|
|
Site NavigationHomeAbout us People's Police Report Shootings & deaths Cool links Other Information Contact info Donate
|
PANIC ON THE RAILS: Militarizing Public Transportation in the Name of Public Safety While there were some attacks on passengers at several Tri-Met light rail (MAX) stops in the past several months, police from various jurisdictions reacted by going into crisis mode and arranging for greatly increased security on MAX trains. Concerns were initially raised about the downtown area's Fareless Square being one of the causes of criminal activity and assaults on the trains, although the attacks happened in outlying areas. This was reminescent of the time, several years ago, when there was talk of doing away with Fareless Square in an effort to stop terrorism. Cooler heads prevailed when it became apparent that any terrorist planning to ride the MAX may have had the means to purchase a $1.75 ticket (PPR #36). Patrolling of public transportation falls under the Transit Divison, which is part of the Portland Police Bureau, but made up of officers from multiple jurisdictions and funded by Tri-Met. Fare inspectors have been on both buses and MAX trains in order to check for tickets. The new plans contain measures for more severe crackdowns on fare evaders, although the public frequently responds to the citations given out by complaining that Tri-Met's ticket machines are often inoperable. Representatives of Gresham, Hillsboro, Beaverton and Washington County met in order to plan for the resolution of what they saw as a problem. In mid-March, Tri-Met's westside precinct opened, and 5 new officers were to begin spending 70% of their time patrolling trains and buses in the area between Beaverton and Hillsboro. The patrol will initially start with two Beaverton police officers, an officer and sergeant from the Hillsboro Police, and a Washington County deputy. The new eastside precinct began patrols in Gresham on April 1, with plans to increase the number from 6 to 10 officers by July 1 (Oregonian, March 12). In a 2006 appeal hearing at Portland's Citizen Review Committee (CRC), a civilian complained he was roughed up by Transit Police at a MAX Station (PPR #40). One of the officers involved was from another jurisdiction. He refused to be interviewed, even though he essentially worked for the Portland Police Bureau. Nothing could be done regarding his refusal. At the March meeting of the CRC, members indicated they wanted to find appropriate ways to hold these Tri-Met officers accountable to the Bureau's directives. The Tri-Met Commander, Vince Jarmer, told CRC members that he would discuss these concerns with the other agencies and report back to the CRC within 90 days (see CRC article in this issue). Generally speaking, officers accused of misconduct have to be investigated by their employers, and witness officers can only be compelled by their own supervisors. Only by having all officers involved in Tri-Met related incidents accountable and available for interviews, can the complaint process be thorough and meaningful.
|
May, 2008
|
|
Portland Copwatch Portland Copwatch is a grassroots, volunteer organization promoting police accountability through citizen action.
People's Police Report
#44 Table of Contents
|