The Portland Police Bureau is starting focused high visibility patrols in the Old Town and Pearl District neighborhoods on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. The goal of the focused patrols is to increase public safety in the area.
Community members who live in the Old Town, the Pearl District and the North Park Blocks area have reported a substantial increase in fear of violence and crime because of the aggressive nature of many individuals in the area. These concerns also detail substantial increase in visible open-air drug transactions, threats of violence, acts of violence, property crimes and generally feelings and perceptions of being unsafe in the area.
In order to address community member concerns, Officers assigned to the detail will focus on visibility, providing a uniform presence, engaging in community policing, and crime prevention. They will be proactively engaging with community members in the area to see if they are in need of connection to local resources.
Enforcement action is not the primary goal, however, if crimes are witnessed or a public safety issue is identified, officers will take action.
If community members are in need of resources for shelter, food, or other basic needs, they are encouraged to contact 2-1-1.