Behind the Bastards Part One: The Worst Police Union In History
Dec 1, 2020
Tuck Woodstock, a Portland-area journalist known for his in-depth reporting on social issues, joins the conversation to expose the troubling history of the Portland Police Association, revealing its controversial origins and links to systemic racism. They discuss the damaging effects of police union protections on community safety and the historical relationship between law enforcement and Portland's black community. Woodstock also criticizes current reform efforts, questioning the legitimacy of police practices and the cultural implications of union control in policing.
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Portland's Red Squad
- In 1934, Portland protesters hung a revolutionary flag over City Hall and held a parade with a PA system.
- The Red Squad infiltrated left-wing groups and used agent provocateurs to incite violence and justify crackdowns.
KKK and Portland Police
- The Portland police had KKK members within its ranks during the 1920s when the KKK was prominent in Oregon.
- The police bureau even deputized 100 Klansmen as Portland Police vigilantes, granting them badges.
Nazis in Portland
- In 1936, a German naval vessel with Nazi flags sailed into Portland's harbor and was met with an enthusiastic welcome by citizens.
- Police arrested anti-fascist protesters for parading without permits while protecting the Nazis.
