The city of portland will use FY24 safer outcomes funding to develop and implement a modern, evidence-based approach to crowd management through dialogue policing, which emphasizes communication and…

The city of portland will use FY24 safer outcomes funding to develop and implement a modern, evidence-based approach to crowd management through dialogue policing, which emphasizes communication and DE-escalation over force and hard-style policing strategies. The proposed solution involves a multifaceted approach to revitalize and expand the dialogue policing program within PPB. The project, dialogue policing as a DE-escalation approach in public order settings, will be implemented in several phases. First, an advanced, two-day dialogue policing training course will be designed to equip officers with the skills necessary to manage public order situations effectively. This training will incorporate stakeholder input and focus on advanced DE-escalation techniques, crowd psychology, and practical simulation exercises.second, the project will include the development of specialized DE-escalation training for community volunteers. These volunteers, drawn from the portland bureau of emergency management neighborhood emergency teams, will serve as neutral intermediaries between police and protest organizers in specific circumstances when groups are hesitant to engage directly with law enforcement. Their training will prepare them to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts.third, expert consultation will be integrated into the project. A renowned expert in public order policing will provide guidance on refining dialogue strategies and offer on-the-ground feedback during public events. This expert input will help align the dialogue policing program with best practices and ensure its effectiveness in diverse scenarios.last, the project will emphasize rigorous program evaluation to assess the impact of the new strategies. An experienced local researcher will assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the dialogue policing and DE-escalation techniques using various data sources, such as body-worn camera footage, police reports, and stakeholder interviews. This evaluation will inform continuous improvements to the program. The overarching goal of this project is to establish evidence-based dialogue policing practices that enhance public safety, support community policing principles, promote community trust, and uphold constitutional rights during public order events. By integrating innovative training, community engagement, and expert consultation, the project aims to transform public order policing in portland and serve as a model for other jurisdictions facing similar challenges.