Oregon PD releases bodycam showing controversial interaction with boys selling candy
By: -----
The Oregon Police Department is releasing body camera footage showing an interaction between an officer and minors that has been under public scrutiny online.
The police chief released footage Thursday after three boys who were going door-to-door selling candy were asked to stop by an officer who said they didn’t want to receive calls from residents who would report “three Black juveniles” walking through the neighborhood and knocking on doors.
The video was accompanied by a statement from Police Chief Brandon Begin who acknowledged community concerns about the officer’s comments and expanded on the incident background.
The statement from Chief Begin is as follows:
“The Oregon Police Division is aware of the significant public interest surrounding a recent interaction between one of our officers and three juveniles who were selling candy in the area of Starr Avenue and Wheeling Street. A cellphone recording of a portion of that interaction has circulated widely on social media, particularly a statement in which the officer referenced that residents may call police to report “three Black males” going door-to-door selling candy.
We recognize why that statement, when viewed by itself, has raised concerns. It is important, however, to provide context regarding the use of identifying descriptions in law enforcement. When a person contacts dispatch to report an incident, dispatchers routinely ask for descriptive information about the individuals involved. This may include race, sex, approximate age, clothing, physical characteristics, and other identifying information so responding officers can identify the correct individuals. The officer’s reference to how such a call might be reported, including the wording he chose to use, will be reviewed as part of the internal investigation.
It is also important to understand that this incident did not occur in isolation from other complaints involving juveniles selling candy at local businesses. From late July through early September, the Oregon Police Division received at least 10 calls for service involving juveniles selling candy at or near businesses within the city. Those calls were made by business employees or representatives requesting police assistance.
In several of those incidents, businesses reported that juveniles had previously been told not to sell merchandise on their private property but later returned. These complaints have involved gas stations, grocery stores, and other retail businesses. On one occasion, the juveniles entered a retail store and stole boxes of candy before going outside and attempting to sell candy to customers of that store.
It is not, by itself, illegal for a juvenile to sell candy. Oregon’s municipal ordinance regulating canvassing, soliciting, and peddling contains an exemption for individuals under the age of 18. However, that exemption does not give anyone the right to continue selling merchandise on privately owned property after the property owner or business has directed them to leave.
Regarding the incident now circulating online, the officer observed the three juveniles who were selling candy outside a local gas station. After the juveniles left the property, the officer spoke with an employee of the business. The employee confirmed that the juveniles had been selling candy there and that employees had instructed them to leave. Even after being instructed to leave by employees, the juveniles approached another customer and attempted to sell candy before leaving the property.
The officer subsequently located the juveniles nearby and spoke with them. During that interaction, one of the juveniles acknowledged that they had been told not to sell at the business and had left the property.
One of the juveniles recorded the interaction on a cellphone. That recording was later posted to social media and has generated significant discussion regarding the officer’s statements and whether race played a role in the encounter.
Because of the substantial public interest in this matter, the Oregon Police Division is releasing the officer’s body-worn camera recording of the interaction, so the public can view the encounter in its broader context rather than relying solely upon the cellphone recording that has circulated online.
An internal investigation into this incident remains ongoing.