I was like Oh my God, I cant believe it,' Johnson said. Portland on-track to surpass last year's record-breaking murder total Portland aims to fight crime with unarmed park rangers As of November, the police force was 128 officers below its authorized strength. Officials also disbanded a specialized unit focused on curbing gun violence, which long faced criticism for disproportionately targeting people of color. All rights reserved (About Us). So far this year, Portland has had about 1,000 shootings, 314 people have been injured by bullets, and firearms have accounted for three-quarters of homicides. My neighbors are looking to me for answers and support, she said. The police bureau currently has 795 sworn officers and 87 vacancies. Ive heard it said that hurt people hurt people. Theres a place for the church. Amid booming calls to defund the police, city leaders slashed $27 million from the police budget last year $11 million due to the pandemic-caused budget crisis a decision that Turner says has cost lives. Last year, the city had 55 homicides, a number it had not reached since 1994, when there were also . The four other homicides were fatal shootings by police, the most recent on Dec. 6 when an officer killed a suspected carjacker who had driven onto Interstate 5 in North Portland, crashed and then tried to drive off in another stolen car during an alleged crime spree. Idaho student murders may be linked to stabbing a year earlier and 400 miles away, police reveal. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). And while violent crime has been decreasing in Salem, property crime went up from last year. U.S.A. - - (AmmoLand.com . Our nationwide meta-analysis overcomes the issues inherent in any crime database, including non-reporting and reporting errors. Spinks conceded that Gimbel spoke with an elevated tone, but suggested he was merely following company policy that required him to make a citizens arrest and detain Nelson until police arrived. Read more: Who has died in Portlands historic wave of violence.
