Summary: The small town Clatskanie, Oregon police chief engaged in openly racist behavior, mocking a woman that was in police custody and was given a bonus upon retiring as punishment.
Clatskanie, Oregon is a small quaint town along the Columbia River west of Portland. Now the town is hitting the national news for the wrong thing. Two police officers have come forward, alleging that the police chief, who has now retired, is racist.
Officer Alex Stone filed a report against Police Chief Marvin Hoover when Hoover was being unprofessional and making obscene racist comments in relation to woman that was in police custody. The woman claimed she was being discriminated against. Stone was trying to debrief Hoover about the arrest but he kept dancing around like a monkey, making monkey sounds and singing “Dixie.”
His complaint over the summer states “While Chief Hoover was scratching and chanting, he started to move around the room, in a dance or jumping fashion. While umping and moving about the room, Chief Hoover momentarily beat his chest like Tarzan. As Chief Hoover was comparing African-Americans to monkeys, I began to become extremely uncomfortable.”
As Stone continued to try to debrief his boss, Hoover once again interrupted and stated “That’s what they deserve,” before starting to sing “Dixie.” Stone has since been targeted for raising the complaint.
Hoover was originally placed on paid leave after the complaint but has since retired with honors. The city’s mayor wrote a letter for the newspaper thanking and praising Hoover for his dedication to the job. The investigation into the complaint has been completed.
The ACLU of Oregon has criticized the actions of letting him retire and giving him a bonus without being held accountable for his racist behavior. In their statement, they wrote, “By condoning Chief Hoover’s actions and intolerance, the city council has delivered a disturbing message about the values of Clatskanie, at the same time discouraging people who think about stepping up and doing the right thing by reporting such unacceptable actions.”
The city responded by stating that they had separated with Hoover in what was the city’s best interests and will be holding diversity training for all employees.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/us/oregon-clatskanie-police-chief-racism-allegations/
Photo: clatskanieproperties.com