Press Release

Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform

July 21, 2014
Contact: Rev. Dr. LeRoy Haynes, Jr
(503) 287-0261
Rev. Dr. T. Allen Bethel
(503) 288-7241

The Settlement Agreement with Police Captain Mark Kruger

The Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform oppose
the Settlement with Captain Mark Kruger made by Mayor Charlie Hales and Chief
of Police Mike Reese.

This Settlement Agreement stemming from a legal claim against the city filed by
Captain Kruger in 2013 rewards him for actions that are completely contrary to the
major reform efforts of the Justice Department suit against the city for a diverse,
accountable, just, community oriented and transparent police bureau.

The negotiated settlement by outside counsel due to internal conflict of interest and
the decision by Mayor Charlie Hales and Chief of Police Mike Reese agreeing,
signing and offering Captain Kruger abundant rewards for his past sustained
detrimental actions against the city of Portland and the Portland Police Bureau is
an insult to every freedom and justice loving citizen in the City of Portland.

The citizens of Portland remember that the actions of Captain Kruger in 1999 of a
ceremonial service worshiping Hitler and the Third Reich as he honored five Nazi-
era German soldiers who waged a war against humanity.

Also, the citizens of Portland remember the pending case of harassment brought
by Lt. Kristy Galvan against Captain Kruger. Furthermore, to add injury to the
insult of making Captain Kruger a postal image for the Portland Police Bureau,
Mayor Hales approved a settlement agreement that not only rewards Captain
Kruger but expunge his records of past complaints without going through the
normal City Council process for lawsuits, especially for such a controversial
settlement. This is further exasperated by Chief Mike Reese write a letter of
commendation to be placed in Captain Krugers personnel file.

The citizens of Portland want to move as a progressive city for freedom, justice
and equity, the decision by Mayor Hales and Chief Reese runs contrary to the
image and direction of the City of Portland. Their decision shows insensitivity to
those who have been victims of the Third Reich and their crimes against humanity.
This is not the direction the citizens of Portland desire to be reflected in their
Police Bureau and their city.

Let the Mayor and Chief of Police send the right message to the citizens and every
police officer that the past actions of Captain Kruger does not represent the City of
Roses and lets support the Department of Justice Proposed Settlement Agreement
and Judge Michael Simons annual review of the Agreement to help insure police
accountability, justice and reform.