A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-07
Regarding Accountability and Justice in the Death of Derrick Clark
WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon is committed to upholding justice, accountability, and human rights for all individuals, and
WHEREAS, on June 18, 2022, Derrick Clark was shot and killed by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Deputy Daniel Ferguson and Oregon State Trooper Zachary Cole, and
WHEREAS, both Ferguson and Cole demonstrated blatant disregard for Clark and the public by engaging in an unauthorized police pursuit, repeatedly and willfully violating department policies and lawful commands of superior officers, using unnecessary lethal force and subsequently failing to render medical aid, and
WHEREAS, the actions depicted in the body camera footage include these officers and others making racist, derogatory statements mocking Clark’s condition, repeatedly subjecting Clark to torture and mutilation through the use of explosives and police dogs, failing to render life-saving medical aid over a period of several hours while Clark lay dying, posthumously mutilating Clark’s body, and
WHEREAS, these actions by sworn officers, including the failure of others present to act in Clark’s best interest at the scene of his death, are heinous, reprehensible, inhumane, and deeply disturbing and raise serious questions about the culture, training, and accountability within Oregon’s law enforcement agencies, and
WHEREAS, the cruelty of these officers in their treatment of Clark betrays the trust of the communities they purportedly serve and undermines public confidence in the justice system, and
WHEREAS, none of the officers involved in or present at the scene of Clark’s death were punished for their actions or inaction, which again demonstrates pervasive, ongoing racism in modern law enforcement and emboldens other officers to engage in similar conduct, further endangering the lives and well-being of all of Oregon’s people of color, and
WHEREAS, Oregon taxpayers ultimately bear the burden of both paying the salaries of corrupt, cruel officers and the costs associated with the lawsuit brought by Mr. Clark’s family, including any damages they will be awarded, thus perpetuating injustice and compounding the harm inflicted upon Oregonians; and
WHEREAS, transparency, accountability, and justice are fundamental principles that must guide law enforcement practices and ensure the protection of human rights and dignity:
NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF OREGON RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. We offer our sincere condolences to Derrick Clark’s daughter, mother, brother, extended family, and loved ones. We believe that his treatment and death are a lingering injustice.
Section 2. We express our solidarity and support for Clark’s family in their pursuit of justice and accountability, and, therefore, we urge Clackamas County, the Oregon State Police, and the Oregon City Police Department to fully cooperate with ongoing legal proceedings and to take immediate action to address the systemic issues highlighted by Clark’s death, including the need for civilian oversight and cultural change within law enforcement agencies.
Section 3. We call upon state lawmakers to create a state civilian oversight board for law enforcement officers and agencies to review evidence, develop policies, and provide oversight of police misconduct cases and prosecution. Further, we demand greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices, including the release of all relevant body camera footage, audio recordings, and investigative findings to the public, subject only to necessary redactions to protect the privacy of victims and minors.
Resolution submitted by Loretta Smith, Black Caucus; Miles Pendleton, Lane County; Shani Harris-Bagwell, Stonewall Caucus; Michael Smith, Gun Owners Caucus; and Kelie McWilliams, Polk County.
