Tips on reporting crime
If you witness a crime or other alarming behavior, take the following steps:
Decide whether you are witnessing a crime in progress, person in crisis, or suspicious activity.
Call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress, to report a fire, call for an ambulance, or if you see a person in crisis.
For a person in crisis, call 9-1-1. You may request Portland Street Response. Depending on the circumstances, the dispatcher may send Fire and Rescue or Portland Police.
Report suspicious activity to Police Non-emergency at 503-823-3333. Suspicious activity can be defined as any behavior that causes alarm. Behavior is what makes someone’s activities suspicious, not their appearance, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or housing status. When you call, a log will be created, and officers can respond if appropriate. These reports help PPB to map hot spots that can then be patrolled more frequently.
If your concern doesn’t fit into these categories, call 3-1-1 to be routed to the appropriate resource.
In the case of shots fired
Call 9-1-1 anytime you hear gunshots. Often people don’t call in because they assume their neighbors will call. There are some instances where shootings occurs, and nobody ends up calling them in. The more callers, the more lead to follow-up on since everyone hears and sees something slightly different.
If bullets and casings are located, always report to Non-emergency (503-823-3333) so that officers can collect them for evidence and testing.