Lents neighbors’ meeting shines spotlight on outer East Portland public safety

INCLUDES FULL MEETING VIDEO | Read about, then watch, the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association’s casual, informative session with a Portland Police East Precinct Lieutenant …

At the October meeting of the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association, members, guests and visitors are invited to partake in a Thai Food buffet supper before the meeting begins.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The meeting of the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association (LNLA) convened on its usual day – the second Thursday of the month, in this case October 9 – once held again at the New Hope Church’s Community Connection Center, on Mt. Scott.

The 22 folks in attendance enjoyed a light Thai food supper, and snacks as well, while chatting with each other before the formal meeting began.

Attendees watch and listen, as the LNLA meeting gets underway.

LNLA Chair David Potts brought the meeting to order by welcoming the attendees and guests, and announcing the activities in which the organization is involved in the month to come.

Potts then introduced the evening’s speaker, Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct Lt. Michael Roberts – who, in a 2016 article, the Portland Mercury newspaper referred to as “Officer Super Chill”, because of his calm response to stressful situations.

Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct Lt. Michael Roberts begins his presentation.

Early in his talk, Lt. Roberts reminded that the PPB is recruiting new officers. “We hired 125 officers last month!”

During the meeting, Lt. Roberts gracefully fielded questions, such as:

Is the PPB losing as many cops as they are hiring?
How long does it take for a “recruit officer” to go through training?
What would be the “right” number of officers for Portland?
Is there a real alternative to having gun-armed officers?
What is the new “set of rules” imposed on officers these days?
Are there limitations to use of police “body cameras”?
When is the “right time” to call 9-1-1, after witnessing a crime?

Lt. Roberts answers attendee questions at the meeting.

Now, watch the entire presentation, produced by the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association:

November 13: Learn about the Community Energy Project

Everyone is invited to meet with the LNLA at their November meeting.

Coming up this month at the LNLA meeting, hear the speaker tell about – and answer questions regarding – the Community Energy Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that partners with low-income communities on the frontlines of climate change, to create more resilient, efficient, and healthy homes.

This live, and in-person Lents Neighborhood Livability Association meeting serves a light supper from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.; followed by the meeting which ends at 8:00 p.m.

You’ll find the meeting in the Community Connection Center, on the grounds of New Hope Church at 10603 SE Henderson Street. [Enter through the church’s front doors, turn right, go down the first hallway. Signs will point the way.] For more information, email lnla2018@gmail.com.

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