“They’re free to come back with a counterproposal,” she adds. At the time, commissioners Jo Ann Hardesty and Chloe Eudaly acknowledged that the reduction didn't go far enough, especially since racial justice groups were demanding at least $50 million in PPB cuts. Share on Facebook. Transition Projects seeks employees who are passionate about social justice, equity, and assisting those experiencing homelessness. The proposal suggests rerouting the police dollars into city programs that address the economic impacts of COVID-19 on the community and offer alternatives to police. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A person was killed after crashing their car into a building and then a tree in Portland's Cully neighborhood Friday night, according to police. "It would require the bureau to cut vacant positions. But, at least 30 percent of comments centered on the need to maintain the current levels of policing to address a rising crime rate. She also explained that many contracted services would be difficult to trim, leaving personnel costs, which account for 76% of the budget, as the place to find savings. The hearing ended with little clarity on where Ryan stood on the police budget.
Others spoke in favor of smaller amendments made by other commissioners, including Wheeler’s ask for $70,000 to analyze how to replace the now-shuttered “sobering station” (which allowed intoxicated people a safe place to decompress without facing arrest), and Eudaly’s ask for $1.7 million towards the Oregon Worker Relief Fund. Takedown Policy, Contact | We could get this wrong,” said Eudaly. Whether you support this amendment or not, please understand this will not result in less police officers.". She removed them to leave more flexibility for the mayor and bureau. Fershweiler plans to testify at the city budget meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Postal Service Worker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Over 400 Smartphones From Portland Mail Sorting Facility, Amid COVID Onrush, Oregon Gov. Ryan said. Another issue up for discussion is a new city position that would be funded by money taken from other emergency services. Another small fraction would fund crisis intervention training for Portland firefighters. The need for strong, independent local journalism is more urgent than ever. “They are trying to take $300,000 in money and create one position right now during this current budget.”. And I understand their fear of getting this wrong. Hardesty remains eager to cut. "Economic anxiety is a big predictor of violence," Hardesty said Wednesday. Sign up for the latest news and to win free tickets to events, Comprehensive calendar of Portland events, All contents © Index Newspapers LLC Wheeler, who serves as Portland's police commissioner, expressed concern that additional PPB cuts would impact 911 call response times, force layoffs, and generally hurt public safety. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the budget meeting on Wednesday. “I will still be pushing for $18 million or a counterproposal that makes sense,” she says.
PORTLAND NEEDS WILLAMETTE WEEK. The bureau is already facing a deficit for the year of about $4 million, Kinard found, because overtime and retirement costs are far higher than budgeted. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A car crash in Gresham killed at least one person and sent four others to the hospital Friday night, according to local police. An earlier draft of Hardesty's amendment included specifics on where exactly the proposed $18 million could be culled from PPB. © 1998 - 2020 Nexstar Inc. | All Rights Reserved. As government leaders, our role is to provide stability in those moments of crisis.". ... have resulted in a 200% increase …
“We see it right now as we need more staff on the line we need more people to respond to emergencies,” Fershweiler said. The Portland Police Bureau reportedly spent almost $7 million on overtime pay and expenses due to nightly protests and rioting. The draft suggested reducing 42 full-time positions that are currently vacant due to recent officer retirements, and defunding two PPB divisions that respond to protests: the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) and Rapid Response Team (RRT).