Oregon police have said that a 2009 investigation of sexual assault allegations against former Vice President Al Gore was re-opened to examine "procedural" mistakes.

The (Portland) Oregonian reported on Thursday that Portland Police Chief Michael Reese said command-level supervisors should have reviewed the case and made the decision on whether the investigation should move forward when the complainant came to them last year, the second time the woman making the allegations went to police.

It has been reported that Portland massage therapist Molly Hagerty told detectives Gore groped and kissed her during an October 2006 massage at a Portland hotel. Police never contacted Gore, Reese said, and detectives failed to consult with the district attorney's office on the matter.

The decision to reopen the case was solely the police bureau's, Reese has said.

Reese said in a statement, "It is our responsibility to both parties involved to conduct a thorough, fair and timely investigation."

The case began in 2006 when an attorney representing Hagerty contacted Portland Police. Detectives tried repeatedly to meet with Hagerty, but her attorney canceled the meetings.

The Oregonian has also reported that the lawyer told detectives Hagerty was pursuing a civil lawsuit. Portland police cleared the case due to Hagerty's lack of cooperation. (With Inputs from Agencies)