Translation, Interpretation and Accommodation

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Accommodations provided by the Portland Police Bureau
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Accommodations provided by the Portland Police Bureau

The City of Portland operates in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, ORS Chapter 659 A, Portland City Code Title 23, and other related statutes and regulations, such that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any City program, service or activity on the basis of race, color, national origin, English proficiency, disability, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status, or source of income. 

The City of Portland also requires its contractors, vendors and grantees to operate likewise. 

To help ensure access to City programs, services, and activities, the City of Portland reasonably: provides language translation and interpretation for limited English proficiency individuals; modifies policies and procedures; and, provides auxiliary aids, services and/or alternative formats to persons with disabilities. 

To request an accommodation, modification, translation, interpretation or language service; to file a complaint; or for additional information or questions on Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II matters (race, color, national origin, English proficiency, and disability nondiscrimination in public City programs, services, activities): contact the Portland Police Bureau Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II coordinator by phone at 503-823-0653, Email Message, TTY at 503-823-6868, or Oregon Relay Service at 711.

The City of Portland operates in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title I of the ADA, and other related statutes, regulations and City rules.  For requests, questions, complaints, or for additional information related to Employment and Civil Rights, please review Human Resources Administrative Rule 2.01, Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Human Resources Administrative  Rule 2.02, Prohibition Against Workplace Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation on the Bureau of Human Resources website (tab Administrative Rules) or contact our Bureau of Human Resources by phone at 503-823-3572, TTY at 503-823-6868, or Oregon Relay Service at 711.

ADA Considerations during Demonstrations/Protest

Information about Portland Police Bureau’s Crowd Control during Protesting:

The intent of law enforcement, during demonstrations, is to provide a safe environment for all participants, non-participants, and community members while ensuring the peaceful exercise of the First Amendment.

PPB proactively pushes out messaging in a variety of formats (Twitter, Flash Alerts, press releases) to increase public safety and awareness during protest.  Because PBB is not hosting these events we do not readily provide ASL interpretation.  People with disabilities attending events who may experience challenges in receiving information should consider bringing a companion. PPB is currently looking into alternative ways to communicate with the disability community and will be creating opportunities for community to inform this work.  Currently, the bureau messaging around protest can be found in the following areas:

  • Twitter account: @PortlandPolice
  • Event Twitter account: @PPBAlerts
  • Flash Alerts: flashalertnewswire.net
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/portlandpolice
    • Press for active events currently have transcripts posted as soon as possible.
    • Predeveloped videos/recordings have closed captions.

Mass gathering events are dynamic in nature and it may be necessary to close streets the day of the events for the public’s safety.  If this is done, PBOT will receive a detailed description of which streets will be closed, so that they may inform organizations that serve and support people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Additionally, this information will also be shared on PPB’s twitter for the broader community.  If you are attending an event and a street closure would create a significant barrier please check the Bureaus twitter.

Force is not the preferred response for making arrests or keeping an area safe, but it is an option law enforcement personnel may utilize to prevent violence, protect themselves or others, or disperse a crowd, for example. Force options may include, but are not limited to: physical force, pepper spray and rubber ball distraction devices. If you are a person with a disability that would be vulnerable to the chemicals or projectiles it is advised you vacate the premises immediately when a call to disperse is made.

While PPB tries to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities attending demonstrations and other events PPB has no control over the way a crowd acts.  When police disperse people within a crowd due to criminal and/or riotous activity, police tools and tactics could cause challenges for people with disabilities.

It is imperative for those attending protest to listen to the admonishments from the sound trucks, law enforcement personnel and/or twitter to reduce the likelihood of being subject to force. For individuals that are deaf and hard of hearing we recommend following our twitter where majority of the content we post is text.

  • Force is only used as a last resort. We traditionally give multiple warnings but this may vary depending on the circumstances. 

The Portland Police Bureau’s liaison teams attempt to work with all event organizers to establish an environment where community members may safely practice their First Amendment Rights of speech and assembly. The Police Bureau Liaison Teams are available to assist event organizers in planning a safe event for participants, Portland community members, and businesses. Liaison Officers may be contacted at: PPBLiaison@police.portlandorego…. If you plan on attending a demonstration please keep up to date by following us on twitter (@PortlandPolice) and/or signing up for flash alerts at flashalertnewswire.net.

Right to Reasonable Accommodation

It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any city program, service, or activity on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, or other protected class status. Adhering to Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II civil rights laws, the City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities by reasonably providing: translation and interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, and auxiliary aids and services. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs, please email PPBEquityOffice@police.portlandoregon.gov.  Request for accommodations are reviewed within 48 hours of receiving the email.

Filing an Officer Commendation or Complaint

If you have an officer commendation or complaint, please, file it with IPR.