PPB Participates in Effort to Advance Dialogue-Based Public Order Policing

In this article

The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) is proud to have played a key role in a national collaboration that has resulted in the publication of The Portland Framework: Guidance for Dialogue Policing in the United States (PDF), a new resource designed to help law enforcement agencies strengthen communication, legitimacy, and public trust during demonstrations, major events, and other public gatherings.

The framework was developed through a partnership involving researchers, law enforcement professionals, and public order policing experts from across the United States and internationally. The work was led by the Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) and supported by projects funded through the U.S. Department of Justice.

A major milestone in the development of the framework was a workshop hosted in Portland, Oregon, which brought together representatives from law enforcement agencies across the Western United States, researchers, practitioners, the National Policing Institute, George Washington University, and other stakeholders. Participants focused on a central question: What should dialogue policing look like within the unique legal, constitutional, and operational environment of the United States?

The resulting Portland Framework represents one of the first efforts to establish a distinctly American model of dialogue policing. Rather than simply adapting practices developed elsewhere, the framework reflects the realities of U.S. law enforcement, constitutional protections, and community expectations.

Dialogue policing emphasizes proactive communication, relationship building, information sharing, and problem-solving before, during, and after public events. The approach is designed to improve situational awareness, support informed decision-making, reduce unnecessary escalation, and help ensure policing responses remain proportionate, lawful, and effective.

The framework includes:

• Operational guidance and minimum standards for dialogue policing programs
• A professional profile outlining the skills and competencies needed for Dialogue Officers
• A structured training framework to support agency implementation and professional development

PPB leaders view the framework as an important contribution to the future of public order management and constitutional policing.

"Portland has been at the center of some of the nation's most challenging public demonstrations over the past decade," said Chief Bob Day. "Those experiences have reinforced the importance of communication, legitimacy, and building trust whenever possible. We are proud to have contributed to a collaborative effort that brings together research and real-world experience to help law enforcement agencies better serve their communities while protecting constitutional rights."

"I'm proud of the Portland Police Bureau for the role it played in developing The Portland Framework and helping shape a national model for dialogue policing" Mayor Keith Wilson added. "It's a significant accomplishment to see strategies and lessons developed here in Portland now being shared with other law enforcement agencies outside the Rose City."

PPB's involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to evidence-informed policing practices and continuous improvement. By partnering with researchers and policing professionals from across the country, PPB has helped advance strategies that support both public safety and the rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their views.

The publication of The Portland Framework comes at a time when law enforcement agencies nationwide continue to navigate increasingly complex public order environments. Bureau leaders believe the framework provides a valuable resource for agencies seeking practical, research-based approaches to managing demonstrations and other large public events.

PPB thanks the Centre for Policing Research and Learning, the National Policing Institute, George Washington University, participating law enforcement agencies, and all contributors who helped develop this important guidance.

###PPB###