Multnomah County Leaders Release Statement on Safety at Summer Events

Summer in Multnomah County is wonderful, packed with festivals, concerts and parades. But recent acts of violence and intimidation have made some people question whether they should attend upcoming events. Multnomah County leaders are urging people to continue to support and enjoy the events that bind our community together.

“With hundreds of events scheduled between May and September, we can celebrate the traditions of different cultures, food and drink from all over the world, and the neighborhoods that make our county special,’’ says Chair Deborah Kafoury. “We want people to participate and to be prepared.’’

Sheriff Mike Reese says he and other local public safety leaders are committed to ensuring community events take place as planned. There will be an increased police presence at summer events. “Law enforcement personnel are a resource for anyone who needs to report suspicious activity or witnesses any efforts to intimidate participants,’’ Sheriff Reese says.

To keep your family and friends safe at upcoming events, the Sheriff’s Office offers the following safety tips:

Check in. Ensure your group has a check-in/check-out list that includes who is present along with their cell phone numbers. This will help in the event the group is separated for any reason.
Have a plan. Know the parade route and try to keep your group together during the event.
Be aware. Ensure you report any suspicious objects or activity while you are at the event.
Call when you can, text when you can’t. In the event you need emergency assistance, call 911. When it is not safe to call, you can text 911. Be sure you know your location to help dispatcher’s direct police or medical response.
Reach out. If you have any concerns for your safety, or for the safety of someone attending an event, please reach out to any of the police officers working.
Stay informed. Follow @MultcoSO and @PublicAlerts on Twitter.