PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland, Oregon, Police Chief Chuck Lovell says officers have been moved from traffic, K-9, narcotics and other units into street patrol as authorities try to combat a spike in shootings and violent crime. There have been more than 100 shootings in the past year. KOIN reports that hampering police efforts to stem the violence is that since last summer, 110 officers have left PPB. Most of them retired and have not been replaced. The department has about 900 officers. Lowell said at a news conference Thursday that 32 officers were moved out of specialty units to reduce overtime.
Portland shifts officers to try to stem spike in violence
