Photo: KATU
Portland Police Bureau Chief Mike Marshman stood with community members, including those from our immigrant and refugee community, to provide reassurances to people struggling with uncertainty and fear.
At Monday's news conference, Chief Marshman shared a statement he sent to all members of the Portland Police Bureau:
"On Friday January 27, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting travel to the United States from seven countries in what is being described by many as a "Muslim ban." This action has spread fear and uncertainty to our refugee and immigrant communities served by the Portland Police Bureau.
"I want you, the members of the Portland Police Bureau, to be a source of reassurance to the community. We must be diligent in our efforts to the community who now more than ever might see us as a source of fear. We must be the ones who reach out first to all whom we serve and be able to answer their questions and provide clarity on what our role is in regard to immigration. That means giving assurance that we are not an extension of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We follow and enforce Oregon law. We do not enforce federal immigration laws, under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 181A.820 (https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/181A.820).
"I further ask that you continue to provide extra patrol around mosques, Islamic schools and community centers as another layer of protection for those in our community who may be experiencing fear and anxiety, especially after an attack in Quebec, Canada on Sunday. While we have no known threats locally, our presence may provide reassurances to those in fear.
"Over the past few months, I have received many heartfelt thanks from the immigrant and refugee communities describing their positive encounters with Portland Police officers. Although these communities have a heightened sense of fear and uncertainty, I am confident we will continue to be an agency they can turn to for safety and security."
The Bureau investigates all reported incidents of bias crimes and encourages any member of our community who is the victim of such a crime to contact law enforcement. Under Oregon law, bias crimes are defined as any criminal act that targets a victim based on the suspect's perception of the victim's race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Detectives work to determine whether or not bias elements are present during the reported crime that align with Oregon law as defined in ORS:
* ORS 166.165 - Intimidation in the First Degree - https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.165
* ORS 166.155 -- Intimidation in the Second Degree - https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.155
If you have been the victim of a bias crime assault, immediately call 9-1-1. If you have been the victim of a bias crime, such as vandalism or graffiti, please call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.
To learn more about bias crime investigations, please visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/423009
The Bureau has several community advisory groups and outreach opportunities for community members and police officers to come together. Advisory groups include the Portland Muslim Community Police Council, the Alliance for Safer Communities, the African American Advisory Council, and the Slavic Advisory Council. To learn more about these advisory groups and the Bureau's commitment to the Portland community, please visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/30379