EUGENE POLICE CHIEF APOLOGIZES FOR 2002 RAID

Eugene Police Chief Bob Lehner apologized Thursday night for a botched Metro
SWAT team raid in 2002 that generated outrage among Whiteaker neighborhood
residents and prompted a Eugene Police Commission policy review that is
nearing completion. "I, as your new chief, regret what occurred," Lehner
told about two dozen people attending a public hearing on the police
commission's study. "It is through processes like this that we keep them
from happening again."

Lehner's remarks drew a smattering of applause and came in response to a
question from Whiteaker resident Kenneth Reed, who said several of his
friends remain traumatized by the sight of 50 heavily armed police and a
National Guard light armored vehicle converging on their neighborhood on a
search for a marijuana grow.

However, no grow was found, no one was ever charged, and neighbors
complained the operation posed unnecessary danger. They also said the
officers involved were rude.

In response, the police commission is recommending numerous policy changes.
Among them:

A new risk assessment form to help police determine when the SWAT team
should be used in searches. The form weighs factors such as the suspect's
past criminal violence, alcohol or drug abuse, history of mental illness or
membership in criminal organization. It also encourages consideration of
such things as the setting for the search and the presence of children and
pregnant women.

New emphasis on encouraging barricaded suspects and hostage-holders to
surrender without violence.

An added emphasis on respecting the rights of individuals whose property is
being searched.

Additional emphasis on minimizing risk to community members.

Use of a public information officer to provide information to neighbors
following high-profile SWAT events.

Discontinue use of "spit hoods," black cloth coverings over the heads of
suspects who spit at police. A transparent net hood is now in use.

The commission also endorsed a few controversial SWAT practices, including
the use of the armored vehicle in cases where officers need cover or may
require rescue if they come under fire from suspects.

The commission also broadly endorsed SWAT's uniforms and equipment. Although
intimidating to citizens, the appearance helps discourage attack by criminal
suspects, the committee reviewing the policies concluded.

The full police commission will consider the recommendations at a meeting
March 11. Action may come on April 8. Another public hearing is scheduled
for Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Public Works Department, 858
Pearl St.

Majeska Seese-Green, president of the Whiteaker Community Council, told
police commission members Thursday that many, though not all, in the
neighborhood appreciate the policy review. She said the group is not taking
an official position on the recommendations.

She noted that the study did not specifically review the 2002 incident and
does not provide accountability for what many consider to be a substandard
investigation and subpar performance of the SWAT team on that occasion.

Eugene resident Peg Morton, 73, told the commission of her recollection of
the rising police state she observed in Europe while living in Switzerland
as a teenager and said citizens everywhere should beware of the growing
police state in Eugene and across the country.

"What is happening with the SWAT team is what is happening all around the
country," she said.

"I hope we'll keep that in mind."