Unofficial mirror of City of Portland content. Always verify with the official source. View original ↗

Appendix III: Bureau of Neighborhood Safety

Source: PDF pp. 1111-1118 · raw: 1111 · 1112 · 1113 · 1114 · 1115 · 1116 · 1117 · 1118

Breadcrumb: 5 ps › OVP-Ceasefire-Budget-Note---Final › Appendices › Appendix III: Bureau of Neighborhood Safety

Appendix III: Bureau of Neighborhood Safety The following is a detailed proposal of what the Bureau of Neighborhood Safety concept could consist of, including information about mission, structure, and programs. Mission To enhance community safety and well-being by reducing violence, improving emergency responses, and fostering community resilience through risk assessment, planning, preparedness, collaborative, preventative, and responsive measures. Structure

  1. Leadership Team: o Director of Neighborhood Safety: Oversees all functions of the bureau and ensures coordination among the different offices and programs. o Deputy Directors or Program Managers: Each responsible for one of the major divisions (Office of Violence Prevention, Ceasefire, and Portland Street Response).
  2. Office of Violence Prevention: o Mission: To prevent and reduce violence through community engagement, education, and proactive measures. o Current Programs and Initiatives: • Community Outreach and Education: Initiatives aimed at educating the community about violence prevention strategies, conflict resolution, and community-building. • Violence Prevention: Developing strategies and programs specifically focused on preventing violence before it occurs, including early intervention initiatives and public awareness campaigns. • Community Mobilization: Engaging community members and leaders in efforts to reduce violence and promote safety. • Data and Research: Collecting and analyzing data to inform policies and measure the effectiveness of violence prevention strategies. • Grant Management: Administering grants to community organizations working on violence prevention. • Trauma and Violence Impacted Families (TVIF) Program Contract: The Trauma and Violence Impacted Families Program is structured as a collaborative City and County services multi-disciplinary team, created to provide support for youth/adults and families to break intergenerational ties that perpetuate violence with the community. It serves as the single point of contact to provide quick response to TVIF clients by setting appropriate service schedules and conducting service assessments. In addition, the program assists in connecting youth/adults and families with pro-social assistance programming and resources. o Potential Programming and Initiatives (Value add Initiatives): • Youth Engagement and Programs: Developing after-school programs, mentoring, and recreational activities aimed at providing positive alternatives for at-risk youth. Working 18

in the schools to prevent violence, be a liaison between schools and city and work with law enforcement when necessary.  Eventually support High, Middle and Elementary School programming  Potential to grant funding to Contractors for youth programming during summer months to provide offerings in addition to school-based programming • Centralized Data, Research and Resource Hub: Hub for internal and external data storage and resources via user friendly website navigation and periodic publications and open information sharing during the CPCs. • Standardized Referral System: To the appropriate partner based on individual, family, community and neighborhood need. • Grant Management (Expansion): To also include support for second chance, re-entry and other violence impacted related programs. Safe Blocks: Bringing place-based community violence intervention programming to needy neighborhoods in Portland with the goals of reducing impacts to public health, social well-being, and the local economy caused by gun violence. Safe Blocks’ work also includes community- building activities & events, CPTED security assessments, and resources to promote safer neighborhoods. o Mission: To create safer, more vibrant communities by addressing environmental factors that contribute to crime and violence. o Programs and Initiatives: • Place-based Violence Intervention though Placemaking: We support community-led “placemaking” projects such as clean-ups, community gardens, murals and space activation. Projects selected will use evidence-based, non-policing strategies to reduce violence, invest in the physical environment, and encourage pro-social activity. The Safe Blocks Team will plan and implement projects following engagement with the community. Projects will benefit residents living in Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst- Gilbert neighborhoods as well as all Portlanders. Safe Blocks will conduct an annual survey to assess the community safety needs in the neighborhoods listed above. • Community Building Activities: We work with communities to (re)create safe community gathering spaces for wellness & recreation, activities that community members feel are important for safety and community building. • Community Events: Hosting events to foster community engagement and pride, such as block parties, safety workshops, and town hall meetings. • Security Assessments: We are certified Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) practitioners who provide assessments of properties to reduce vulnerability to harm and increase positive activity in public and private spaces. Environmental design can reduce vulnerability to unwanted activity in a space. Trimming tree branches up to six feet in height, for example, can create good visibility across a natural space, like a park. • Resources and Referrals: We help community members problem-solve safety issues and find resources and services. Rose City Self Defense: Offering free self-defense training and education programs to empower communities, particularly girls, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and vulnerable populations. o Mission: To empower girls, women, and the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on engaging communities of color, people with disabilities, individuals with unstable housing, and sex workers. All programming is free! 19

o Programs and Initiatives: • Self-Defense Training: Offering classes and workshops to teach practical self-defense techniques. • Awareness and Prevention: Educating participants on how to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. • Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations to expand the reach and impact of self-defense training programs. 3. Ceasefire Program: o Mission: To provide immediate, long term intervention strategies for individuals at the highest risk of gun violence, offering intensive support through case management, conflict mediation, and accountability measures to prevent further harm and promote safety. o Programs and Initiatives: • Intensive Case Management (ICM): A focused intervention strategy aimed at achieving impactful reductions in gun violence by working directly with the Highest Risk Individuals (HRIs) aged 18–35. These individuals are at significant risk of either perpetrating or becoming victims of violence. The ICM Incentive Program specifically addresses Very High-Risk (VHR) individuals who are often service-resistant due to years of intermittent engagement with traditional service providers. Through intensive, personalized support and the strategic use of financial incentives, the program seeks to overcome service fatigue and build trust while reducing violence. • Conflict Mediation: Rapid response teams intervene in active disputes to de-escalate tensions, prevent retaliation, and curb further violence. • Victim Support Services: Comprehensive support for victims of violence includes counseling, legal aid, medical care, trauma-informed services, and relocation assistance to ensure stability and healing. • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Is a cornerstone of the ICM program, it is designed to equip participants with essential life skills to navigate everyday challenges effectively. By fostering resilience and promoting positive decision-making, the program empowers individuals to adopt healthier alternatives that enhance their quality of life and improve life expectancy. • Peer to Peer: The Peer-to-Peer program aims to establish supportive mentor relationships to help high-risk individuals navigate challenges related to homelessness, addiction, and violence. By recruiting peer mentors who have successfully overcome similar struggles—such as former homeless individuals, those in long-term recovery, or survivors of violence—the initiative builds connections founded on mutual understanding and trust. Comprehensive training for mentors, including trauma-informed care, active listening, conflict resolution, Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM), Peer Support Specialist certification, and resource navigation, ensures they are well-prepared to provide guidance. Through one-on-one mentorship, mentors and mentees are paired based on shared experiences and goals to foster trust and personalized support. Additionally, regular group sessions create a community space for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and offering mutual encouragement. • Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs): Are multidisciplinary initiatives that bring together medical professionals and trusted community partners to 20

deliver safety planning, services, and trauma-informed care to individuals who have experienced violent injuries—many of whom are boys and men of color. Engaging patients during their hospital stay provides a critical opportunity to support their recovery, reduce retaliation, and prevent recidivism. This support extends beyond discharge, offering a pathway to outpatient care and additional services that promote long-term healing and stability. • Street-Level Outreach (SLO): Is a strategic intervention to reduce violence and foster community trust through direct engagement with at-risk/high-risk individuals and groups. It involves outreach in key locations, cultural engagement at community events, and targeted support for those impacted by violence. SLO prioritizes conflict resolution, access to essential resources, and sustained follow-up to strengthen relationships. Partnerships with local organizations, schools, and faith-based groups enhance its reach, while visible, culturally competent teams build trust and promote long-term community resilience. • Focused Enforcement: For those individuals who continue to engage in violence, there is follow-up supervision and focused enforcement by police, probation, parole, and prosecutors. Ceasefire works with law enforcement to develop individual and group- specific plans as well as to develop performance metrics to successfully implement a focused enforcement effort that prioritizes gun violence and de-prioritizes minor offenses, producing the net effect of a reduced law enforcement footprint and increased public safety. • Data, Research and Ongoing Problem Analyses: Comprehensive data is collected, structured, and managed across Ceasefire program elements from Shooting Reviews to program outputs and outcomes. Ceasefire actively collects and tracks the following data (the below list of measures is a sample of what is collected and not an inclusive list): o Assessment & Referral:  Individuals assessed in Shooting Reviews  Referrals to services  Service Acceptance  Relentless Pursuit  Custom Notifications and Call-Ins  Relocations o Services (at the program-level)  Length of time in program  Wraparound services received (number and type)  Behavioral health services received (number and type)  Financial assistance received  Program completion  Recidivism  Revictimization  Milestone completion (e.g., education, employment, etc.)  Monthly life status (alive, safe, and free) Data is used to:

  1. measure performance 21

  2. evaluate program effectiveness through analyzing quantitative outputs and outcomes and qualitative process data and client success stories

  3. surface program improvement insights to rectify operational challenges and bottlenecks. Additionally, the Ceasefire team is using official PPB gun violence data and unofficial data collected from Shooting Reviews to conduct quarterly problem analyses to better identify emerging trends in near real time. For example, Shooting Review data on homicide victims (firearm and non-firearm) in 2024 suggest that unhoused individuals are being impacted by community violence at an alarming rate, with unofficial data indicating that this vulnerable community represents over 40% of all homicide victims, revealing the need for CVI intervention services that are specifically tailored to the unhoused community. Ceasefire is working with partners to refine programming that.

  1. Portland Street Response: o Mission: Portland Street Response is a compassionate, trauma-informed first response agency. We address mental and behavioral health crises, as well as non-emergency situations involving vulnerable populations. o Programs and Initiatives: • Crisis Intervention Teams: Teams of trained responders including licensed clinicians, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), mental health professionals and Peer Support Specialists (PSSs). • Outreach and Follow-Up: Providing ongoing support and resources to individuals encountered by the response teams for up to 90 days. (Community Health Workers and Peers) • Public Education and Awareness: Informing the public about the availability and role of Portland Street Response. • Data Collection and Reporting: Monitoring and evaluating the impact of responses and outcomes to continually improve services. o Partnership with Project Respond: • Policy and Protocol alignment: Establish clear policies and protocols that set clear understanding and expectations for both programs. • Resource Sharing: Leverage resources from both initiatives to maximize impact and avoid duplication of efforts. • Regular Meetings: Establish regular meetings with representatives from Portland Street Response and Project Respond to ensure ongoing collaboration and alignment of goals. Strategies for Creating Neighborhood Hubs (Safe Blocks) – Similar to what Baltimore has successfully done New Report Finds that Baltimore’s Community Violence Intervention Program Safe Streets Reduced Gun Violence | Johns Hopkins | Bloomberg School of Public Health (jhu.edu)
  2. Identifying Key Locations: • Assessment and Mapping: Conduct assessments to identify central and accessible locations within grant-funded neighborhoods. This includes vacant lots, underutilized parks, community centers, or spaces near schools and libraries. 22

• Data Collection and Analysis: Use data to pinpoint priority or hotspot areas that need the most attention. This can include crime statistics, resident surveys, and input from local organizations. • Community Input: Engage residents to gather input on preferred locations and what amenities or services they would like to see in a neighborhood hub. 2. Infrastructure Development through Placemaking & CPTED: • Physical Improvements: Upgrade identified locations with necessary infrastructure such as recreation equipment, tables & benches, enhanced lighting, street and/or building murals. • Green Spaces: Incorporate green spaces, community gardens, and play areas to create an inviting environment. • Safety Enhancements: Implement safety measures such as improved lighting, pedestrian safety devices, traffic control devices, and regular maintenance to ensure the area remains safe and welcoming. 3. Resource and Service Provision: • Community Services: Establish areas within the hubs for services such as healthcare clinics, social services, legal aid (diversion programs), and job assistance programs. • Educational Programs: Partner with local schools, libraries, and educational organizations to offer workshops, classes, and tutoring services. • Recreational Activities: Provide spaces for sports, exercise classes, arts and crafts, and cultural events to promote physical and mental well-being. 4. Community Engagement and Activities: • Regular Events: Organize regular events (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly) such as farmers markets, cultural festivals, health fairs, and neighborhood meetings to foster community engagement. Best practice includes frequent, small activations, rather than relying on larger, less frequent events. • Volunteer Programs: Encourage residents to volunteer and take part in maintaining and running activities at the hub, fostering a sense of ownership and community spirit. • Local Business Involvement: Partner with local businesses to provide services, sponsorships, and activities, boosting the local economy and creating a vibrant community atmosphere. 5. Communication and Outreach: • Information Dissemination: Use social media (Safe Blocks lacks dedicated social media), community bulletin boards, newsletters, and local media to keep residents informed about hub activities, resources, and events. • Feedback Mechanisms: Establish regular channels for residents to provide feedback and suggestions, ensuring the hub continues to meet the community’s needs. 6. Collaboration with Stakeholders: • Local Government: See if there is opportunity for collaboration with other local governmental entities, Including Multnomah County, Metro, public safety bureaus, health departments, and parks and recreation, to support the development and maintenance of neighborhood hubs. • Nonprofits and NGOs: Collaborate with nonprofit organizations and community groups to provide additional services and support. • Funding and Grants: Seek funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and public- private partnerships to sustain and expand hub activities. 23

Benefits of Neighborhood Hubs • Community Cohesion: Hubs serve as focal points for community interaction, fostering stronger relationships among residents. • Access to Resources: Residents have easier access to essential services and resources, improving overall quality of life. • Crime Reduction: Increased community engagement and improved environmental design can contribute to reduced crime and a greater sense of security. • Economic Development: Hubs can stimulate local economies by attracting businesses and creating job opportunities. • Health and Well-being: Access to recreational activities, health services, and social support can significantly enhance physical and mental health outcomes for residents. • Community Relationships and Trust: Building strong, trusting relationships within the community to foster a sense of belonging and mutual support. Key Functions and Activities • Collaboration and Coordination: Regular meetings and collaborative efforts among the different offices and programs to ensure integrated approaches to community safety. • Community Engagement: Engaging residents, community organizations, and stakeholders in planning and decision-making processes. • Policy Development: Crafting policies and protocols that support violence prevention, intervention, and non-traditional emergency responses. • Training and Development: Providing training for staff and community partners on best practices in violence prevention, intervention, and crisis response. • Resource Allocation: Efficiently managing and distributing resources, including funding and personnel, to maximize impact. • Evaluation and Improvement: Continuously evaluating programs and initiatives to identify successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. Vision The Bureau of Neighborhood Safety envisions a community where all residents feel safe and supported, where violence is significantly reduced, and where non-emergency crises are addressed with care, trauma-informed responses, and compassion, leading to healthier and more resilient neighborhoods. The addition of the Safe Blocks program further enhances the bureau’s ability to address environmental and community factors contributing to safety, making neighborhoods more vibrant and secure. By creating neighborhood hubs, we aim to foster collaboration with programs such as Ceasefire, the Office of Violence Prevention, Rose City Self- Defense, and Portland Street Response. These hubs will build community cohesion, provide easier access to essential services, reduce crime, stimulate local economies, and enhance the overall health and well-being of residents. 24

Organizational Structure 25

Parent: Appendices · PDF: pp. 1111-1118