Blog Post
We want your voice at the table. Join one of our upcoming virtual meetings to hear precinct-specific updates, ask questions, and help shape our shared path forward.
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The Portland Police Bureau’s 2024 Annual Report highlights significant strides in reducing crime, increasing transparency, and reconnecting with our community — while also recognizing areas that require ongoing attention and support. Here’s a quick look at what we achieved, where challenges remain, and how you can get involved in upcoming virtual precinct meetings.
Read the 2024 Annual Report.
Major Accomplishments in 2024
- Violent‑crime trends moved in the right direction
- Person crimes fell 4 percent and non‑suicide shooting incidents dropped 22 percent compared with 2023.
- Homicide and traffic fatality rates finally edged down
- Homicides declined 8 percent; traffic deaths fell from 66 to 58, marking the first two‑year decline in three decades.
- Property‑crime hot spots cooled
- Overall property crime dipped 12 percent, and motor vehicle theft hit its lowest level since 2016—about eight fewer thefts per day.
- Mission‑driven policing produced concrete results
- 53 Stolen Vehicle Operations recovered 474 vehicles and led to 596 arrests.
- Retail theft missions accounted for 971 arrests and double‑digit drops in robberies and burglaries.
- Gun violence strategies were successful
- FIT/ECST teams ran 100+ missions; citywide shootings fell 21 percent, and 57 crime‑linked firearms were seized.
- Transparency & tech upgrades
- City‑wide body‑worn cameras went live by September and the open data portal now posts additional statistical information.
- Community engagement expanded
- PPB personnel focused on walking beats during the holidays and NCAA Tournament.
Key Challenges
- Loss of Life
- Even with reductions, 68 homicides and 58 traffic deaths are far too high.
- Critical staffing shortages
- Sworn staffing remains at a 35‑year low—84 positions vacant—resulting in heavy overtime use and limiting proactive work.
- Fentanyl & overdose crisis
- NOC seized 47 kg of fentanyl (up 512 percent) yet overdose deaths totaled 274, including six minors.
- Aging infrastructure & fleet gaps
- From elevator/HVAC upgrades at the Training Division to a 30‑year‑old mobile‑precinct truck, basic facilities and equipment need substantial investment.
The Road Ahead — 2025 Focus Areas
- Bring 100 new officers through training to deploy across precincts
- Launch the PANDA (Problem-scan, Analyze, Nominate, Deploy, Assess) model citywide
- Expand online reporting
- Continue mission-based, data-driven policing strategies
Join a Virtual Precinct Meeting
Community members are invited to participate in a series of virtual meetings hosted by each precinct. These events offer an opportunity to hear directly from precinct leadership and Chief Bob Day about the 2024 Annual Report, which provides a comprehensive look at PPB’s budget, operations, services, and investigations.
| Precinct | Date & Time | Meeting Information |
|---|---|---|
| East Precinct | May 27 • 6 – 7:30 p.m. | East Precinct Event Page |
| Central Precinct | June 3 • 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Central Precinct Event Page |
| North Precinct | June 11 • 6 – 7:30 p.m. | North Precinct Event Page |