of the steps taken to ensure the public's safety, and realized Holton's presence signalled everything was fine.

Federal officials and police made sure Mohamud wasn't armed before he approached the square. They made sure the 19-year-old suspect wasn't driving the white van carrying the phony explosives, which could have been used as a weapon itself, and ensured he left the square right after the van was parked beside the square to meet up with other federal operatives by Union Station.

Commissioner Randy Leonard, who voted to withdraw from the task force in 2005, said he'd only support rejoining if the elected official who oversees the Police bureau had oversight of officers' involvement. He cited the botched Brandon Mayfield FBI investigation, and past Portland police disgressions regarding the keeping of fileson political activists as examples of why the mayor needs oversight.

Leonard also said the resolution the council passed in 2005 allows for case-by-case police involvement with the task force. It also sets clear parameters allowing the chief to sit on the task force's executive group and brief the mayor, and for the FBI to brief the mayor and chief on terrorist threats.

Since 9-11, Holton said having officers from diverse agencies talking regularly from an early stage is the best way to protect the public.

"I agree with the mayor and others that it's healthy and sensible for the city to continue to evaluate its role with the JTTF," Holton said. "But that said, we've been through a very intense event in the last few days, and there's no reason