Law Enforcement Makes Election Night Safety Plans

PORTLAND, Ore.–PPB will be increasing staffing on Election Day and the days following as a precaution. While we promote and support the exercise of the First Amendment rights to assemble and engage in free speech, engagement in criminal activity will not be tolerated. Unified Command will monitor any events. Individuals who engage in violent activity or property destruction will be investigated and are subject to arrest and prosecution. That does not always happen in the moment. PPB members will continue to conduct follow-up investigations, make arrests, and forward cases to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution. Just because arrests are not made at the scene, when tensions are high, that does not mean that people are not being charged with crimes later.

Examples of criminal behavior that will not be tolerated include but are not limited to:
* Impeding transportation by blocking streets and vehicular traffic. Pedestrians on or blocking freeways or major thoroughfares is extremely dangerous and poses a life safety risk.
* Lighting fires and burning materials
* Vandalizing and damaging property
* Assaultive behavior
* Unlawful weapons possession and/or use

 

**This is a portion of the Press Release provided by Portland Police**