Zoobombers, cops share concerns
After the meeting. L to R: Lawyer Mark Ginsberg, Traffic Division Sgt. Mike Fort, Commander Mark Kruger, and Zoobombers Dave Terry, Leah Bendlin, and Corey Sevigny.(File photo)
Police
Police Bureau seeks grant for OMSI enforcement
On SE Caruthers.(File photo) An article in the Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) today reports that the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) will seek $300,000 in grant funds to continue their enhanced enforcement activities at the MLK Viaduct construction site. The work zone (near OMSI, east of the Esplanade) has been the source of headaches for … Read more
Commander’s perspective on weekend enforcement
This morning I asked Traffic Division Commander Mark Kruger if he had any information he could share about the police presence at the Midnight Mystery Ride (MMR) and the Zoobomb ride over the weekend. Here are his thoughts on the MMR:
Police warn of presence in bus mall construction area
Bus mall construction.(File photo) The Traffic Division of the Portland Police Bureau are warning of increased presence in the downtown bus mall construction zones. Commander Mark Kruger says he was contacted by a PDOT engineer in charge of the project who said they’ve seen,
Police put damper on popular weekend fun rides
Cyclist gather before a Midnight Mystery Ride.(File photo) The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) were busy this weekend issuing citations to cyclists at two Portland biking traditions: the monthly Midnight Mystery Ride and the weekly Zoobomb. Both rides have grown in popularity over the years and riders reported mass ticketing at both events. The coordinated — … Read more
Police Chief, cyclists respond to North Plains enforcement concerns
Over the weekend, the discussion over enforcement against bicycles in North Plains continued both in the comments of my post from Friday and on the OBRA email list. Among the reactions was a comment by North Plains Police Chief Scott Whitehead. Whitehead wrote in to clarify his position on the situation: “It seems that several … Read more
Two types of police response to O’Donnell tragedy
The fatal crash that took the life of Timothy O’Donnell seems to have resulted in two different responses by law enforcement personnel. The Washington County Sheriff’s office shows a willingness to work with the community for tougher laws against motorists, while the North Plains Police opt for increased enforcement directed at bicyclists. A story in … Read more
Cops out in force in OMSI construction zone
Looking north on SE 4th Ave.(File photo) Back in February, I shared the word from the Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division that the OMSI construction area would be an “enhanced enforcement zone” (see map below). Now, given the amount of emails and phone calls I’ve received in recent days, it seems like they’ve significantly ratcheted … Read more
Sirens coming soon to police bicycles
File photo As I reported yesterday, the fixed-gear brake bill is moving along nicely in Salem. What I didn’t mention was that an amendment has been added to the bill that will allow police bicycles to be equipped with a siren. Here’s the deal. Existing Oregon statute (ORS 815.280(b)) states that, “A person shall not … Read more
Police spent $20,000 on Critical Mass in ’06
File photo: 8/26/05 The Portland Police Bureau released their Annual Traffic Activity Summary yesterday. The report details all the traffic violations and expenditures for 2006. Among the stats was a page devoted to “Non-permitted Protest, Demonstration, Critical Mass”. It’s important to note not only how they categorize their presence at Critical Mass, but the amount … Read more
Cops shift Critical Mass patrol duties
Police presence at a Portland Critical Mass ride in August 2005.File photo: 8/26/05 The Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division will no longer be in charge of Portland’s Critical Mass ride. Seeking to remove a layer of management, the Bureau has decided to give the duty of patrolling the monthly ride to Southeast Precinct Lieutenant Bob … Read more
Police report on Ladds Circle enforcement
I just received a report on Wednesday’s enforcement mission at Ladds Circle from Traffic Division Sergeant Mike Fort: Photo: Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division