Eugene Officer Resigns After Racist Remarks on Bodycam Spark Outrage in Oregon
A Eugene police officer has resigned with immediate effect following racist remarks captured on his body camera.
Meanwhile, Independent Police Auditor Craig Renetzky says he will take action against any other Eugene Police Department (EPD) officer identified from voices on the video.
Bodycam Video Distributed on Social Media Leads to Furor
The furor unfolded following the distribution of the bodycam video on social media. The footage was taken during the January 30 protests in Eugene.
Renetzky said his office became aware of the video circulating on social media on Saturday and immediately launched a preliminary investigation.
Within an hour of watching the video, Renetzky contacted the EPD requesting the identity of all police officers involved in the incident and that the bodycam video be sent to him.
- Jan 30 2026: Body camera records comments during Eugene protest response.
- May 9: Auditor learns of circulating video and opens preliminary review.
- Within one hour: Auditor asks EPD to identify officers and send footage.
- 2:24 p.m.: Officer resigns.
- After resignation: Auditor says review of other voices continues.
Independent Police Auditor Describes the Video as Disgusting
Describing the video content as ‘disgusting,’ Renetzky stated that it contained highly offensive and racist comments.
Renetzky has confirmed that his office is unable to take any action against the police officer who has resigned, as it is only authorized to investigate allegations against actively employed EPD officers.
“However, this will not end our investigations into the matter,” vowed Renetzky, who will be attempt to identify the other voices captured on the video.
The Video Comments are Completely Inconsistent with the Values of the EPD, Says Police Chief
EPD Chief Chris Skinner describes the comments as ‘completely inconsistent with the values of (our) department.’
Skinner says there is no excuse for racist remarks from anyone who wears the EPD badge, and describes the video as ‘wrong and disrespectful.’
Conceding that the EPD cannot dismiss the gravity of the incident, Skinner says the department accepts the responsibility to do better and remains committed to ‘professional policing, transparency, accountability, and equal treatment under the law for every member of our community.’
Anyone aware of misconduct in the EPD is encouraged to contact Renetzky’s office by phone, mail, the online portal, or in person. The Independent Police Auditor can be contacted on 541-682-5028 or [email protected]