 Portland Police Chief |
According to police code, a 10-11 refers to when an officer reports in for service at the beginning of the day. Thus, the Portland Police Bureau found it fitting to open a patrol substation at the old Southeast Precinct on Thursday Oct. 11.
"We own our future with the purchase of this building," said Portland Police Chief Mike Reese. "It allows us to do something very creative and that's to create a public safety community center. It's a small step in recreating Southeast Precinct but a big step in moving forward with community engagement and community partnerships."
Portland Police Chaplain Clyde Lewis |
The substation will house 16 officers and four sergeants who will report on day shifts only, seven days a week.
Due to budget cuts, the precinct closed in 2009.
Commissioner Amanda Fritz called the reopening an "occasion of pure joy". She touted the partnership between the police, City Council and the community.
"We welcome the community to share in our shared goal of public safety," she says.
The Southeast Precinct citizen advisory council has continued to hold monthly meetings at the precinct's conference room despite its closing three years ago.
Mount Tabor resident David Hillman, who has long been active in the group, said the community is witnessing a change.
"What this really means for all of us in this community is the fact that there is now an opportunity for some information and talent to be shared among many groups," he says. "The Precinct may be a small group to start with but we're here to help in any way we can."
