Smith says police reform shouldn’t endanger officers

By Terry Murry on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HEPPNER – The push in the Oregon Legislature for police reform continues in Salem. Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) said the force behind the movement are urban lawmakers, especially those from the Portland metropolitan area.

“There is a real movement to bring significant reforms to the way our police operate and what they can and can’t do,” he said.

Smith is hoping that as the House and Senate consider those reforms, they proceed with caution. He says reforms should not put law enforcement officers in greater danger than they already face.

“There are some bad people out there,” Smith said. “When it’s all said and done, our police officers get up every morning with the goal to protect you and I, and I think we need to support them.”