Police Prep For Protests In Downtown Portland Saturday

PORTLAND, OR - From Portland Police Bureau: The Portland Police Bureau would like to inform the public there are multiple demonstrations planned for Saturday, June 30, 2018.

The intent of law enforcement is to provide a safe environment for all participants, non-participants, and community members while ensuring the peaceful exercise of the First Amendment.

A Families Belong Together rally, affiliated with Front.MoveOn.org is planned for the North Park Blocks, between Northwest Davis and Northwest Everett Street, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Organizers have been working collaboratively with appropriate City Bureaus to plan for the event. Motorists should use caution in the area, with the expected large-sized crowd in which families with children will be present.

In Downtown Portland, events are expected in Terry Schrunk Plaza and Lownsdale and Chapman Squares. The Police Bureau encourages road users to be aware of the potential for traffic interruptions and to plan for alternate routes in and around Downtown Portland on Saturday.

Patriot Prayer has requested and was issued a permit for a street march in this area.

Unpermitted marchers should remain on sidewalks and obey traffic laws.

There will be a significant law enforcement presence in Downtown Portland, due to past threats and acts of violence between these different groups, both locally and nationally. Due to these threats and the potential for violence, persons attending any of the events should not bring any weapons (firearms, knives, etc.) or items that can be used as weapons (sticks, bats, poles, rocks, fireworks/incendiary devices, etc.) to any of the events. Prohibited items may be seized by police and, if in violation of city, state or federal law.

The City of Portland has specific conduct rules and laws that apply to parks, including a specific prohibition on the possession of weapons in parks.

There also exist specific conduct rules and laws that apply to Federal facilities and properties, such as Terry Schrunk Plaza. Rules and laws related to Federal property may be located at this link.

Incidents that threaten life, safety or property will be investigated through review of public, media, and law enforcement video, and through contact with witnesses and victims.

People who participate in illegal behavior will be subject to arrest on Saturday or at a later time after additional investigation has occurred.

People near others who are preparing to or in the act of committing criminal behavior are encouraged to separate themselves from the group and notify police.

The Bureau has been collaborating with law enforcement and public safety partners to ensure that public safety is the top priority for all participants and community members.

Law enforcement and public safety partners may include, but are not limited to the following agencies:

• Portland Police Bureau
• Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
• Federal Protective Service
• United States Attorney's Office
• Multnomah County District Attorney's Office
• Portland Fire & Rescue

The Portland Police Bureau intends to share pertinent information with the community on the day of the events through its main Twitter account: @PortlandPolice

Life-threatening emergencies should be reported to 9-1-1. Call 9-1-1 if you can; text 9-1-1 if you can't. Texts to 9-1-1 cannot include emoticons, emoji's, pictures, or videos.

Image via Travis Loose, Patch