Portland Police Chief Bob Day writes:

Five years ago, some city and state leadership left the police bureau isolated. Today, that has changed. The bureau is part of a united statewide effort, backed by strong leadership from the mayor, city council, city administrator, governor, our congressional delegation and fellow Portlanders.

Yet there is no ignoring that we are facing an extraordinary time in our city’s history, with the deployment of both federal law enforcement and the Oregon National Guard. One of the reasons given for this action has been that Portland Police are not responding to public disorder. Just because officers are not seen wearing tactical gear lining up before crowds does not mean we are not responding. In fact, research shows that such tactics often escalate crowd behavior.

Instead, we use a layered approach when it comes to managing public order. We begin with our Dialogue Liaison Officers, easily recognized in their white shirts. These highly trained officers engage with organizers before demonstrations even begin, and during events they work to resolve tensions. This outreach has resulted in meaningful conversations, improved trust and events that are safer for everyone. These relationships with community demonstrate how far the bureau has come in finding space for dialogue without compromising public safety.

Our Rapid Response Team is trained to manage public order events where criminal behavior is occurring and deploy strategies to de-escalate situations and protect public safety. We have many varied ways we deploy them; one way is to act quickly to address incidents, make arrests if feasible, and then step back. These actions are directed by a Crowd Management Incident Commander, who may also choose to delay an arrest if immediate action would worsen the situation.

Portland Police are now recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in public order management. We have taught at international conferences and hosted the Western States Public Order Conference. Our focus has shifted from “crowd control” to “crowd support,” with an emphasis on outreach, preparation and communication. We now use evidence-based policing and crowd psychology in managing large public gatherings. These innovations have helped us connect with communities in new ways, already paying dividends in safer, more respectful demonstrations. [Continue reading…]