PPB Addresses Call Response Amidst COVID-19 Concerns

In ongoing efforts to perform essential functions to protect and serve the public, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) is taking several proactive measures to keep its members and the community safe.

In a statement, the PPB says their number one goal and priority is to respond as quickly as possible to life-threatening emergencies. They are currently taking all calls for service, yet are encouraging other forms of reporting to follow social distancing guidelines. PPB members will continue to respond in-person to calls where there is a life safety issue or if it is a call that cannot be taken online or by phone due to the nature of the call. Criminal investigations will continue.

Given the current situation with the COVID-19 virus and the recommendations from the CDC, they are taking the following steps:

• PPB has recently expanded online reporting guidelines so more community members can file a police report online rather than in-person. This process is easy and crime victims get their reports quicker. It also frees officers up to focus on emergency calls for service.
• When possible, and there is not a life-safety issue, PPB officers will be taking reports over the telephone. This will reduce the possible transmission of the virus to its members or to the public from Bureau members, as carriers may not even know they have the virus and are inadvertently transmitting it.
• Temporarily suspending our presence at community engagement events.
• Planning for various possibilities, such as if staffing is significantly impacted by sick members.
• Increasing the cleaning schedule of PPB workspaces to protect members and the public.

The public is asked to:

• Encourage all victims who can file a crime report online to do so. For more information about what can be reported online and how to do so, visit this link: this page. The public can also use the non-emergency line at (503) 823-3333.
• Expect Officers or Public Safety Support Specialists (PS3s) to make contact by phone.
• Stay informed by knowing where to find information. (See important links below).

"Portland Police Bureau members are working collaboratively with our partners to prepare for and mitigate the spread of COVID-19," said Chief Jami Resch. "We value our face-to-face interactions with the public, but recognize the need to do our part to protect the public and our members. We will continue to keep the public informed with relevant information and we appreciate the public's understanding of our need to limit face-to-face contacts for the benefit of all."

The Multnomah County has posted a webpage addressing COVID-19 concerns, best practices, and other pertinent information here.

The Oregon Heath Authority has also posted valuable information at this link.

211info is taking calls from the public with questions re: COVID-19. Individuals can call 211 for information. This is not a medical resource, but a good place to get information.