Unified Command Prepares for Election Week (Photo)

October 30, 2024 15:53

The City of Portland's Unified Command, which includes the Portland Police Bureau, Portland Emergency Management and Portland Fire and Rescue, held a news conference today to discuss strategies and a call for those wanting to exercise their First Amendment rights to do so peacefully in the coming days. Local and federal officials, business leaders and community leaders spoke at the conference.

There are no identified threats related to the election or events following the election in Portland; however, the Unified Command is preparing and coordinating with its local and federal partners to increase public safety during this time.

The entire conference can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/sFSbcapG4d0

PPB will be increasing staffing on Election Day and the days following as a precaution. While we promote and support the exercise of the First Amendment rights to assemble and engage in free speech, engagement in criminal activity will not be tolerated. Unified Command will monitor any events. Individuals who engage in violent activity or property destruction will be investigated and are subject to arrest and prosecution. That does not always happen in the moment. PPB members will continue to conduct follow-up investigations, make arrests, and forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution. Just because arrests are not made at the scene, when tensions are high, that does not mean that people are not being charged with crimes later.

Examples of criminal behavior that will not be tolerated include but are not limited to:
* Impeding transportation by blocking streets and vehicular traffic. Pedestrians on or blocking freeways or major thoroughfares is extremely dangerous and poses a life safety risk.
* Lighting fires and burning materials
* Vandalizing and damaging property
* Assaultive behavior
* Unlawful weapons possession and/or use

The City of Portland has a long history of civic involvement and gatherings. The vast majority do not require any police presence. We remind the public that the Portland Police Bureau's Event Liaison teams want 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 Event Liaison Teams are available to assist event organizers in planning a safe event for participants, Portland community members, and businesses. Event Liaison Officers may be contacted at: [email protected]

During mass gatherings, PPB uses a truck equipped with a loudspeaker to provide public address announcements. This truck is sometimes referred to as the sound truck. If police have to intervene in criminal activity in a crowd, please listen to and obey directions provided by police officers or sound truck announcements. Those who do not obey the directions given are subject to arrest. Sound truck messages are also co-broadcast on our X feed at https://x.com/PPBAlerts . Other timely public safety information will also be posted there. Unified Command will disseminate news releases through the Portland Police Bureau, and they can be found at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/

For relevant laws, tips and resources, please see PPB's public order page: https://www.portland.gov/police/community/public-order

Here are some tips to consider to increase safety and stay informed:

* Businesses should proactively remove sandwich boards, furniture, and construction materials. Secure dumpsters outside of your business prior to events so these objects cannot be used as projectiles, barricades or fuel for fires. For more information on how to prepare, receive alerts and learn about resources, sign up at https://www.readypdx.org/

* Report criminal activity through 9-1-1 if it is an emergency situation or through non-emergency dispatch at (503) 823-3333. Check security footage for criminal activity that could help PPB investigators if an incident occurs and report that as well.

* Be aware that in the event of a significant incident, police service may be delayed. Do not let this deter you from calling 9-1-1 to report an emergency life safety situation but consider there are limited resources even though additional resources will be assigned.

* Prior mass gatherings have resulted in traffic and public transportation disruptions and delays. These events are dynamic and it may be necessary to close streets for the public's safety during an event. TriMet may adjust service if an area becomes unsafe, blocked or is closed. TriMet riders should check ahead of time to see if their bus or MAX line is detoured or disrupted: https://trimet.org/home/#/alerts Users of the Portland Streetcar should check: https://portlandstreetcar.org

*Be aware that per Portland City Code, it is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in public unless you have a valid Oregon concealed handgun license or as specified in the code. See https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/article/332592

Oregon has NO concealed handgun license reciprocity with any other state, and it is a crime to carry a concealed handgun in Oregon unless you have and present for inspection a valid OREGON concealed handgun license (Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 166.250 and ORS 166.291: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors166.html

*The City of Portland has specific conduct rules and laws that apply to parks: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/?c=28627 including a specific prohibition on the possession of weapons in parks: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/article/641629

* The following state laws may also apply:
ORS 166.250 Unlawful Possession of Firearms
https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.250

166.240 Carrying of Concealed Weapons
https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.240

166.220 Unlawful Use of Weapon
https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.220

*Prohibited items may be temporarily or permanently seized by police if in violation of city, state or federal law.

*Bias motivated crimes are unlawful as outlined in Oregon Revised Statutes 166.165 and 166.155. If anyone believes they were the victim of such crimes, they are encouraged to contact police and file a report.

The Portland Police Bureau's Directive, 0635.10 Crowd Management/Crowd Control can be found at: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/649358

If anyone has a complaint or commendation for the Portland Police Bureau member's actions related to any event, they can contact the Independent Police Review at (503) 823-0146 or at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/ipr/

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. For ADA accommodation requests, please visit: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/767813

Information can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Anyone wishing to submit a secure and anonymous tip regarding any unsolved felony crime should visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or visit the App Store and download P3 Tips for your mobile device.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters remain anonymous.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon is funded 100% by community donations. To support Crime Stoppers with a donation, or to view other unsolved cases, please visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com/ .

Photo Description: Chief Day stands at the podium with partners

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