Portland Police East Precinct Commander offers residents weekly ‘office hours’

Here’s a way you can meet face-to-face – without an appointment – with Portland Police Bureau Commander Jacob Jensen, on any Tuesday. Plus, he talks about his first year in command …

During the inaugural “Commander’s Office Hours” opportunity, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Captain Derrick Foxworth and Commander Jacob Jensen listen to concerns of neighbors and business people.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Before his first weekly “Commander’s Office Hours”, on Tuesday afternoon, April 29, in the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Community Room, Commander Jacob Jensen filled us in on his first year in charge of this large precinct that extends from the Gresham city border west to S.E. Cesar Chavez Boulevard in inner Southeast Portland.

“I became commander in late April, so it’s been almost exactly a year since I was assigned to East Precinct,” acknowledged Commander Jensen.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Captain Derrick Foxworth tells how their officers are working to reduce retail theft and auto theft crimes.

With a year’s perspective behind him, East Portland News asked Commander Jensen what he’s found to be the most persistent policing problem is in outer East Portland.

“What I keep hearing from our Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) and District Officers here are community concerns about homeless camping,” replied Commander Jensen. “And, along with this are other somewhat-related issues, such as crimes like drug dealing and theft – and also those of garbage and human waste, and other associated quality-of-life nuisances.”

Explaining the challenges of staffing to us: East Precinct Commander Jacob Jensen.

Prostitution still an issue
“Also, we’ve seen rises and declines in prostitution, especially in the north part of East precinct,” the Commander said. “This is an issue on which our afternoon Lieutenant Scott Konczal has been coordinating an effort with North Precinct. Both precincts are putting out a two-person ‘partner car’, and focusing on human trafficking – especially along NE 82nd Avenue of Roses.

“So, we’re regularly addressing all the issues that the community has raised about street prostitution – and all its consequences – such as left-behind used condoms, associated violence, and young women walking the avenue dressed in barely anything.”

East Precinct’s Captain Derrick Foxworth studies surveillance video, shown by a merchant, of a person who regularly comes to steal from his East Portland market.

About Commander’s Office Hours
Heading into the Community Room, Commander Jenson told about their now-weekly meetings on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. that he calls “Commander’s Office Hours”.

“While the time of day might not be the most convenient for everyone, by having it at the same time the same day in the same place, we’re hoping that regularly scheduled sessions will provide residents, and business owners and managers, an opportunity to come and be heard,” he explained.

It’s not a presentation; but instead, it’s a regular time every week when the PPB’s East Precinct Command Staff will listen, and take note of the concerns presented by guests. “We also information about incidents that have taken place, as we are able,” Commander Jenson elaborated.

It takes place at PPB East Precinct, 737 S. E. 106th Avenue, 97216. The public access phone number is (503) 823-4800.

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