Former teen murderer chosen for public safety board

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

The Salem City Council voted 5–4 this month to reappoint Kyle Hedquist to the city’s Community Police Review Board. Hedquist has been convicted of murdering a 19 year-old woman. He served 27-years in prison and was given early release by a pardon form then Governor Kate Brown. Because of his felony he cannot ride along inside police vehicles which is a requirement for the review board.  Kyle’s defenders say he has led an exemplary life following his conviction and should be able to move beyond his past. Hedquist has worked as a policy maker for the nonprofit Oregon Justice Resource Center, which provides legal services to prisoners.   His story reflects the current wrestling over the role of former prisoners have in civic life.