Logic behind HB 2928 puzzles Byram

By Terry Murry on Friday, February 5th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The Oregon Legislature is considering a number of bills that arose from the call for police reform. House Bill 2928 is one of those. Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram said he can’t make sense of the bill which would ban the use of less-than-lethal projectiles.

“I would argue that if you’re taking away less lethal options from officers to use, then what does that leave the officers to use,” he questioned. “Lethal options, and that’s not anything that we want to do.”

According to the bill, the only time things like rubber bullets and tear gas would be permitted would be if the mayor or sheriff proclaimed a riot. It does not, however, single out police chiefs or city councils for having that power.

Byram said his officers must react to the situation they are in, and they are trained to react with the least amount of force necessary.

“Limiting our options for less lethal force is not a very good idea right now,” he said.