PPB's Crime Reduction Plan outlines more missions, potentially shorter response times
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland Police Bureau has unveiled its Crime Reduction Plan for this year, which will involve more missions — and potentially a lower call volume for patrol officers.
The agency noted that it focused on missions throughout 2024 “with the intent to reduce crime and enhance community engagement.” Officials attribute the decline of certain crimes to the increase in missions. For example, law enforcement reported that motor vehicle theft dropped 34% from late November 2023 to late November last year.
PPB went on to cite retail theft missions, with burglary offenses down 13% in just a year and robberies down by 11%. 2025 will entail more missions, including up to two per month for crimes committed in the area of the North Precinct and 20 missions that target human trafficking suspects.
Going forward, officers will implement a model titled PANDA — which stands for Problem Scan, Analyze Problem, Nominate Strategy, Deploy Strategy and Assess Outcomes.
“Specific problems or problem places will be proactively and efficiently addressed through evidence-based practices that have identified SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound),” PPB said. “Evaluation of the effectiveness of strategies will be used to inform future mission development and community collaboration.”
One problem the agency will continue to address is violent crime. Although officials reported that shooting incidents have declined in recent years, they said violent crime remains at “historic highs.”
Data show there were 379 shooting incidents through November in 2019, compared to 945 shooting incidents through November in 2023. This statistic declined to 746 incidents last year.
According to PPB, the recent deployment of a full-time Special Emergency Reaction Team will allow officers to conduct high-risk search warrants and prevent further violence.
The agency stated it is additionally working to decrease patrol officers’ call load by ramping up the Public Safety Support Specialist program. Bureau leaders project this could decrease call times.
“In 2025, we also anticipate implementing an improved online reporting software which will provide a better experience for the community who needs to file a police report and does not wish to have contact with an officer,” officials said.
PPB also highlighted its continued efforts to train and hire officers, as it is currently facing the lowest number of sworn-in members in 35 years.