Ore. police chief relaxes standards for new recruits
By: Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian
PORTLAND, Ore. — Facing a critical staffing shortage, Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw next month is relaxing hiring and grooming standards for the bureau: A high school diploma or GED certificate now will be sufficient. Tattoos above the collar and beards will be allowed.
The changes take effect July 1, the chief announced Wednesday.
The bureau has 128 officer vacancies and hasn’t been able to fill them as fast as veterans are retiring, with another large wave of retirements expected in August 2020.
