By Pamela Singleton, Sonitrol Pacific Director of Communications
Posted February 11, 2009
The Portland Police Bureau proposes restructuring several precincts in order to reduce the operating budget and maintain a high level of protection and service to the community.
Want to weigh in on the subject? Meetings are scheduled for February 11 and February 18 to give the public an opportunity to learn about the plans and give input.
Southeast Portland
February 11, 2009, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Church, 3131 NE Glisan Portland
North Portland
February 18, 2009, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Community Center, 8427 N Central Portland
From the proposal:
THE PROPOSAL IS TO:
• Reallocate resources to form three precincts: East, North and Central
• Increase number of officers working the street during city budget cuts
• Maintain Neighborhood Contact offices at current North and Southeast Precinct locations
• Maintain Police Offices at current North and Southeast Precincts locations: relocate Training Division to current North Precinct; and relocate the Traffic Division and the Tactical Operations Division to current Southeast Precinct
CITY BUDGET REALITIES
• City needs to cut $7 million from current 08/09 city budget
• Current economic climate indicates 5% citywide budget cut needed in 09/10
• Proposed saving from precinct restructure saves $3,609,469 (2.60%)
• Restructuring of precincts saves the equivalent of approximately 55 officers
ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THE PROPOSAL
• Savings from management and support positions = 21 additional officers working the street.
• Neighborhood Contact Offices at all current precinct locations. Community members able to talk to Police Desk Clerk, to access forms and information during same hours now available (8 AM to 5 PM weekdays).
• All current precinct locations will maintain community meeting space where Police Bureau members will engage with community and neighborhood groups.
• Precincts will continue to have Neighborhood Response Team officers and precinct property crime detectives to assist patrol officers in community problem solving and reducing drug and drug-related property crimes.
• Response times would not be impacted because district and patrol assignments would remain unchanged.
• The three precincts’ physical locations will be more centrally located to the patrol areas they serve.
• Precinct management will be responsive to the needs of southeast and north neighborhoods and continue to meet with and seek advice from Community Advisory Groups.