The Salem City Council has officially revoked the appointments of Kyle Hedquist to the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission following significant public backlash. Hedquist, who was convicted of murdering 19-year-old Nikki Thrasher in 1995, had faced mounting scrutiny for his reappointment to these critical advisory boards just weeks earlier. The council’s decision, made during a special meeting on January 7, 2024, was overwhelmingly in favor of revoking his positions, passing with a vote of 6 to 2.
Hedquist’s reappointment had initially been approved by a narrow margin of 5 to 4 on December 8, 2023, despite a recommendation from the Boards and Commissions Appointments Committee to leave the police review board position vacant. The council’s oversight became the focal point of public outrage when it was revealed that background checks had not been performed on board members. This lack of due diligence meant the council was unaware of Hedquist’s criminal history when making their decision.
During the public session, council members expressed regret over the oversight. Councilor Deanna Gwyn stated that she would have opposed Hedquist’s appointment had she been informed of his past. The emotional weight of the situation was evident as Hedquist spoke to the council, reflecting on the consequences of his actions.
“I have carried the weight of the worst decision of my life,” he told attendees, referencing the enduring impact of Thrasher’s death on his life.
The controversy intensified following the December vote, prompting criticism from local unions, including the Salem Police Employees Union and the Salem Professional Fire Fighters Local 314. They labeled the situation a “credibility crisis,” arguing that appointing a convicted murderer to boards overseeing public safety was unacceptable. In response, these unions initiated a public campaign urging residents to contact council members.
Following the revocation of Hedquist’s appointments, the council adopted new rules designed to prevent similar issues in the future. Under the revised standards, applicants for the Community Police Review Board and the Civil Service Commission will now undergo criminal background checks. Notably, anyone convicted of a violent felony will be disqualified from serving on these boards.
Additionally, the council decided to reserve at least one seat on the Community Police Review Board for individuals with personal experience as victims of felony crimes. This move aims to ensure that victim perspectives are represented in discussions regarding police oversight.
Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, who initially supported Hedquist’s reappointment, later acknowledged her error in judgment. She expressed a desire for better public engagement before such pivotal decisions are made.
The council’s actions reflect a commitment to governance and public trust, a sentiment echoed by Mayor Julie Hoy, who voted against Hedquist’s reappointment in December. Hoy clarified that her stance was rooted in a commitment to proper governance rather than political motivations.
As this situation demonstrates, the intersection of public safety, rehabilitation, and community trust remains a complex and sensitive topic, particularly in the wake of such a high-profile case. The Salem City Council’s swift action underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public service roles.
