Two were injured in the blaze that did $900,000 worth of damage; fire inspectors won’t say how this fire started ‚Ķ

Firefighters stayed at the two burned houses in the 3300 block of NE 72 Avenue worked long into the night making sure the fire that got into the walls and attics of both homes was completely put out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It isn’t often firefighters are called to fight two house fires ‚Äì right next to one another ‚Äì at the same time. But that’s exactly what 80 firefighters did on the evening of October 22.

And, apparently, those living in the homes didn’t know about the blaze, until neighbors and firefighters told them to evacuate immediately.

Neighbors witness flames, hear explosions
Jenny Mitchell lives across the street from the most heavily-damaged house. She told East PDX News, “We saw the shed was on fire. It started the gray house on fire. It spread over to the white house.”

Soon, Mitchell said, the fire was roof high. “You could see flames in both houses. Then, there was fire coming out the roof of the gray house. The firefighters were here right away. It was pretty scary.”

John Andrews said he heard explosions or gunshots shortly after the fire started. Fire officials said the explosions were most likely due to aerosol cans exploding in the fire, and a propane tank that vented off pressure from the fire’s heat.

Concerned people were trapped inside
“We were concerned when we learned people were still in those houses when we arrived,” Portland Fire & Rescue 3rd Battalion Commander Jay Olson told us on scene. “Everyone got out, but one resident burned his hand. He was treated at the scene by an ambulance paramedic.”

Narrow streets, house design complicate efforts
“This narrow street was an issue,” Olson said, “Crews had to walk in, and carry gear from some distance.”

Firefighters quickly divided unto teams to attack the fires in both houses.

“Fire was running up between the interior and exterior walls of the homes,” Olson explained. “In older construction, houses can have several different attic spaces. It takes a personnel-intensive effort to cut open walls, and attack the fire on each floor of the home. We had crews working on the first and second floors, the attic, and another crew cutting open the roof.”

By cutting into the roof, firefighters were able to make sure the fire didn’t spread in the attic, while ventilating smoke from the structures.

It took the combined crews about 30 minutes to get the fires under control; but firefighters worked long into the night, making sure all the hot spots were quenched.

A spectator asked why firefighters had to cut open the roof. “If we hadn’t, fire would have run the entire length of the attics,” Olson said. “Crews did a very good job getting up on top and fighting fires in several different fire areas.”

Outside the homes, crews maintaining the water supply. Because of the size of the event, relief crews came to help out. “One firefighter was injured while working on the roof, and was treated at a local hospital. Our crews did a very good job here tonight,” Olson added.

At the scene, Battalion Commander Jay Olson told us the fires had made these homes unfit to occupy.

Seven left homeless
Olson said the damage to the homes left them uninhabitable. Three adults and two children were displaced from one home; two adults from the other. Red Cross was on hand to assist with clothing and housing.

At this time, the cause of the fire is under investigation.  Investigators did say the fire appeared to have started outside on the rear porch of the northern of the two homes. It could take days to pinpoint the cause.

As a side note, the fire bureau asked we remind readers they recommend storing propane tanks outside in a well ventilated area; never inside a shed, a garage, or inside a home.

¬© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News

The fire burned so hot, the Coachman house trailer was quickly gutted even though firefighters arrived within three minutes of the call. See firefighters and rescue workers who saved the victim; learn why neighbors are puzzled …

A man, thought to have started the fire in the house trailer where he was living, is taken into custody by police when we arrived. He’s being checked over by a medic.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Tall Firs Mobile Court, on SE Division Street near SE 156th Avenue, is pretty quiet, residents say.

But, a fire ‚Äì officials aren’t commenting on whether or not the blaze was intentional ‚Äì causes a commotion the evening of January 28. The 9-1-1 dispatch we hear indicates a man called emergency operators and indicated he had set his house trailer on fire.

Greg Salby lives across the driveway from the smoldering Coachman house trailer. “The fire lit up the night,” he tells us, looking at the smoldering frame of what used to be a home.

“Flames were coming out the sides, windows, everywhere. It doesn’t seem like a trailer like that would have that much stuff inside that would burn.”

Twenty-one Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters fight a losing battle to save the mobile home; but they do keep other trailers and from catching fire.

According to Lt. Allen Oswalt, spokesperson for Portland Fire & Rescue, the $20,000 travel trailer, and its $10,000 worth of contents, were a total loss.

“We’re always concerned when a fire breaks out in a park,” Oswalt reported. “With narrow streets, and tightly-spaced units, a fire like this can easily spread ‚Äì especially when driven by the winds.”

Fire bureau records show that the call came in at 8:54 p.m.; firefighters were on scene at 8:57 p.m. ‚Äì the fire was out by 9:09 p.m. “In total, we had 21 fire fighters, 6 engines, and a rescue unit working this fire,” Oswalt says.

We asked how the fire started.

“The report says, ‘Form of heat was unknown’,” answers Oswalt.

Whether he’s a victim or perpetrator is still unknown. All medics comprehended is that they had a patient who needed to be rushed to the hospital.

The condition of the man who was in the trailer when the fire started rapidly deteriorates. After being stabilized by paramedics, he is soon on his way to Emanuel Hospital. He was admitted in “serious condition” according to officials.

Not much left of the travel trailer that was once a person’s home.

Asked about the man suspected of being involved in the blaze, Selby, a 25 year resident of the mobile home park answers, “I knew him a little. He seemed like a pretty nice guy. I wouldn’t think he’s the kind of person who would do something like this on purpose.”

Laws prohibit hospitals from releasing the name or condition of a patient. As of this time, the man injured in the fire hasn’t been charged with a crime.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Details of the incident are still hazy, but take a look this car that came to rest, upside down, on the eastbound MAX light rail tracks …

With the use of a massive crane truck, workers were able to right this car; officials said it looked like the car flew through the air–after mowing down a sapling–and landed, upside-down, on the MAX Light Rail tracks.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After repeated enquiries, officials still aren’t telling us how a tricked out, skinny-tire blue coupe ended its travels upside down on the eastbound MAX Light Rail tracks on February 16.

But, we do know this: About 10:00 p.m. on that date,  a call came over the police radio advising that an eastbound car on E. Burnside St. was overturned ‚Äì and on the MAX tracks, just east of the 156th Ave. pedestrian cross-over.

A look at these photos show how hard the nearby trees were hit by the car – they are completely knocked over.

It appeared as if the driver lost control and mowed down a sapling tree planted between the tracks and Burnside St. The tree then vaulted into the air, “Dukes of Hazard” style, and landed upside-down.

Eastbound MAX trains were cancelled for a time; TriMet busses were brought in to move riders around the accident area. Burnside Street was closed down for several hours while authorities removed the vehicle.

Is the accident under investigation? We don’t know. Portland Police Traffic Division officials haven’t returned our calls. Keep watching ‚Äì we’ll update this story if we get more information.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Officer Slyter isn’t “walking a beat” as punishment. See why this cop requested permission to trade his patrol car for a pair of sturdy walking shoes‚

Slyter meets the owner of a house, north of the tracks. He’s concerned because admitted meth users gave this address as their residence.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A cop “walking a beat” seems like a quaint, an old-fashioned concept nowadays.

But one Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officer has “hit the bricks” and already is making a real, positive difference in the Parkrose area.

Officer Robert “Rob” Slyter’s beat is NE Sandy Boulevard. During his ten-hour shifts, he patrols between NE 102nd Ave. east to NE 122nd Ave. He’ll walk as far south as SE Prescott St., and go north of the tracks to NE Marx St.

Cop proposes foot patrol
Being put on “foot patrol” wasn’t a form of punishment meted out to Slyter‚ he suggested the unusual tour of duty — as an experiment in community policing.

As we stride south with the officer on NE Sandy Blvd, Slyter sums up his concept in one word: “Reconnecting”.

“As a Neighborhood Response Team officer, I talk with a lot of people in Parkrose. Both businesspeople and neighbors tell me they feel this is a ‘forgotten’ area of Portland. I don’t believe the area was consciously neglected. But with increased call loads, and less manpower, there’s less time available for district officers to work on ‘community livability’ issues.”

Looking forward to less crime and greater livability in Parkrose, Officer Slyter checks in with Anita Tabayoyon, at A.R. Moss Floral Design on NE Sandy Blvd.

Value of face-to-face
While walking his patrol, Slyter says he has met most of the business owners and managers along Sandy Blvd.

“Getting in to businesses and shaking their hands ‚Äì letting them put a face with the badge ‚Äì it becomes a lot more personal, between the community and us,” comments Slyter.

We turn into the A.R. Moss Floral Design shop, and are greeted by the owner, Anita Tabayoyon.

“I love it,” Tabayoyon says. “It’s nice knowing he’s somewhere close by. It’s great, looking out the window of my shop and seeing him chatting with people. It is really assuring.”

She tells us she hasn’t seen a remarkable change in the area during the month Slyter’s been on patrol. “But, I’ve noticed fewer ‘walking girls’ go strolling by. His ‘being here’ changes peoples’ attitudes.”

Slyter spends a moment with Ruth Ruby at Ruthie’s Rags.

Inside another shop, Ruth Ruby at Ruthie’s Rags comments, “Officer Slyter is a terrific addition to the neighborhood. To have an officer be seen walking along the street really helps. It is a deterrent to people who want to do things they shouldn’t.”

Lessons learned while on patrol
After visiting with Ruthie, Officer Slyter walks south and around the corner, to inspect a vacant building. “At least the owner has boarded up the back door.” He points out where crooks ‚Äì most likely meth addicts ‚Äì tore open the walls to steal the building’s electric wiring. “They strip it and sell it for scrap.”

Walking to a back outbuilding, Slyter comments, “There have been as many as three people living here. We chase them out, but others take their place.” He points to an ornately decorated gift bag sitting in the corner of the shed. “I’ve learned not to look ‚Äì it’s usually human waste.”

Benefits from past experience
As we walk, Slyter shares with us his perspective on being a cop for 15 years.

“Early on, I went through my phase of feeling that I was invincible; and that as a police officer, you should hear and obey me. That just doesn’t work. Ultimately, it’s not out what we’re out here to do. Our job is to be community policing officers. In order to do that, you have to be friendly, even if you’re not be in a friendly mood.”

Slyter explains that being Neighborhood Response Officer helped him sharpen his interpersonal relationship skills. And, time spent with East Precinct’s Crime Reduction Unit also added other abilities, further equipping him for dealing with all kinds of people.

A suspected prostitute takes issue with Slyter for interrupting her “stroll”, as she trolled NE Sandy Blvd. for her next customer.

Meet the neighbors
We cross Sandy Blvd and head north across the railroad tracks. A neatly-painted blue house on the east side of the street catches his attention‚ two men are standing outside.

One of the men claims to be the house’s owner and landlord.

“Do you know these two people? They’re admitted meth users; they’re saying they live at this house,” Slyter asks, as he shows to the owner the two names he’s written down in his leather-bound patrolman’s notebook.

The owner shakes his head. “No, neither of them are my tenants. I hope the renters don’t have these folks staying here.” He says he wants to sell his houses and stop being a landlord. “It’s so hard to find good renters.”

The men extend their hands, and the officer shakes. “Thanks for looking out,” they say as we walk toward NE Marx St.

Helps homeless family
The walk eastbound on NE Marx St. is uneventful. We ask Slyter to tell us about one of his more unusual arrests.

He ponders our question. “Arrests haven’t been all that exciting. Let me tell you about a good thing that happened last week.”

He relates how he came upon a family of five,  two adults and three kids‚ camping in a dome tent in Senn’s Dairy Park on at NE 112 Ave. and NE Prescott St. “They’d been homeless for a while.”

“It was sad. No one in the family had ever been arrested. The husband was not abusive to the wife. The kids are fairly well squared-away for their conditions. They’re not doing drugs. None of the shelters were set up for a family‚ that was also handicapped accessible.”

After hours of phone calls‚ and help from a precinct worker’s husband, who is the pastor of a Sellwood church‚ the family had found temporary shelter, and finally, a more permanent place in Gresham.

“The law says you kick camping transients out of the park,” Slyter commented.  He says he wouldn’t have been able to handle the problem this way as a patrol officer. “Ultimately, it was nice to help them.”

Works to increase quality of life
As we continue our tour, we ask Slyter about the infamous “no-tell motels” that line the boulevard.

He contemplates our question, and answers concisely, “Some cause problems, and some don’t. Most keep their places up, cooperate with us‚ and a few don’t.”

Using his well-honed community-policing skills, Slyter calms down this intoxicated elderly woman until she can be taken to the detox center.

Walking eastbound on Sandy, we come upon an elderly lady, sitting on the sidewalk, enjoying the sunshine, and refreshing herself with a “Milwaukee’s Finest” 32-ouncer. Her hands are shaking. Her name is Tammy, she says; she was released from the hospital “for seizures”, 18 hour prior to our meeting.

At first, Tammy responds rudely to the officer’s inquiries. Slyter calmly replies, “Drinking, and sitting out here on the street, probably isn’t going to help your medical condition.” She objects when he pours out her beers.

Sgt. Steele rolls up and verifies Tammy’s condition: She’s publicly intoxicated. She’ll be taken to Hooper for a detoxification session. “What will happen to my stuff?” cries Tammy.

“You’ll be out in four hours‚ if you’re nice to them,” Slyter reassures her. “If you’re unpleasant, they’ll keep you longer. Be polite, and you’ll be out soon.”

Slyter advises her that, if she’s going to drink, to do so in her motel room. She protests, and says she’s thirsty. Her lips look parched.

While we wait for a patrol car to take her to Hooper, Tammy sits on the sidewalk, trembling. Your street-wise reporter takes pity on this faded Parkrose flower, hikes to the mini-market, and buys her a bottle of water. “Mmm. It’s cold,” she says as she smiles faintly. She opens it and takes a long drink.

She looks up and comes to the realization that a stranger just gave her a gift. “We’ve been nice to you, Tammy,” we say, “now, it’s your turn. Be nice to the officer taking you to Hooper, and their staff.”

She agrees; the officers help her up, and we’re on our way.

Tons of trash cleaned from tramp camps
“When I started this a month a go,” says Officer Slyter, “I noticed transient-related issues. There were large dump sites north of the railroad tracks that parallel NE Sandy Blvd.”

Hidden behind the blackberry bushes, mostly on Union Pacific Railroad property, are transient camps. “These camps become dumps. I got a Multnomah County work crew that works with METRO to do a cleanout. In three days, they pulled bout 13,000 pounds‚ more than 6.2 tons, of trash and debris.”

To further reduce the problem, Slyter’s working with a railroad track maintenance supervisor. They’ll bring up a team of brush cutters to remove the brush along the tracks from NE 102 Ave. to 122 Ave.

Back in the brambles, north of the tracks, Slyter shows us one cleaned-out camps. He notes a fence pried open behind a business.

Not family camping
“This isn’t the ‘needy homeless’ that live here. The brush provides cover for people to use the drugs‚ and leave their needles behind. Prostitutes are servicing their johns, and leaving discarded condoms. In addition, the cover and concealment of the brush makes it easier for people to cut through fences and raid businesses along the tracks.”

The transients are looking to steal metal‚ new, used,or otherwise‚ that can be sold for scrap. “We’re hoping that by clearing this out, it will have a positive impact by stopping it.”

Slyter looks at a fence that was pulled away from the post, and shakes his head. “I asked this business to fix this two weeks ago. If the building owners mend their fences and provide good lighting, it sure helps.”

Signs of appreciation
We hear a truck horn toot; the driver waves at the officer. “We don’t get this kind of feedback when we’re in a patrol car,” Slyter says. “You only hear the people you’re arresting‚ and their family members‚ screaming obscenities at you. It is easy to become jaded, and start believing everybody dislikes you‚ and cops in general.”

We ask Slyter what’s the best thing about his experience of walking the boulevard so far.

“Doing this, people express a real appreciation for what you do‚ it does you good. We don’t do this job to get complimented, but it still nice to hear.”

After two hours of walking Slyter’s beat with him, we’re impressed with how well this officer has learned the nuances of his territory.

“Don’t step in that puddle,” he cautions as we cross SE 116th Ave. “That’s a deep one.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Although school was out for the day, learn why police “locked-down” Cleveland High School to look for a gun‚

After being locked in Cleveland High for an hour, social sciences teacher Terry Johnson says this incident is unusual in this typically peaceful school.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The final bell of the day at Cleveland High School had sounded, and most of the students had left the building on May 18.

Outside the school, on the northeast perimeter of Cleveland’s grounds, witnesses said two young men got in a fight. The brawler, bloodied from being on the losing end of the altercation, reportedly pulled out a gun. He brandished it without firing, and then ran back into the school.

Building goes into “lock-down”
Terry Johnson, a Cleveland High social sciences teacher exited the building about 4:00 p.m. and told us, “There was a report of somebody in the building, possibly with a gun. They told us to lock our [classroom] doors.”

But, with few students in the building, Johnson said he wasn’t worried. “If there were kids in the school, I would have been more concerned.”

SERT members, with the aid of a K-9 officer, make an article search of the school, looking for the gun‚ but no weapons were found.

After an hour, everything was quiet, Johnson said. “I saw police all around the building. It seemed safe for me to leave.”

Not taking any chances, the Portland Police Bureau SERT officers suited up, and entered the school. They conducted a room-by-room search, aided by a K-9 officer and dog.

Watching the police activity, Johnson said after speaking with us, “Cleveland High is a pretty peaceful place. We have great students here. It’s the first time in 26 years we’ve had anything like this.”

Officers from Portland Police Bureau’s Southeast Precinct stand guard as Cleveland High is searched.

“Nothing was found after a comprehensive search of the building; the suspect wasn’t in the building,” said police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The suspect in this incident, turned himself in. He has been identified as 17-year-old Joel Trejo-DeLeon, and has been charged with one count of Disorderly Conduct.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

You’ll see why these folks were given awards, when you take a look at this story‚

Members of the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Crime Reduction Unit receive their “Unit Commendation” from Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Officers and staff of the Portland Police Bureau pause twice a year to honor, commend, and present medals to officers as well as civilians who have worked diligently, shown bravery, or have been injured in the line of duty.

On June 20, at the David Douglas High School Horner Performance center, a musical prelude by the Portland Police Bureau Highland Guard was followed with the posting of the colors by the bureau’s Honor Guard.

After remarks by Police Chief Rosie Sizer, master of ceremonies Sgt. Brian Schmautz began presenting awards in nine categories.

Some of the outer East Portland honorees included:

Unit Commendation‚ Crime Reduction Unit
The primary mission of East Precinct’s Crime Reduction Unit, (commonly referred to as the CRU team) is to provide law enforcement and safety to Portland’s outer Southeast Community, Schmautz explained, before he read the following commendation:

“The unit was formed in 2005 to address chronic drug-related property crimes, by focusing on the small percentage of identified career criminals responsible for the majority of crimes. Since its formation, the unit has successfully eradicated or reduced numerous problems that were pervasive in East Precinct. Dedicated to their mission, CRU has made it increasingly difficult for career criminals to commit their crimes in East Precinct.

“CRU supports the precinct by responding to major incidents, targeting major problem areas, serving search warrants, assisting the Neighborhood Response Team and Precinct Detectives.   The CRU team has developed a holistic approach to their crime fighting efforts.  They not only chase criminals, but regularly provide education, training, and community awareness to local schools, neighborhood block meetings, community members, the media, and partner organizations.”

Police Chief Sizer presents commendations to East Precinct officer Richard Steinbronn (his wife stands next to him) and to Cadet Nathan Huff.

Medal of Valor and Civilian Heroism Medal
This award was presented to the team of East Precinct officer Richard Steinbronn and Cadet Nathan Huff.

You may recall the story we covered last year on July 19, 2006, when police were called to the Eastport Plaza military recruiting office. They found a man who was said to be depressed and possibly suicidal

Officer Steinbronn was the first on scene. With him, on his first ride-along was new Portland Police Cadet Nathan Huff.

At the recruiting office, Steinbronn learned the man for whom they were looking was AWOL from the military, very depressed, suicidal, and likely armed with a handgun.

“As they spotted the subject,” Schmautz commented, “he turned toward the patrol car, sweeping his handgun in the direction of Officer Steinbronn and Cadet Huff. Officer Steinbronn immediately engaged the subject and fired four rounds. Three rounds hit the subject, but he did not react. The subject then raised his own handgun to his head and discharged his own weapon.  This round proved fatal and the subject dropped to the ground.

“During the confrontation, Cadet Huff made proper decisions and sought cover in the immediate vicinity

“In recognition of Officer Richard Steinbronn’s unselfish action to protect the lives of others, while placing himself at substantial risk of injury and demonstrating personal courage, Officer Richard Steinbronn is hereby awarded the Portland Police Bureau’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor.

“In recognition of Cadet Nathan Huff’s tremendous heroic action, demonstrating personal courage and selflessness, Cadet Nathan Huff is awarded the Portland Police Bureau’s Civilian Heroism Medal.

Police say this teenager, Cricket Huddleston, helped put a holdup man behind bars.

Civilian Heroism Medal
Fifteen-year-old Cricket Huddleston helped foil a bank-bag robbery on January 27, 2006.

Schmautz told the group Huddleston chased the crook from the Wells Fargo Bank on SE 82nd Ave. and Foster Rd., across the street and into the Fred Meyer store.

“Several citizens saw the activity, ran to her aid, and assisted by watching the exits of the Fred Meyer store. Portland Police Officers arrived and with the assistance of Fred Meyer Security they located the suspect inside the store and took him into custody.  The suspect was found to be armed with a stun-gun. The money was recovered.

“Miss Huddleston remained on scene, identified the suspect, and provided a statement to investigators.  She later testified in court, and the suspect was convicted of Robbery.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

What do you do when a TriMet bus passenger says he’s going to blow up the bus? You’ll get the story, and exclusive photos, right here …

Until the bomb squad carefully searched this TriMet bus, we were allowed to observe only from a great distance.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It wasn’t a breakdown that delayed passengers riding the TriMet bus on Route 72, headed to Clackamas Town Center, on August 23rd at about 4:45 p.m.

Their ride was stopped cold by the threat of a bomb on board.

The incident began when passenger on the bus heard another passenger say something about blowing up the bus.

SE 82nd Avenue of Roses was shut down for nearly two hours while the EDU squad checked this bus for explosives.

When he learned that, the bus driver immediately pulled to the curb on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses at SE Flavel Street, and evacuated the bus. Patrol cars from two police precincts and a Transit Police unit raced to the scene.

The Explosive Disposal Unit soon arrived, but after carefully searching the bus, found no bombs on board.

Police say this man, Ryan Nau, was
responsible for the bomb scare.

Authorities said that 43-year-old Ryan Nau, charged with one count of Disorderly Conduct in the incident, has a history of “severe mental problems.”

A TriMet supervisor on-scene told us, “Something like this is an inconvenience to everyone, but we’ll never take a chance with the public’s safety.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Finally, this unlicensed driver is behind bars – but not for driving without a license. Find out why she’s in jail now … and see our exclusive photos  …

The never-licensed driver of this car wasn’t about to stop – until cops flattened her car’s tires.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After an alleged shoplifting spree at a Beaverton Marshalls store, about 6:20 p.m. on August 20, the driver of the red import sedan takes off from the parking lot, trying to ditch the local police.

She’s seen weaving through traffic on Highway 217 before Beaverton officers lose sight of the car, and put out a regional broadcast to Portland- area jurisdictions. A sharp-eyed Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct cop spots the car coming through Portland on I-5.

The officer follows it north on I-5, then east on I-84, then south from the NE 68th Avenue exit – as the driver cuts through Roseway, Madison South and Montavilla neighborhoods.

Pursuit allowed to continue
“Because the car remained on lightly-traveled surface streets in outer East Portland, and was not traveling at excessive speeds, supervisors allowed the pursuit to continue,” says Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz.

Although the cops flatten three of the car’s four tires using a spike strip at SE Washington Street and SE 92nd Avenue, the driver doesn’t stop. Only when a patrol car bumps the wobbling car into a curb at SE 92nd Avenue and Clay Street, using the “Pursuit Intervention Technique”, does the car finally grind to a halt.

Officers sort out clothing and other articles they suspect were stolen from the Marshalls store in Beaverton.

Find stolen booty … and a baby
Two females are taken into custody. But, as officers begin to search the car, they find more than just the allegedly-stolen merchandise.

Officers are surprised to find a three-year-old baby loosely seat-belted in the back seat of the car – not in a child’s car seat. At the scene, we hear a sergeant remark that officers couldn’t see the child in the back seat during the chase.

Cops check on the 3-year-old, who was in the back seat of the fleeing car. There were no injuries in this incident.

The driver of the car is identified as 24-year-old Kendrareen Hudson. She tells cops she lives in Beaverton; records indicate Hudson is a Salem resident.

Driver never licensed, but often ticketed
Authorities say Hudson hasn’t ever had a driver’s license. But that hasn’t stopped her from driving. She’s been cited 43 times for driving without a license – many times in Portland.

Further, on 17 occasions, Hudson failed to appear in court for these tickets.

Multnomah County Detention Center indicated that Hudson was in custody on several occasions, charged with crimes including theft and assault.

Cops say the statutes prevent putting
chronically-unlicensed drivers, such as
Kendrareen Hudson, behind bars.

Finally, off the roads
Although Hudson has walked away from many of her crimes without any jail time, she’s currently being held in the Washington County Jail because one of her charges, “Attempting to Elude a Police Officer”, is a felony.

“She was also charged with one count of Reckless Driving, and multiple counts of Reckless Endangerment,” reported Schmautz.

The 16-year-old passenger was turned over to Beaverton Police; the 3-year-old was taken into state custody.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Is “street sex” truly as rampant as neighbors claim? See what we learned from riding with cops – and the impact of Portland City Council allowing the Prostitution-free Zone ordinance to expire …

Driving up NE Sandy Blvd. officers spot Gina outside of a tavern near the corner of NE Prescott. Street. “She was excluded from this area last week; we need to talk with her,” Officer Sparling says.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In the first installment of this series Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs described how officers use Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone (DFZ) ordinances. (CLICK HERE to read Street Sex: Part 1)

However, at midnight on September 30, the Portland’s PFZ and DFZ ordinances will – as Mayor Tom Potter and the Portland City Council members characterize it – “sunset”.

But the term “sunset” is just a nice way of saying the city fathers are taking away a valuable policing tool by letting it die, neighbors and business people in outer East Portland tell us.

Also in last week’s installment, neighbors told their horror stories about going on “condom and needle patrol” every morning.

On prostitution patrol
To find out of neighbors and businesses along NE Sandy Blvd. and 82nd Ave. of Roses are blowing what they call the “prostitution problem” out of proportion, we ride along with Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers Lacey Sparling and Heath Kula, late on a Saturday afternoon.

Sparling and Kula are assigned to operate a “prostitution mission”. Their assignment is arresting prostitutes and customers – and taking into custody prostitutes who are violating their police order excluding them from the PFZ.

As we ride to the patrol zone, Kula notes they’ve made more than 80 arrests during their mission.

Sparling shows us a thick stack of papers listing individuals who, under the PFZ ordinance, have been forbidden to tread 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Blvd. – except to conduct legitimate business.

“By now,” Sparling adds, “We recognized most of the girls we’ve excluded. In a couple of weeks, we’ve gone from half a page, to over four pages of exclusion listings. We’re going out looking out for the regular girls.”

Prostitutes solicit in broad daylight
Although we ride in a fully-equipped – but totally unmarked – patrol car, officers don’t have to hide in the bushes or sneak around corners.

Even those prostitutes who have been excluded from “working” an area stand and walk brazenly in the afternoon sun, soliciting business. Our first contact comes minutes after we go on patrol.

In Parkrose, Gina talks with officers, trying to explain why she’s hanging around an area from which she’s been officially excluded.

“Camper” on Sandy Blvd.
At NE Sandy Blvd. and NE Prescott Street, the officers spot familiar faces. They pull into the parking lot of a popular watering hole.

The young woman, Gina, doesn’t notice as we pull up; her boyfriend wanders off, leaving Gina to talk with police. Gina heads back into the bar – but the establishment’s manager meets her at the door and tells her, “You’re still working; you’re not welcome in here. Don’t come back.”

Sparling says the couple claims their car broke down when they were visiting Portland a few weeks ago from Eugene and they don’t have money to fix it. Currently, they’re “camping” in a wooded area on the border of The Grotto.

They ask Gina if she has any drugs or money with her. She says she doesn’t do drugs, and “my stupid boyfriend takes the money. Every cent I get, he takes it all”.

Gina was originally arrested for flagging down a car and getting in, ostensibly, for sex. She tells officers she doesn’t actually perform a sex act. “I tell them we’ll do something, but I take their money and run away,” Gina reminds officers.

Kula asks, “When you get $50 or $100, why don’t you just take the bus back to Eugene?”

Gina starts crying and blurts out, “I don’t know. I’ve got to help my boyfriend. He handles the money.”

Officer Sparling takes Gina in custody. The suspect will be taken to the Portland Justice Center for booking, then she’ll be released.

Gina doesn’t implicate her boyfriend, who has now moved west, across NE Prescott St., and is leaning up against the Ace Tavern. He looks unconcerned that his “girlfriend” is being handcuffed and taken to jail.

The first time they arrested Gina, Sparling says, as we drive away, she was an attractive young lady. “Now, only weeks later, she looks to be in her late 30s. This life really ages them.”

It takes nearly an hour to fill in four forms during the arrest. “All of the paperwork is necessary. As police, we’re trained to accurately document the arrest.”

Officers see Loretta “on the stroll” – trying to flag down a potential customer along SE 82nd Ave. of Roses – directly across the street from Vestal Elementary School.

Along the 82nd Ave. of Roses “stroll”
Driving along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, officers spot another subject. The woman appears to be “on the stroll” – a street phrase meaning a prostitute is seeking business.

“Isn’t that Loretta?” Kula asks

Sparling checks the sheet and photo gallery she holds. “Yes. This gal, after we arrested her, she was working out here [again] eight hours later,” she comments. “Her PFZ exclusion is still active.”

“She can be in the PFZ exclusion zone for services, food, shopping and medical attention,” Kula explains. “We must have ‘probable cause’ that she is violating her variance.”

Officers pull into a parking lot. Loretta pauses by a bus stop, but doesn’t get on board. She loiters, and walks slowly.

“Look, she’s waving at passing cars right now,” Kula points out.

Expressing her displeasure for being interrupted during her Saturday afternoon stroll, Loretta tries to explain why she’s violating her PFZ exclusion order.

Loretta looks at first angry, then frustrated as the officers get out of the car at 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Everett St, right across the street from Vestal Grade School. She recognizes the officers, saying, “You two again!”

It takes the officers about 45 minutes to fill in a sheaf of paperwork, including an inventory of personal property. A patrol officer takes Loretta to jail for processing.

The value of prostitution missions
Because they’re often back on the street – sometimes within the same day – we ask officers if such prostitution missions really do any good.

“The neighbors say we are helping. And, we’ve arrested a couple of guys who are dangerous – or at least scary,” Sparling says. “We got them off the streets, at least for a while. And, when we send a gal to jail, we may have saved her from an assault, at the very least. There are creeps who prey on these gals.”

Sparling tells of a runaway 17-year-old who almost immediately got hooked up with a pimp. “The guy was a registered sex offender, had a record of rape and prior ‘compelling’ [coercing women into prostitution] cases against him. It felt good to get her away from this guy.”

Tries to “date” officer on patrol
Asked if the problem of street prostitution is as bad as it appears, Kula tells of a time when a prostitute came up to their unmarked patrol car.

“We weren’t trying to pick her up. We were watching a decoy [undercover officer] working a mission. She came up to the car and made a ‘date’ [offer to have sex for money] with me through the passenger window. She didn’t see that the sergeant and I were in uniform. She opened the door and got in the back seat! She jumped out, but we arrested her.”

Sparling adds, “Last week, another girl was about to get in our car. She jumps back and says, ‘Oh, never mind.’ We told her, No, there is no ‘never mind’.”

After refusing to acknowledge that she’s been read, and understands, her rights, Officer Sparling takes Lynae into custody on a Parkrose side street.

Flagging ’em down on Sandy
As we head northeast on Sandy Boulevard, officers point out a woman waving to cars at NE 104th Ave. at the Pacific Pride gas station. There’s nothing covert about her behavior.

We watch as a car slows down. The woman points, indicating the driver should go south on NE 114th Avenue. We pull into the gas station and watch her get into the car.

Kula follows the car; it goes north on NE Wygant Street. Kula turns on the red and blue lights and hits the siren.

“Look at the two of them talk,” Sparling points out. “They’re trying to get a story together to explain away what they’re doing.”

After the car turns north on SE 112rd Avenue, it pulls to a stop. Sparling gets the woman out of the car, Kula talks to the driver, a man who shows him ID with a Salem address.

Says they’re “going to get a taco”
The suspected “john” admits to Kula that he’d never met the woman before. “But he told me they were just heading out to get a taco,” reports Kula. “I ask if it seems odd that he’s going for tacos with a stranger he just picked up. He says the gal was going to take him somewhere to get a taco.”

As Sparling tries to take the woman, Lynae, in custody, the subject becomes very verbal. She appears to be very intoxicated; Lynae was holding a plastic cup half full of a liquid that appears to be a mixture of cola and liquor.

Sparling recites the Miranda Rights to her three times; each time, the woman says she doesn’t understand her rights.

Lynae tells Sparling that she owns a shop at NE 112th Avenue and NE Sandy Boulevard, and that a girlfriend arranged to have a friend – whom she didn’t know – give her a ride, to “somewhere“.

Sparling responds, “I can’t discuss this with you; you won’t acknowledge your rights; we have nothing further to talk about. You’re going to jail.” Even while sitting in the back of a patrol car, Lynae is very animated. She talks, shouts, hoots, and screams, as she bobs back and forth in the seat.

As Lynae’s “new friend” stammers out stories that don’t make sense, Officer Kula prepares him for a ride to jail.

The suspected john, now standing with Kula, is told he’s about to ride to jail with his new “friend” – who continues to shriek and curse at, and to, all who face her direction.

His fate becoming clearer, the man now becomes more candid with Kula, and admits he saw her flagging him down, and that the woman offered sexual services when she got in his car.

As Kula takes his handcuffs off, he warns the man, “We have a good memory for faces, and we’re keeping your name in our notes. If we ever see you here, looking for sex, you’re going to jail and your car will be impounded.”

The man looks pale and shaken as he slowly walks back to his car.

“He has no criminal record,” Kula tells us. “We were able to observe the woman’s behavior, specifically, soliciting him. It is very difficult for prosecutors to make a case against a suspected customer.”

Praise from neighbors
A neighbor leans out the window of his home and thanks the officers, saying, “Hey, we really appreciate it. It’s gotten really bad around here.”

Sparling comments, “It isn’t unusual for neighbors to come out and thank us. They say they’re tired of prostitutes working on their street and the undesirable traffic it brings. They’re tired of cleaning up the condoms and needles.”

Kula adds, “Although it may not seem like we’re having an effect; but I think we are helping improve the livability of the community.”

Next week:
It looks as if PFZ and DFZ ordinances are certain to expire without hope of a reprieve. What do politicians, neighbors and cops have to say about the situation?

Read STREET SEX: Part 3 – Life after Prostitution-free Zones right here, next week.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Will NE Sandy Boulevard and 82nd Avenue of Roses be “open-for-protection” zones, now that the city ordinance restraining sex-on-the-street has expired? See what the cops say – and what some neighbors are doing about the situation …

Statistics show that primarily Caucasians are arrested for prostitution, such as the accused woman shown here, talking with Officer Lacey Sparling before the woman was sent downtown for booking.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In areas of outer East Portland where street prostitution flourishes, neighbors and business people say they’re astonished and dismayed that the Portland City Council allowed Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone (DFZ) ordinances expire – without even a hearing.

In addition to saying the “laws have not been effective”, Mayor Tom Potter also stateed that he was concerned because “data indicates a disparity in how the Drug Free Zone law has been enforced.”

A lengthy press release from the Mayor’s office, says that Mayor Potter commissioned Campbell DeLong Resources Inc. to conduct an independent analysis of how the law was being enforced, and whether it unfairly targeted minorities. The report’s summary: “… enforcement [is] focused on the poor and minorities — especially African Americans.”

Prostitution statistics: Mainly Caucasians arrested
Last week, we asked John Campbell, Campbell DeLong Resources Inc., if his study included statistics regarding Prostitution-free Zone enforcement.

“Our study was regarding Drug-free Zones,” Campbell tells us, “There was some discussion about Prostitution-free Zones. It was not assigned as a project.”

Official Portland Police Bureau statistics show that in 314 total PFZ arrests, 173 persons arrested were classified as “White”; 141 persons arrested were classified “non-White” – a category consisting of Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian persons.

Valerie Curry, Argay Neighborhood Association chair introduces a meeting of citizens who say they’re struggling to rid their neighborhoods of prostitution and drug dealing.

Beyond Exclusion Zones
As the ordinances expired, some neighbors got angry. Other neighbors got busy.

The Argay Neighborhood Association, chaired by Valerie Curry, organized a special meeting, open to everyone living and working in the affected area, on Saturday, September 29.

We were surprised to discover one of her guest speakers was John Campbell, the person who headed the Mayor’s race-disparity DFZ study. “The fact is, the PFZ and DFZ ordinances have expired. We can spend our time together complaining about it, or, decide what actions to take,” Campbell began.

John Campbell tells a group of neighbors in outer East Portland about how he combated crime in his North Portland neighborhood.

Started as community activist
Campbell told the group of 72 people assembled at Portland Fire & Rescue’s Station 2 that he got “fed up” with drug houses on his NE Portland street during the 1980s.

After leading a neighborhood effort to clean up his block – during which two of his cars were blown up in front of his house – Campbell says he started developing citizen involvement training programs. He went on to develop nuisance abatement manuals and rental property landlord trainings addressing drug issues.

“The [United States] Constitution says we don’t want police raiding homes based on one complaint,” Campbell states. “This was the beginning of my education. It takes steps, taken by many neighbors, to solve problems.

“At first, people try to prove ‘the system’ doesn’t work. We get mad and say we need new mayor, new city counselors, or a new police chief.

“But eventually, some neighbors come to the realization that the ‘cavalry isn’t coming over the hill’ to fix [their problems]. They then realize that they are in charge of their destiny. I call it ’empowerment through resentment’!”

After a neighbor, or group of neighbors, realize they are “in charge”, Campbell explains, it takes more than “table pounding at neighborhood association meetings” to get things done. “It takes leadership of others.”

Campbell writes a list of neighborhood issues suggested by the meeting’s attendees.

Steps toward neighborhood change
“Neighborhoods don’t solve problems like the ones you face, overnight,” stated Campbell. “There is no solution that will solve their problems within a week. I can offer you some steps to help change. It takes dedication to make it work. There is no magic fix.”

Campbell’s list of suggestions include:

• Work with landlords to improve their facilities and tenants. “Don’t assume the landlord is evil. They usually want good tenants and happy neighbors.”
• Report all crime. “Don’t think someone else called the police.”
• Remove graffiti immediately. “Leaving it up says, ‘It is OK to do it here.’ Catching them comes second; clean it up first.”
• Take away the opportunity for crime. “Don’t leave anything of value in your car and lock it. Keep your porch lights on all night long.”
• Know your neighbors. “How many neighbors’ phone numbers do you have? If you don’t know your neighbors, it isn’t George Bush’s fault.”

Suggests unique neighborhood patrol
To combat street crime, like prostitution, Campbell suggests that neighbors begin a “foot patrol”.

While Campbell’s suggestions for fighting crime apply to theft and vandalism, neighbors ask how, specifically, they can combat prostitution.

“In Portland’s Overlook area, we felt uncomfortable with the ‘Junior Cop’ model – you know with orange jackets and walkie-talkies. Instead, we formed the ‘Neighborhood Garbage Patrol’. We wore t-shirts and walked the streets with garbage bags. It didn’t take long for neighbors to come out, talk and then walk with us.”

Crime reduction through environmental change
Returning to the topic of prostitution, Campbell says it takes three elements:

“You need a perpetrator with intent, a place where the crime can take place, and a victim. I call it ravenous wolves, sitting ducks, and dens of iniquity.

“We can arrest the prostitute, but we haven’t changed the situation that allows her to work there. How can we change the environment? This is the problem to solve,” Campbell says.

Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct Lt. Kevin Modica tells the group, “Call me. Communicate with me. Here’s my phone number …”

Law enforcement without PFZ and DFZ ordinances
Present and listening during the meeting is Lt. Kevin Modica, a 22 year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau.

The first thing Modica does, when he’s asked to speak, is to give out his cell phone number. “Communicate with me. I’m not going to get grumpy. We’ve been made aware it is an issue, more than ever before.”

Modica tells the group that the Police Bureau is dedicated to enforce the law. “We’ll engage all law enforcement techniques we have at our disposal. And, we’ll measure the results of our efforts and adjust our strategies.”

Modica describes the enormity of the “cycle of prostitution” as he puts it.

However, the lieutenant warns, “The cycle of arrest, release and rehabilitation doesn’t always cure the problem. We’re dealing with an ingrained, systemic problem. I’m not going to make idle promises on a Saturday afternoon. But, we are developing a strategy.”

Writing down license plates of customers, and descriptions of prostitutes who frequent their neighborhood helps, Modica says.

“All laws are an infringement of liberty,” Modica explains. “Every time we stop somebody, we’re infringing on their liberty. We need to make sure we’re talking to the ‘right’ person. We need to know we’re charging into the ‘right’ house.”

Police officers efforts supported by the Commander
The PFZ was a good tool,” Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs told us a few days ago. “Now, we have one less tool in our ‘toolbox’. But, we, as a bureau, will continue to enforce laws.”

Crebs says police are developing a specific program to combat street prostitution — the results of which will be evaluated every 30 days.

Asking for help from the community, Crebs says, “If you see a drug or prostitution activity, you must call the police so we can respond. Even if an officer can’t arrive on scene immediately, we will check the area.”

Crebs reminds us that all “calls for service” are documented. “These call records help us identify crime trends.  The more calls received, service calls received for a type determines how police resources are allocated.”

Next week:
Is prostitution a “real” crime? We ask the District Attorney’s office to talk how vigorously they prosecute street-level prostitution – and why.

Read STREET SEX: Part 4 – The Prosecution Rests …Or, Does It? right here, next week.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Is the crime of prostitution really prosecuted in Portland – or is it just “winked at”, and not pursued in court? You’ll get the straight answers right here …

When an individual is arrested for prostitution, either selling sex or being the customer, their first stop is here: the Justice Center in downtown Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
So far in this series, we’ve documented how street-level prostitution affects the quality of life for those living and working along 82nd Avenue of Roses and NE Sandy Boulevard.

We’ve shown you how law enforcement has used the now-expired Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) ordinance – and good, solid policing techniques – to mitigate the problem, by arresting as many street-sex customers and vendors as possible.

And, you’ve seen how, since the demise of the PFZ ordinance, business people and neighbors affected by prostitution have been told to organize and be vigilant against the crime, by reporting activity and organizing neighborhood watches.

Is prostitution really prosecuted?
As we gather news in the community, citizens have commented to us that it seems street-sex crimes aren’t vigorously prosecuted.

To find if that is true, we approach the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office, and are directed to two top-level deputy district attorneys who speak candidly about how prostitution cases go through the court system.

Gateway into the legal system
We first speak with Wayne Pearson, Senior Deputy District Attorney, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. He’s a 35-year veteran of the DA’s office; our research shows he’s nationally-known for his contributions to community law studies and reports.

Pearson tells us that his section of the DA’s office handles incoming misdemeanor cases “not involving domestic violence”. These are cases involving charges of DWII, misdemeanor assault, resisting arrest, and – yes – prostitution.

We ask if cases involving prostitution are prosecuted with the same vigor as other cases.

“Our function is to prosecute the all cases that come into our office,” Pearson states. “All of them.”

Through the legal system
A prostitution case comes into their office after a police officer investigates a situation that appears to be involved in prostitution, makes an arrest, and writes a report.

The prostitution suspect is then booked into jail, and appears in court the following day.

Pearson says the police officers’ reports go to the District Attorney’s office for review.

If the facts of the case are, Pearson says, “beyond a reasonable doubt” that that the individual has committed prostitution or related crime, a formal complaint is filed with the court.

However, if the facts presented in the report fail to meet the “reasonable doubt” test, the case is returned to law enforcement, with appropriate instructions; usually a request for more – or more detailed – information.

People arrested for engaging in prostitution usually appear for arraignment at a courtroom located in the Justice Center.

First day in court
On the day the alleged prostitute makes the appearance in court, the defendant is served with a copy of the complaint, and arraigned.

“From here, the case can go in many different directions,” Pearson reports. “The defendant either pleads guilty and gets sentenced, or pleads not guilty and requests a trial.”

Frequently, when the defendant is charged with more than one offence, they plead guilty.

“The cases that go to trial are where the defense attorney feels there are solid, litigable issues,” Pearson says.

If the defendant pleads guilty, or is convicted in a trial, he or she is sentenced by the court.

Affected neighbors irked by “revolving door justice”
We tell Pearson that neighbors – especially those who live in areas with high rates of street prostitution – say they are frustrated about seeing the effects this kind of activity on their street.

“When the rule of law seems to have lost its meaning, I can see why they’d say they are frustrated,” responds Pearson. “Until a misdemeanor affects an individual, it probably doesn’t get a lot of thought by the average citizen.”

Pearson reminds us that, since the early 1970s, police have arrested both the prostitute and their customer. The DA’s office prosecutes the cases. Judges pass sentences. “A good question to consider is ‘why is prostitution still there, in those neighborhoods; ie, what facilitates the street side prostitution at a specific location?‘”

Many trials take place here, at the Multnomah County Courthouse.

Order in the court
To learn more about prostitution cases that go to trial, Pearson suggests we talk with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Chief Deputy in Charge of Misdemeanors, Fred Lenzser.

Sharing his experience prosecuting prostitution cases, Lenzser speaks candidly about cases that do go to trial court.

“First, most of the cases ‘plead out’ – that is, they plead guilty; the judge sentences the individual,” Lenzser says.

Appearance of innocence impedes prosecution
We ask, “What are the major impediments to successfully prosecuting a prostitution case in front of a jury?”

“Precursors to the act [of soliciting prostitution] may look innocent. The accused may be standing at the bus stop, walking up and down the street. It may look innocuous,” begins Lenzser.

“Using the information we have from the police reports, we have to recreate the scene for the jurors with the evidence we have. We have to get jury members to understand exactly what is happening.”

The reason for this, Lenzser tells us, is that of jurors may not be familiar with the street prostitution environment. “People tend to process situations based upon their own experiences. If they haven’t processed a concept, it is hard for them to believe.”

This is important, he says, especially when the accused tells the court they were just walking to a bar, waiting for a bus, or waving to a friend – a friend who stops on a busy street, rolls down their window, and talks with them before they hop in the car. “They can come up with semi plausible excuses,” he adds.

‘Sympathy factor’ helps johns
Another factor when prosecuting a case against customers of prostitution, comments Lenzser, “is the sympathy factor. “If the ‘john’ has a criminal record [especially for repeat prostitution offences], his background can’t be brought up at the hearing.

“The jury does hear how the ‘john’ holds a job, supports his family, has a great wife and goes to church. [This kind of testimony makes] it hard to believe that the individual was really doing what they were accused of doing. It’s like a Driving While Intoxicated case; most everyone has had a drink or two before driving. They give the drunk driver the benefit of a doubt.”

Prostitution: Illegal, or ‘between consenting adults’?
We ask Lenzser if jury members typically consider prostitution to be a crime.

“There are a lot of people who say, because the act is between consenting adults, they don’t see the act of prostitution as a real crime. If their minds are made up, they are excused as potential jurors,” explains Lenzser. “For those who are undecided, we ask the jurors to make decision on a particular case based on the law, not their opinion.”

Unless a person has been negatively affected by street-level prostitution, they may feel sympathy for the accused prostitute or john, officials say.

Successful at prosecutions
Quizzed about their conviction rate in prostitution cases, Lenzser reminds us that most cases don’t get tried; they are resolved by a plea.

“Cases go to trial because there are ‘tryable’ issues presented,” he adds. “We don’t keep statistics, but I’d say I’d say we win more than we lose.”

Conviction doesn’t always mean a harsh sentence
When an individual is convicted of prostitution at their trial, he or she isn’t immediately hauled off to jail – even though the prosecuting attorney may have presented a buttoned-down case, we learn.

“Sentencing is up to the judge,” Lenzser tells us. “And, the judges have a wide range of possible sentences they may hand down.”

One of the considerations is the number of jail beds available. “With jail-bed space limited, judges have to consider community safety priorities.”

A prostitute who has been arrested, or convicted, several times for selling sex, may get jail time.

But, street-sex customers, especially the ones arrested for the first time and who have no records, typically walk free, Lenzser notes. “Most ‘truly first time’ offenders are likely to get a fine, probation, or community service.”

Solving the prostitution problem
If juries tend to consider prostitution customers to be “sympathetic characters” and judges don’t  “throw the book” at them…if there isn’t room to lock up repeat offending prostitutes…how can the impact that sex sold on the streets be lessened, in affected neighborhoods?

Thus, the question that DA Pearson raises, ‘Why is prostitution still here?’ appears to be right on target.

In our next installment …
Our city’s officials claim that “enhanced treatment” is the solution to our city’s vice problems.

We’re digging to find out exactly what kind of treatment is being administered. Be sure to look for STREET SEX: Part 5 – Treating prostitution problems … or its symptoms?

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Why has it taken a month to present the story about how street prostitutes are helped to escape ‘the life’? You may be as surprised as we are by the answer …

Under the Portland’s “Project 57”, when a street prostitute is arrested, they go to jail – but not for long. They stay only until their arraigned or bailed out.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although popular with affected residents and business owners, both Mayor Tom Potter and Commissioner Randy Leonard say the Prostitution-free Zone (PFZ) and Drug-free Zone ordinances were ineffective and unfair.

“I haven’t been in favor of the ordinances,” Leonard tells us after the ordinances expired. “Even if they are constitutional, I don’t think they solve the problem. When we designate an area to be an exclusion zone, prostitutes move to another area.”

A better idea is to provide treatment, Leonard says. “Our Project 57, in which we rent 57 jail beds from the county to hold chronic offenders, has reduced recidivism among the top 300 repeat offenders by 71%.

Project 57 primer
“Project 57” was established to keep crime offenders, who pose the greatest threat to public safety, in jail.

Prior to Project 57, those arrested, were given citations-in-lieu of custody (not unlike a traffic ticket), released, and then expected to appear voluntarily for their scheduled court appearances.

A disproportionate percentage of those arrested failed to show up in court for their arraignment. The benefit of the new program, officials say, is that under Project 57, those arrested stay in jail until they are “recoged” (released on their own recognizance), or bailed out (by a bail bondsman) of jail.

Also, as a joint Portland/Multnomah County “Quick Facts” report, dated June 2007, says, “those who actually appear in Court for their arraignment have a greater likelihood of making subsequent appearances to complete adjudication of their charges and begin benefiting from whatever rehab services that may be available within the court system.”

While treatment while in jail may help prostitutes change their lives, they often are back on the street within 24 hours.

A third benefit, the report says, that “Immediate incarceration upon arrest, even for short periods of time, creates a disruption in an offender’s criminal behavior that COULD deter the arrestee from future criminal activity.”

Little jail time served
Because it is judges who sentence those who are arrested to jail, not the police, the police say street-level prostitutes spend very little time in jail when they are arrested.

“Anyone arrested [for a Project 57 offence] is taken to the Portland Justice Center for booking,” says Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs. “They are ‘in jail’ as long as it takes them to be booked, and make bail. If they can’t make bail, they are held until their arraignment. Practically speaking, it can be from about eight hours to a couple of days before they are released.”

Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler agrees that specific treatment for prostitutes is a good idea.

In search of treatment
Multnomah County – not the City of Portland – is in charge of administering all treatment and rehabilitation programs.

Before a recent public meeting, we ask Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler if the county provides rehabilitation or treatment services for prostitutes.

“As far as I know,” Wheeler says, “there are no services specifically targeted toward prostitutes for alcohol and drug treatment. This is a serious issue; it seems like a gap in the services we provide to the community.”

We suggest that many prostituted women have “pimp problems” that overshadow their drug problems.

“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Wheeler responds. “For a long time, we’ve looked at prostitution solely as a public safety issue. There is no question in my mind that people engaged in prostitution are also victims in their own way. There is an affirmative obligation for the community to reach out to them and help them see a better way.”

Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services Division director Karl Brimner says his department is looking into what services may be provided for prostitutes.

Top treatment director speaks
Chair Wheeler suggests we contact the Multnomah County Mental Health and Addiction Services Division to learn more. After a telephone introduction, the division’s director, Karl Brimner, M.Ed., agrees to meet with us.

“Since we’ve talked on the phone, I’ve talked with my staff,” begins Brimner. “The county certainly offers mental health services to everyone. Adults, kids, families, whatever the need may be.

“When we are talking about situations related to prostitution, there are a number of variables into why women are involved. And, it is predominantly women who are involved.”

The division director says that when women call in and ask about something more specific than just some of the mental health services, they are directed to agencies – some not funded by the county – that provide services to individuals who may be involved sexual situations, including prostitution.

Little treatment while in jail
We ask if inmates are required to undergo any kind of treatment while in jail.

Brimner replies, “There may be some treatment available for people while they’re in jail, but most of the programs are after the discharge. It might be outpatient services or residential services.”

He adds that judges frequently make this treatment a condition of release, particularly if they are going on probation.

We ask, “When women who are convicted of prostitution go to jail, they are typically in the grips of their pimp. How might we help them break that control – break the cycle?”

Brimner replies, “It does get back to similar areas to domestic violence; the cycles that occur there in unhealthy relationships. Where domestic violence is part of the problem, there are services available.

“If a woman has been arrested for prostitution and has identified some areas, like domestic violence, or alcohol and drugs, or wants to see a mental health counselor – these can all be conditions of release as well. This would help the person deal with the problem, so they’re not recycling back into the criminal justice system.”

County treatment division director Karl Brimner says there is little treatment – of any kind – available to jailed drug addicts or prostitutes.

Hard questions; few answers
We learn there isn’t a specific program in which a judge can say, “As part of your conditions of release, you will take and complete the prostitution aversion program”.

From interviews we’ve had with organizations now disbanded, we tell Brimner it seems unlikely that a prostituted woman will take action to seek help.

Because most prostituted women are enmeshed in their domestic situation, we continue, they’re too afraid, or too strung out on drugs or alcohol, to call and ask for help.

We add that professionals have told us that jailing prostitutes may help them escape “the life” – not as punishment, but giving them a “time out” to think about their lives and situations. Jail gets them away from their pimp, drug dealer or both.

We get to our question: “How can we connect prostituted persons with helpful programs – when they are in jail – to give them the opportunity to make a choice without pressure from their pimp?”

“That is a good point, David,” Brimner responds. “One of the things we’ve talked about, among our staff members in the last few days, is that I want to make sure the folks in jail who deal with mental health issues are aware of the programs that are available. A woman serving some jail time has the opportunity to think about potential options and get the support to do that.

“We know that when folks are leaving the jail setting it isn’t always easy for them to pick up the phone and make the call for help. If there could be some kind of intervention as part of the discharge process it would be important. Or, maybe providing available service contact information would be helpful where appropriate.”

Good help is hard to find
In closing, Brimner gives us a list of three organizations that work with prostituted women.

“One is New Options for Women. It is counseling and assistance services for women and girls involved in a variety of aspects of the industry, including prostitution.”

When we called New Options, we learn the program lost its funding from Multnomah County during the summer, and has disbanded.

“Another is called Rehab Sisters,” Brimner states. “It is involved in counseling and support for those who work in the ‘sex industry’.”

Rehab Sisters’ telephone number has been disconnected; there is no new number. Through extensive Internet and directory searches, we find no listing for this organization.

“The third is Sex Worker Outreach, run through the Portland Women’s Crisis Helpline.”

When we contacted them, we’re told that they don’t operate a rehabilitation program; they run a crisis-referral service. However, the person in charge Sex Worker Outreach has not returned our calls.

Taking on the responsibility; putting it nowhere
While PFZ and DFZ ordinances put a bandage on the neighborhood-impacting symptoms of the problem by allowing police to exclude street sex vendors – we agree that the laws do not solve the problem.

We agree that taking habitual offenders off the street and jailing them under Program 57 is a good idea – but police say they’re back on the street as soon as they make bail or are arraigned.

And, we certainly agree that court-mandated treatment is a necessary step to help prostituted women change their lives.

County Chair Ted Wheeler told us, “As you point out, a number of those women don’t want to be that life. Some of them are being held in that field against their will. The threat of physical violence – we know that; that is factually the case. From my prospective, this is a vulnerable population we should be targeting to help.”

But, with the both the City and County turning their pocketbooks inside-out, showing they have limited resources; it appears as if help won’t be coming anytime soon.

No customer diversion programs
Perhaps you’ll recall how a “john” told officers he picked up the prostitute so they could “go have a taco together.” Intent is difficult to prove; it is extraordinarily difficult for cops to catch street sex “in the act”. Thus, most “johns” – the customers of prostitution – are never prosecuted.

Until they closed two years ago, the Lola Greene Baldwin Foundation ran court-mandated educational programs for “johns”. They, too, lost their county and state funding.

As their co-founder, Joseph Parker, told us in a 2005 interview, “Johns are addicted to using prostituted women to fulfill their fantasies. It is less about the sex act – but much more about having absolute power and control over another human being.”

It’s up to you
Sadly, this tragic problem is “out of sight; out of mind” for most Portland residents – they simply don’t care.

But, for the neighbors who go on their daily “used condom and needle patrol” missions; shoo their children away from the front windows of their homes; and, feel unsafe on their own street as “johns” and “hookers” conduct their business as usual, the quality of life in “their Portland” continues to sink.

Until the citizens of Portland tire of the vice that grips outer East Portland neighborhoods along NE Sandy Boulevard, and along 82nd Avenue of Roses, and elect leaders who feel their discontent, street prostitution will flourish.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service