Portland police officer and District 4 candidate Eli Arnold has proposed a new policy for the Portland Police Bureau.
In an Instagram video, Arnold suggested that officers who respond to a call should be required to follow up with the victim during their next shift, regardless of whether it’s necessary for evidentiary purposes. He referred to the policy as a “victim check-in.”
“I want to do this because I’ve seen firsthand the important role police play in helping people move past that initial moment of victimization,” Arnold said, describing officers as the “uniformed representatives of the community.” He added that the follow-up, particularly emphasizing the victim’s experience of being wronged, could have a therapeutic effect.
“I think it’s good for victims, and I think it’s a low-effort way to ensure we’re looking out for people,” he said.
