Portland sees increase of hate crime reports in 2017 - KATU

Portland Police car, KATU News file photo

PORTLAND, Ore. —

The Portland Police Bureau has seen an increase of hate crime, or bias-motivated, reports this year.

Nine hate crimes were reported through April 30, 2017 in Portland. In comparison, there were 10 bias crimes reported through 2016 (three through April 30, 2016) and 11 bias crimes reported in 2015.

Extra police presence will be provided at a multicultural festival next weekend. The organizers of Good in the Hood received a threatening letter from an anonymous person who said they would kill all African-American attendees.

Good in the Hood is being held from Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25 at Lillis Albina Park and King School in inner NE Portland.

And the bureau will also provide an enhanced presence at Portland Pride Week in the coming days.

Here's a full statement from the bureau:

In recent weeks, the City of Portland has experienced increased tension and concerns about hate crime activity and threats to community safety. The Portland Police Bureau has been actively involved in these issues, investigating crimes and reports of threatening behavior. The Bureau understands the fear and uneasy feelings felt by many in our community and wants to share a message -- Portland Police Officers are sworn to protect and dedicated to serve everyone. These officers are here to protect you and keep you safe.

Officers will continue to spend time at events, positively engaging members of the community and providing safety and security.

This weekend, officers will be providing an enhanced presence at pride events in conjunction with Portland Pride Week. To learn more about Portland Pride Week events, please visit http://pridenw.org/

The Portland Police Bureau has a long-standing partnership with the LGBTQ community. Information about the partnership, called the Alliance for Safer Communities (ASC), can be found by visiting http://ift.tt/2sHJeMn

The weekend of June 23 -- 25, officers will be providing an enhanced presence at the Good in the Hood Multicultural Music, Arts & Food Festival at Lillis Albina Park and King School. The Bureau is continuing to investigate the report of a threatening letter sent to event organizers. At this time, the Bureau has not determined the credibility of this letter and is committed to having a robust police presence at this family-friendly event. To learn more about Good in the Hood events, please visit http://ift.tt/2sJduUm

The Bureau investigates all reports of bias-motivated crimes and encourages any member of our community who is the victim of such a crime to contact law enforcement. Under Oregon law, bias crimes are defined as any criminal act that targets a victim based on the suspect's perception of the victim's race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Detectives work to determine whether or not bias elements are present during the reported crime that align with Oregon law as defined in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS):

* ORS 166.165 - Intimidation in the First Degree - http://ift.tt/2sHINBX

* ORS 166.155 -- Intimidation in the Second Degree - http://ift.tt/2qnB0c7

In 2017, the Bureau has seen an increase in bias motivated crime reports:

* 2015 -- 11 bias crime reports

* 2016 -- 10 bias crime reports (three through April 30)

* 2017 -- Nine bias crime reports (through April 30)

It's important to note that these numbers can go up or down, depending on the results of an investigation.

If you have been the victim of a bias crime assault or you are witnessing one, immediately call 9-1-1. If you have been the victim of a different bias crime and the suspect is no longer present, such as vandalism or graffiti, please call the non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

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