With 2018 just a month old, the Portland Police Bureau's Homicide Detail has already investigated the death of five people as a result of gun violence.
Operation Safe Winter was enacted and implemented over the last two weeks as a proactive approach to the initial violence in January.
"In response to these recent homicides, I directed the members of our Gang Enforcement team and Gun Violence Task Force to conduct directed missions to contact those individuals in our community who are responsible for gun violence," said Chief Danielle Outlaw. "Part of this mission was to be proactive in our approach to intercede and attempt to stop further violence at a time of heightened tension and emotion. As always, this was a collaborative effort with our partners, and I'm appreciative of all the support we received."
As part of Operation Safe Winter, the Portland Police Bureau Tactical Operations Division's Gang Enforcement Team partnered with multiple local and federal law enforcement partners, community groups and the Portland Mayor's Office of Youth Violence Prevention.
Since Monday, January 22, 2018, officers assigned to the Gang Enforcement Team worked with officers assigned to North, East, and Central Precincts and partnering law enforcement agencies to work throughout the city and contact and arrest people involved in gun violence.
The officers assigned to this mission arrested 18 people on various charges; located 36 people with outstanding warrants; and located and seized 17 firearms.
"Following these tragic criminal events the Mayor's Office of Youth Violence Prevention, along with members of the Police Bureau, Portland Public Schools, leaders representing government, faith-based organizations, private non-profit service organization and the community have joined in dialogue to better understand the views and needs of the communities we represent," said Antoinette Edwards Director of the Office of Youth Violence Prevention. "We are now collectively moving forward to resolve the negative impacts associated to these criminal acts, asking for continuing community dialogue and support."
Law Enforcement, public safety and community groups involved in partnership for this mission included:
- Gresham Police Department/ Multnomah County Sheriff's Office East Metro Gang Enforcement Team
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATTF)
- Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC)
- Multnomah County Parole and Probation
- Multnomah County Juvenile Parole and Probation
- Oregon Youth Authority
- Crisis Response Team
- Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC)
- Portland Public Schools
- Latino Network
- Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
- Native American Youth and Family Center
Police would like to remind community members if you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.
The Portland Police Bureau works closely with Enough is Enough PDX, a community-led campaign aimed at encouraging people to take a stand against gang violence in the area. For more information about Enough is Enough PDX and how you can get involved, please visit https://www.facebook.com/EnoughIsEnoughPDX
Additional information about Enough is Enough PDX and other City efforts addressing youth violence can be found at the Office of Youth Violence Prevention, http://www.portlandonline.com/safeyouth/
Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous. Information about any unsolved homicide is eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500. Information about any other unsolved felony crime is eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Information learned from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube should be shared as these tips may lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects. Links can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Submit an anonymous tip: by visiting the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips; online at https://www.p3tips.com/823 or Call 503-823-HELP (4357).
Source: Portland Police Bureau