A Message from Chief of Police Chris Long

I am asking the community for your help. I often hear that people in our community are hesitant to report suspicious people or circumstances in their neighborhood. Sometimes information is posted on social media sites such as Facebook and the community feels the police aren’t doing anything about what is posted on social media. If you see something happening that seems out of place, makes you feel unsafe, or is criminal behavior, I am asking you to call 911 or the non-emergency police dispatch at 503-655-8211.

~Chris Long

Chief of Police

When should you call 911 or non-emergency dispatch?

911 is for events that are an immediate danger or threat to life or safety, or a suspicious event that is in progress.

Non-emergency means there is no active or immediate danger or after a significant time delay.

Why people Don’t Call:

They don’t want to waste the police’s time or resources.

Calling dispatch helps establish patterns, track statistics, focus patrols, and makes better use of our police resources.

Drugs are legal, so what’s the point?

Violations can be issued.

Delivery and Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance is a crime and enforcement actions can be taken.

Violations and arrests create statistics which are needed to affect legislative changes in the law.

What if I see something that is out of the ordinary or makes me feel unsafe?

Call 911 if it is happening now or just happened.

This includes suspicious people, vehicles, or circumstances, or other obvious criminal behavior.

You can still call even if the suspect has left the area.

Why should I call 911 or non-emergency dispatch?

Police do not monitor social media.

Calling dispatch helps the police department establish focused patrols and gather statistical information.

Statistical information helps prioritize patrol response areas and make better use of police resources.

What happens when you call 911 or non-emergency dispatch?

Dispatchers will ask you a series of questions such as:

What is happening?

Why is it suspicious?

When did it happen?

Describe the vehicle, persons, event.

This information determines the priority or response, and how many officers are needed.

Calling dispatch creates a log or history of events and supports statistical data

Will someone call me back?

Officers will call you after the event and give you what information they can – some information may not be given because of a pending criminal investigation or other factors. Sometimes officers must respond to others calls before they are able to call you back.

Can I be anonymous?

You don’t have to leave your information, however, not having your information means an officer can’t call you back. Witness statements can be essential in court.

I took pictures of the person or event – does this help?

Photos or videos can be very helpful to the investigating officer, a picture tells a thousand words! However, never put yourself in danger for a photo or video!