Mayor Ted Wheeler and Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell Issue Joint Statement

Published

August 20, 2024 9:30 am

On Monday afternoon, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler met to discuss strategies for managing individuals who violate the City of Portland's Time, Place, and Manner (TPM) ordinance.

Both leaders believe that connecting people with services and housing is the best strategy to address homelessness in Portland. They also acknowledge for individuals who repeatedly refuse outreach services, the corrections system may offer additional intervention opportunities.

The leaders agree that Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers may bring individuals with TPM ordinance violations to be booked once a coordinated process is developed, to ensure that the individual is offered housing services and resources prior to release. The Sheriff's Office will analyze and evaluate data over the next 120 days to determine if this approach is effective and sustainable.

What are the steps in the booking process?

• When an individual enters booking, they complete a preliminary search, identification is verified, and their charges are recorded.

• The recognizance process is completed, based on the Presiding Judge's Order. The PJO directs whether the person will be released on their own recognizance with a court date or held in custody until arraignment.

• An MCSO representative will meet with the individual to once again offer shelter and services through the Street Services Coordination Center (SSCC).If services are accepted at that time, the SSCC will facilitate next steps for resources upon release.

"As sheriff, public safety is my primary responsibility. I respect the city council's decision to increase enforcement for livability issues and am committed to working together to identify solutions that address the broader context of homelessness and public safety. This momentary intervention, reserved for repeat offenders, seeks to balance accountability with addressing the challenges our community faces, while also creating pathways out of homelessness," Sheriff Morrisey O'Donnell said.

The Multnomah County corrections facilities remain open to book all state codified misdemeanor and felony charges.

"This solution aligns with our shared goal of ending unsheltered homeless in Portland in a compassionate and effective way. Arrest and booking brings accountability for the small number of people who decline to follow the law despite repeated outreach and resource referrals," said Mayor Wheeler. "I look forward to continuing to innovate and find solutions together to meet the public safety needs of our entire community."

Sheriff Morrisey O'Donnell, Mayor Wheeler, and their teams will continue to be in communication as this work continues. For information on the manner in which camping is prohibited on public property, click here. Enforcement is narrowly focused on individuals living in camps throughout the city that present the greatest health and safety risks, who have repeatedly refused to accept services despite numerous outreach efforts. Weekly Street Services reports, including referral data, as well as information regarding the Impact Reduction Program is available here.