A five-day high-visibility law enforcement mission in Portland’s Central Precinct has concluded with notable results, including 78 individuals diverted to the Multnomah County Coordinated Care Pathway Center and dozens of arrests.
The operation, conducted by the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), focused on addressing drug-related activity and connecting individuals with addiction services through the county’s deflection program, which aims to steer drug users away from the criminal justice system and into recovery-focused support.
Throughout the week, PPB deployed its Mobile Command vehicle, a highly visible, specially equipped RV that served as both a mobile operations hub and a visual reminder of police presence in neighborhoods experiencing elevated levels of criminal activity. Each day, the mission moved to a different location based on data and community requests for enforcement.
On Monday, May 19, the mission launched near West Burnside Street and Southwest 12th Avenue. Officers conducted foot patrols and stopped pedestrians and vehicles for various violations. The day ended with seven arrests—some for outstanding warrants, others based on probable cause—13 deflections, the seizure of more than 17 grams of fentanyl, and the recovery of $788 in stolen merchandise.
On Tuesday, May 20, the team operated around Couch Park at 551 Northwest 19th Avenue. Officers made three arrests, seized one unlawfully possessed firearm and one replica firearm, and confiscated nearly seven grams of methamphetamine. Twelve individuals were taken to the Pathway Center.
Wednesday, May 21, brought the mission to the Old Town neighborhood. Officers served 19 arrest warrants, made two additional arrests, conducted three campsite cleanups, recovered nearly $400 in stolen property, and facilitated 20 deflections.
The operation continued on Thursday, May 22, in the Central Eastside. Officers arrested six people on charges including felony possession of a restricted weapon, possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine, trespassing, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and failure to register as a sex offender. Another nine individuals with outstanding warrants were taken into custody, and 13 people were transported to deflection services.
The mission concluded on Friday, May 24, in the South Park Blocks and Goose Hollow neighborhoods. In a show of state-level support, Governor Tina Kotek dispatched Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers to assist. Their presence bolstered local police capacity and contributed to what PPB described as the most productive day of the mission.
Together, Portland Police and OSP troopers conducted 36 pedestrian stops, nine traffic stops, and provided backup on multiple calls. The combined efforts resulted in 39 arrests and 20 deflections. One particularly impactful traffic stop near Southwest 11th Avenue and Southwest Columbia Street led to an arrest, a vehicle tow, and the recovery of nearly 22 grams of methamphetamine.
According to officers involved, the mission had a noticeable impact on visible criminal activity and provided opportunities for meaningful engagement with community members.
PPB extended its appreciation to Oregon State Police for their partnership during the operation.
“This mission shows what’s possible when local and state resources work together,” a PPB representative said. “The combination of enforcement and deflection is key to both community safety and individual recovery.”
