March 19, 2003

Sheriff Statement on 'Reserving' Jail Beds

In my coverage of yesterday's press conference, I reported that the Multnomah County Sheriff indicated that he had set aside (or perhaps his word was "reserved") jail beds just for the upcoming protests.

Last evening, I sent email to the Sheriff's Office asking about the actual number of beds set aside in order to deal with potential protest arrests. Below is the Sheriff's response:

From: SHERIFF
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 6:34 AM
Subject: RE: number of jail bed 'set asides' for protestors?
I hope this response is still timely.
Using the term "set aside" would not be as accurate as restating the issue in the terms that the Sheriff's Office has committed to booking and holding those who may be arrested for a variety of crimes during any civil disturbance. Determining who or how many would remain in custody and actually be held overnight would be subject to the seriousness of the charges and the defined need to be sure the person(s) appeared at arraignment.
The Sheriff's Office could hold well over 100 persons in single custody cells for a short time if necessary. I emphasize a short time. Other arrangments could be made to hold more persons arrested if the situation dicated. [sic]
More than anything else however, we join the Portland Policed [sic] Bureau in promoting the peaceful and lawful demonstrations of our constitutional right to disagree. We also agree that it is our job to help protect the rights of all citizens and others who are part of our social fabric.
Bernie Giusto
Multnomah County Sheriffs [sic]

Which amounts to something of a retreat from what the Sheriff said at the press conference, where he very specifically did indeed indicate that jail beds had been "set aside" or "reserved" for potential protest arrests. Perhaps someone pointed out to him how poorly that reflected upon the Sheriff's Office when they are cutting people loose due to budget problems.

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Comments (1)

  1. migraineboy@AllianceWatch on 25 Mar 2003

    I just read in the Portland Tribune that the Portland Business Alliance is backing this peice of legislation. Here is the article.

    Also, in this article Chris Finks, vice president of marketing for the Portland Business Alliance, yells fire in a crowded downtown.

    "What if there’s a fire and people need to get out of town? What’s going to happen then?" he asked.