Thanks to First Congregational Church for helping us hold the memorial for James Chasse on October 17, 2006.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Pictures from the Memorial for James Chasse
Thanks to First Congregational Church for helping us hold the memorial for James Chasse on October 17, 2006.
System Failure for Jim Jim
from Mary's Great Ideas
Multiple failures, no doubt, but another insult is just in.
The police who beat him to death have been let off the hook. KATU would have us believe that they have been exonerated but that's unlikely for most of us.
It's just sickening. I'll be keeping my ears and eyes open for what I can do next.
Update by way of Mental Health Association of Portland.
In Memory of James Chasse Jr.
community information
EVENT: MEMORIAL VIGIL
"LOVE ONE ANOTHER"
A candlelight memorial vigil for James Chasse Jr.
Friday, October 27, 2006 7:00 PM
First Congregational Church
1126 SW Park Ave
Friends, family, and concerned community members will gather to remember James Chasse, Jr. on Friday, October 27, 2006 at 7:00 PM at Portland's First Congregational Church in a memorial vigil titled "Love One Another." Chasse, who died in Portland Police custody on September 17, is remembered as a peaceful man who wished no harm on anyone. People attending the vigil are asked to honor the family's wishes for a respectful event. Messages to be communicated apart from memories of James should be focused on simple, positive phrases such as "Justice," "Love," and "Remember James Chasse, Jr."
The event is being co-coordinated by members of the Chasse family, the Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, Portland Copwatch (a grassroots group promoting police accountability through citizen action), the Mental Health Association of Portland, and others. For more information call Portland Copwatch at 503-236-3065.
Please note that this event was originally scheduled for Thursday the 26th and has been moved to Friday.
For information about James Chasse, see www.mentalhealthportland.org
Multiple failures, no doubt, but another insult is just in.
The police who beat him to death have been let off the hook. KATU would have us believe that they have been exonerated but that's unlikely for most of us.
It's just sickening. I'll be keeping my ears and eyes open for what I can do next.
Update by way of Mental Health Association of Portland.
In Memory of James Chasse Jr.
community information
EVENT: MEMORIAL VIGIL
"LOVE ONE ANOTHER"
A candlelight memorial vigil for James Chasse Jr.
Friday, October 27, 2006 7:00 PM
First Congregational Church
1126 SW Park Ave
Friends, family, and concerned community members will gather to remember James Chasse, Jr. on Friday, October 27, 2006 at 7:00 PM at Portland's First Congregational Church in a memorial vigil titled "Love One Another." Chasse, who died in Portland Police custody on September 17, is remembered as a peaceful man who wished no harm on anyone. People attending the vigil are asked to honor the family's wishes for a respectful event. Messages to be communicated apart from memories of James should be focused on simple, positive phrases such as "Justice," "Love," and "Remember James Chasse, Jr."
The event is being co-coordinated by members of the Chasse family, the Parkrose Community United Church of Christ, Portland Copwatch (a grassroots group promoting police accountability through citizen action), the Mental Health Association of Portland, and others. For more information call Portland Copwatch at 503-236-3065.
Please note that this event was originally scheduled for Thursday the 26th and has been moved to Friday.
For information about James Chasse, see www.mentalhealthportland.org
Grand Jury Verdict In: Cops off the hook for Chasse’s Death
from the Portland Mercury
The Grand Jury has come to a verdict in the James Chasse death. Nobody was criminally liable.
As well as hearing testimony fro 30 witnesses, the Grand Jury also reviewed exhibits, photographs and records that included Mr. Chasse’s extensive mental health history.
Attorneys and an investigator for the Chasse family were allowed to review all investigative material in the possession of the District Attorney’s Office and suggest any witnesses or evidence that should be heard before the Grand Jury. They suggested one witness, Dr. Brady, who was called. They were also permitted to review written definitions of possible criminal conduct in this matter that were given to the Grand Jury.
District Attorney Michael Schrunk has emphasized that today’s decision by the Grand Jury is a narrow one: whether any individual had criminal responsibility in Mr. Chasse’s tragic death.
The Grand Jury has come to a verdict in the James Chasse death. Nobody was criminally liable.
As well as hearing testimony fro 30 witnesses, the Grand Jury also reviewed exhibits, photographs and records that included Mr. Chasse’s extensive mental health history.
Attorneys and an investigator for the Chasse family were allowed to review all investigative material in the possession of the District Attorney’s Office and suggest any witnesses or evidence that should be heard before the Grand Jury. They suggested one witness, Dr. Brady, who was called. They were also permitted to review written definitions of possible criminal conduct in this matter that were given to the Grand Jury.
District Attorney Michael Schrunk has emphasized that today’s decision by the Grand Jury is a narrow one: whether any individual had criminal responsibility in Mr. Chasse’s tragic death.
Portland Police Bureau Fact Sheet - Mr. James Chasse, Jr. Death Investigation
from Portland Online - distributed to the press
Why has the community not been informed regarding the specifics of this case?
Historically, the Portland Police Bureau has allowed the Grand Jury to complete its
review of officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths before releasing the
specifics of the investigation. Because this process has taken much longer than the
norm, Chief Sizer is reviewing how and when we release information when there is a
strong community concern.
Why did officers initially contact Mr. Chasse?
Officers first noticed Mr. Chasse while they were responding to a different call.
They watched as he darted out into the street without looking. Officers thought he
may be hit by oncoming traffic and thought his behavior was odd. When they
observed him later, they believed he was urinating in public. As they approached
him, he ran.
Why did the officer chase Mr. Chasse?
At that point, officers believed he had committed a crime and were attempting to
stop him for that crime and to determine if he needed help. They did not know his
identity or where he lived to follow-up at a later time. In addition, frequently,
people who run from police, have warrants for their arrest.
Did officers tackle Mr. Chasse?
One officer used his forearm to push Mr. Chasse to the ground to end the foot
pursuit, which is consistent with Bureau training. As Mr. Chasse fell to the ground,
he unexpectedly rolled into the path of the officer. The officer then accidentally fell onto Mr. Chasse and rolled off. The Medical Examiner concluded that Mr. Chasse
received the injury that ultimately caused his death when the officer and Mr. Chasse
both fell to the ground. There is no evidence that Mr. Chasse received any other
injuries until officers begin CPR approximately 70 minutes later.
Did officers sit on Mr. Chasse?
There is no evidence to suggest that officers ever sat on Mr. Chasse.
Why did it take three officers to fight one man?
The Police Bureau trains to use multiple officers to arrest a combative suspect.
These techniques are widely taught around the country, and are designed to reduce
the likely of injury to the officers or the suspect. In this case, officers were
attempting to control his arms and legs, but were struggling to do so and called for
additional officers for assistance.
Did officers use the Taser and how many times did they Tase him?
Evidence clearly shows that the officer used the Taser in the Drive Stun Mode one
time. The Taser cycled four times, which means the officer attempted to use it four
times. During a combative situation in which many people are involved, officers will
cycle the Taser in an attempt to use it, but are not always successful in the
application. The physical evidence clearly shows that the Taser actually touched
Mr. Chasse’s body one time.
In Drive Stun mode the Taser is a pain compliance tool used to affect an arrest. The
Drive Stun mode does not lock muscle groups and does not use the probes. The
Taser was not used in the probe mode because of the close range in proximity to Mr.
Chasse.
Did the officers kick and punch Mr. Chasse?
One officer kicked Mr. Chasse after Mr. Chasse bit him and was attempting to bite
him again. Another officer inadvertently hit him as he was trying to get his arm
away from Mr. Chasse’s reach, but when Mr. Chasse attempted to bite him a
second time, he then intentionally hit him with a closed fist. The autopsy found that
neither of these strikes contributed to Mr. Chasse’s death.
According to the Bureau’s Directive on Force (1010.20), biting is defined as
aggressive physical resistance. Officers are authorized to use appropriate force to
overcome that resistance which includes baton, strikes, and kicks. Ultimately, the
officers’ use of force will be reviewed to determine if it was within Bureau policy.
The Medical Examiner has concluded that Mr. Chasse had no localized injures
consistent with an impact weapon or a physical strike.
What was AMR told regarding Mr. Chasse’s condition?
According to the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch), Medical personnel were advised
that Mr. Chasse had fought with police and at one point had been unconscious. The
Police Bureau is releasing all information related to what was told to medical
personnel. AMR personnel have refused to be interviewed by Portland Police
Detectives.
Why wasn’t Mr. Chasse transported to the hospital immediately?
The investigation found that the officers were told by AMR that Mr. Chasse’s vital
signs were within normal range. Records indicate that Mr. Chasse’s Blood Pressure
was 110/73, pulse 100 beats per minute, respiration rate 18-20 breaths per minute,
and his glucose level was normal. Mr. Chasse was combative with medical
personnel as they attempted to render aid.
It has been reported in the media that Mr. Chasse feared being transported by the police and at one point yelled out the word “No” repeatedly. Is this true?
Through the investigation detectives determined that Mr. Chasse became upset
because he believed medical personnel were taking his backpack. When he
understood they were not taking his property he stopped yelling.
Was Mr. Chasse examined in jail?
The investigation revealed that a jail nurse observed Mr. Chasse through a window,
but did not physically contact him because he was still combative.
Why wasn’t an ambulance called to transport Mr. Chasse from the jail to the hospital?
The officers did not receive any information from the Jail Nurse to suggest that
there was an urgency regarding his condition. The Jail contracts with Portland
Adventist Hospital for care of in-custody individuals, so officers routinely transport suspects to the hospital. Because there was no information that Mr. Chasse was medically unstable, and he was conscious and talking at the time he was placed in
the police car, officers began to transport him.
Did officers use any life-saving techniques?
As they approached the 33rd exit on the Banfield, Officers noticed that Mr. Chasse
was unconscious. They pulled over and began to administer CPR. A defibrillator
sales representative approached the officers and the officers allowed him to connect
the defibrillator. However, the defibrillator’s diagnostic told the officers not to
administer it.
How did Mr. Chasse sustain his injuries?
The Medical Examiner concluded that Mr. Chasse sustained broken ribs when Mr.
Chasse and the officer fell to the ground. Additional ribs were broken during the
process of CPR.
Were the officers CIT-certified?
All Portland Police Officers received 2 hours of CIT training during the 2004/2005
annual training. The officers involved in this incident were not CIT-certified, but it is difficult to say if that would have altered the result; Mr. Chasse fled before
officers were able to speak to him and then was fatally injured early on in the
incident.
How come officers didn’t know Mr. Chasse was mentally ill?
Officers observed Mr. Chasse behaving oddly, but did not have access to his medical
information at that moment. Officers did not know, for example, if Mr. Chasse was
impaired by drugs or alcohol. Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol
can and do at times display behaviors similar to individual suffering from mental
illness.
Was this incident within policy and training guidelines?
As with any officer-involved shooting or in-custody death, this case will be
exhaustively reviewed through our Training Division, Internal Affairs Division and
ultimately, our Use of Force and Performance Review Board that includes citizen
members.
There is a photo that has been published that clearly shows officers and medical
personnel just standing there and not rendering aid to Mr. Chasse. Why wasn’t anyone
attending to him at that time?
The photo shows that Mr. Chasse was on his side in the rescue position. In the
photo, 2 officers are standing with medical personnel and one officer is off to the
side. It is hard to determine from this photo what was occurring at that very
moment or the duration. All of Mr. Chasse’s vital signs had been checked by AMR
and the Fire Bureau had checked his glucose.
Why has the community not been informed regarding the specifics of this case?
Historically, the Portland Police Bureau has allowed the Grand Jury to complete its
review of officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths before releasing the
specifics of the investigation. Because this process has taken much longer than the
norm, Chief Sizer is reviewing how and when we release information when there is a
strong community concern.
Why did officers initially contact Mr. Chasse?
Officers first noticed Mr. Chasse while they were responding to a different call.
They watched as he darted out into the street without looking. Officers thought he
may be hit by oncoming traffic and thought his behavior was odd. When they
observed him later, they believed he was urinating in public. As they approached
him, he ran.
Why did the officer chase Mr. Chasse?
At that point, officers believed he had committed a crime and were attempting to
stop him for that crime and to determine if he needed help. They did not know his
identity or where he lived to follow-up at a later time. In addition, frequently,
people who run from police, have warrants for their arrest.
Did officers tackle Mr. Chasse?
One officer used his forearm to push Mr. Chasse to the ground to end the foot
pursuit, which is consistent with Bureau training. As Mr. Chasse fell to the ground,
he unexpectedly rolled into the path of the officer. The officer then accidentally fell onto Mr. Chasse and rolled off. The Medical Examiner concluded that Mr. Chasse
received the injury that ultimately caused his death when the officer and Mr. Chasse
both fell to the ground. There is no evidence that Mr. Chasse received any other
injuries until officers begin CPR approximately 70 minutes later.
Did officers sit on Mr. Chasse?
There is no evidence to suggest that officers ever sat on Mr. Chasse.
Why did it take three officers to fight one man?
The Police Bureau trains to use multiple officers to arrest a combative suspect.
These techniques are widely taught around the country, and are designed to reduce
the likely of injury to the officers or the suspect. In this case, officers were
attempting to control his arms and legs, but were struggling to do so and called for
additional officers for assistance.
Did officers use the Taser and how many times did they Tase him?
Evidence clearly shows that the officer used the Taser in the Drive Stun Mode one
time. The Taser cycled four times, which means the officer attempted to use it four
times. During a combative situation in which many people are involved, officers will
cycle the Taser in an attempt to use it, but are not always successful in the
application. The physical evidence clearly shows that the Taser actually touched
Mr. Chasse’s body one time.
In Drive Stun mode the Taser is a pain compliance tool used to affect an arrest. The
Drive Stun mode does not lock muscle groups and does not use the probes. The
Taser was not used in the probe mode because of the close range in proximity to Mr.
Chasse.
Did the officers kick and punch Mr. Chasse?
One officer kicked Mr. Chasse after Mr. Chasse bit him and was attempting to bite
him again. Another officer inadvertently hit him as he was trying to get his arm
away from Mr. Chasse’s reach, but when Mr. Chasse attempted to bite him a
second time, he then intentionally hit him with a closed fist. The autopsy found that
neither of these strikes contributed to Mr. Chasse’s death.
According to the Bureau’s Directive on Force (1010.20), biting is defined as
aggressive physical resistance. Officers are authorized to use appropriate force to
overcome that resistance which includes baton, strikes, and kicks. Ultimately, the
officers’ use of force will be reviewed to determine if it was within Bureau policy.
The Medical Examiner has concluded that Mr. Chasse had no localized injures
consistent with an impact weapon or a physical strike.
What was AMR told regarding Mr. Chasse’s condition?
According to the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch), Medical personnel were advised
that Mr. Chasse had fought with police and at one point had been unconscious. The
Police Bureau is releasing all information related to what was told to medical
personnel. AMR personnel have refused to be interviewed by Portland Police
Detectives.
Why wasn’t Mr. Chasse transported to the hospital immediately?
The investigation found that the officers were told by AMR that Mr. Chasse’s vital
signs were within normal range. Records indicate that Mr. Chasse’s Blood Pressure
was 110/73, pulse 100 beats per minute, respiration rate 18-20 breaths per minute,
and his glucose level was normal. Mr. Chasse was combative with medical
personnel as they attempted to render aid.
It has been reported in the media that Mr. Chasse feared being transported by the police and at one point yelled out the word “No” repeatedly. Is this true?
Through the investigation detectives determined that Mr. Chasse became upset
because he believed medical personnel were taking his backpack. When he
understood they were not taking his property he stopped yelling.
Was Mr. Chasse examined in jail?
The investigation revealed that a jail nurse observed Mr. Chasse through a window,
but did not physically contact him because he was still combative.
Why wasn’t an ambulance called to transport Mr. Chasse from the jail to the hospital?
The officers did not receive any information from the Jail Nurse to suggest that
there was an urgency regarding his condition. The Jail contracts with Portland
Adventist Hospital for care of in-custody individuals, so officers routinely transport suspects to the hospital. Because there was no information that Mr. Chasse was medically unstable, and he was conscious and talking at the time he was placed in
the police car, officers began to transport him.
Did officers use any life-saving techniques?
As they approached the 33rd exit on the Banfield, Officers noticed that Mr. Chasse
was unconscious. They pulled over and began to administer CPR. A defibrillator
sales representative approached the officers and the officers allowed him to connect
the defibrillator. However, the defibrillator’s diagnostic told the officers not to
administer it.
How did Mr. Chasse sustain his injuries?
The Medical Examiner concluded that Mr. Chasse sustained broken ribs when Mr.
Chasse and the officer fell to the ground. Additional ribs were broken during the
process of CPR.
Were the officers CIT-certified?
All Portland Police Officers received 2 hours of CIT training during the 2004/2005
annual training. The officers involved in this incident were not CIT-certified, but it is difficult to say if that would have altered the result; Mr. Chasse fled before
officers were able to speak to him and then was fatally injured early on in the
incident.
How come officers didn’t know Mr. Chasse was mentally ill?
Officers observed Mr. Chasse behaving oddly, but did not have access to his medical
information at that moment. Officers did not know, for example, if Mr. Chasse was
impaired by drugs or alcohol. Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol
can and do at times display behaviors similar to individual suffering from mental
illness.
Was this incident within policy and training guidelines?
As with any officer-involved shooting or in-custody death, this case will be
exhaustively reviewed through our Training Division, Internal Affairs Division and
ultimately, our Use of Force and Performance Review Board that includes citizen
members.
There is a photo that has been published that clearly shows officers and medical
personnel just standing there and not rendering aid to Mr. Chasse. Why wasn’t anyone
attending to him at that time?
The photo shows that Mr. Chasse was on his side in the rescue position. In the
photo, 2 officers are standing with medical personnel and one officer is off to the
side. It is hard to determine from this photo what was occurring at that very
moment or the duration. All of Mr. Chasse’s vital signs had been checked by AMR
and the Fire Bureau had checked his glucose.
Jury Clears Police In Man's Death
from KPTV.com
A grand jury has cleared Portland police in the death of a 42-year-old man.
Forty-two-year-old James Chasse of Portland died on Sept. 17 after he suffered 16 broken ribs, including some that punctured a lung and caused internal bleeding. Details about the injuries were included in a state medical examiner's autopsy report released by his family.
A seven-member grand jury ruled unanimously Tuesday that it found no criminal wrongdoing.
One of the 30 witnesses called was William Brady, a former state medical examiner who now has a pathology practice and often testifies on behalf of the defense. Chasse's family requested that he be called to testify.
In separate press conferences Mayor Tom Potter apologized to Chasse's family and Police Chief Rosie Sizer called the death a "tragedy" for the victim, his family and police. (Read the police's in-custody death investigation results.)
Both said the city will push for better police training to manage the mentally ill and more funding for treatment.
Friends and family will be holding a candlelight memorial vigil for Chasse on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church on Southwest Park Avenue.
A grand jury has cleared Portland police in the death of a 42-year-old man.
Forty-two-year-old James Chasse of Portland died on Sept. 17 after he suffered 16 broken ribs, including some that punctured a lung and caused internal bleeding. Details about the injuries were included in a state medical examiner's autopsy report released by his family.
A seven-member grand jury ruled unanimously Tuesday that it found no criminal wrongdoing.
One of the 30 witnesses called was William Brady, a former state medical examiner who now has a pathology practice and often testifies on behalf of the defense. Chasse's family requested that he be called to testify.
In separate press conferences Mayor Tom Potter apologized to Chasse's family and Police Chief Rosie Sizer called the death a "tragedy" for the victim, his family and police. (Read the police's in-custody death investigation results.)
Both said the city will push for better police training to manage the mentally ill and more funding for treatment.
Friends and family will be holding a candlelight memorial vigil for Chasse on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at the First Congregational Church on Southwest Park Avenue.
D.A. statement on James Chasse grand jury verdict
from KGW.com
Statement from D.A. Michael Schrunk on the grand jury's decision to not charge police in the death of a man who died in custody.
Today the Multnomah Grand Jury voted unanimously not to return criminal charges against any individual in connection with the death of James Chasse.
T
he Grand Jury heard testimony on five different days from the following 30 witnesses:
•Duane Bigoni
•Dr. William J. Brady
•Bret Burton
•Lynn Courtney
•Constance Doolan
•Tom Forsyth
•Patricia Gayman
•Mark Ginsberg
•Dr. Karen Gunson
•Cindy Halaas
•Tamara Hergert
•Thomas Hollenbeck
•Ela Howard
•Christopher Humphreys
•James Hunter
•William Koppy
•Diane Loughry
•Brian Malloy
•Kathleen Martinez
•Jamie Marquez
•Scott Montgomery
•Kyle Nice
•Jon Olson
•Troy Pahlke
•Benjamin Persyn
•Alireza Justin Soltani
•Rev. Randall Stuart
•Gary Szalay
•Carl Weldon
•Jason Worthington
The Grand Jury also reviewed exhibits, photographs and records that included Mr. Chasse’s extensive mental health history.
Attorneys and an investigator for the Chasse family were allowed to review all investigative material in the possession of the District Attorney’s Office and suggest any witnesses or evidence that should be heard before the Grand Jury. They suggested one witness, Dr. Brady, who was called. They were also permitted to review written definitions of possible criminal conduct in this matter that were given to the Grand Jury.
It is emphasized that today’s decision by the Grand Jury is a narrow one: whether any individual had criminal responsibility in Mr. Chasse’s tragic death.
MICHAEL D. SCHRUNK
District Attorney
Statement from D.A. Michael Schrunk on the grand jury's decision to not charge police in the death of a man who died in custody.
Today the Multnomah Grand Jury voted unanimously not to return criminal charges against any individual in connection with the death of James Chasse.
T
he Grand Jury heard testimony on five different days from the following 30 witnesses:•Duane Bigoni
•Dr. William J. Brady
•Bret Burton
•Lynn Courtney
•Constance Doolan
•Tom Forsyth
•Patricia Gayman
•Mark Ginsberg
•Dr. Karen Gunson
•Cindy Halaas
•Tamara Hergert
•Thomas Hollenbeck
•Ela Howard
•Christopher Humphreys
•James Hunter
•William Koppy
•Diane Loughry
•Brian Malloy
•Kathleen Martinez
•Jamie Marquez
•Scott Montgomery
•Kyle Nice
•Jon Olson
•Troy Pahlke
•Benjamin Persyn
•Alireza Justin Soltani
•Rev. Randall Stuart
•Gary Szalay
•Carl Weldon
•Jason Worthington
The Grand Jury also reviewed exhibits, photographs and records that included Mr. Chasse’s extensive mental health history.
Attorneys and an investigator for the Chasse family were allowed to review all investigative material in the possession of the District Attorney’s Office and suggest any witnesses or evidence that should be heard before the Grand Jury. They suggested one witness, Dr. Brady, who was called. They were also permitted to review written definitions of possible criminal conduct in this matter that were given to the Grand Jury.
It is emphasized that today’s decision by the Grand Jury is a narrow one: whether any individual had criminal responsibility in Mr. Chasse’s tragic death.
MICHAEL D. SCHRUNK
District Attorney
Officers exonerated in Chasse's death
from KATU.com
A grand jury in Multnomah County has decided not to return criminal charges against three officers involved in a case where a schizophrenic man they took into custody died.
James Chasse, 42, died Sept. 17 while the officers were transporting him to a local hospital. According to the medical examiner's ruling, he died as a result of a broad-based, blunt force trauma to his chest.
Despite the findings, the medical examiner ruled Chasse's death accidental. Chasse's family and witnesses questioned that ruling, which led to a decision to put the case before a grand jury.
In the autopsy report, it stated that Chasse broke 16 ribs, including some that punctured a lung and caused massive internal bleeding. Toxicology tests showed he had no alcohol or drugs in his system.
The grand jury heard from 30 witnesses and also reviewed exhibits, photographs and records, including Chasse's mental health history. They were instructed to decide whether any individual had criminal responsibility in his death.
According to the Multnomah County District Attorney, a public inquest will not be held.
Mayor Tom Potter spoke to the media on Tuesday, saying he wished to apologize to the Chasse family.
"The Chasse family has endured much heartache since James Chasse died and for this, I am truly sorry," he said. "I personally feel the need to apologize when anyone dies in police custody, regardless of the circumstances, and I apologize to the Chasse family."
Potter also promised to do everything in his power to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
"With the grand jury review complete, the Police Bureau will launch an Internal Affairs investigation that goes beyond the scope of a grand jury's investigation, determining whether the officers' actions were within bureau procedures and training standards," he said.
Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer spoke Tuesday as well at a separate press conference. She first expressed regret about Chasse's death on behalf of herself and the Portland Police Bureau.
"From all accounts, Mr. Chasse's life held great promise, involved many years of anguish and was extinguished in a way that no family could ever want, and (in a way that) the officers involved neither anticipated or desired," she said. "This incident has clearly left the Chasse family bereft and angry, the officers involved devastated and members of our community concerned."
Sizer then talked about what the Portland Police Bureau is planning to do in the future in light of Chasse's death.
"The Police Bureau is in the process of developing new policy regarding our interactions with emergency medical personnel and is looking at how we can provide crisis intervention training to more of our personnel," she said. "Additionally, the Police Bureau will be working with the Deputy City Auditor in an analysis of use of force incidents that should be addressed, whether through policies, supervision or training."
Sizer also brought up the reaction to comments she made a couple of weeks ago about officers and their dealings with the mentally ill.
"Two weeks ago, I made comments about the burden police officers bear for gaps in the mental health system," she said. "Some have suggested that these remarks were an attempt to shift blame. I assure you that is not the case, but the availability and quality of services to the mentally ill in our community provides an important backdrop to frequency and quality of their contact with police officers."
Sizer went on to outline some of the statistics surrounding arrests where force is used and the percent of time that police use force to take a mentally ill person into custody.
"Portland police officers arrest roughly 38,000 people each year, she said. "In 2005, Portland police officers used force to affect the arrest of subjects 5 percent of the time. PPB officers take roughly 1,000 people into custody a year on civil holds pursuant to psychological assessment at a hospital. In 2005, Portland police officers used force 2 percent of the time while taking people into custody pursuant to a civil hold for a psychological assessment."
A grand jury in Multnomah County has decided not to return criminal charges against three officers involved in a case where a schizophrenic man they took into custody died.
James Chasse, 42, died Sept. 17 while the officers were transporting him to a local hospital. According to the medical examiner's ruling, he died as a result of a broad-based, blunt force trauma to his chest.Despite the findings, the medical examiner ruled Chasse's death accidental. Chasse's family and witnesses questioned that ruling, which led to a decision to put the case before a grand jury.
In the autopsy report, it stated that Chasse broke 16 ribs, including some that punctured a lung and caused massive internal bleeding. Toxicology tests showed he had no alcohol or drugs in his system.
The grand jury heard from 30 witnesses and also reviewed exhibits, photographs and records, including Chasse's mental health history. They were instructed to decide whether any individual had criminal responsibility in his death.
According to the Multnomah County District Attorney, a public inquest will not be held.
Mayor Tom Potter spoke to the media on Tuesday, saying he wished to apologize to the Chasse family.
"The Chasse family has endured much heartache since James Chasse died and for this, I am truly sorry," he said. "I personally feel the need to apologize when anyone dies in police custody, regardless of the circumstances, and I apologize to the Chasse family."
Potter also promised to do everything in his power to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
"With the grand jury review complete, the Police Bureau will launch an Internal Affairs investigation that goes beyond the scope of a grand jury's investigation, determining whether the officers' actions were within bureau procedures and training standards," he said.
Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer spoke Tuesday as well at a separate press conference. She first expressed regret about Chasse's death on behalf of herself and the Portland Police Bureau.
"From all accounts, Mr. Chasse's life held great promise, involved many years of anguish and was extinguished in a way that no family could ever want, and (in a way that) the officers involved neither anticipated or desired," she said. "This incident has clearly left the Chasse family bereft and angry, the officers involved devastated and members of our community concerned."
Sizer then talked about what the Portland Police Bureau is planning to do in the future in light of Chasse's death.
"The Police Bureau is in the process of developing new policy regarding our interactions with emergency medical personnel and is looking at how we can provide crisis intervention training to more of our personnel," she said. "Additionally, the Police Bureau will be working with the Deputy City Auditor in an analysis of use of force incidents that should be addressed, whether through policies, supervision or training."
Sizer also brought up the reaction to comments she made a couple of weeks ago about officers and their dealings with the mentally ill.
"Two weeks ago, I made comments about the burden police officers bear for gaps in the mental health system," she said. "Some have suggested that these remarks were an attempt to shift blame. I assure you that is not the case, but the availability and quality of services to the mentally ill in our community provides an important backdrop to frequency and quality of their contact with police officers."
Sizer went on to outline some of the statistics surrounding arrests where force is used and the percent of time that police use force to take a mentally ill person into custody.
"Portland police officers arrest roughly 38,000 people each year, she said. "In 2005, Portland police officers used force to affect the arrest of subjects 5 percent of the time. PPB officers take roughly 1,000 people into custody a year on civil holds pursuant to psychological assessment at a hospital. In 2005, Portland police officers used force 2 percent of the time while taking people into custody pursuant to a civil hold for a psychological assessment."
Reaction to grand jury findings in death of James Chasse
from Portland Online, "Mayor Potter's Perspective
The following is a statement I (Tom Potter) released to the media today (10/17) after hearing about the grand jury findings in the death of James Chasse. I would like to hear what you think.
"The Chasse family has endured much heartache since James Chasse died, and for this I am truly sorry. I personally feel the need to apologize when anyone dies in police custody regardless of the circumstances, and I apologize to the Chasse family.
The grand jury has spent three weeks looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of James Chasse, and has found that these officers were not criminally negligent. The District Attorney has also determined that no public inquest is necessary.
I am committed to do everything in my power to prevent future in-custody deaths. I know the community wants answers to what happened, how it can be prevented in the future – and I want the same answers.
I want the community to know that there are a number of steps now underway to find those answers.
With the grand jury review complete, the Police Bureau will launch an internal affairs investigation that goes beyond the scope of the grand jury’s investigation, determining whether the officers’ actions were within bureau procedures and training standards.
Chief Rosie Sizer has begun reviewing the Police Bureau’s training policies and procedures in regards to people exhibiting unusual or erratic behavior or certain medical conditions, and how Portland Police respond in those situations. Chief Sizer will include citizens in the review process to ensure community concerns and issues are included in any changes we must make.
The City Auditor’s Office has appointed a group to review and analyze data on all incidents where force was used by a bureau officer, and how these incidents escalated to the point where force was needed. They will be reviewing existing data for the bureau as a whole, and statistics on individual officers. I want to see how their recommendations can provide greater protections for the community, as well as officers.
Tomorrow I am introducing a resolution, co-sponsored with Commissioners Leonard and Saltzman, that will create a Human Relations Commission, an independent body charged with advocating for the rights of all Portlanders, fostering diversity and investigating bias and discrimination anywhere in the city. Answering questions like those raised by this death will be part of the charge of this commission.
I also have spoken with Senators Avel Gordly and Ben Westlund, and with Chair Diane Linn and Chair-elect Ted Wheeler, and we are jointly forming an independent committee to improve how our local justice system and mental health system are working together.
It is not acceptable when anyone in our community who is struggling with mental illness is left to wander Portland streets instead of receiving the help they desperately need, and I don’t believe a jail cell is the right place to help mentally ill people deal with their problems.
My commitment to the Chasse family, to the Police Bureau and to all Portlanders is that we will use this tragedy to improve how our mentally ill are handled by our police, by our jails, by our medical professionals and the mental health community."
The following is a statement I (Tom Potter) released to the media today (10/17) after hearing about the grand jury findings in the death of James Chasse. I would like to hear what you think.
"The Chasse family has endured much heartache since James Chasse died, and for this I am truly sorry. I personally feel the need to apologize when anyone dies in police custody regardless of the circumstances, and I apologize to the Chasse family. The grand jury has spent three weeks looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of James Chasse, and has found that these officers were not criminally negligent. The District Attorney has also determined that no public inquest is necessary.
I am committed to do everything in my power to prevent future in-custody deaths. I know the community wants answers to what happened, how it can be prevented in the future – and I want the same answers.
I want the community to know that there are a number of steps now underway to find those answers.
With the grand jury review complete, the Police Bureau will launch an internal affairs investigation that goes beyond the scope of the grand jury’s investigation, determining whether the officers’ actions were within bureau procedures and training standards.
Chief Rosie Sizer has begun reviewing the Police Bureau’s training policies and procedures in regards to people exhibiting unusual or erratic behavior or certain medical conditions, and how Portland Police respond in those situations. Chief Sizer will include citizens in the review process to ensure community concerns and issues are included in any changes we must make.
The City Auditor’s Office has appointed a group to review and analyze data on all incidents where force was used by a bureau officer, and how these incidents escalated to the point where force was needed. They will be reviewing existing data for the bureau as a whole, and statistics on individual officers. I want to see how their recommendations can provide greater protections for the community, as well as officers.
Tomorrow I am introducing a resolution, co-sponsored with Commissioners Leonard and Saltzman, that will create a Human Relations Commission, an independent body charged with advocating for the rights of all Portlanders, fostering diversity and investigating bias and discrimination anywhere in the city. Answering questions like those raised by this death will be part of the charge of this commission.
I also have spoken with Senators Avel Gordly and Ben Westlund, and with Chair Diane Linn and Chair-elect Ted Wheeler, and we are jointly forming an independent committee to improve how our local justice system and mental health system are working together.
It is not acceptable when anyone in our community who is struggling with mental illness is left to wander Portland streets instead of receiving the help they desperately need, and I don’t believe a jail cell is the right place to help mentally ill people deal with their problems.
My commitment to the Chasse family, to the Police Bureau and to all Portlanders is that we will use this tragedy to improve how our mentally ill are handled by our police, by our jails, by our medical professionals and the mental health community."
Monday, October 16, 2006
Chasse family hires expert witness to testify before grand jury
from Portland Tribune
Former state medical examiner to appear Tuesday
The family of James Chasse Jr., the Portland man who died of blunt-force trauma to the chest while in police custody, has hired former Oregon state medical examiner William Brady as an expert witness, family lawyer Tom Steenson said.
Steenson said Brady is expected to be the final witness to testify before the Multnomah County grand jury investigating the death of Chasse, 42, who died Sept. 17. Brady’s testimony is scheduled for about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
A forensic pathologist, Brady was Oregon’s medical examiner from 1969 to 1985 and performs regularly as an expert witness for plaintiffs’ lawyers. Brady also could testify in any civil lawsuit filed by the family against the city.
The grand jury’s role is to determine whether anyone was criminally liable for Chasse’s death. Although several witnesses filed complaints with the city accusing the police of using excessive force, the current medical examiner, Dr. Karen L. Gunson, ruled the death accidental.
Steenson said the family is preparing to make a statement “one way or the other” after the jury members vote and their judgment is made public.
Police said they spotted Chasse acting strangely near the Pearl District restaurant Bluehour the day he died. When police approached – the actions of two Portland cops and one Multnomah County deputy sheriff are central to the case – Chasse ran and was shoved to the ground by the officers. Police contended he bit one officer and tried to bite another while resisting arrest. Police shocked Chasse with a Taser and punched and kicked him in response, witnesses reported to the city’s Independent Police Review Division.
An autopsy report prepared by the state medical examiner’s office was written before the Portland police officers involved were interviewed by homicide detectives, so many of its details are sketchy. But the report said the officers then called for an ambulance and "it was reported the ambulance arrived to find the subject conscious with his vital signs being normal."
Chasse was then taken to jail, where a nurse recommended he be taken to Portland Adventist Hospital for evaluation, the report said, which detectives on the scene apparently believed was for "a mental evaluation."
The Chasse family has said James Chasse Jr. suffered from mental illness, including schizophrenia.
On the way to the hospital, Chasse slumped, lifeless, in the back of the squad car, the report said. The officers transporting him stopped, called for medics and borrowed a defibrillator from a passing jogger, who kept one of the emergency devices at his nearby home.
When American Medical Response personnel arrived, they tried to resuscitate Chasse, but he was eventually transported to Providence Portland Medical Center, where he died. According to the report, AMR medics may not have known a Taser was used on Chasse and were not told he had been in respiratory arrest.
The report noted that medics said that they had left the officers to decide whether to transport Chasse to jail and that they did not know whether the defibrillator had been used.
The death has sparked a community discussion about the care provided to the mentally ill. Chasse’s family said he suffered from a serious mental illness for many years. The police said Chasse was acting strangely and ran when they approached him. Mayor Tom Potter has announced that regardless of the ruling, he will ask the City Council to study how to improve the interactions between the police and mentally ill, including the possibility of opening a day center for mentally ill homeless people.
Former state medical examiner to appear Tuesday
The family of James Chasse Jr., the Portland man who died of blunt-force trauma to the chest while in police custody, has hired former Oregon state medical examiner William Brady as an expert witness, family lawyer Tom Steenson said.
Steenson said Brady is expected to be the final witness to testify before the Multnomah County grand jury investigating the death of Chasse, 42, who died Sept. 17. Brady’s testimony is scheduled for about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
A forensic pathologist, Brady was Oregon’s medical examiner from 1969 to 1985 and performs regularly as an expert witness for plaintiffs’ lawyers. Brady also could testify in any civil lawsuit filed by the family against the city.
The grand jury’s role is to determine whether anyone was criminally liable for Chasse’s death. Although several witnesses filed complaints with the city accusing the police of using excessive force, the current medical examiner, Dr. Karen L. Gunson, ruled the death accidental.
Steenson said the family is preparing to make a statement “one way or the other” after the jury members vote and their judgment is made public.
Police said they spotted Chasse acting strangely near the Pearl District restaurant Bluehour the day he died. When police approached – the actions of two Portland cops and one Multnomah County deputy sheriff are central to the case – Chasse ran and was shoved to the ground by the officers. Police contended he bit one officer and tried to bite another while resisting arrest. Police shocked Chasse with a Taser and punched and kicked him in response, witnesses reported to the city’s Independent Police Review Division.
An autopsy report prepared by the state medical examiner’s office was written before the Portland police officers involved were interviewed by homicide detectives, so many of its details are sketchy. But the report said the officers then called for an ambulance and "it was reported the ambulance arrived to find the subject conscious with his vital signs being normal."
Chasse was then taken to jail, where a nurse recommended he be taken to Portland Adventist Hospital for evaluation, the report said, which detectives on the scene apparently believed was for "a mental evaluation."
The Chasse family has said James Chasse Jr. suffered from mental illness, including schizophrenia.
On the way to the hospital, Chasse slumped, lifeless, in the back of the squad car, the report said. The officers transporting him stopped, called for medics and borrowed a defibrillator from a passing jogger, who kept one of the emergency devices at his nearby home.
When American Medical Response personnel arrived, they tried to resuscitate Chasse, but he was eventually transported to Providence Portland Medical Center, where he died. According to the report, AMR medics may not have known a Taser was used on Chasse and were not told he had been in respiratory arrest.
The report noted that medics said that they had left the officers to decide whether to transport Chasse to jail and that they did not know whether the defibrillator had been used.
The death has sparked a community discussion about the care provided to the mentally ill. Chasse’s family said he suffered from a serious mental illness for many years. The police said Chasse was acting strangely and ran when they approached him. Mayor Tom Potter has announced that regardless of the ruling, he will ask the City Council to study how to improve the interactions between the police and mentally ill, including the possibility of opening a day center for mentally ill homeless people.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Photos of Jim as a Young Man
Both of these photos were posted on IndyMedia within days of Jim's killing. They show Jim at about age 16 or 17. The first is getting an autograph from Tom Verlaine. Jim's friend Naomi is in the background. The second is at the Coffee Ritz, in the old Galleria.
Alternatives Conference Candlelight March
Attendees of the 2006 Alternatives Conference made a candlelight march to the memorial for James Chasse on October 15, 2006. Over 60 people walked a dozen blocks, shared comradere and good spirits in joining Jim's family and friends.
Photo by David Oaks
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