In Salem, Oregon, a decision by city officials has sparked a significant public backlash. The contentious move involved the reappointment of Kyle Hedquist, a man with a decades-old murder conviction, to the city’s Community Police Review Board. This board is tasked with the oversight of law enforcement conduct and the assurance of public safety. Critics are concerned that this decision might compromise public trust and question the credibility of the city’s oversight mechanisms.
In 1994, Hedquist was convicted of the murder of 19-year-old Nikki Thrasher in what prosecutors described as an "execution-style" killing. At the time of the crime, Hedquist was 17 and considered a minor under state law. He served 28 years of a life sentence before being granted clemency in 2022 by former Governor Kate Brown. After his release, Hedquist became active in criminal justice reform and community advocacy, which led to his initial appointment to the Community Police Review Board in 2024.
The recent vote by the Salem City Council to continue Hedquist's tenure on the board was a narrow one, with a 5-4 split. Alongside this, his assignments to the Civil Service Commission and Citizens Advisory Traffic Commission were also confirmed, despite significant objections from local officials and community members. Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson has labeled the appointment as inappropriate, asserting that while rehabilitation is commendable, it should not come at the expense of public safety.
Public safety unions have also expressed strong disapproval. Scotty Nowning, President of the Salem Police Employees Union, highlighted Hedquist's criminal record and suggested that the decision could damage the credibility of the oversight process and affect morale among public safety personnel negatively. A website titled "Safety for Salem" has been launched by the unions to mobilize residents in opposition to the council's decision.
In response to the union and public sentiment, some council members have begun to reconsider their positions. Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, who initially supported Hedquist's reappointment, plans to request a review of the decision, acknowledging the importance of trust between oversight boards, residents, and public safety employees.
On the other hand, supporters of Hedquist's reappointment point to his rehabilitation and ongoing civic contributions. During his incarceration, Hedquist earned a college degree and worked with the Oregon Justice Resource Center as a policy associate, advocating for prison education programs and criminal justice reform. His LinkedIn profile describes him as a criminal justice reform advocate, motivational speaker, and communications coach.
The controversy has reached a national audience, with coverage from Fox News and social media discussions, such as a tweet from the account Libs of TikTok, which criticized the decision and linked it to partisan politics. The coverage has amplified the debate on how to balance second-chance policies with the necessity of maintaining public confidence in civic oversight.
Councilor Linda Nishioka has proposed the introduction of standardized guidelines for evaluating candidates' criminal histories for board appointments. The aim is to bridge current procedural gaps and restore public confidence. As the city continues to deliberate the balance between rehabilitation and public trust, the controversy serves as a focal point for a broader debate on second-chance policies and their implications for public safety.
