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Sputnik International
Dan Springer reports on the fallout from Portland s police cuts amid a surge in violent crime.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler flinched. In the midst of an unprecedented monthslong surge in gun violence and homicides, Wheeler compromised with the Portland City Council and backed off from his request that the Portland Police Bureau be appropriated $2 million in emergency funding. Instead, Wheeler and the commissioners voted to spend $6 million on grants to community groups already receiving funding and hire 24 park rangers. What we’re doing today is starting a pathway towards making sure that we’re investing dollars where they make the most good, said Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. We’re also at the front end of transforming our police department.
Portland leaders hope sweeping $6 million plan stems historic shooting surge
Updated 6:28 PM;
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Portland’s mayor and commissioners Wednesday unanimously approved a $6 million plan they say is the best option to combat a dramatic rise in shootings and gun deaths that’s placed the city on track for a record number of homicides.
It also provides millions of new dollars to community organizations for anti-violence work and authorizes the addition of two dozen unarmed rangers to patrol parks and surrounding neighborhoods.
“The work in front of us is that of building a community safety system,” said Commissioner Dan Ryan before casting his vote in favor of the proposal he helped spearhead. “Now is the time to take some big steps and to be bold.”
Portland police chief says he’ll pull officers from other work to fill new uniformed team targeting gun violence
Updated 5:42 PM;
Today 5:24 PM
“We’re so lean right now,” Police Chief Chuck Lovell said Wednesday. “There’s not many other places to pull from.Being able to do this means greatly impacting our ability to do something else.” Dave Killen / StaffThe Oregonian
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Moments after the City Council gave the green light but no extra money to bring back a uniformed police team to address gun violence, Police Chief Chuck Lovell said he’s unsure which officers will do the work or how the bureau will pay for them.