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Public testimony at committee shows sharp divide over police staffing and alleges heavy-handed responses in Old Town
Summary
Public commenters at the Community and Public Safety Committee meeting gave sharply divided views: several residents and business owners called for increased police staffing and patrol visibility, while other speakers urged reallocating funds to alternatives and alleged police intimidation at a mutual-aid event in Old Town.
Public testimony at Tuesday's Community and Public Safety Committee meeting reflected sharply divergent views on police staffing and policing tactics, with residents, business owners and community groups alternately urging more officers, expanded community policing and funding for alternatives to arrest.
Dozens of residents signed up for the meeting's comment period. Several downtown and neighborhood business owners described recurring theft, drug activity and threats they said require more visible police presence. Brian Kotlov, a District 4 parent, said the city must 'ensure that when Portlanders call for help, someone actually shows up,' and urged the council to support Police Chief Bob Day's staffing recommendations.
'Public safety isn't just another budget line item. It's foundational,' Kotlov said.
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