Portland police union negotiations start up this Friday, September 17, after a six-month hiatus and—big news—they'll be open to the public. Well, half open. After public outcry about the closed-door negotiations ["The Spank Heard 'Round Portland," News, March 18], the city and union struck a deal wherein they'll switch off hosting the meetings. When the city hosts, the meetings will be public. When the union hosts, it'll be back to the old no-public policy. During the last round of negotiations in the spring, soon-to-be-axed Police Commissioner Dan Saltzman said he would put drug testing and annual reviews atop the priority list. Under Mayor Sam Adams, drug testing is lower on the list; annual reviews and slashing overtime will be front and center. The open meeting is September 17, 9 am-noon, at the Portland Building. SARAH MIRK

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Also in police news this week: Off-duty Officer Scott Dunick was arrested and booked into Multnomah County jail early Thursday, September 9, on suspicion of driving under the influence. Dunick was on paid leave at the time officers arrested him near Gateway Transit Center. He was placed on leave in July 2009 and again in July 2010, though Portland police would not comment on why, calling them "personnel issues." SM

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The posh Governor Hotel was filled with an unusual smell this past weekend: pot smoke. More than 200 members of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) hosted their annual conference at the luxury hotel, opening up a "medication lounge" on the second floor where dozens of medical marijuana cardholders puffed away. SM