Portland Police Officer Can Keep His Badge After 2020 Incident Involving Baton Strike to Protester’s Face

By Lucille McNamara On May 24, 2026

PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland Police officer can keep his badge after addressing a hearing of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) about an incident in 2020 during which he struck a protester in the face with a baton.

He Can Now Pursue a Promotion to Sergeant

The DPSST ruled that Officer Corey Budworth did not violate moral fitness standards and was therefore not guilty of misconduct. Budworth is now free to pursue a promotion to the rank of sergeant.

Tidings Insight

DPSST’s decision keeps Budworth’s certification intact. It does not erase the protest incident, the criminal charge, the settlement or the public apology process.

Budworth faced a fourth-degree assault charge relating to an incident on August 18, 2020, when he struck protester Teri Jacobs in the face with a baton. Jacobs received a $50,000 settlement from the City of Portland, as well as $11,000 for attorney costs.

He Made a Public Apology Video

An earlier court case against Budworth was dismissed when he and Jacobs took part in a restorative justice process. This included a public apology video made by Budworth.

Tidings Insight

Restorative justice resolved the criminal case, while DPSST reviewed whether the conduct violated Oregon certification standards for public safety officers.

The incident was then investigated by the DPSST, which certifies Oregon police officers

Budworth joined the Portland Police Bureau in 2015.

Multnomah County Portland