Portland police officers flee force in droves

Police officers in Portland are resigning or retiring in record numbers, citing a hostile political climate and incompetence from city leaders.

Some 115 officers have left the force since July 1 of last year — the highest in at least 15 years. As of March, 93 officer positions remain open, as well as 43 civilian positions, according to a report.

A review of exit interview forms from former officers shows broad dissatisfaction with the treatment of law enforcement in the city.

“What the city council has done to beat down the officers’ willingness to do police work is unfathomable,” a retired training officer wrote, according to the Oregonian. “I have never seen morale so low. Officers leaving mid-career and sometimes sooner to go to other agencies. Officers retiring when they would have stayed longer if the situation were different.”