Mayor: New Police Chief Is the 'Right Person at the Right Time'

Praised as the "right person for this time in the police bureau's history," Rosanne M. Sizer is officially Portland's police chief.
Sizer was sworn in as Portland Police Chief last week by Multnomah County Circuit Judge Julie Frantz.
Sizer became the permanent chief following a four-month stint in the post as an interim chief during an investigation into allegations of misconduct by former police chief Derrick Foxworth.
Following the investigation, Mayor Tom Potter demoted Foxworth and appointed Sizer as chief.
"Coming in under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, my judgment two months later is unchanged," Potter said.  "As someone with deep roots in this community and a strong commitment to serve, she is proving to be exactly what this city needed in terms of leadership in law enforcement."
A 21-year veteran with the bureau, Sizer has had several assignments during her career.  As a patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and commander, Sizer has worked closely with community members, police bureau employees, neighborhood groups, the faith community and local organizations to reduce neighborhood crime, improve neighborhood livability and enhance communication between the community and police.
Sizer "clearly understands my expectations and goals for the Bureau," Potter added. "She comes into office knowing full well the challenges ahead – reinvigorating the bureau's commitment to community policing, working to reduce crime and the fear of crime, building a police force as diverse as our city and reaching out to communities that feel estranged from the police who serve them."
Potter said he had considered conducting a national search for a new chief, but after hearing from several community residents and council memembers, he said he was persuaded that she had a broad base of support.
"It is important to restore a sense of stability to the Portland Police Bureau, and I believe Rosie's permanent appointment will help do that," Potter added.
Louise Grant, co-chair of the Chief's Forum, said increasing the awareness of community policing activities is a top priority for the Chief's Forum. 
"The Chief's Forum looks forward to working with Chief Sizer in an ongoing effort to make community policing effective," Grant said.