Portland Police, Rotary to Install Peace Poles Friday

PORTLAND, OR – The Portland Police Bureau is extending an olive branch of peace to the community by joining the Community Peace Collaborative and the Rotary Club of Portland to install a Peace Pole at the Bureau's North Precinct this week.

On Friday, April 21, the three organizations will meet at 11:30 a.m. at 449 N.E. Emerson St. to ceremoniously plant the pole, which is just one of many such poles to be planted as part of Rotary International District 5100's Peace Pole initiative to plant 100 poles throughout the metro area.

Formerly known as the Gang Violence Task Force, the Community Peace Collaborative is a network of local organizations, businesses, and governments all working to promote strategies and programs that reduce violence and crime in Multnomah County.

According to its website, the Peacebuilders Committee of the Rotary Club of Portland hopes to encourage and empower all residents to be mutually respectful, understanding, and cooperative, and to advocate globally and locally for peace and non-violent conflict resolutions.

Funded by the Jubitz Family Foundation, "Peace poles are a visual reminder that we all strive for peace in our communities," said North Precinct Commander Robert King in a statement. "We are honored to be a part of this event."

Each pole displays the words "May Peace Prevail on Earth." According to bureau officials, the message is intended to inspire unity across cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

"This is the first peace pole on a police facility," said Portland police Chief Mike Marshman. "We want to thank the Community Peace Collaborative and Rotary International who work regularly with the Bureau on community policing efforts."

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