When and where is Portland Street Response operating?
Portland Street Response operates citywide from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week.
Can I call 911 and request Portland Street Response?
Yes. Our 911 dispatchers will have a list of questions they will ask to determine which responder is most appropriate to send: Police, Fire, Portland Street Response, or AMR ambulance service. If the call fits the criteria for Portland Street Response, dispatchers will alert the team and send them to the call.
How are calls triaged to Portland Street Response?
Currently, Portland Street Response will be dispatched when a caller reports:
- A person who is possibly experiencing a mental health crisis; intoxicated and/or drug affected. This person is outside or inside an unlocked publicly accessible space such as a business, store, public lobby, etc.
- A person who is outside and down, not checked.
- A person who is outside and yelling.
- A person who needs a referral for services, but does not have access to a phone line.
The call meets the previous criteria - AND
- There are no weapons seen.
- The person is not in traffic/not obstructing traffic.
- The person is not violent towards others (physically combative, threatening violence, assaulting).
- The person is not suicidal.
- The person is not inside of a private residence.
Can I see call data for Portland Street Response?
Yes, we have a data dashboard.
Connection to Services/Resources
Will PSR always shuttle clients?
Voluntary client shuttling to services is one option available to our PSR teams to make a connection. We value a client’s voice and choice and may shuttle a client to services, provide a bus pass, or call for a taxi ride. PSR strives to provide a warm hand-off to services, whenever possible.
Why not public transportation?
Public transportation is one option available to PSR teams to assist clients in making a connection. PSR will confer with clients on what is the best option for them.
Publicly Accessible Area Response
What changed in March 2025?
This policy expanded to allow PSR teams to respond into unlocked public spaces such as lobbies of local government buildings, restaurants, retail or grocery stores, etc. during regular business hours. Previously, for safety reasons, PSR was not able to respond indoors without a co-responder
Can they come into my apartment building?
No. PSR cannot respond inside a private residence, apartment building, tent, Safe Rest Villages (SRV), motorhome, or any other locked building not open to the public.
Why can’t PSR respond on public transportation?
PSR responders are unarmed. For their safety, this policy only allows for PSR to respond into spaces that have a clear point of egress where they can exit, if needed.
Where can’t PSR respond?
Private residences; apartment building lobbies, hallways or apartments; tents, motorhomes, safe rest villages, or other temporary housing; locked buildings; and public transportation.
What is co-response?
Co-response refers to calls where multiple first responders are dispatched and/or requested to address the complex needs of a call. This policy further integrates PSR into the first responder system and outlines how they will respond with other partners, when there is need.
When is it determined a co-response is needed?
Co-response may occur at the point of dispatch, while units are enroute, or after a first responder has made contact on the scene of a call. If a first responder partner determines a need for PSR to assist or take over a call, they may request us.
Does Portland Street Response participate in encampment cleanings and removals?
Portland Street Response does not take part in encampment cleanings and removals. If someone is in distress due to a removal or cleaning, we may be called in to offer de-escalation, but we do not dismantle tents or move campers.
Can I volunteer or help out in some way?
We are excited by the number of requests we are receiving from community members who want to help. At this time, we don't have a formal structure in place for volunteers to assist us, but we are evaluating how we might sponsor a volunteer program. We will update this site to let you know how you might be able to help.
Can I donate money/products to the project?
We are currently not set up to take financial or product donations at this time. We are looking at ways to accept these generous offers.
How do I get a job with Portland Street Response?
Visit the City of Portland's website to get alerted to new job opportunities.
I have a compliment or a complaint about a Portland Street Response call, how should I file it?
Please submit time, date, and location of the call and the nature of your complaint to PSRInfo@portlandoregon.gov: we will research the call and communicate with you regarding your issue.
You can also file anonymous feedback with the auditor's office.