Portland Police Seize Guns, Arrest 42 During 'Operation Safe Holidays'

Portland Police seized guns and arrested dozens of people during a 10-day end of the year crackdown on gang-related violence. Nine guns were seized and 42 people were arrested.

The police bureau's Tactical Operations Division conducted "Operation Safe Holidays" after a surge in gun violence in November.

The bureau says that the operation targeted "those had shown a propensity for violent crime" and was intended "to prevent further acts of gun violence, which has an adverse impact on families, children, and livability in Portland neighborhoods."

Many of the people arrested were specifically identified as people involved in recent gun, gang and/or violent crime incidents, according to the bureau.

The bureau worked with several agencies during the operation including, the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, and the United States Attorney's office as along as the F.B..I. and the East Metro Gang Enforcement Team.

The bureau also works with community groups such as Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center to do gang outreach.

"The relationship between the POIC gang outreach team and GET officers are a reflection of the community and the work we both do around the City to help and serve at-risk youth and adults to stay on a positive path," said Alonzo Lincoln, Street Level Gang Outreach with POIC.

"As we continue to work as one, we will continue to keep the streets of Portland safe."

Photo Colin Miner