PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland, Oregon, Mayor Ted Wheeler is planning to propose spending $3.9 million to add 28 unarmed public safety specialists to the Police Bureau. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that would bring the total to 62, which is more than three times the current number. Wheeler says his goal is to free up sworn police to handle higher priority calls. The specialists handle 33 types of calls, including cold stolen vehicle calls, cold theft calls, calls about recovered stolen vehicles or other property, suspicious subjects, vandalism and non-injury accidents. The Police Bureau is confident it can fill the jobs, noting that 89 people have applied.
Portland mayor to propose $3.9M for more unarmed police jobs
