Mayor Ted Wheeler held a press conference on Thursday, May 16 2024 to outline the ‘Safer Portland’ initiative, highlight recent community safety data, and share public safety preparations for the summer.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day, Community Safety Division Director Mike Myers, Ceasefire Director Sierra Ellis and Elizabeth Perez also spoke at the press conference.
Safer Portland grants
In April, the Office of Violence Prevention announced $500,000 in grants available to support summer violence prevention, including direct services, preventative programs, workshops, camps, and events. Grant awardees will be notified sometime in June.
Ceasefire
Ceasefire, a focused deterrence program, is entering its second year. The evidence-based program works in collaboration with a variety of community-based organizations and law enforcement agencies to intervene and prevent violence before it occurs.
Data trends
Public safety initiatives have made a positive impact throughout the city. Most recent gun violence data reflects a positive trend.
As of April 30, 2024:
- All homicides are down by 7% from 2023 and 16% from the prior three years;
- Homicides from gun violence are down by 23% compared to 2023, and 29% over the prior three years;
- And total shooting incidents are down 18% from 2023, and 28% from the previous three years.
These are the lowest numbers of verified shooting incidents and non-fatal injury shootings since 2020.
In addition:
- Motor Vehicle Theft is down 44%,
- Robbery is down 29%,
- Stolen Property incidents are down 50%,
- And vandalism is down 56%.