Community Invited to Learn More About Plan to Transition Funding From Police Bike Patrol

On March 16, 2022, City Council heard a first reading and public testimony on a proposed contract between the Portland Police Bureau and Clean & Safe, phasing out the funding of four Portland Police Bureau sworn bike patrol officers serving the downtown area since 1997. 

During public testimony, some community members raised concerns about a lack of opportunity for the public to learn more about the proposed contract. In recognition of these concerns, the city will delay the city council vote on this item until April 13 and host a second online opportunity for members of the community to learn and ask questions about the proposed contract at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 7.  

Bike Patrols in Portland

Since 1997, the downtown enhanced service district, managed by Clean & Safe, has funded four Portland Police sworn bike patrol officers in the downtown area. Historically these officers worked with Clean & Safe’s safety coordinators, alleviating the number of calls for service that would otherwise be handled by regular patrol officers and providing community policing services within the downtown and Old Town neighborhoods. 

Although bike patrols have helped alleviate issues within the downtown enhanced service district, the City Auditor, Clean & Safe and community members have recently raised concerns about the funding of public safety services by a private nonprofit organization. In response, both the City of Portland and Clean & Safe have agreed to develop a plan to transition away from Clean & Safe funding the bike patrol positions, while ensuring the transition does not negatively impact the level of police services available in the downtown area. 

The drafted agreement

A tentative agreement would continue Clean & Safe’s funding of four bike patrol positions until June 30, 2024, which would allow for data collection needed to ensure a smooth transition. After the tentative agreement concludes, Portland Police has a stated goal of maintaining the four bike patrol positions until at least June 30, 2026, dependent upon available staffing and resources. Throughout the agreement, Police retains the right to adjust or retain the bike patrol as needed to prioritize and ensure adequate public safety services across Portland. 

This item is scheduled to be voted on by the city council on April 13, 2022. 

Learn more about the draft agreement and how to register for the April 7 question-and-answer session on the City's website.