The demonstrations that occurred on Saturday, January 20, 2018, have concluded. 
 
The demonstrations started at approximately 12:30 p.m. and lasted into the early evening hours.  The events were largely peaceful, with only a few minor disturbances.  There were no reports of any participants sustaining injuries that required emergency medical treatment or property damage.  The Police Bureau and its law enforcement partners made no arrests or used any force during today's demonstrations.
 
The Portland Police Bureau worked with event organizers prior to and during the events to ensure the safety of the participants and community members.  The goal of the Police Bureau at any Free Speech event is to ensure the safety of participants and community members; help facilitate a safe environment for people to practice their First Amendment Rights to speech and assembly; and prevent property damage and disruption to transportation infrastructure.
 
"The vast majority of today's participants were peaceful," said Chief Danielle Outlaw. "The events displayed the effectiveness of collaboration between event participants and organizers with the Police Bureau. The relationships that were created today fostered Portland community members' rights to safely practice their First Amendment Rights to free speech and assembly."

The Bureau also collaborated with law enforcement, public safety and government partners to ensure that public safety is the top priority for all participants and community members. The law enforcement, public safety, and government partners included: 

* Portland Police Bureau 
* Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
* Oregon State Police 
* Portland Fire & Rescue
* Multnomah County District Attorney's Office 
* Portland Parks Bureau
* Portland Bureau of Transportation 
* TriMet
 
While there were no permitted marches today, the Police Bureau had adequate resources to assist in road closures in areas where demonstrators marched on roadways.  Participants marching on roadways that have not been closed to vehicle traffic, expose themselves and community members to extreme dangers.  

The Police Bureau reminds community members that demonstrations generally do not require any permit from the City of Portland; however, any event held in the street and/or sidewalk, such as runs, walks, marches, parades or bicycle races must have a permit granted by the City of Portland. Additionally, event organizers are encouraged to work with the City of Portland to ensure a safe event for participants and non-participants. 

To learn more about the permitting process or to file a request for a permit, please visit the Portland Bureau of Transportation's Special Events page at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/?c=29979 

Anyone that believes they were the victim of a crime during any of today's demonstrations may contact the Portland Police Bureau non-emergency line at ?503-823-3333? to report the incident.

Commendations or complaints about officer conduct today should be directed to the Office of Independent Police Review (IPR) at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/ipr/26646?

##PPB###

###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

The Portland Police Bureau is anticipating multiple demonstrations to occur in Portland on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Most events appear to be scheduled for Downtown Portland; however, there are some events that will take place in other parts of the Portland area.

There could be an impact to traffic, and TriMet has announced they have developed contingency plans for the transit system; riders should check http://www.trimet.org/alerts in advance of any travel to learn about service disruptions and route changes.

While most people attending these events will participate in peaceful behavior, the Police Bureau recognizes it has a responsibility to attempt to ensure all community members are able to safely practice their Constitutional right to free speech and assembly. The Police Bureau's goal is to help facilitate peaceful events and to prevent criminal behavior from happening. The safety of participants and community members is the Police Bureau's top priority.

Everyone attending the various protest events are encouraged to obey all laws and be respectful of others who are using city streets, freeways and mass transit. Marching into and blocking streets without a permit is illegal and dangerous to protesters as well as road users and has a significantly negative impact to our community.

People should not bring any weapons (firearms, knives, etc.) or items that can be used as weapons (sticks, bats, poles, rocks, fireworks/incendiary devices, etc.) to any of the events. Prohibited items may be seized by police and, if in violation of city, state or federal law, the possessor may be arrested and charged criminally.

The City of Portland has specific conduct rules and laws that apply to parks - https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/?c=28627 including a specific prohibition on the possession of weapons in parks - https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/article/147782.

Incidents that threaten life, safety or property will be investigated through review of public, media, and law enforcement video, and through contact with witnesses and victims. People who participate in illegal behavior will be subject to arrest on the day of the event or at a later time after additional investigation has occurred. People near others who are preparing to or in the act of committing criminal behavior are encouraged to separate themselves from the group and notify police.

The Police Bureau has reached out to event organizers and other community members to provide an effective and appropriate police presence at the event and throughout the city.

Life-threatening emergencies should be reported to 9-1-1. Call 9-1-1 if you can; text 9-1-1 if you can't. Texts to 9-1-1 cannot include emoticons, emoji's, pictures, or videos.

Anyone with information about criminal behavior being planned at any of these events is asked to share it by email to CrimeTips@portlandoregon.gov; or, anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Oregon 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)

The Portland Police Bureau will investigate reports of criminal behavior and work to identify suspects during and after any incidents.

The Bureau will provide updates via Twitter (@portlandpolice) as needed and will post news releases on significant events that occur as a result of the protests.

###PPB###