Statement on Police Chief Danielle Outlaw’s Departure

In her time as Portland Police Chief, Danielle Outlaw oversaw a brutal police force which murdered civilians in crisis, violently repressed protests, provided protection to fascists, and enforced the increasing criminalization of poverty. While we are glad to see Outlaw’s departure, Portlanders know that change will not come to the Portland police through a new police chief.

Mayor Wheeler, on the other hand, believes that increased diversity in the police force will stop police murders and heal public distrust. Danielle Outlaw’s tenure has proven him wrong. By refusing to acknowledge that his police force is a racist institution, the mayor perpetuates white supremacy in this city. We expect that whoever fills Outlaw’s shoes will continue to pay lip-service to progressive concerns while doing nothing to solve the root of the issue: a capitalist system that defends private profits with violence. The ruling class requires a paramilitary force to repress the working class and stifle dissent, and Mayor Wheeler has shown that he will use violence to defend his interests and the interests of his friends.

In Portland DSA, we know that the only way to reform the police is to abolish the police. We must defund police bureaus, end the militarization of our police force, and strip the police union of its power. In its place we must embrace community defense, unarmed mediation, and greatly expanded mental health care. We are also working alongside allies to fight for immediate reforms — such as decriminalizing sex work and ending houseless encampment sweeps — and look forward to working together long term to wholly dismantle the entire carceral state.