FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael Cox 503-823-6593
Mayor Ted Wheeler Announces Community Policing Pilot
Officers will walk and bike neighborhoods to build community trust and promote livability
PORTLAND, OR –Mayor Ted Wheeler today announced an increase in walking and biking beats for officers to build positive relationships and address public safety issues.
Informed by a robust dialogue and data from individuals, neighborhood associations, businesses, and community advocates, the identified areas for the pilot are the Springwater Corridor, Laurelhurst Park, Oldtown/Chinatown, North Park Blocks, Ankeny Alley, and the Hawthorne Business District.
“I am committed to creating a 21st Century police force and to improving livability in Portland,” said Mayor Wheeler. “This program moves us forward in achieving both.”
The pilot builds on President Obama’s lauded Task Force on 21st Century Policing, which recommends “assigning officers to geographic areas on a consistent basis so that through the continuity of assignment they have the opportunity to know the members of the community.”
Additionally, this approach could align efforts with the innovative Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. LEAD allows police officers to redirect low-level offenders involved in drug activity to intensive case management tailored to the individual's needs instead of jail and prosecution.
“This is a great opportunity for officers to directly engage with people in the community and get to know the neighborhoods and work together,” said Chief Mike Marshman.
Patrol officer walking and biking beats will continue through the summer. The strategy will undergo continuous evaluation to determine next steps.
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