News Roundup February 11-18, 2024
Homicides up, traffic fatalities continue, ambulance staffing crisis in the spotlight, unions endorse Vasquez for DA, several reports released, police hiring officers as retirement wave nears
At a glance:
See Rose City Reform's candidate tracker for in-depth election coverage.
Homicide and traffic violence are neck and neck as leading causes of death in Portland this year, with gun violence exceeding last year's pace so far. Portland's public safety leaders remain optimistic. KPTV, KGW, Oregonian
Commissioner Gonzalez called for AMR to switch to a 1 paramedic + 1 EMT staffing model to address the response time crisis, joining some Multnomah County Commissioners. The County's medical director remains steadfast in opposition.
Six public safety unions, including the PPA, endorsed Multnomah County DA Mike Schmidt's opponent Nathan Vasquez. Willamette Week
Reports released this week:
Upcoming events
February 20, 2024 (Tuesday) 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Police Equity Advisory Council (PEAC) Meeting (website)
February 21, 2024 (Wednesday) 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP) Community Engagement Subcommittee Meeting (website)
Opportunities and calls for volunteer service
PPB seeks feedback on directives under review (first phase):
Policing and crime
Crime and the impact of crime:
2024-02-16: KATU - Locals want an end to street racing after deadly crash in North Portland killed 2 teens
2024-02-15: Oregonian - 12 arrested in police raid on encampment at undeveloped lots in Northeast Portland
2024-02-13: KPTV - Game store in SW Portland broken into four times in recent months
2024-02-12: KPTV - Woman shot while on phone with officers, Portland police say
Police and policing:
2024-02-16: KATU - Portland leader optimistic city will return to pre-pandemic gun violence level
2024-02-15: OPB - Red Door Project’s ‘Evolve’ show designed to evoke self-awareness, curiosity
2024-02-15: OPB - Chicago will drop controversial ShotSpotter gunfire detection system Portland considered
2024-02-15: Oregonian - Portland police get 19 new officers as retirement wave nears
2024-02-14: Willamette Week - Volunteers Keep Eyes on the Portland Police Bureau
Shootings and homicides:
2024-02-18: KGW - Police investigating homicide in Hollywood
2024-02-18: KPTV - Person in critical condition after SE Portland shooting
2024-02-16: KATU - Portland leader optimistic city will return to pre-pandemic gun violence level
2024-02-16: KPTV - Portland woman wanted for killing husband; Grieving mom says family ‘crushed’
2024-02-16: KPTV - One hurt in shooting outside Portland strip club
2024-02-14: KPTV - Man identified in Portland Safeway stabbing
PPB Staffing Report Updates February 15 (change since January 2):
sworn members: 806 (+15) sworn officers: 554 (+18)
Officers in training: 109 (+11)
Officers non-patrol: 126 (+3)
Officers on leave: 28 (+3)
Patrol officers: 293 (+1). East: 101 (+2), Central: 101 (+4), North: 89 (-5)
Police-produced media:
2024-02-16: YouTube - Portland Police Bureau celebrates Black History Month
2024-02-16: YouTube - Portland Police Bureau Welcomes 19 New Officers, Plus Professional Staff
2024-02-15: YouTube - Suspect Firing Shots Captured on Video, Officers Arrest Two Men After Elude
Police news releases:
2024-02-17: PPB - UPDATE: Motorcyclist Killed in Parkrose Heights Neighborhood Crash Identified (Photo)
2024-02-16: PPB - Woman in January Kenton Neighborhood Shooting Arrested, Charged with Attempted Murder (Photo)
2024-02-16: PPB - Man Dies After January Crash in Concordia Neighborhood
2024-02-16: PPB - Man Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Shooting in the Northwest District Neighborhood (Photo)
2024-02-16: PPB - Driver killed in Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Crash Identified
2024-02-16: PPB - Pedestrian Killed in Bridlemile Neighborhood Crash Identified
2024-02-16: PPB - Teens Killed in North Marine Drive Crash Identified
2024-02-15: PPB - Portland Police Bureau Welcomes 19 New Officers, Plus Professional Staff (Photo)
2024-02-14: PPB - Suspect Firing Shots Captured on Video, Officers Arrest Two Men After Elude (Photo)
2024-02-14: PPB - PPB Conducts Another Successful Joint Stolen Vehicle Operation (Photo)
2024-02-13: PPB - Pedestrian Killed In Woodstock Blvd Crash Identified
2024-02-12: PPB - North Precinct Conducts Retail Theft Mission (Photo)
Other stories:
Politics and policy
Criminal justice system:
2024-02-14: Willamette Week - State Weighs Holding Accused Dealers in Jail More Often
2024-02-12: KATU - Number of restraining orders and approval rate down in Oregon, KATU investigation finds
City:
2024-02-14: KPTV - City Council votes to foreclose 6 ‘nuisance’ properties in Portland
2024-02-14: Willamette Week - Commissioner Carmen Rubio Goes After Graffiti
2024-02-12: Willamette Week - City Proposes to Reinstate Terminated Firefighter and Pay Him $220,000 Settlement
2024-02-12: OPB - Portland could backfill budget gaps with funds voters designated for climate response
County:
2024-02-16: KATU - Multnomah County's ambulance provider on the edge, city officials demand solutions
2024-02-12: Willamette Week - Six Public Safety Unions Endorse Nathan Vasquez
2024-02-11: KOIN - Kevin Fitts on Multnomah County commissioner candidacy
State:
2024-02-18: KOIN - A conversation with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek
2024-02-16: Willamette Week - Seeking to Keep Their Seats, GOP Senators Toss Hail Mary
2024-02-15: Bike Portland - Major e-bike bill opposed by The Street Trust
2024-02-13: Willamette Week - Lawmakers Will Consider Relaxing Certificate of Need Law
2024-02-12: KGW - Oregon asks appeals court to reinstate Measure 114
Federal:
2024-02-14: Skanner - Rep. Blumenauer Talks Retirement from Congress and His Plans to Help Put Portland Back Together
2024-02-13: KPTV - Transportation Secretary Buttigieg visits I-5 bridge that links Portland and Vancouver
Transportation:
2024-02-16: Bike Portland - Opinion: Safe streets are a basic service our city fails to provide
2024-02-15: Mercury - At Long Last, Portland's Bike Ridership Is on the Mend. What Now?
2024-02-13: Bike Portland - Cycling up 5% in Portland over last year, city report finds
Education:
2024-02-16: KATU - Portland Public Schools under fire for making race 'main criteria' in discipline policy
2024-02-15: KPTV - Portland Public Schools announces $30M in budget cuts
Economy and business:
2024-02-18: Oregonian - App aims to connects Oregonians to Black businesses, community
2024-02-16: KPTV - Nike announces layoffs for 2% of their workforce
Addiction:
2024-02-18: Oregonian - On Portland streets, recovered drug users offer lifeline to fight fentanyl’s cruel cycle
2024-02-14: Willamette Week - What Should the Criminal Penalty Be for Drug Possession?
Housing: