Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Multnomah County HOPE team briefs Troutdale committee on outreach-first approach to camps and gaps in authority
Summary
Sergeant Brian Gerkman told Troutdale's public-safety committee the HOPE team prioritizes outreach to link people experiencing homelessness to services, but legal limits and property-ownership rules mean cities (not the sheriff's office) must schedule and pay for cleanup and storage when camps are removed.
Sergeant Brian Gerkman, the sergeant on Multnomah County's HOPE team, told the City of Troutdale public-safety committee that the unit's core mission is outreach: building relationships with people living outdoors and connecting them to social services while using enforcement only when camps create livability or safety problems. The HOPE team was established in 2017; Gerkman said the unit ideally operates with a sergeant and two deputies but currently runs with fewer staff.
Gerkman described an "outreach-first philosophy" that requires time and trust. "The purpose when the sheriff put it together was to, try and bridge the gap that existed between law enforcement and the homeless community," he said, explaining the team often must escort residents into treatment, housing programs or diversion options when people are ready to accept help.
He emphasized legal and logistical constraints that shape enforcement. Gerkman referenced 9th Circuit rulings (Mark v. Boise, Grants…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
