A major feature of the Metropolitan Public Defender is its independently appointed Board of Trustees. The Board hires the Executive Director, reviews the policies and operations of MPD and reviews the actions of the Executive Director. A major concept in the formation of the board is that it must represent diverse interests and viewpoints. Presently, there are five board members who are appointed; one each by the Presiding Officer in each county (Multnomah and Washington); one by the President of the State Bar; one by the Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court; and one at large by the other board members.
The board actively supports the public defender program by consulting with the Executive and County Directors on a variety of issues, including the direction and level of services provided.
The board reviews the financial operations of the office through the approval of the annual budgets and by review of an annual outside audit. The board meets periodically with leaders in the criminal justice system in each county in order to determine problem areas and to evaluate the overall operation of the office. The bylaws of MPD set out the function, duties and selection of board members in full.
Furthermore, the board takes an active role in the political representation of the office.
