Salem City Council Faces Backlash Over Police Board Appointment of Convicted Killer
SALEM, Ore. — The Salem City Council is under intense scrutiny following its decision to reappoint Kyle Hedquist, a convicted murderer, to the city’s Community Police Review Board, a move that has sparked outrage among police unions and community members alike. Hedquist, who was convicted of aggravated murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping—serious offenses under Oregon’s Measure 11—had his sentence commuted in 2022 by former Governor Kate Brown. Despite his criminal history, Hedquist has served on the police oversight board since 2024, a fact that only recently came to light due to a missed background check during his initial appointment.
Scotty Nowning, president of the Salem Police Employees Union, condemned the council’s vote as “astonishing,” emphasizing that the decision has already eroded public trust in law enforcement oversight. In a formal letter to the council, Nowning invoked impact bargaining, asserting that Hedquist’s appointment directly affects officers’ working conditions, safety, and confidence in the community policing process. The union’s stance underscores the tension between public safety advocates and the city’s efforts to include diverse voices on oversight bodies.
Two councilors who initially supported Hedquist’s reappointment, Vanessa Nordyke and Linda Nishioka, have since shifted their positions after meeting with police and fire union representatives. Nordyke publicly acknowledged in a Facebook post that she was unaware of Hedquist’s full criminal record at the time of the vote because city staff failed to conduct a background check. She explained that her initial support was based on the understanding that the board lacked disciplinary authority and that Hedquist had previously served without incident, bolstered by endorsements from legislators citing his rehabilitation and legislative testimony.
Following these revelations, the council scheduled a special meeting on January 7 to reconsider Hedquist’s membership on the board. Nordyke has instructed city staff to prepare a motion to remove him from public safety boards and called for enhanced vetting procedures to prevent similar oversights in the future. Her pivot reflects growing concerns about transparency and accountability within local governance.
Hedquist’s case has drawn national attention, highlighting the complexities of criminal justice reform and community oversight. While some advocates argue that rehabilitation should allow for civic participation, police unions maintain that violent felony convictions are incompatible with roles that oversee law enforcement conduct. The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services emphasizes the importance of credible and trusted review boards to maintain public confidence, a principle seemingly challenged by this controversy.
The Salem Police Employees Union’s formal invocation of impact bargaining signals potential legal and labor ramifications for the city, as union leaders argue that the appointment undermines officer morale and safety. The union’s position aligns with broader national debates about the balance between second chances and public safety, particularly in oversight roles that require unimpeachable integrity.
As the council prepares to revisit the decision, community members and public safety officials await the outcome, which could set a precedent for how cities vet candidates for sensitive oversight positions. The situation underscores the critical need for thorough background checks and open communication between elected officials, unions, and the public.
For more information on police oversight and community safety standards, visit the COPS Office and the FBI’s Civil Rights Division. Salem’s handling of this matter will be closely watched as a test case in balancing rehabilitation with public trust in law enforcement accountability.
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