Campus Officers in Oregon Justified in Shooting

Campus Officers in Oregon Justified in Shooting

Portland State University police officers will not face criminal charges following fatal shooting.

A grand jury in Oregon has determined that two Portland State University police officers should not face criminal charges in the fatal shooting of a man outside a Portland bar. The bar is located near campus.

The grand jury deliberated for two days before finding James Dewey and Sharn McKenzie should not face criminal charges stemming from the June 29 incident. The man was legally armed and the focus of the case centered on whether PSU officers should be carrying weapons.

Jason Washington, 45 years old and a Navy veteran, was shot and subsequently died. His widow, Michelle Washington, said in a statement that her family was disappointed and would consult with a private attorney about their next steps. Protests from the shooting centered on PSU’s 2014 decision to arm campus security police officers despite concerns from the student body.

"We want those responsible for the death of my husband to be held accountable," she said. "We will always remember and love Jason and know he was needlessly killed while attempting to keep the peace."

PSU president Rahmat Shoureshi said the death has shaken all involved. "My hope is that our actions following this tragedy will help make our campus and community a safer place for years to come."

Shoureshi invited students and community members to attend an Oct. 4 trustees meeting, and the PSU Student Union said its members would be there in force. They are also planning a rally later this month.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Campus Security Today.

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular