In 2025, the Stolen Vehicle Operation (SVO) at the East Precinct in Portland focused on reducing car theft. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) conducted 10 SVO missions during the year. The PPB worked with nine partner agencies, including the Gresham Police Department, Port of Portland Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These efforts led to 75 arrests, the recovery of 69 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of 11 illegally possessed firearms.
The SVO emphasized interagency cooperation. Officers from different departments and jurisdictions worked together to address vehicle theft. During these operations, 37 drivers attempted to evade police. This resulted in 12 vehicle pursuits, all conducted under the PPB’s pursuit policy. The program has seen increased interest from officers in participating.
In 2025, the SVO received the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Leadership in the Prevention of Vehicle Crimes Award. This award recognized the SVO’s results in reducing vehicle crime and its partnership with cancer researchers at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The SVO used research methods to improve the identification of stolen vehicles…