Second Transit Public Safety Mission Conducted

Photo: Ford, Brad

After receiving positive feedback from community members and TriMet riders and employees, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Transit Police Division (TPD) performed another public safety mission, the second of its kind in September.

In partnership with TriMet, the Milwaukie Police Department and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the Transit Police Division focused on the MAX Orange Line in Milwaukie, particularly between the SE Tacoma/Johnson Creek MAX Station and the SE Park Ave MAX Station, the terminus of the Orange Line.

The purpose of these public safety missions is to create a safe and secure environment for riders and TriMet employees, address behavioral issues on the transit system and the immediate, surrounding neighborhoods and prevent crime through deterrence and education.

During the mission, on September 28th, approximately 20 officers and deputies performed high-visibility foot patrols, rode MAX trains and made numerous positive contacts, such as helping riders access trains and fielding questions about the transit system.

Also on hand were members of TriMet’s Safety Response Team (SRT), which provides outreach by offering those on and near the transit system with community-based resources, such as housing referrals, access to substance abuse treatment, first aid and other services. Following the arrest of an individual for a warrant, deputies worked with SRT members to develop a resource plan for the individual once they were released from custody.

In total, during the four-hour event, 40 warnings were issued and three arrests were made, all for existing warrants.

Earlier in September, Transit Police held a mission in partnership with the Portland Police Bureau near the E 122nd Ave MAX Station. You can view that mission’s press release by clicking here.

The missions are part of a larger public safety strategy developed by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, called the Enhanced Public Safety Initiative. Launched in April 2022, EPSI is a proactive, multi-layered strategy, developed to address the unprecedented levels of gun violence and traffic fatalities in our community, and to create community-engaged policing opportunities. The Sheriff's Office has collaborated with many partner agencies and community organizations, all united in the vision of creating a safe and thriving community for everyone.

Source: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office


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