This evening, focused in Downtown Portland, we anticipate First Amendment gatherings to take place related to important issues. The Portland Police Bureau is here to protect the First Amendment gatherings by helping keep the peace for all involved.
There are multiple anticipated events this afternoon and evening in Downtown Portland. Publicly available information indicates gatherings are taking place at Lownsdale Square Park, Salmon Street Springs in Tom McCall Waterfront Park, and possibly Pioneer Courthouse Square. This information is preliminary and could change. It is unknown if these events will result in traffic disruptions, but spontaneous marches have happened in the past. Drivers and other road users are asked to be patient should disruptions occur.
The City of Portland and Police Bureau are firmly and consistently supportive of people exercising their free speech and assembly rights. However, at times, people intent on committing property damage and other crimes have attached themselves to crowds of otherwise peaceful community members.
The Portland Police Bureau will monitor these events. Individuals who engage in violent activity or property destruction will be investigated and are subject to arrest and prosecution. That does not always happen in the moment. We will continue to conduct follow-up investigations, make arrests, and forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution. Just because arrests are not made at the scene, when tensions are high, does not mean that people are not being charged with crimes later.
To prepare, PPB will be adding resources, but we will not be discussing tactical planning specifics. For more information, please see our Protest / Demonstration / Special Events Resources and Links page: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/730168 . Follow our Twitter feed https://twitter.com/PortlandPolice and https://twitter.com/PPBAlerts for up-to- date public safety information should it be needed. Portland Police Bureau press releases can be found at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/ .
"I respect the right to gather and demonstrate, and I urge everyone who does to do so peacefully," said Police Chief Chuck Lovell. "I urge you to reject any attempt to undermine your message by those who utilize the tactics of criminal destruction."
The City of Portland has a long history of civic involvement and gatherings. The vast majority of them do not require any police presence. The city experiences a mix of planned and spontaneous events. We cannot predict what behavior will occur and when, but we try our best to keep the community informed. Our resources are finite, and officers also need to respond to emergency 911 calls citywide. We do our best to plan for and hire the resources we need, but we need the community’s help too. We ask community members to call and report criminal activity when they see it, whether it is related to gun violence, public disorder, or any criminal activity. Please report any illegal activities to the police, even after the fact. Every bit of evidence and information shared helps law enforcement find and arrest those responsible. Make non-emergency reports by calling police non-emergency at 503-823-3333 or online at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/cor/ .
Anyone with information about individuals planning to commit criminal activity at any of these events is asked to share that information with the Portland Police Bureau. Information can be sent via email to CrimeTips@portlandoregon.gov .
For persons requiring anonymity, information may be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Oregon.
Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 cash for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
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)
###PPB###