Editorial

Police commission leadership will build on success, focus on training

MY VIEW • Commissioner sees hard work ahead to maintain livability in tough economic times

By Dan Saltzman

The Portland Tribune, Dec 18, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

City Commissioner Dan Saltzman will add Police Commissioner to his title and vows to improve the police bureau’s training facility ensures support to its officers, from Terry Colbert (above) to Chief Rosie Sizer.

L.E. BASKOW / TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

In January, I will take over the assignment of police commissioner from outgoing Mayor Tom Potter. It is an honor to accept this responsibility from Mayor-elect Sam Adams and one I will undertake with great care.

One of the most basic responsibilities of government is the safety and security of our community. In that regard, Portlanders are served well.

The Portland Police Bureau is comprised of dedicated public servants who put their lives on the line every day for the safety of our citizens and businesses. They care deeply for our community and it will be a priority of my administration to highlight the contributions these men and women make to ensure our city is the most livable in the country.

That said, with the current recession, it may become more difficult to maintain the level of livability we have come to expect. We will face new challenges that will require nimble and timely attention.

As police commissioner, I will expect our police to respond swiftly to hotspot issues while still ensuring members of the affected community are involved in that response. Accomplishing this within the context of city budget cuts certainly will pose a challenge and require creative thinking. Overall, it’s my underlying philosophy to look critically at how we provide services while still bolstering the number of officers on the street.

I will bring to the role of police commissioner my ongoing dedication to addressing child abuse, domestic violence, gang violence and consumer fraud, as well as continuing to ensure the vitality of our neighborhoods. My concern is that, during tough economic times, the most vulnerable in our community will feel it first – as the incidence of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and gang activity increases.

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