New Chief of Police Larry O’Dea outside City Hall in 2008. He’s standing with former Bicycle Liaison Officer Robert Pickett.(Photo by J. Maus/BikePortland) Portland Police Chief Mike Reese announced his retirement today, and when the new chief steps in to replace him in January, his name might sound familiar to some BikePortland readers. Larry O’Dea, … Read more
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
Today, the Portland City Council unanimously approved the Transportation Community Policing Agreement. At yesterday’s Council meeting, the four City Commissioners (Mayor Adams is away) heard testimony from traffic safety advocates and representatives from the Police Bureau and the Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). There was also a screening of the bicycle traffic enforcement training video released … Read more
Former Captain of the Traffic Division, Larry O’Dea (Officer Robert Pickett in foreground).
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
Download article here (115 kb PDF)Copyright 2008 by John Schubert and reprinted with permission from Adventure Cyclist magazine In the April issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine, technical editor John Schubert writes that “poorly designed” bike lanes were to blame for the recent deaths of Tracey Sparling and Brett Jarolimek. In, Portland’s Agony: Two cyclists died … Read more
Lt. Mark Kruger will no longer work in the Traffic Division.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) Some major personnel changes have been made at the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division. Speaking from her cell phone a few minutes ago, Assistant Chief of Police Lynnae Berg confirmed that Captain Vince Jarmer and Lieutenant Mark Kruger will soon be … Read more
Education about bicycle laws is a major factor in keeping our roads safe for everyone. Increasing awareness and understanding of these laws is just as important as any bike safety infrastructure or policy changes. That’s why some cyclists are concerned that a quote attributed to a Portland Police Bureau employee and published by the Oregonian … Read more
Screenshot of Oregonian’s web headline. I don’t have time to share as much as I’d like right now, but given the massive front page story by the Oregonian today, I have to share some thoughts. First, I am disappointed at the Oregonian’s story, especially at a time when emotions are so raw. Also, it is … Read more
(Photo: Jonathan Maus) The Portland Police Bureau has named Vince Jarmer as the new Commander of the Traffic Division. The change became effective as of August 9th. Jarmer was formerly the Lieutenant of the Traffic Division (under former Commander Bill Sinnott) and was most recently Captain of the Personnel Division. Jarmer takes over the commander … Read more
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)
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:
Comment of the Week: A 45-year bike commuter weighs in