Portland Police Preparedness For Mass Shootings

The Training Division has been training our members since 2001 in active shooter/active threat response, techniques, and tactics. Over the years, these tactics have been updated and we continue to provide regular updates and training. This training is designed to prepare for an event that is already happening, but we do invest in prevention work as well.Over the past three years, Officers with our Training Division in collaboration with our Community Engagement Officer have designed and presented education to community and faith-based groups over 200 times to prepare them for events similar to these. Additionally, PPB recently presented to a group of approximately 750 members of the faith-based community in the Portland Metropolitan area about preparation and prevention for events similar to the ones mentioned.

To keep informed about upcoming events, follow us on Twitter or for current news at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/

PPB also participates in a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team whose main purpose is to identify, intervene, and prevent acts of violence. This team has been in operation since 2015. In addition, the Youth Services Division (YSD) works with community partners to provide services to area youth. YSD officers continually form partnerships and build relationships with youth, their families, and the school communities to keep students and schools safe.

If anyone has specific information to share about potential violence or concerns about an individual’s intent to engage in violence, you are encouraged to file a police report immediately.

Central Precinct also staffs an Entertainment Detail, which is comprised of a team of 18 Officers and 3 Sergeants, on the weekends in the downtown entertainment zone. The downtown entertainment zone is closed off to vehicular traffic and the team members monitor this area carefully. The team members are also familiar with the local bar and club staff and work with them to increase safety on the weekends when there are larger crowds.

While the Portland Police Bureau has a number of strategies to prevent violence, we rely upon the public for help. It is critical for community members to help us to identify risk and report information that we may not be aware of. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency matters, contact (503) 823-3333.

The Portland Police Bureau’s Criminal Intelligence Unit has a number of links to resources and information on their webpage: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/76178

The FBI has made available a quick reference guide of pre-attack behaviors of active shooters in the United States between 2000 and 2013: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/pre-attack-behaviors-of-active-shooters-2000-2013-quick-reference-guide.pdf/view

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)

“The devastating loss of life across our country this past week is another stark reminder for our community to do what we can to prevent violence by working with law enforcement partners,” said Chief Danielle Outlaw. “We have been preparing for and taking proactive measures for years and must continue to do so to strengthen our abilities to identify and prevent these horrific events from happening. We are deeply saddened by the deaths of so many individuals whose losses are felt across the nation. We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe and we are committed to continuing this work with our community.”