PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Portland police made dozens of arrests, seized guns and drugs, and made dozens of deflection center referrals during increased missions this week, authorities said.
The extra missions, including traffic and patrol, were made possible in part due to “extra resources during Election Week,” the Portland Police Bureau said in a release.
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“In preparation for any public order events surrounding the election this week, the Portland Police Bureau ensured it was fully staffed; days off were cancelled for sworn personnel and they were directed to work 12-hour shifts,” PPB said. “Officers assigned to public order have assisted with answering emergency 911 calls for service. In addition, they have conducted traffic enforcement as well as proactive missions to address crimes such as retail theft and stolen vehicles.”
On Wednesday, 14 people were arrested during these missions. Another 14 people were arrested on Thursday. Across both days, 27 people were transported to The Coordinated Care Pathway Center on Southeast Sandy Boulevard, Multnomah County’s deflection center where people caught with small amounts of hard drugs can sign up for treatment as an alternative to jail.