Recently representatives of the Portland Police and Portland Fire Bureaus have been making the rounds of Southeast neighborhood association meetings to talk with, and listen to, residents about their questions and concerns.
December was Woodstock’s turn. Lt. Michael Roberts of East Precinct answered questions on such topics as immigration, Portland’s police officer shortage, and burglaries.
About immigration, he said, “I just want to make it very clear that PPB is very separate from federal forces.” And concerning Portland’s major shortfall in the number of police officers that a city of our size requires: “We would love to have more officers, but we are going to do what we can [at this time] with what we have.” Asked if it was a matter of funding the Bureau, or the considerable time needed for training of officers, Roberts responded that it is both…