‘It’s a great day’: Police chief re-instates traffic division after more than two years without one
The dedicated traffic enforcement team will be on the streets in less than two days.
Traffic Division
Portland Police say they will bring back Traffic Division
The move comes two and-a-half years after the division was dissolved.
Despite police directive, Portlanders of color still overrepresented in traffic stops
Being stopped in traffic is the most common way most people come into contact with the police, but we don’t all experience those stops equally. In Portland (and throughout the United States), people of color are overrepresented in traffic stops, with Black people experiencing the most drastic effects of this bias. And this is more … Read more
Police Chief’s reorganization plan leaves no officers on traffic duty
In late 2020, the Portland Police Bureau was in the center of city politics and this reshuffling of officers has had vast impacts.
Police chief, union leader warn budget cuts would end Traffic Division
The head of the Portland Police Bureau and the Portland Police Association union have sent out dire warnings about impacts to law enforcement capabilities if a proposal (PDF) for $18 million in budget cuts are passed by council next week. Chief Chuck Lovell and PPA President Daryl Turner have many concerns about the cuts including … Read more
Traffic Division officers star in new PPB ‘Talking Beat’ podcast
Everyone’s podcasting these days… including your local police officers. The Portland Police Bureau launched a new podcast today. The ‘Talking Beat’ aims to provide, “Thoughtful conversations that… will inform and provide you with a small glimpse of the work performed by Portland police officers as well as issues affecting public safety in our city.” Among … Read more
Portland Police Bureau names (another) new Traffic Division captain
We’re optimistic about Capt. Lourenco’s leadership and hopeful she sticks around.
Todd Wyatt is the new captain at Traffic Division
Captain Todd Wyatt.(Photo © J. Maus) Todd Wyatt is the new captain of the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division. Wyatt, 41, takes over the position from Eric Hendricks who held the position for just 13 months before being reassigned to a job in the Chief’s office. Wyatt comes to Traffic from his previous post as … Read more
Hendricks latest through revolving door at PPB Traffic Division
Former Traffic Division Captain Eric Hendricks has moved into the Chief’s office.(Photo © J. Maus) The Portland Police Bureau has announced another change atop the Traffic Division. Former Captain Eric Hendricks will now serve as the new Assistant Chief of Investigations in the Chief’s office. Hendricks was named Captain in April 2009, making him the … Read more
Traffic Division names new captain
The Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division has chosen a new captain. Officer Eric Hendricks, who has been in the bureau for 23 years and was most recently in charge of its Training Division, will now lead the Traffic Division. Assistant Chief and former Traffic Division Captain Larry O’Dea shared the news with me yesterday and … Read more
BTA, Police Bureau launch latest incarnation of bike light education program
A Portland police officer gives out a free set of bike lights back in August 2006.(Photos © J. Maus) As part of their ongoing Eye to Eye campaign, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) and the Traffic Division of the Portland Police Bureau have partnered up on an effort to increase awareness of using bike lights … Read more