Portland police disband Property Crimes Unit due to staffing shortages

The Portland police department is facing significant staffing shortages, leading to the disbandment of its Property Crimes Unit (PCU), which was responsible for investigating burglaries, stolen vehicles, and organized retail crime. This decision has raised concerns among local business owners, particularly as many have already invested heavily in security measures due to rising crime rates. Rhonda Nienburg, a local business owner, expressed her frustration, emphasizing the struggles of small businesses in the city. The police department's staffing issues have been ongoing since 2020, with the number of sworn officers decreasing from 1,001 in 2019 to 801 in the current year. There are currently 80 sworn vacancies, attributed to retirements and promotions, which have created a backlog of trainees. The department is actively working on recruitment and hiring, but the lengthy training process for new officers, which can take up to two years, complicates the situation. In light of the disbandment, the three officers from the PCU will be reassigned to the Special Victims Unit and the Sex Crimes Unit. The latter unit focuses on investigating sexual violence cases, particularly those involving known suspects or non-family roles. This shift in personnel indicates a prioritization of addressing crimes against vulnerable individuals in the community. Overall, the dissolution of the Property Crimes Unit reflects broader challenges within the Portland police department, as it grapples with staffing shortages and the need to adapt to changing crime dynamics in the city.