East Portland community leaders recently gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in their efforts to reduce gun violence, with Portland Police officers joining the event at a Centennial Neighborhood church. Since the formation of the Community Oversight Group in 2021, the city has reported a remarkable decrease in crime, including a 50% drop in homicides and a 32% reduction in shootings from the previous year.
The partnership between police and community members has played a crucial role in these improvements. As they pass leadership to new members, the outgoing members stress the importance of continued dialogue to enhance police-community relationships, especially in historically over-policed neighborhoods. This collaborative approach is vital as the city aims to address the underlying issues of violence while maintaining accountability and community trust.
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