City Removes Convicted Murderer From Police Board After Outcry

The Salem City Council has reversed its decision and removed a convicted murderer from two police advisory boards. The move follows intense public criticism. Kyle Hedquist was appointed to the city’s Police Transparency Board and a separate advisory committee last month. He served 25 years in prison for a 1994 murder. His appointment caused immediate backlash from community members and city officials. Critics argued his violent felony conviction damaged public trust in the police oversight process. The council voted unanimously to remove Hedquist. They cited the need for board members to have “community confidence.” Hedquist had stated he wanted to help improve police-community relations, particularly for formerly incarcerated people. The council has now reopened the application process to fill the vacant positions.