Public testimony at committee shows sharp divide over police staffing and alleges heavy-handed responses 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.

At the same time, several speakers urged investment in alternatives to policing and stronger independent oversight. Tom Simonson, a resident of District 2, said it is not 'anti-police to be pro-accountability' and called for 'independent transparent oversight' to help rebuild trust.

A separate strand of testimony focused on a recent police response to a mutual-aid group known as Community Free Store PDX in Old Town. Multiple public speakers said officers arrived in large numbers and detained volunteers handing out food and hygiene supplies. Marie Tyval, who identified herself as a District 2 resident, said social-media and video accounts showed at least 11 police cars and that three community members were detained and cited.

'PBB also seems to have plenty of personnel who have a lot of spare time to intimidate a local mutual aid group,' Tyval said.

Several council members and bureau leaders acknowledged the complaints and said they would follow up. Chief Day said he had asked Commander Hughes to investigate the incident and offered to provide public records about the dispatch and response. 'We are more than happy to do all the research necessary,' Day told councilors.

Public commenters gave examples across the city of violent incidents and chronic quality-of-life problems they said require more patrols or specialized units. Business owner Karen Chiray said a recent week included four shoplifting incidents, vandalism and an arson near her downtown business, and called the Central Bike Squad 'an indispensable role' in downtown safety.

Other speakers described calls that escalated into violence where they said police intervention was appropriate. Max Steel recounted calling 911 for a rapidly escalating disturbance in a public park that was quickly deescalated by two arriving officers.

Speakers advocating alternatives urged expanded, fully funded Portland Street Response, 24/7 trauma-informed care and stronger civilian oversight of the police. Charlie Michelle Wesley, who described herself as a descendant of Northwest tribes, said investing in alternatives and harm-reduction services can reduce reliance on policing and lower costly lawsuits.

Committee co-chairs asked the bureau to provide records and to consider whether resources were allocated appropriately for the Old Town incident. No funding decisions or formal actions were taken during the meeting; the testimony will be part of the public record and may inform future council budget deliberations.