PORTLAND, Ore. — From now through the end of the year, Portland police is conducting walking patrols in the downtown area instead of patrolling in a car.
The goal is to try to make people feel safer as they walk downtown. They believe their presence will encourage people to visit the area.
Eight officers will be broken up into teams of two. They'll walk the streets of Portland from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week through the new year. They'll also be stopping and talking with businesses and listening to their concerns.
Monday was the first day of the walking patrols. Officers said this is a response to a rise in crime in the last couple of years.
“I think this is one step that PPB can do," said Lt. Derrick Foxworth with the Portland Police Bureau. "Just 'hey we’re out here, we’re in the shopping core, feel safe to come down.' And the Christmas season is coming up to be able to engage and shop and partake in things that are down here."
KGW spoke to some people downtown to get their reaction to more police presence in the area. Some people felt safer, while others were more apprehensive.
“It was a little jarring if I’m being honest," said Jack Vanauker, who lives in Beaverton and was visiting Portland Monday. "I’m not used to seeing a bunch of police officers everywhere…that’s not exactly what sells the spirit of the holidays to me is seeing people in uniform with weapons."
Kaitlyn O’Brien, who also lives in Beaverton and was visiting Portland, added "I think some people feel safer around the police, I don’t think everybody does."
Portland police did similar walking patrols this past spring in response to reported drug deals and a rise in overdoses in some sections. They targeted the area around Southwest 4th Avenue and Washington Street.
Police said during this round of walking patrols, they're still looking out from crime and if they see it they’ll address it accordingly.