The Portland Police Bureau is taking proactive steps to address potential civil unrest leading up to the election, reinstating its Rapid Response Team to handle crowd control, a move reminiscent of past election-related riots in 2020 and 2016.
Over 50 officers have been training monthly under Police Chief Bob Day’s leadership to ensure they are prepared for possible chaos. Officer Sarah Kerwin, who volunteered for the team, expressed her dedication to both public safety and officer protection, noting the department’s adaptability: “We train in scenarios and learn to adapt. Do we need bikes? Do we need shields? Do we not need to be there?”
The department has enhanced its approach, including using protective shields to defend officers from projectiles like Molotov cocktails.
These shields can even be linked to form a wall with a roof during violent situations. In addition to tactical training, the team has focused on legal and policy updates since 2020, with Commander Franz Schoening highlighting the importance of these changes: “A lot of our training day is focused on that classroom.”
Acting Assistant Chief Craig Dobson emphasized the team’s goal of restoring “normalcy” should unrest occur during or after the election, with training continuing beyond election day.
The Portland Police Bureau has also sought international insights, sending leaders to London to study European crowd control measures, according to KATU.
