PORTLAND, OR — In what officials are calling a “deeply concerning and potentially irreversible shift,” Portland police warned Friday that fully enforcing existing laws could lead to suspects remaining in jail for an entire afternoon, marking a dramatic departure from the city’s long-standing catch-and-release rhythm.
“This is exactly the kind of slippery slope we’ve been trying to avoid,” said one visibly uneasy officer, staring out over a downtown block he confirmed he’d already responded to “at least six times this week.” “First it’s a few extra hours in custody, next thing you know people are missing dinner plans. That’s not the Portland anyone signed up for.”
The warning comes amid growing whispers that some offenders, if arrested under a more “enthusiastic” enforcement model, might not be back on the same street corner within the hour…