Portland mayor seeks funding for police patrols after spike in violence

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler (D) is looking for a one-time fund for police patrols in order to combat the spike in violence the city has seen in recent weeks.

Wheeler said on Thursday that he wants a $2 million fund in order to help police be more active on the streets after Portland has already seen its 20th homicide of the year, Oregon Live reported.

Wheeler is going to propose his plan and request the money from City Council members in the coming weeks.

The money would go toward a new uniformed team made up of two sergeants and 12 police officers along with the potential for retired police offers to be rehired on a temporary basis to help the new team.

Along with the team, the department would get a community oversight committee, made up of people not connected to city government or the police, who would track and publish the new police team’s stops and arrests, as well as provide guidance on parameters for the team.

The announcement came before a night of chaos when protesters gathered at a courthouse and began burning items on federal property and breaking windows. Police used tear gas and other measures to disperse the demonstrators.

Violence in Portland has been an ongoing issue for the city that has disproportionately affected young Black and brown people, according to Oregon Live.

The city has already had 208 shootings this year that resulted in 53 injuries, Police Chief Chris Davis said.