Portland schools staff propose collaboration with police, officers stationed ‘near’ schools

Published 9:57 am Wednesday, May 10, 2023

One of the recommendations before the Portland school board in a new suite of safety and security plans is a collaboration with the Portland Police Bureau to “re-establish” the Youth Services Division. But that would not mean armed officers returning to schools.

Instead, Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero’s safety and security task force, which consists mostly of district administrators along with teachers union representatives, board members, and the board’s student representative, is recommending the district collaborate with the Portland Police Bureau to make sure officers are “available and near schools” in case of emergency situations.

The recommendations also include a plan to pilot walking patrols at five schools to “provide a positive, trusted adult presence” for students before and after school.

Both of these recommendations are set to be implemented this fall, if recommendations are accepted.

District officials say the partnership with PPB will be based on an agreement that outlines “rules, roles, and responsibilities.” PPS chief of staff Jonathan Garcia said students will be involved in the conversations going forward.

Read the full story at OPB.org.