See a video of Assistant Chief Andrew Shearer discussing this program:
https://youtu.be/vs7SCa63ROA
Also, this update adds a map showing the citywide impact gun violence has had this year so far. The Gun Violence Reduction Team has responded to 61 incidents year-to-date. Last year-to date that figure was at 36. That figure includes any incident where shots have been confirmed, including gun assaults, accidental shootings, self-inflicted shootings, and evidence of gunfire with no damage or injury known.
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Gun violence remains a significant problem in Portland neighborhoods, touching virtually every corner of the city. Now, the Portland Police Bureau is planning a new door hanger initiative designed to help members of the Bureau engage the community to be part of the solution. We are seeking public comment on the proposed door hanger design (see attached draft).
Members of the Gun Violence Reduction Team (GVRT) will soon be distributing the door hangers in neighborhoods where gun violence has happened. While it's common for officers to canvas the neighborhoods after a shooting, they often are not able to make contact with every resident, business, or community member in the area. Soon, officers will leave door hangers with contact information and a request that the community member reach out if they saw or heard anything or have pictures or video of the incident that they could share.
"Many times it's a small piece of information shared with investigators that can lead to the identification of a suspect, an arrest, a seizure of an illegally possessed firearm, and a criminal conviction," said Assistant Chief of Investigations Andrew Shearer. "This is also another element of our community policing effort, informing the community of an incident and further engaging them to join us in working toward a solution."
The door hangers also remind people that they can provide information about crimes anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Cash rewards of up to $2,500 are offered for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in unsolved felony crimes.
Assistant Chief Shearer will be available for media interviews on this topic today, Monday February 3, 2020 at 1:00p.m. Interested media should contact the PIO at ppbpio@portlandoregon.gov to make arrangements.
Community members wishing to provide feedback can call Portland Police Bureau's Tactical Operations Division at 503-823-4106 or email to GunTaskForce@portlandoregon.gov . The comment window is now through Sunday, February 16.
That is also where tips about gun crimes in the City of Portland. Information learned from social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube should be shared with investigators as these tips may lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects.
If you see a gun crime in progress, call 9-1-1.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon is offering a minimum $250 cash reward to anyone who reports a convicted felon or a juvenile in possession of a firearm and tipsters can remain anonymous.
Submit an anonymous tip:
Visit the App Store and download P3 Tips to submit secure and anonymous tips.
Online at https://www.p3tips.com/823
Call 503-823-HELP (4357)
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