City of West Linn Council Sends Letter of Support for Investigations into 2017 Police Incident
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of West Linn Council Sends Letter of Support for Investigations into 2017 Police Incident
The City Council for West Linn has submitted a letter to the Department of Justice calling for and supporting an independent review of the 2017 events in the arrest of Michael Fesser.
February 14, 2020
West Linn, OR – In a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the City Council of West Linn joins calls for an investigation of police conduct in the 2017 arrest of Michael Fesser.
The letter states, “As the representatives of the citizens of West Linn, we have an obligation to hold those within city government accountable, including ourselves.”
It goes on to say “We are committed to finding answers and join our community, state leaders, federal representatives, and our current Chief of Police in calling for a thorough outside review by the Department of Justice into the actions of the City of West Linn and the West Linn Police Department in this case.”
In the letter, the Council declares its commitment to transparency and cooperation throughout the investigation process.
It concludes, “It is our hope that by fully addressing the concerns of our community, we can begin to rebuild the trust that has been compromised by this case.”
The City has shared this letter with several Oregon officials including Governor Kate Brown, who called for investigations on February 12.
Additional communications from the City can be expected following the holiday weekend.
The press release and associated letter to the Department of Justice can be accessed below
Related press releases on this developing topic can be found at 2/11/20 and 2/12/20 or in the side menu
West Linn City Council wants to hear more from the community on this issue and welcomes your comments in person at their meetings or at any time via email* to citycouncil@westlinnoregon.gov . Please share your thoughts, questions, insights and concerns.
(*Note: the Council email distribution list includes the Mayor, City Councilors, and City Administration staff. Contact information for individual Council members can be found here)
