Portland police sergeant speaks about being a Black officer and why “defund the police” concerns him

Portland’s mayor and police chief spent much of Thursday and Friday decrying nightly demonstrations that have turned destructive, a surge in shootings and homicides and other public safety concerns that have gripped the city in recent weeks. In a rare occurrence, cops on the front lines have been permitted to speak out about them, too. Several rank-and-file officers this week provided firsthand accounts of their work amid heated protests, increasing gun violence, calls for reforms and budget cuts. Sgt. Derrick Foxworth spoke about his experience as a Black officer in Portland and why calls to “defund the police” concern him.