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Rose City Copwatch |
PRESS RELEASEFor Immediate Release
Rose City Copwatch Contest Kick-Off a Success!On Monday, February 16, in response to Officer Scott McCollister's return to the Portland Police Bureau, Rose City Copwatch members and volunteers installed over 300 posters in various areas of East Precinct. The posters announce a contest: the first person to provide a photo of McCollister will receive a free bag of groceries, compliments of Rose City Copwatch. On May 5, 2003, Officer Scott McCollister shot and killed Kendra James, an unarmed, 21-year-old, African-American mother of two in North Portland. Despite massive public outcry, including demands that McCollister be fired from the Police Bureau and held accountable for James' death, Scott McCollister was re-armed and reassigned to work in East Precinct on February 5, 2004. The posters were distributed to public spaces throughout East Precinct. During the day, members had conversations with residents and business owners throughout the area. "The community response was overwhelmingly positive," said Rose City Copwatch member Melissa Rohs. "People were shocked to hear that McCollister was reassigned to their neighborhood without any advance warning or resident involvement." When McCollister's photo is found, Rose City Copwatch will launch a second round of public outreach to make his likeness widely recognized. "The community has a right to know what killer cops look like and what areas they patrol," said Rohs. "We hope the continued public outcry over McCollister's lack of accountability will ultimately result in his dismissal, and will help keep killer cops off the force in the future." -- END -- |
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