PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — As the city prepares for “No Kings” demonstrations, the Portland Police Bureau is gearing up to monitor the events.
Late on Friday night, the bureau announced that it activated an Incident Command Team led by a Crowd Management Incident Commander who oversees PPB’s Sound Truck, Rapid Response Team, Air Support Unit and Dialogue Liaison Officers.
Authorities said the officers, who are identified by their white uniform shirts, serve as “liaisons to demonstrators,” rather than law enforcement. Portland Fire & Rescue assisted as well, according to city police.
PPB noted that it didn’t make any arrests on Friday, as officers “did not observe any person or property crimes that warranted interdiction.” But the agency reported that it has made 50 arrests related to nightly protests at the South Waterfront, near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, thus far.
More than 50,000 demonstrators participated in the Portland area’s previous “No Kings” rallies in June. PPB will monitor any activity related to the upcoming rallies, but the agency has reminded the public that it does not engage with federal immigration enforcement.
“While PPB’s role is public safety and supporting constitutionally protected activity, part of our role is to address criminal acts,” police added. “Officers may be seen in a larger group to make targeted arrests for specific crimes committed. PPB members may also investigate crimes and conduct follow-up investigations into criminal activity later and will forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution when feasible. As a reminder, just because arrests are not made at the scene, when tensions are high, that does not mean that people are not being charged with crimes later.”
Authorities said they will send out “public safety announcements” via social media.
Jashayla Pettigrew
Source link