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Police Department Progress

  • Four officers taking the Oath of Office.
  • Officer piloting a drone from the command center.
  • Officer on the phone in a patrol car during a retail theft mission.
  • Two officers entering a store during a retail theft mission.
  • Officer with flashlight at night looking at stolen items on the hood of car during a retail theft mission.
  • Three officers stopping a suspect during a retail theft mission.

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  • Thanks to the levy, we are growing our team and actively building a public safety agency equipped for the future. It takes 10-12 months to train new police officers. While we prepare them to serve the community, we are leaning on technology, data analysis, and partnerships to reduce crime. Click right to continue story.

  • One way we work more effectively is by analyzing crime data and statistics to plan missions focused on high-crime areas and high-impact issues.

  • Each mission begins with real-time data, revealing patterns of when and where crimes are most likely to happen. With this insight, teams coordinate and plan, and send officers where they can have the most impact. 

  • During regular retail-theft missions, Gresham police officers and a community safety specialist team up with local businesses to target thefts in progress. One such mission led to seven arrests.

  • These missions often lead to the recovery of illegally possessed firearms, outstanding warrants, and other illegal items.

  • Officers volunteer for additional shifts to participate in these proactive missions. Their dedication not only helps reduce crime but also strengthens public safety in high-priority areas. Their visibility is a deterrent — and a reassurance.

Police Stories

Community Safety Specialist seated at desk, radios the retailer information to police officers waiting near the stores.

Maestro of the mission

The levy expanded behind-the-scenes help, like Community Safety Specialists, who are crucial in expediting police work.

 A smiling police officer in uniform stands outside the market hall building in Rockwood.

A new solo patrol officer on the job

Gresham's rigorous, year-long field training ensures that new officers have a solid foundation of skills before patrolling solo.

 Exterior of Rockwood Public Safety building entrance.

Rockwood Police Station: Open for walk-ins

Need to file a report or talk to a safety specialist? The Rockwood Police Station is once again open to the public, thanks to the levy.

 Two police officers are being sworn in by the Gresham Police Chief in front of the American and state flags. Both officers raise their right hands.

Hiring progress in 2025

In 2025, the levy funded 40 Police Department positions and 33 Fire Department positions.

 Officer shaking hands with the Chief of Police at during Oath of Office ceremony.

Building our team

A focused police recruiting strategy, backed by dedicated resources, is accelerating hiring while helping to maintain current staffing levels.

 Two community safety specialists out in the field in safety vests.

Community Safety Specialists

Non-sworn, trained professionals play a vital role in addressing non-emergency concerns, freeing officers to focus on urgent, high priority calls.