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Published on January 16, 2025
Portland's Unified Command Braces for Inauguration Day, Public Safety Measures and Police Readiness AnnouncedSource: Facebook/Portland Police Bureau

As the City of Portland prepares for the upcoming inauguration, the Unified Command has issued a statement saying that while there are no identified threats, measures are being taken to ensure public safety. The Unified Command, including the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), Portland Emergency Management, and Portland Fire and Rescue, is geared up to coordinate with local and federal partners.

"While we promote and support the exercise of the First Amendment rights to assemble and engage in free speech, engagement in criminal activity will not be tolerated," the PPB said in a statement. The range of criminal behaviors that will not be tolerated include impeding traffic, lighting fires, vandalism, assaultive behavior, and unlawful weapons possession or use. PPB will be staffed appropriately on Inauguration Day, and while arrests might not happen in the heat of the moment, follow-up investigations are guaranteed to pursue justice.

To facilitate peaceful expressions of free speech, the PPB Event Liaison teams are reaching out to event organizers to help plan for safety. For those interested in liaising with the bureau, contact can be made through the email address [email protected]. Moreover, during mass gatherings, the bureau uses a loudspeaker-equipped truck to broadcast important public address announcements. "If police have to intervene in criminal activity in a crowd, please listen to and obey directions provided by police officers or sound truck announcements," the City of Portland stated. Non-compliance can lead to arrest.

Moreover, the public needs to be aware that Portland has specific laws regarding the carrying of loaded firearms and concealed weapons, which are strictly enforced. The city does not recognize concealed handgun licenses from other states. "It is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in public unless you have a valid Oregon concealed handgun license or as specified in the code," the PPB emphasized. A list of relevant laws and safety resources is available on the PPB's public order page.