The vision for the Portland Police Bureau is a city free from crime and the fear of crime, where people and police work together to improve their neighborhoods. The Portland Police Bureau is a first-rate law enforcement organization, where solid values are deeply imbedded into every member; and where members work with the latest technology and facilities. Employees are led by well-trained, attentive first-line supervisors and supported by community members, support staff, and work systems designed to enhance their effectiveness.

All of our work is directed by clearly stated goals set out in a fully endorsed strategic plan, understood and ingrained at every level. The organization is fully diversified at all levels, with deep respect for all people. Employees and community members are proud of the organization and committed to continuous improvement.

This vision for community policing recognizes a shared responsibility and connection between the police and community in making Portland a safer, more livable city. This vision relies on a problem-solving partnership between citizens and police: These partners jointly identify community safety issues, determine resources, and apply innovative strategies designed to create and sustain healthy, vital neighborhoods.

Mission

The mission of the Police Bureau was adopted in 1990, and in 1994, the community livability reference was added. A mission statement serves as an overriding purpose for the agency. The overriding mission of the Bureau remains the same:

The mission of the Portland Police Bureau is to maintain and improve community livability by working with all citizens to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property and promote individual responsibility and community commitment.

Vision

The values of the Portland Police Bureau are commitments to the community that are rooted in the cornerstones of the Bureau and reflect the mission statement:

• Service
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Respect

Cornerstones

These cornerstones of the Bureau were adopted in 1990, and reaffirmed in subsequent strategic plans. Cornerstones reflect the core internal principles that guide decision-making in the agency at all levels:

• Service orientation: Provide supportive, professional service to the community and to employees by promoting human rights, mutual respect and courtesy.
  
  
• Partnership: Work in partnership with the community, City Council, other bureaus, service agencies and the criminal justice system.
  
  
• Empowerment: Encourage decision making at all levels, and promote citizen responsibility and involvement.
  
  
• Problem solving: Use problem solving methods to reduce the incidence and fear of crime and to improve internal operations.
  
  
• Accountability: Promote responsibility among Bureau management, employees, the community, the City Council and other agencies for public safety resources, strategies and outcomes.

This code is used by:

• Portland Police Bureau
  Archived 10/21/2000