May 15, 2021 - Media Event

Chief Chuck Lovell. (PPB) and. SAC Kieran Ramsey (FBI). GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORT BRINGS TOGETHER COALITION A coalition of law enforcement and non-law enforcement partners are collaborating in an effort to quell the gun violence public health crisis in Portland. The Portland Police Bureau is collaborating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Portland office, the Portland Office of Violence Prevention (OVP), and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office for a special effort this weekend. The Enhanced Community Safety Team (ECST) will have investigators on duty and in uniform and working with FBI Agents throughout the weekend. They’ll act as a high visibility presence in the community, aimed at deterring those who are considering committing crimes. They’ll also provide a quick response to any shootings that do happen, gather information, witness statements, and evidence, and immediately follow-up on leads. The FBI will provide investigative support and look for any appropriate nexus to federal crimes. Crime Prevention Outreach workers from OVP will also be in the community where needed to provide support and ease tensions. “The community’s message is clear. This disturbing trend of gun violence in our streets has to stop,” said Chief Chuck Lovell. “We are doing our part to respond quickly to the threat of gun violence, and we appreciate our partners’ collaboration in developing a holistic response. I want to assure our community that we will follow the Constitution, Oregon law, and Bureau policy. But those who are committing gun crimes should know that we will be out working and making arrests when appropriate.”