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‘Morale is at an all-time low’: Police leaders, officers speak out in NBC News special

“It all boils down to these three concepts of being underfunded, understaffed and under-supported,” a Portland Police officer said

nbc news portland police interview

NBC News

By Suzie Ziegler

PORTLAND, Ore. — On Tuesday, NBC News heard from police leaders and rank-and-file officers in Portland and across the country as part of its “The Future of the Force” news special.

In several interviews, NBC News reporter Gabe Gutierrez speaks with officers to learn how morale is affecting their day-to-day lives.

“It all boils down to these three concepts of being underfunded, understaffed and under-supported,” said Portland Police officer Krute Aroonsuck.

“We’re dealing with a sustained violence we’ve never seen before and the worst staffing levels we’ve ever seen,” said Daryl Turner, a former police union executive director who retired earlier this year.

Watch the full interview below: