Portland Police Disband Property Crimes Unit Amid Staffing Crisis

Portland police are dissolving their Property Crimes Unit (PCU) due to staffing shortages, prompting concerns from business owners about potential impacts on crime rates.

**Article:

**Portland, Oregon's police department has made the decision to disband its Property Crimes Unit (PCU) amidst ongoing staffing issues. This development has raised concerns among business owners and residents alike, who fear that it will lead to an increase in property crimes.

Portland Police Disband Property Crimes Unit Amid Staffing Crisis

The Portland Police Bureau's PCU was responsible for investigating burglaries, stolen cars, organized retail crime, and identity theft. The disbandment of the unit has left many wondering who will now be responsible for investigating these types of crimes.

According to Portland police spokesperson Terri Wallo Strauss, the decision to dissolve the PCU was made after leadership within the Bureau's investigative branch brought a plan to "effectively manage their resources." Strauss emphasized that the police department will continue investigating property crimes, despite the disbandment of the specialized unit.

Portland Police Disband Property Crimes Unit Amid Staffing Crisis

However, business owners like Rhonda Nienburg, owner of Hendrix and McGuire Optical, are skeptical. Nienburg has already spent thousands of dollars replacing broken windows and has had to add a gate and cameras to enhance security. She fears that the dissolution of the PCU will only make the situation worse.

"Business owners are the heart and soul of this city," Nienburg told KATU. "Most small business owners are struggling, and we need you to think about that when you go and dismantle property crimes units," she continued. "It's ridiculous. I'm angry."

Portland Police Disband Property Crimes Unit Amid Staffing Crisis

Strauss also told Fox News Digital that the three officers under the now disbanded unit will be transferred to the Special Victims Unit and Sex Crimes Unit, which focus on crimes involving vulnerable populations.

The Portland police department has been grappling with a police shortage since 2020. The city's public data shows that the department's number of sworn officers per year has declined from 1001 in 2019 to 801 this year. There are 80 sworn vacancies as well.

Portland Police Disband Property Crimes Unit Amid Staffing Crisis

Despite the dissolution of the Property Crimes Unit, the police department remains committed to addressing property crimes. However, it remains to be seen whether the department will be able to effectively investigate and prevent these crimes with its current staffing levels.

The disbandment of the Property Crimes Unit has also raised concerns about the city's overall safety. With fewer officers dedicated to investigating property crimes, residents and businesses may become more vulnerable to these types of offenses. It is crucial for the Portland Police Bureau to address the staffing shortage and ensure that the city remains safe for all residents and businesses.