commissioning the group a week ago as justice officials were trying to sort out why James Chasse Jr., a mentally ill man, died in a struggle with Portland police officers in Northwest Portland.
The death was extremely unfortunate. But it would be equally unfortunate if the Portland-area community failed to address growing problems related to mental illness and the homeless.
Potter recognizes that these are problems without jurisdictional boundaries. “We need to acknowledge that it is a much larger issue than just the police,” he told the Portland Tribune.
Regional involvement needed
In fact, the impacts of mental illness and the homeless are spreading across the region.
Problems associated with both are felt not only in downtown Portland – where street people are highly visible – but also in the Lloyd and Hawthorne districts, in St. Johns, Gresham, Tigard, Beaverton and Hillsboro.
For Potter’s commission on the mentally ill to be effective, it should include representatives from east Multnomah County and Clackamas and Washington counties – not just from inner-city Portland or traditional Multnomah County agencies. The effort should include business, hospital, civic, nonprofit and religious community representatives.
Why should average Portland-area residents care about the mentally ill? Local health care officials estimate that one out of every five families has a member dealing with some form of mental illness, including depression, addiction, anger management and schizophrenia. In Multnomah County alone, there are an estimated 4,000 homeless people living under bridges, on streets and sidewalks, and in alleys.
Homelessness and mental illness are often connected. Due to changing state laws that went into effect beginning a few decades ago, the mentally ill are no longer detained in huge, sterile state institutions but allowed to live in their community – oftentimes without needed treatment services or support systems, including housing.
Engage business, sheriffs
Potter already has allies who are working on this matter.
Over the past year, Washington County Commissioner Andy Duyck has called for more attention to the problem. And in Washington County, a public-private partnership called Vision Action Network has made mental health a priority.
County sheriffs should head the list of those willing to help. In Multnomah County, up to 30 percent of the jail population is made up of people who have been diagnosed with mental illness.
The business community should also be a partner. Evidence of that comes from the Portland Business Alliance-led downtown Business Improvement District, which is finalizing the Dec. 1 opening of a day shelter that will operate as a six-month pilot project for seven days a week, from approximately 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The center is envisioned as a place where approximately 150 homeless and probably some mentally ill people can get meals, medical care and counseling. Presently, most downtown-area homeless shelters are closed during the day, forcing those in need out on the streets and sidewalks.
The first goal of Potter’s commission should be to build an understanding of problems related to the mentally ill and homeless. And then it should consider and advise solutions.
We strongly urge the mayor and other leaders to make this effort an immediate priority. No one wants another tragedy.
Potter suggested the idea of commissioning the group a week ago as justice officials were trying to sort out why James Chasse Jr., a mentally ill man, died in a struggle with Portland police officers in Northwest Portland.
The death was extremely unfortunate. But it would be equally unfortunate if the Portland-area community failed to address growing problems related to mental illness and the homeless.
Potter recognizes that these are problems without jurisdictional boundaries. “We need to acknowledge that it is a much larger issue than just the police,” he told the Portland Tribune.
Regional involvement needed
In fact, the impacts of mental illness and the homeless are spreading across the region.
Problems associated with both are felt not only in downtown Portland – where street people are highly visible – but also in the Lloyd and Hawthorne districts, in St. Johns, Gresham, Tigard, Beaverton and Hillsboro.
For Potter’s commission on the mentally ill to be effective, it should include representatives from east Multnomah County and Clackamas and Washington counties – not just from inner-city Portland or traditional Multnomah County agencies. The effort should include business, hospital, civic, nonprofit and religious community representatives.
Why should average Portland-area residents care about the mentally ill? Local health care officials estimate that one out of every five families has a member dealing with some form of mental illness, including depression, addiction, anger management and schizophrenia. In Multnomah County alone, there are an estimated 4,000 homeless people living under bridges, on streets and sidewalks, and in alleys.
Homelessness and mental illness are often connected. Due to changing state laws that went into effect beginning a few decades ago, the mentally ill are no longer detained in huge, sterile state institutions but allowed to live in their community – oftentimes without needed treatment services or support systems, including housing.
Engage business, sheriffs
Potter already has allies who are working on this matter.
Over the past year, Washington County Commissioner Andy Duyck has called for more attention to the problem. And in Washington County, a public-private partnership called Vision Action Network has made mental health a priority.
County sheriffs should head the list of those willing to help. In Multnomah County, up to 30 percent of the jail population is made up of people who have been diagnosed with mental illness.
The business community should also be a partner. Evidence of that comes from the Portland Business Alliance-led downtown Business Improvement District, which is finalizing the Dec. 1 opening of a day shelter that will operate as a six-month pilot project for seven days a week, from approximately 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The center is envisioned as a place where approximately 150 homeless and probably some mentally ill people can get meals, medical care and counseling. Presently, most downtown-area homeless shelters are closed during the day, forcing those in need out on the streets and sidewalks.
The first goal of Potter’s commission should be to build an understanding of problems related to the mentally ill and homeless. And then it should consider and advise solutions.
We strongly urge the mayor and other leaders to make this effort an immediate priority. No one wants another tragedy.
Chasse Lawyer: Police are Lying to the Public
from the Portland Mercury
Portland Police Bureau has lied to the public over the death in custody of James Chasse, according to the Chasse family’s lawyer, Tom Steenson, pictured above on the left next to Chasse’s father, said at a press conference this afternoon: “We would hope Chief Sizer and the police bureau would stop dispensing false information to the public so they can make their own decision about what happened.”
Steenson’s main concern is over the police claim, made yesterday, that Chasse died as a result of being accidentally fallen on by officer Christopher Humphreys, as he was shoved to the ground. This appears to contradict Humphreys’ own statement to the Police investigation, released this afternoon to the media by Steenson, in which he says twice that he fell onto the sidewalk.
Asked to clarify where he fell, Humphreys said, “Yeah, I fell on the sidewalk. I went right, right over and past him.”
Asked why the police would release a factsheet that directly contradicts the testimony of one of their own officers, Steenson said “they’re trying to control the damage, protect their own officers and spin it.” Asked what the family thinks of the mayor’s and Chief Sizer’s apologies over Chasse’s death, Steenson said: “An apology is a far cry from justice for Jim Chasse.” However, the family is yet to decide whether to pursue a civil case.
While the police say Chasse was only struck three times—once inadvertently, and kicked and punched one time each, Steenson says the cops "left out of the fact sheet that six to ten witnesses saw repeated kicks and blows."
Also, Steenson's independent expert witness, Dr. William Brady (who was Oregon Medical Examiner from 1969 to 1985), disputes the police explanation of the cause of Chasse's injuries—that the blunt force trauma was caused by "another person or a fall." Brady says Chasse's injuries could well have been caused by kicking or striking—indeed, had they been caused only by his fall, there would have been some sternum damage, and there was none.
Portland Police Bureau's Public Information Officer, Sergeant Brian Schmautz, responds to Mr. Steenson as follows: "Humphreys doesn't recall falling on him. In all criminal investigations, you take the totality of all witness statements and lay them against all physical evidence. It's true, Humphreys doesn't think he did it, but it's not about us trying to cover up the truth—20 to 30 individual witnesses see things and their conclusions are based on biases, stress and pre-dispositions. You and I may see the same thing and draw different conclusions about what we saw."
"Humphreys independently believes he fell past [Chasse], but there's no physical evidence or independent testimony that corroborates that. I appreciate Mr. Steenson's position, but it's our posititon to be as open as possible and present the facts as we have them. For liars—you'll see it. We have no intention of saying anything we believe is innacurate."
Portland Police Bureau has lied to the public over the death in custody of James Chasse, according to the Chasse family’s lawyer, Tom Steenson, pictured above on the left next to Chasse’s father, said at a press conference this afternoon: “We would hope Chief Sizer and the police bureau would stop dispensing false information to the public so they can make their own decision about what happened.”
Steenson’s main concern is over the police claim, made yesterday, that Chasse died as a result of being accidentally fallen on by officer Christopher Humphreys, as he was shoved to the ground. This appears to contradict Humphreys’ own statement to the Police investigation, released this afternoon to the media by Steenson, in which he says twice that he fell onto the sidewalk.
I just went boom, down right on the ground. Um, and I, I actually I remember was just goin’ down I thought boy this is gonna hurt, um on the pavement. And I, I land on the pavement and I kinda rolled and as I rolled I went up on my left side and I wear my uh, I keep a small flashlight in the left rear pocket and it actually jammed against my hip.
Asked to clarify where he fell, Humphreys said, “Yeah, I fell on the sidewalk. I went right, right over and past him.”
Asked why the police would release a factsheet that directly contradicts the testimony of one of their own officers, Steenson said “they’re trying to control the damage, protect their own officers and spin it.” Asked what the family thinks of the mayor’s and Chief Sizer’s apologies over Chasse’s death, Steenson said: “An apology is a far cry from justice for Jim Chasse.” However, the family is yet to decide whether to pursue a civil case.
While the police say Chasse was only struck three times—once inadvertently, and kicked and punched one time each, Steenson says the cops "left out of the fact sheet that six to ten witnesses saw repeated kicks and blows."
Also, Steenson's independent expert witness, Dr. William Brady (who was Oregon Medical Examiner from 1969 to 1985), disputes the police explanation of the cause of Chasse's injuries—that the blunt force trauma was caused by "another person or a fall." Brady says Chasse's injuries could well have been caused by kicking or striking—indeed, had they been caused only by his fall, there would have been some sternum damage, and there was none.
Portland Police Bureau's Public Information Officer, Sergeant Brian Schmautz, responds to Mr. Steenson as follows: "Humphreys doesn't recall falling on him. In all criminal investigations, you take the totality of all witness statements and lay them against all physical evidence. It's true, Humphreys doesn't think he did it, but it's not about us trying to cover up the truth—20 to 30 individual witnesses see things and their conclusions are based on biases, stress and pre-dispositions. You and I may see the same thing and draw different conclusions about what we saw."
"Humphreys independently believes he fell past [Chasse], but there's no physical evidence or independent testimony that corroborates that. I appreciate Mr. Steenson's position, but it's our posititon to be as open as possible and present the facts as we have them. For liars—you'll see it. We have no intention of saying anything we believe is innacurate."
Thursday, October 12, 2006
More Chasse time-capsule…”Alien Boy”
from the Portland Mercury
Steve Doughton (46) just called— he was the guitarist in James Chasse’s band, the Possum Society—we posted one of their tracks on Blogtown last week.
Doughton says he knew Chasse well until his schizophrenia took hold in his late teens: “He became extremely paranoid and everything became inwardly focussed,” says Doughton. “He felt like people were werewolves, like they were cursed—and started blaming people’s misfortunes on the fact they ‘worshipped the devil’ and so on.”
Doughton also says that Greg Sage, lead singer of The Wipers told him in the mid-nineties that the song “Alien Boy” was written about Chasse. Here are the lyrics:
After losing touch, Doughton says he bumped into Chasse again near Powell's bookstore in 1988, when Chasse was wearing a light blue dress, and sporting a full beard. He was walking with a cane, having been struck by a Trimet bus in 1981 ("I find it hard to believe he gave the cops any kind of chase," says Doughton). When Doughton tried to engage Chasse in conversation, "he wouldn't look at me or respond", refusing to acknowledge his former bandmate.
Doughton moved to New York City but happened to bump into Chasse again on vacation—in the coffee shop at Powell's bookstore, in 2001. This time, Chasse approached Doughton and said hello. "He said, 'can I sit down with you?'," says Doughton,"and we sat and ate two cookies, drank tea and talked for about an hour." Chasse explained he was in a halfway house and on new medication, and told Doughton, "Remember how I was afraid of werewolves? I don't believe in them any more."
Steve Doughton (46) just called— he was the guitarist in James Chasse’s band, the Possum Society—we posted one of their tracks on Blogtown last week.
Doughton says he knew Chasse well until his schizophrenia took hold in his late teens: “He became extremely paranoid and everything became inwardly focussed,” says Doughton. “He felt like people were werewolves, like they were cursed—and started blaming people’s misfortunes on the fact they ‘worshipped the devil’ and so on.”
Doughton also says that Greg Sage, lead singer of The Wipers told him in the mid-nineties that the song “Alien Boy” was written about Chasse. Here are the lyrics:
Go and grab your gunThe more I hear and think about Chasse, the more I feel I’d have liked to have met the guy. He sounds so bright and misunderstood—it’s sad. There’s more of what Doughton had to say after the page break…
Got him on the run
Cause he’s an alien
They hurt what they don’t understand
So you had to turn away
There’s no other way
You’re an alien
They hurt what they don’t understand
After losing touch, Doughton says he bumped into Chasse again near Powell's bookstore in 1988, when Chasse was wearing a light blue dress, and sporting a full beard. He was walking with a cane, having been struck by a Trimet bus in 1981 ("I find it hard to believe he gave the cops any kind of chase," says Doughton). When Doughton tried to engage Chasse in conversation, "he wouldn't look at me or respond", refusing to acknowledge his former bandmate.
Doughton moved to New York City but happened to bump into Chasse again on vacation—in the coffee shop at Powell's bookstore, in 2001. This time, Chasse approached Doughton and said hello. "He said, 'can I sit down with you?'," says Doughton,"and we sat and ate two cookies, drank tea and talked for about an hour." Chasse explained he was in a halfway house and on new medication, and told Doughton, "Remember how I was afraid of werewolves? I don't believe in them any more."
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Jury extends review of Chasse death
from The Oregonian, by Maxine Bernstein
A Multnomah County grand jury's review of James P. Chasse Jr.'s death in police custody will stretch into next week, prosecutors and police said.
The grand jury already has heard testimony from 29 witnesses over four days, starting Oct. 3.
Multnomah County District Attorney Michael Schrunk has asked Chasse's family attorney whether he wants to suggest any other witnesses to appear before the seven-member jury. To accommodate that, and the schedule of one grand juror, who will be unavailable for several days, authorities do not expect the grand jury to rule until Tuesday at the earliest.
According to police, Chasse's family attorney, Tom Steenson, has asked for one additional witness. Steenson declined comment Tuesday.
Chasse, a 42-year-old mentally ill man who suffered schizophrenia, died in police custody on Sept. 17.
Two Portland police officers and a Multnomah County deputy sheriff who noticed Chasse acting odd, and possibly urinating in the street, approached him, and he ran. They chased him and struggled to arrest him. Witnesses said police tackled Chasse to the ground, forcefully fell on top of him, and then kicked and punched him repeatedly.
Police said one officer pushed Chasse, causing him to stumble to the ground. They said he tried to bite an officer, and they struggled to handcuff him and take him into custody. At one point, an officer used a stun gun against Chasse's torso, police said.
Ambulance and Portland Fire Bureau medics responded to examine Chasse, who witnesses said appeared unconscious.
Medics found Chasse's vital signs normal, and police drove him to jail on accusations of resisting arrest and assaulting an officer. Once he was at the jail, nurses said he needed further medical attention. Police drove him to Portland Adventist Hospital, but he died on the way.
An autopsy showed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the chest sustained as police were trying to take him into custody, the state medical examiner said.
Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer said the Police Bureau has been patiently waiting for the grand jury's conclusion to provide details of its investigation.
"The Police Bureau is disappointed because we have been anxious to share all of the factual information regarding this investigation. However, allowing Mr. Chasse's family to participate in the Grand Jury process is ultimately in the best interest of the entire community," Sizer said in a prepared statement. "The Police Bureau stands ready to openly discuss the entire investigation as soon as the Grand Jury completes its work."
A Multnomah County grand jury's review of James P. Chasse Jr.'s death in police custody will stretch into next week, prosecutors and police said.
The grand jury already has heard testimony from 29 witnesses over four days, starting Oct. 3.
Multnomah County District Attorney Michael Schrunk has asked Chasse's family attorney whether he wants to suggest any other witnesses to appear before the seven-member jury. To accommodate that, and the schedule of one grand juror, who will be unavailable for several days, authorities do not expect the grand jury to rule until Tuesday at the earliest.
According to police, Chasse's family attorney, Tom Steenson, has asked for one additional witness. Steenson declined comment Tuesday.
Chasse, a 42-year-old mentally ill man who suffered schizophrenia, died in police custody on Sept. 17.
Two Portland police officers and a Multnomah County deputy sheriff who noticed Chasse acting odd, and possibly urinating in the street, approached him, and he ran. They chased him and struggled to arrest him. Witnesses said police tackled Chasse to the ground, forcefully fell on top of him, and then kicked and punched him repeatedly.
Police said one officer pushed Chasse, causing him to stumble to the ground. They said he tried to bite an officer, and they struggled to handcuff him and take him into custody. At one point, an officer used a stun gun against Chasse's torso, police said.
Ambulance and Portland Fire Bureau medics responded to examine Chasse, who witnesses said appeared unconscious.
Medics found Chasse's vital signs normal, and police drove him to jail on accusations of resisting arrest and assaulting an officer. Once he was at the jail, nurses said he needed further medical attention. Police drove him to Portland Adventist Hospital, but he died on the way.
An autopsy showed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the chest sustained as police were trying to take him into custody, the state medical examiner said.
Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer said the Police Bureau has been patiently waiting for the grand jury's conclusion to provide details of its investigation.
"The Police Bureau is disappointed because we have been anxious to share all of the factual information regarding this investigation. However, allowing Mr. Chasse's family to participate in the Grand Jury process is ultimately in the best interest of the entire community," Sizer said in a prepared statement. "The Police Bureau stands ready to openly discuss the entire investigation as soon as the Grand Jury completes its work."
No decision this week in case of man who died in custody
from KGW.com
There will be no decision this week from a Multnomah County grand jury on whether officers will be charged or any laws were broken in the case of a man who died in police custody.
Forty-two-year-old James Chasse died last month in a Portland patrol car on his way to the hospital after a scuffle with officers in Northwest Portland on September 17. His family said Chasse was mentally ill.
A decision was expected on Tuesday, but officials said that attorneys for the Chasse family wanted the jury to interview another witness in the case. One member of the grand jury will also be unavailable until next week, police said.
The grand jury will reconvene next week.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Police Chief Rosie Sizer said:
"The Police Bureau is disappointed because we have been anxious to share all of the factual information regarding this investigation. However, allowing Mr. Chasse’s family to participate in the Grand Jury process is ultimately in the best interest of the entire community. The Police Bureau stands ready to openly discuss the entire investigation as soon as the Grand Jury completes its work."
Police identified the officers involved Chasse’s custody as Sgt. Kyle Nice, 39, a 14-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, officer Christopher Humphreys, 31, a seven-year veteran of the bureau and Dep. Brett Burton, 26, a two-year veteran with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. The grand jury began interviewing witnesses last week and wrapped up hearing testimony on Monday, officials said.
The cause of death was listed as accidental, from blunt force trauma to the chest, examiners said.
Chasse had 16 broken ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding, according to the state medical examiner's autopsy report that was later released by his family.
Chasse’s family and some witnesses said they believed police used excessive force.
Police and Portland’s Mayor promised thorough and quick investigations into the death, and also a review of police training and procedures, police said.
There will be no decision this week from a Multnomah County grand jury on whether officers will be charged or any laws were broken in the case of a man who died in police custody.
Forty-two-year-old James Chasse died last month in a Portland patrol car on his way to the hospital after a scuffle with officers in Northwest Portland on September 17. His family said Chasse was mentally ill.
A decision was expected on Tuesday, but officials said that attorneys for the Chasse family wanted the jury to interview another witness in the case. One member of the grand jury will also be unavailable until next week, police said.
The grand jury will reconvene next week.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Police Chief Rosie Sizer said:
"The Police Bureau is disappointed because we have been anxious to share all of the factual information regarding this investigation. However, allowing Mr. Chasse’s family to participate in the Grand Jury process is ultimately in the best interest of the entire community. The Police Bureau stands ready to openly discuss the entire investigation as soon as the Grand Jury completes its work."
Police identified the officers involved Chasse’s custody as Sgt. Kyle Nice, 39, a 14-year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, officer Christopher Humphreys, 31, a seven-year veteran of the bureau and Dep. Brett Burton, 26, a two-year veteran with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. The grand jury began interviewing witnesses last week and wrapped up hearing testimony on Monday, officials said.
The cause of death was listed as accidental, from blunt force trauma to the chest, examiners said.
Chasse had 16 broken ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding, according to the state medical examiner's autopsy report that was later released by his family.
Chasse’s family and some witnesses said they believed police used excessive force.
Police and Portland’s Mayor promised thorough and quick investigations into the death, and also a review of police training and procedures, police said.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Grand Jury Decision In Chasse Death Delayed
from OPB.org
The grand jury looking into the death of a Portland man in police custody last month won't deliver its decision until next week -- according to the Multnomah County District Attorney. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.
The panel is considering whether to hold sergeant Kyle Nice, officer Christopher Humphreys and sheriff's deputy Brett Burton criminally liable for the death of James Chasse.
The officers struggled with Chasse after he ran away from them. He suffered 26 broken or crushed bones. An autopsy found the mentally ill man had no drugs or alcohol in his system. He also wasn't carrying a weapon.
Police say the grand jury is delaying its decision because Chasse's family has asked an additional witness be called.
Police Chief Rosie Sizer says the bureau is disappointed by the delay because it is anxious to share all information from the investigation.
The Multnomah County DA has promised that the entire grand jury file will be turned over to Chasse's family after the panel has made its finding.
The grand jury looking into the death of a Portland man in police custody last month won't deliver its decision until next week -- according to the Multnomah County District Attorney. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.
The panel is considering whether to hold sergeant Kyle Nice, officer Christopher Humphreys and sheriff's deputy Brett Burton criminally liable for the death of James Chasse.
The officers struggled with Chasse after he ran away from them. He suffered 26 broken or crushed bones. An autopsy found the mentally ill man had no drugs or alcohol in his system. He also wasn't carrying a weapon.
Police say the grand jury is delaying its decision because Chasse's family has asked an additional witness be called.
Police Chief Rosie Sizer says the bureau is disappointed by the delay because it is anxious to share all information from the investigation.
The Multnomah County DA has promised that the entire grand jury file will be turned over to Chasse's family after the panel has made its finding.
Chasse time capsule
from the Portland Mercury
As the grand jury continues hearing testimony on the death in custody on September 17 of James Phillip Chasse, more of his friends are coming forward to tell the story of the man they knew as “Jim Jim”, “Jay”, and “J”—one of the youngest members of Portland’s early punk scene.
Chasse, it turns out, was the vocalist in The Possum Society, a band named after an incident in the early eighties when Portland Police allegedly threw a possum at a NE Portland restaurant in an act of racial provocation. Here he is, mentioned in the sleevenotes to this Pigface Records compilation, Flies Like Holidays (exact pressing date unknown):
Courtesy of Blogtown, you can listen to Chasse’s eccentric vocals on the track, “Crazy Cat Grows Big Feet” by clicking here. The portrait above is by local artist Randy Moe, who lent us the record and knew Chasse well—it will feature in Moe’s upcoming exhibition It’s a Sad Sad Sad Sad World which opens at the Chambers gallery (207 SW Pine) on October 19th.
If you knew Chasse and would like to get in touch, call on 503 294 0840, or email news@portlandmercury.com. There’s more sleeve art from the record after the jump….
As the grand jury continues hearing testimony on the death in custody on September 17 of James Phillip Chasse, more of his friends are coming forward to tell the story of the man they knew as “Jim Jim”, “Jay”, and “J”—one of the youngest members of Portland’s early punk scene.Chasse, it turns out, was the vocalist in The Possum Society, a band named after an incident in the early eighties when Portland Police allegedly threw a possum at a NE Portland restaurant in an act of racial provocation. Here he is, mentioned in the sleevenotes to this Pigface Records compilation, Flies Like Holidays (exact pressing date unknown):
Courtesy of Blogtown, you can listen to Chasse’s eccentric vocals on the track, “Crazy Cat Grows Big Feet” by clicking here. The portrait above is by local artist Randy Moe, who lent us the record and knew Chasse well—it will feature in Moe’s upcoming exhibition It’s a Sad Sad Sad Sad World which opens at the Chambers gallery (207 SW Pine) on October 19th.If you knew Chasse and would like to get in touch, call on 503 294 0840, or email news@portlandmercury.com. There’s more sleeve art from the record after the jump….
Death of mentally ill man spurs Potter idea
from The Oregonian, by Anna Griffin
Mayor Tom Potter has talked about fighting homelessness and the causes behind it since he took office in 2004, but hopes the recent death of James Chasse Jr. in police custody will spur lasting changes in the way the city, county and the state handle people with mental illnesses and drug and alcohol addictions.
As soon as a Multnomah County grand jury releases its findings in Chasse's death --an announcement expected this morning --Potter plans to organize a committee of elected officials, mental health experts, police and advocates for the homeless. Their goal: to look for ways government can do a better job coordinating the often parallel efforts between psychiatrists and psychologists, doctors and nurses and police to prevent future tragedies.
"This is not just a Portland problem," said Potter, a retired police officer and former Portland police chief. "We need to look seriously at long-term solutions to tie together the good work that is already being done. From every indication, the system does not work well."
Chasse, 42, died of broad-based blunt force trauma to the chest Sept. 17 after a struggle with two Portland officers and a Multnomah County deputy sheriff. The officers first approached Chasse because they thought he was behaving oddly, as if he either were on drugs or had a mental disorder, and possibly urinating in the street, according to police. When he ran, they chased him.
Family members have said Chasse, who lived in a halfway house, had severe schizophrenia.
Chasse's death, Potter says, is not an isolated incident and not strictly a case of police officers overreacting, as some activists claim. Rather, he says, it's a sign that the entire state needs to rethink treatment opportunities for the mentally ill. He hopes his committee will include representatives from other cities and counties, state legislators and advocates from throughout Oregon. Ultimately, he'd like them to recommend a package of reforms to the Legislature.
Potter and his colleagues on the Portland City Council have made fighting homelessness and improving downtown safety priorities in recent months --two battles that can be tricky to balance. Downtown business leaders and tourism executives want police to get tough on panhandlers and vagrants in the central city. At the same time, many of the people who wander the streets --60 percent or more, Potter says --suffer from a mental illness or addiction. Locking them up or moving them to another part of town won't solve their problems and might make them worse.
"Since I'm responsible for Portland, I want to make sure that if there are inadequacies in training for our officers, that we fix them. At the same time, I know this is more than a police problem," Potter said. "We can't simply enforce our way out of this."
Potter says he doesn't have specific recommendations for his soon-to-be-formed committee, but wants to wait and hear what the experts say. But he does have one idea for ensuring that more people who need mental health care receive it: a day center, likely subsidized by the city, for homeless people. Right now, most downtown shelters close at 7 a.m.
He hopes to bring that idea to the City Council later this fall.
Mayor Tom Potter has talked about fighting homelessness and the causes behind it since he took office in 2004, but hopes the recent death of James Chasse Jr. in police custody will spur lasting changes in the way the city, county and the state handle people with mental illnesses and drug and alcohol addictions.
As soon as a Multnomah County grand jury releases its findings in Chasse's death --an announcement expected this morning --Potter plans to organize a committee of elected officials, mental health experts, police and advocates for the homeless. Their goal: to look for ways government can do a better job coordinating the often parallel efforts between psychiatrists and psychologists, doctors and nurses and police to prevent future tragedies.
"This is not just a Portland problem," said Potter, a retired police officer and former Portland police chief. "We need to look seriously at long-term solutions to tie together the good work that is already being done. From every indication, the system does not work well."
Chasse, 42, died of broad-based blunt force trauma to the chest Sept. 17 after a struggle with two Portland officers and a Multnomah County deputy sheriff. The officers first approached Chasse because they thought he was behaving oddly, as if he either were on drugs or had a mental disorder, and possibly urinating in the street, according to police. When he ran, they chased him.
Family members have said Chasse, who lived in a halfway house, had severe schizophrenia.
Chasse's death, Potter says, is not an isolated incident and not strictly a case of police officers overreacting, as some activists claim. Rather, he says, it's a sign that the entire state needs to rethink treatment opportunities for the mentally ill. He hopes his committee will include representatives from other cities and counties, state legislators and advocates from throughout Oregon. Ultimately, he'd like them to recommend a package of reforms to the Legislature.
Potter and his colleagues on the Portland City Council have made fighting homelessness and improving downtown safety priorities in recent months --two battles that can be tricky to balance. Downtown business leaders and tourism executives want police to get tough on panhandlers and vagrants in the central city. At the same time, many of the people who wander the streets --60 percent or more, Potter says --suffer from a mental illness or addiction. Locking them up or moving them to another part of town won't solve their problems and might make them worse.
"Since I'm responsible for Portland, I want to make sure that if there are inadequacies in training for our officers, that we fix them. At the same time, I know this is more than a police problem," Potter said. "We can't simply enforce our way out of this."
Potter says he doesn't have specific recommendations for his soon-to-be-formed committee, but wants to wait and hear what the experts say. But he does have one idea for ensuring that more people who need mental health care receive it: a day center, likely subsidized by the city, for homeless people. Right now, most downtown shelters close at 7 a.m.
He hopes to bring that idea to the City Council later this fall.
Decision expected in case of man who died in police custody
from KGW.com
A grand jury has wrapped up the investigation into the death of James Chasse, the man who died in police custody.
On Tuesday the jury was expected to announce if charges will be filed against the three police officers who arrested him.
Chasse died in the back of a patrol car last month after a confrontation with police in Northwest Portland, according to investigators.
Some witnesses who saw the arrest said officers used excessive force. An autopsy found Chasse suffered more than a dozen broken ribs and internal bleeding, according to the medical examiner's report.
The final witness testified on Monday.
Portland's police chief was expected to hold a news conference to discuss the grand jury's findings sometime early Tuesday afternoon.
A grand jury has wrapped up the investigation into the death of James Chasse, the man who died in police custody.
On Tuesday the jury was expected to announce if charges will be filed against the three police officers who arrested him.
Chasse died in the back of a patrol car last month after a confrontation with police in Northwest Portland, according to investigators.
Some witnesses who saw the arrest said officers used excessive force. An autopsy found Chasse suffered more than a dozen broken ribs and internal bleeding, according to the medical examiner's report.
The final witness testified on Monday.
Portland's police chief was expected to hold a news conference to discuss the grand jury's findings sometime early Tuesday afternoon.
Mayor proposes day center for mentally il
from KGW.com Portland Mayor Tom Potter said Tuesday that the James Chasse case points to the bigger problem of mentally ill people falling through the cracks.
Potter said perhaps police shouldn't be the ones handling them and that it was time to start curbing mental illness on Portland's streets.
Chasse died in police custody after a scuffle last month, a grand jury is now weighing charges against three officers.
Potter’s first idea was to open a day center for what he called under-served mentally ill people.
Right now about 60 percent of Portland's homeless are considered mentally ill, the mayor said.
Union Gospel Mission thinks it's even higher -- around 75-80 percent.
Potter said years of funding cuts in social services forced police into an inappropriate role.
“There's a lot of folks out there who need help who aren't getting that help and we need to find a means by which to make that happen because I don't think it's fair to the police to have them as the last resort for handling these folks,” he said.
Earlier this year Potter said he saw first-hand how great the need is when about 1,000 people packed the Memorial Coliseum seeking volunteer health services.. and job and housing advice.
Potter said besides the day center, he wanted to look for funding to for a permanent place.
Potter said perhaps police shouldn't be the ones handling them and that it was time to start curbing mental illness on Portland's streets.
Chasse died in police custody after a scuffle last month, a grand jury is now weighing charges against three officers.
Potter’s first idea was to open a day center for what he called under-served mentally ill people.
Right now about 60 percent of Portland's homeless are considered mentally ill, the mayor said.
Union Gospel Mission thinks it's even higher -- around 75-80 percent.
Potter said years of funding cuts in social services forced police into an inappropriate role.
“There's a lot of folks out there who need help who aren't getting that help and we need to find a means by which to make that happen because I don't think it's fair to the police to have them as the last resort for handling these folks,” he said.
Earlier this year Potter said he saw first-hand how great the need is when about 1,000 people packed the Memorial Coliseum seeking volunteer health services.. and job and housing advice.
Potter said besides the day center, he wanted to look for funding to for a permanent place.
Death Investigation
from the Portland Police, a press release
STATEMENT FROM CHIEF ROSANNE SIZER REGARDING THE JAMES CHASSE, JR. GRAND JURY DELAY
“The Police Bureau has been informed by the District Attorney’s Office that the decision by the Grand Jury reviewing the in-custody death of Mr. James Chasse, Jr. will be delayed until next week. This delay is because Mr. Chasse’s family has asked that an additional witness be called and a member of the Grand Jury will be unavailable until next week.
The Police Bureau is disappointed because we have been anxious to share all of the factual information regarding this investigation. However, allowing Mr. Chasse’s family to participate in the Grand Jury process is ultimately in the best interest of the entire community.
The Police Bureau stands ready to openly discuss the entire investigation as soon as the Grand Jury completes its work.”
PIO Contact Name: Brian Schmautz
Email Address: bschmautz@portlandpolice.org
Phone Number: 503-823-0010
Pager Number: 503-790-1779
STATEMENT FROM CHIEF ROSANNE SIZER REGARDING THE JAMES CHASSE, JR. GRAND JURY DELAY
“The Police Bureau has been informed by the District Attorney’s Office that the decision by the Grand Jury reviewing the in-custody death of Mr. James Chasse, Jr. will be delayed until next week. This delay is because Mr. Chasse’s family has asked that an additional witness be called and a member of the Grand Jury will be unavailable until next week.
The Police Bureau is disappointed because we have been anxious to share all of the factual information regarding this investigation. However, allowing Mr. Chasse’s family to participate in the Grand Jury process is ultimately in the best interest of the entire community.
The Police Bureau stands ready to openly discuss the entire investigation as soon as the Grand Jury completes its work.”
PIO Contact Name: Brian Schmautz
Email Address: bschmautz@portlandpolice.org
Phone Number: 503-823-0010
Pager Number: 503-790-1779
“The Police Bureau is disappointed”
from the Portland MercuryThe official word from the Police Bureau, on the delay in the Chasse Grand Jury:
STATEMENT FROM CHIEF ROSANNE SIZER REGARDING THE JAMES CHASSE, JR. GRAND JURY DELAY
STATEMENT FROM CHIEF ROSANNE SIZER REGARDING THE JAMES CHASSE, JR. GRAND JURY DELAY
“The Police Bureau has been informed by the District Attorney’s Office that the decision by the Grand Jury reviewing the in-custody death of Mr. James Chasse, Jr. will be delayed until next week. This delay is because Mr. Chasse’s family has asked that an additional witness be called and a member of the Grand Jury will be unavailable until next week.
The Police Bureau is disappointed because we have been anxious to share all of the factual information regarding this investigation. However, allowing Mr. Chasse’s family to participate in the Grand Jury process is ultimately in the best interest of the entire community.
The Police Bureau stands ready to openly discuss the entire investigation as soon as the Grand Jury completes its work.
Monday, October 9, 2006
Grand Jury Considers 'Criminal Liability' In Chasse Case
from OPB.org
A grand jury will continue to look into the death of James Chasse Monday. As Kristian Foden-Vencil reports, Chasse died shortly after being subdued by Portland Police.
Police say they saw Chasse acting oddly - as if he were on drugs or had a mental disorder. When they walked up to him, he ran off.
Officers say one of them pushed Chasse to the ground. Witnesses tell a different story, however, saying the three officers forcefully tackled Chasse and landed on top of him, repeatedly kicking and punching him.
An autopsy showed his chest had been 'flattened' and 26 bones broken. No alcohol or drugs were found in Chasse's system.
Police spokeswoman, Catherine Kent, says the grand jury will decide the narrow issue of 'criminal liability.'
Catherine Kent: "After the findings are released by the district attorney's office, Chief Sizer will hold a press conference."
Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer has asked for the public's patience during the grand jury proceedings. The panel is expected to issue its findings this week.
A grand jury will continue to look into the death of James Chasse Monday. As Kristian Foden-Vencil reports, Chasse died shortly after being subdued by Portland Police.
Police say they saw Chasse acting oddly - as if he were on drugs or had a mental disorder. When they walked up to him, he ran off.
Officers say one of them pushed Chasse to the ground. Witnesses tell a different story, however, saying the three officers forcefully tackled Chasse and landed on top of him, repeatedly kicking and punching him.
An autopsy showed his chest had been 'flattened' and 26 bones broken. No alcohol or drugs were found in Chasse's system.
Police spokeswoman, Catherine Kent, says the grand jury will decide the narrow issue of 'criminal liability.'
Catherine Kent: "After the findings are released by the district attorney's office, Chief Sizer will hold a press conference."
Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer has asked for the public's patience during the grand jury proceedings. The panel is expected to issue its findings this week.
Letter to Potter on James Chasse/Jim Jim Case
from Mary's Great Ideas
The Mental Health Organization of Portland which is closely tracking the James Chasse/Jim Jim case has some good suggestions, including writing a letter to Potter. Here's what I said in my letter to him.
October 8, 2006
Office of Mayor Tom Potter
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 340
Portland, Oregon 97204
Dear Mayor Potter:
I am writing you about the James Chasse case for three reasons: First, I knew him as Jim Jim when he was a young man. I was not close to him, but I knew him as a gentle, nutty young man. It is very difficult to know that he died so brutally and senselessly. Second, my father, now deceased, was schizophrenic. My father, like Jim Jim, did not want for family love and support. Nonetheless, because of his illness, he was at many times marginalized, lonely, and vulnerable. With our current system, it takes no stretch of my imagination to imagine him meeting Jim Jim’s fate, had he been at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. Finally, my vision for Portland is that we are caring and protective of our most vulnerable members. Jim Jim’s death on the streets by a police beating shows a far cry from this vision.
I have recently enjoyed positive interactions with Portland Police, specifically in the person of Officer Christensen, who is a liaison to our neighborhood association (Portsmouth). Having the understanding and support of a police officer when you are attempting to solve community problems is a wonderful thing, and I’m very glad to have experienced it. I see Officer Christensen’s work and style as a result of a kind of policing that you have personally championed in the past, the kind of approach that gives people confidence that police can be trusted with power, and that they are caring partners in seeking solutions.
I cannot rightly speculate on the motives, training, or temperament of the three grown men who beat to death a man who weighed less than I do; a man who, by all accounts, had committed no great offense, if any. But whatever their motives, Jim Jim’s death is a failure. It is the fatal failure of these individuals, who must be held accountable in order for us to believe that our system has integrity. And the fact that these individuals were allowed on the police force is a failure of the system itself, thus we must look for substantial changes to that system.
I look to you for leadership given your position and your background. I hope that the individuals who killed will be held responsible for their actions. I would also like to learn more about what the City of Portland is doing, and will do, to provide the training and resources to police officers who are trying to do their job, and what it is doing to ensure that individuals with a tendency to violence, anger, and frustration are not recruited or allowed to remain in the police force. I have read that you have formed a committee to research the issue of services for the mentally ill in Portland. Thoughtful research and analysis is a positive step, but it must be accompanied by action and commitment of resources. And your framing of the issue as one that goes beyond the police is accurate, but we must not lose sight of what actually killed Jim Jim: Certainly, the criminal justice system should not be the primary care-giver for our neighbors and friends who are mentally ill, but by the very nature of their work, police will often encounter people who are sick, vulnerable, confused, or otherwise not right in their heads, be it because of mental illness, stress, or intoxication. Their problems may not start with the police, but in this case and many others, it will end with them. Please do what you can to see that those ends are not final.
And as far as “cleaning up downtown” goes, I’d rather have piss in the streets than blood.
I thank you for your work for our City in the past, and look forward to your work in the future.
The Mental Health Organization of Portland which is closely tracking the James Chasse/Jim Jim case has some good suggestions, including writing a letter to Potter. Here's what I said in my letter to him.
October 8, 2006
Office of Mayor Tom Potter
1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 340
Portland, Oregon 97204
Dear Mayor Potter:
I am writing you about the James Chasse case for three reasons: First, I knew him as Jim Jim when he was a young man. I was not close to him, but I knew him as a gentle, nutty young man. It is very difficult to know that he died so brutally and senselessly. Second, my father, now deceased, was schizophrenic. My father, like Jim Jim, did not want for family love and support. Nonetheless, because of his illness, he was at many times marginalized, lonely, and vulnerable. With our current system, it takes no stretch of my imagination to imagine him meeting Jim Jim’s fate, had he been at the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people. Finally, my vision for Portland is that we are caring and protective of our most vulnerable members. Jim Jim’s death on the streets by a police beating shows a far cry from this vision.
I have recently enjoyed positive interactions with Portland Police, specifically in the person of Officer Christensen, who is a liaison to our neighborhood association (Portsmouth). Having the understanding and support of a police officer when you are attempting to solve community problems is a wonderful thing, and I’m very glad to have experienced it. I see Officer Christensen’s work and style as a result of a kind of policing that you have personally championed in the past, the kind of approach that gives people confidence that police can be trusted with power, and that they are caring partners in seeking solutions.
I cannot rightly speculate on the motives, training, or temperament of the three grown men who beat to death a man who weighed less than I do; a man who, by all accounts, had committed no great offense, if any. But whatever their motives, Jim Jim’s death is a failure. It is the fatal failure of these individuals, who must be held accountable in order for us to believe that our system has integrity. And the fact that these individuals were allowed on the police force is a failure of the system itself, thus we must look for substantial changes to that system.
I look to you for leadership given your position and your background. I hope that the individuals who killed will be held responsible for their actions. I would also like to learn more about what the City of Portland is doing, and will do, to provide the training and resources to police officers who are trying to do their job, and what it is doing to ensure that individuals with a tendency to violence, anger, and frustration are not recruited or allowed to remain in the police force. I have read that you have formed a committee to research the issue of services for the mentally ill in Portland. Thoughtful research and analysis is a positive step, but it must be accompanied by action and commitment of resources. And your framing of the issue as one that goes beyond the police is accurate, but we must not lose sight of what actually killed Jim Jim: Certainly, the criminal justice system should not be the primary care-giver for our neighbors and friends who are mentally ill, but by the very nature of their work, police will often encounter people who are sick, vulnerable, confused, or otherwise not right in their heads, be it because of mental illness, stress, or intoxication. Their problems may not start with the police, but in this case and many others, it will end with them. Please do what you can to see that those ends are not final.
And as far as “cleaning up downtown” goes, I’d rather have piss in the streets than blood.
I thank you for your work for our City in the past, and look forward to your work in the future.
Sunday, October 8, 2006
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - 10/8/06
from The Oregonian
Chasse was no criminal
A man has died in Portland at the hands of those who are sworn to protect and serve him. A man with a chronic illness that, at times, may have compelled him to behave in a way that created suspicion with the police, has died because of blunt-force trauma to his chest.
How easily we forget that having a chronic mental illness is not against the law. It is not illegal to act in a bizarre manner. It is not mandated for individuals with mental illnesses to take medications.
The police chief and law enforcement officials are blaming the mental health system. James P. Chasse Jr. died needlessly Sept. 17. He was no criminal. He was no drug abuser. He was a man with a chronic, debilitating illness.
Shame on Portland police for not realizing the difference between a criminal and a man with a disability. Thank goodness that Chasse has involved family members who are willing to demand answers from police. Thank goodness they've retained an attorney.
Peace to his family, who must grieve the loss of a son and a brother.
AMY BURNETTE
Southeast Portland
Chasse was no criminal
A man has died in Portland at the hands of those who are sworn to protect and serve him. A man with a chronic illness that, at times, may have compelled him to behave in a way that created suspicion with the police, has died because of blunt-force trauma to his chest.
How easily we forget that having a chronic mental illness is not against the law. It is not illegal to act in a bizarre manner. It is not mandated for individuals with mental illnesses to take medications.
The police chief and law enforcement officials are blaming the mental health system. James P. Chasse Jr. died needlessly Sept. 17. He was no criminal. He was no drug abuser. He was a man with a chronic, debilitating illness.
Shame on Portland police for not realizing the difference between a criminal and a man with a disability. Thank goodness that Chasse has involved family members who are willing to demand answers from police. Thank goodness they've retained an attorney.
Peace to his family, who must grieve the loss of a son and a brother.
AMY BURNETTE
Southeast Portland
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