Parkrose gets new police contact office

See why officers say this “cop shop” will be more than just a report-writing station …

Officer Greg Baldwin, Dennis Adair, manager Parkrose Hardware, and Sgt. John Anderson here look at lighting improvements they’ll be making at the new Parkrose Police Contact Center.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Portland Police Bureau will soon have a new East Precinct Contact Center on NE Sandy Boulevard at NE 111th Avenue.

“Parkrose has traditionally been ignored by the city,” explains the project manager, Sgt. John Anderson. “Even with our enhanced patrols, there’s still a lot of crime, including drugs and prostitution. Increased police presence here would be a good deterrent.”

Some police substations, often referred to as “cop shops”, provide a place for district officers to relieve themselves, eat lunch – and write reports.

Adair and Anderson check out the front door, while identifying improvements they plan to make to the office space.

A community meeting place
“While it won’t be full-time staffed by officers,” Anderson says, “We want this to be a place where people can come and gather. It will be open to the public, so citizens can speak directly to an officer when they’re here.”

The sergeant says he plans to hold monthly events at the office. “We’ll talk about all kinds of public safety issues – including graffiti, identity theft, and elder abuse – in addition to working together to solve problems from drugs and prostitution.”

Special Parkrose phone hot-line
Anderson also plans to install a “Parkrose Crime Hotline” phone line for non-emergency problems. “Citizens can call and talk to a district officer right here. Officers will log the issues and problems which neighbors call in.”

Rossi family contributes community office
They were contacted by the Rossi family, Anderson tells us, and were offered the office space, “charging only a dollar per year. It’s a great deal for us and for the community”.

Although the space is in fairly good condition, police and community members will be sprucing up the office with new lighting, some fresh paint, and new carpeting.

In a few weeks, this office will become the newest East Portland police substation.

“We’re doing this on a tight budget,” reports Anderson, “so we’re accepting volunteer labor help and contributions of materials.”

Already, Parkrose Hardware has donated paint, hardware, and some electrical supplies.

“We look forward to having an open house in the spring,” Anderson says. “I hope the neighbors and businesses will come join us in making Parkrose a safer and more livable community.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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