Portland Police Bureau Re-Opens Southeast Precinct
Chief Mike Reese: It’s a ‘big step in moving forward with community engagement’
Bruce Poinsette Of The Skanner News
October 15, 2012
Portland Police Chief |
“We own our future with the purchase of this building,” said Portland Police Chief Mike Reese. “It allows us to do something very creative and that’s to create a public safety community center. It’s a small step in recreating Southeast Precinct but a big step in moving forward with community engagement and community partnerships.”
Portland Police Chaplain Clyde Lewis |
Due to budget cuts, the precinct closed in 2009.
Commissioner Amanda Fritz called the reopening an “occasion of pure joy”. She touted the partnership between the police, City Council and the community.
“We welcome the community to share in our shared goal of public safety,” she says.
The Southeast Precinct citizen advisory council has continued to hold monthly meetings at the precinct’s conference room despite its closing three years ago.
Mount Tabor resident David Hillman, who has long been active in the group, said the community is witnessing a change.
“What this really means for all of us in this community is the fact that there is now an opportunity for some information and talent to be shared among many groups,” he says. “The Precinct may be a small group to start with but we’re here to help in any way we can.”