Rising crime and gun violence in Portland are threatening the safety of our kids at school. In the past few months, there has been four separate shootings at three Portland high schools and, tragically, the sale and use of lethal drugs is an increasing reality in and around our schools.

If there was ever a moment for elected officials at all levels of government to do everything possible to keep our students, teachers, and schools safe – this is it!

But right now, extreme groups like the ACLU are lobbying elected officials to stop any trained police presence in our schools. They are out-of-touch with reality and playing politics with the safety of our kids and communities.

TELL CITY HALL AND THE SCHOOL BOARD TO PUT STUDENT SAFETY FIRST

For many years, Portland Public Schools and the Portland Police Bureau enjoyed a constructive relationship to provide public safety and emergency response in and around Portland schools. Dedicated and trained School Resource Officers were a daily security presence. Unfortunately, a couple years ago, the decision was made by the Portland School Board and City Council to end this program. That decision was a mistake.

Now, in the wake of rising crime and violence and threats to student safety, the school board and city council are debating whether to restore a program to provide a regular police presence in and around Portland schools. We urge them to do so – quickly. Trained police officers, along with more violence prevention managers and student counselors, should all be part of the school safety solution.

TAKE ACTION: RESTORE POLICE PARTNERSHIP WITH PORTLAND SCHOOLS

Ensuring safe school buildings and nearby streets, playgrounds and parks must be an urgent priority for the city council, the school board, and the District Attorney. Elected officials need to hear from you.

Please take action today and make your voice heard.

People for Portland
 
 #ReinstateSROs #PortlandPublicSchools #PPSSafety