A Reply from Jacob Weigler, Executive Assistant, ODJ From: Oregon Department of Justice 1162 Court Street NE Justice Building Salem, Oregon 97301-4096 Telephone: (503) 378-4400 TTY: (503) 378-5938 October 8, 2008 To: Oregon Fellowship of Reconciliation Executive Board P.O. Box 222 Salem, OR 97308 Dear Members of the Board: I am writing in response to your inquiry to Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers received by the Department of Justice on September 30, 2008 requesting an independent investigation into the use of a Taser device by members of the Eugene Police Department to subdue an individual at a May 30, 2008 protest. Although our office continues to monitor developments in this matter, we must decline your request. The conduct of members of the Eugene Police Department is overseen by the Department itself and the City of Eugene. It is our understanding that the Police Department is currently conducting an internal investigation of the officers' conduct during the May 30 protest and that the Eugene civilian review board and city's police auditor are planning to conduct their own examination of the incident upon completion of that investigation. The Lane County District Attorney's office is aware of the allegations and of the various investigations. The Oregon Department of Justice does not have jurisdiction over the District Attorney, the city, its police department or the review board. Oregon law does not authorize this office to compel the completion of the reviews already tmderway or to conduct our own investigation into the matter. If you have additional concerns about this matter, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Jacob Weigler Executive Assistant Oregon Department of Justice cc: Doug Harcleroad, Lane County District Attorney OFOR | PO Box 222, Salem, Oregon 97308 |