First and foremost, the City of Hillsboro Police Department is concerned for the physical and emotional wellbeing of Beaverton School District students who were participating in an activity that should be both safe and a positive experience. Adults entrusted with student care have a clear responsibility for their actions and the environment they create.
The department views community involvement outside of regular work hours as a positive way for employees to have balance in their lives and a healthy perspective in how they approach service in public safety. Coaching youth athletics is one of the variety of ways our staff are involved in their local communities. This coaching takes place on many different levels, from coaching one’s own children in a volunteer capacity to paid part-time positions during off-duty hours.
The allegations stemming from the football camp recently held in McMinnville are concerning and inconsistent with our past experiences with having employees involved in coaching. Officer Jamal Jones, who has been with the department for approximately 3 years, was placed on Administrative Leave the same morning the department became aware an incident had occurred. He will remain in that status as this case proceeds criminally and while the department conducts its own personnel investigation. Any department investigations will be appropriately timed with consideration for the criminal matter.
The City of Hillsboro and the Hillsboro Police Department have clear standards of conduct expected from employees while both on and off duty.
— Jim Coleman, Police Chief
