The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) recently secured a substantial grant to combat retail theft in the city. According to a statement obtained by the Portland Police Bureau, they have been awarded nearly a half-million dollars. The grant, which totals $474,244, comes from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission and is allocated through the Organized Retail Theft Grant Program. This financial boost is aimed at furthering the PPB's ongoing efforts against the surge of retail crime.
Commander Rob Simon, the North Precinct Commander, elaborated on the grant's utility, stating, "This gives us the ability to hire officers on overtime to engage in this proactive work on the street." On Thursday, August 1, officers hired on overtime will be tasked with addressing Portland's crime and public concerns about safety. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to incapacitate the cycle of retail theft affecting businesses throughout the city.
The first disbursement of funds is earmarked for release in early September. Following each operation, officers diligently conduct follow-ups, collaborating closely with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (MCDA) to ensure these retail theft cases are pursued to the fullest extent. Commander Simon expressed the broader objective, "This will further our goals of addressing crime and the fear of crime in Portland."
