UPDATE: PPB Civilian Dean of Training Conditional Employment Offer Withdrawn

Portland Police Badge

July 20, 2022 12:43

The City has withdrawn the conditional offer of employment for Tom Datro as the Academic Training Director. The recruitment process will restart as soon as possible.

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Following an extensive hiring process, Dr. Thomas Datro, EdD, MPA, has been selected to be the new Civilian Dean of Training at the Portland Police Bureau. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Tom moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in law enforcement. He has 20 years of experience, and is currently a sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), but will be a non-sworn civilian member of PPB.

Since 2017, Dr. Datro has served as the Officer-In-Charge of the Police Science and Leadership Section of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Training Division. He works closely and was mentored by LAPD's Civilian Dean of Training.

Dr. Datro has significant experience in adult education principles and is currently responsible for department-wide training to sworn and civilian employees on a variety of subjects, including: procedural justice, implicit bias, de-escalation, community engagement and trust building, crisis communication, and other areas. His most recent work involved creating and implementing training on the neuroscience of de-escalation emphasizing critical thinking, decision making, and leadership.

Dr. Datro holds a Doctorate of Education with a focus in organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California. He earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from California State University at Northridge and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University.

PPB's Training Division is responsible for ongoing training delivered through the Learning Management System, as well as annual in-service training for Bureau members, Advanced Academy; Sergeant’s Academy and the Community Academy. It is also responsible for all recruits and their training during their probationary period. A few years ago, adding a Civilian Dean of Training was proposed internally, but it became a reality recently when the appropriate funding was granted and it was incorporated into the City's agreement with the Department of Justice.

"I was deeply impressed with Dr. Datro and believe adding him into this new position is an integral part of continuing our innovative reform work," said Chief Chuck Lovell. "PPB has been on the forefront of cutting-edge police training and we look forward to Dr. Datro contributing to these ongoing efforts."

"Dr. Datro was chosen after a rigorous selection process that included input from community members and Council offices," said Mayor Ted Wheeler. "This newly appointed position fits with my vision to Refocus, Reform and Restaff community safety in the City of Portland and is in alignment with the settlement agreement between the City and the US Department of Justice. Dr. Datro’s experience in the field of law enforcement training and his commitment to community engagement will enhance our ongoing efforts to reform the system by increasing accountability and transparency in community safety."

This hiring process included 18 applicants and involved sworn and professional staff members, Chief's Office, staff from elected officials, community members, and another law enforcement civilian dean from a major city. PPB developed interview questions with input from the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP) and PPB's Coalition of Advisory Groups, which has representatives from: the Training Advisory Committee; Slavic Advisory Committee; Muslim Advisory Committee; Behavioral Health Advisory Committee; African-American Advisory Committee; Latino Advisory Committee; Alliance of Safer Communities Advisory Committee; and the Asian Pacific Islander Advisory Committee.

Dr. Datro has accepted the position, which is contingent on a background investigation. Dr. Datro's start date will be determined at a later date.

Photo description: Portrait of Dr. Tom Datro

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