Salem, Oregon, city officials are facing widespread criticism after renewing the appointment of Kyle Hedquist, a man with a decades-old murder conviction, to the city’s Community Police Review Board, which oversees law enforcement conduct and public safety matters.
Critics argue the decision threatens public trust and raises questions about the credibility of local oversight.
Hedquist was convicted in 1994 for killing 19-year-old Nikki Thrasher.
Prosecutors described the crime as “execution-style,” stating Hedquist shot Thrasher in the back of the head on a remote logging road after believing she had discovered stolen items he had hidden.
According to The Blaze, Hedquist was 17 at the time, considered a minor under state law. After serving 28 years of a life sentence, former Gov. Kate Brown (D) granted him clemency in 2022.
Following his release, Hedquist became involved in criminal justice reform and community advocacy.
He first joined the Community Police Review Board in 2024, and this month, the Salem City Council narrowly voted 5-4 to allow him to continue serving.
The council also approved his assignments to the Civil Service Commission and Citizens Advisory Traffic Commission, despite objections from local officials and residents concerned about his criminal history.
The appointments triggered immediate backlash.
Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson called it inappropriate to place a convicted murderer on a board overseeing law enforcement.
She stressed that while rehabilitation is commendable, public safety considerations cannot be overlooked.
“While I acknowledge there are appropriate ways for those who have completed their sentences and demonstrated rehabilitation to give back to our community, this is not one of them,” Clarkson said.
Public safety unions also voiced strong objections.
Salem Police Employees Union President Scotty Nowning cited Hedquist’s convictions for aggravated murder, armed robbery and kidnapping, arguing that the decision undermines oversight credibility and harms morale among police and fire personnel.
The unions launched a website, Safety for Salem, to encourage residents to contact council members and express opposition, the Statesman Journal reports.
Some council members are now re-evaluating their votes.
Vanessa Nordyke, who initially supported Hedquist remaining on the board, said she would ask the council to revisit the decision at a Jan. 12 meeting.
She cited input from unions and community members, emphasizing that oversight boards must maintain trust with both residents and public safety employees.
“It’s important to note that it’s not just the police and fire unions who want these appointments reversed,” Nordyke said. “I’ve received many emails from the public demanding we reconsider the appointments. I’ve taken our residents’ feedback to heart.”
Supporters highlight Hedquist’s rehabilitation and continued civic involvement.
While in prison, he earned a college degree and later became a policy associate with the Oregon Justice Resource Center, advocating for prison education programs and criminal justice reform.
According to Hedquist’s LinkedIn profile, he now identifies as a criminal justice reform advocate, motivational speaker and communications coach, listing “he/him” pronouns.
Since January 2022, he has been a public speaker on criminal justice reform with Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants.
Hedquist maintains that serving on the boards allows him to contribute meaningfully to the community.
Other councilors emphasize the need for clearer appointment procedures.
Councilor Linda Nishioka plans to introduce standardized guidelines for assessing candidates’ criminal histories, factoring in offense severity, time elapsed and relevance to board responsibilities.
“These gaps place Council in an untenable position and reduce public confidence in the process,” Nishioka said.
The controversy has drawn national attention, including coverage from Fox News, and ignited a broader debate over balancing second-chance policies with public safety priorities.
Hedquist has personally reached out to councilors who supported his continued service, arguing that his experience provides a unique perspective for boards charged with overseeing law enforcement conduct.
The debate is expected to continue as the city weighs rehabilitation against the need to maintain public confidence in civic oversight.
