UPDATE: High Visibility Traffic Missions Yield Positive Results

Over the course of the last five nights, the Portland Police Bureau teamed up with numerous law enforcement partners through the Metro Area Traffic Enforcement Collaboration (MATEC) to conduct high visibility traffic missions. The multi-agency missions resulted in at least 797 traffic stops. Of those, 571 traffic citations were issued, and 570 warnings were given. In addition, 76 people were arrested (61 for impaired driving). Most of the tickets were written for speeding violations (304). The second most common citation was related to lane misuse (244).

PPB would like to thank its MATEC partners for working hard to ensure a safe holiday weekend in the metro area.

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

St. Patrick's Day DUII Enforcement Missions Planned Across Metro Area

The Portland Police Bureau is teaming up with state, county, and local law enforcement partners to conduct high-visibility enforcement missions through the St. Patrick's Day holiday.

To ensure community safety and prevent needless tragedies, PPB is partnering with the Metro Area Traffic Enforcement Collaboration (MATEC) to conduct focused DUII enforcement beginning the evening of Friday, March 13, 2026, and continuing through the night of Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Participating agencies will work to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by focusing on SOLID enforcement priorities:

• Speed
• Occupant Safety
• Lane Usage
• Impaired Driving
• Distracted Driving

A similar enforcement effort conducted in 2025 resulted in more than 1,200 total traffic stops. Of those stops, 730 traffic citations were issued and 925 warnings were given. Officers made 85 arrests, including 58 impaired drivers.

The goal of these missions is to ensure everyone can enjoy St. Patrick's Day celebrations responsibly and safely. Community members are encouraged to plan ahead by identifying designated drivers and utilizing mass transit, taxis, or rideshare services.

Information about discounted rides can be found at the Safe Ride Home Website. If you choose to drink alcohol or ingest other intoxicants, please do so responsibly. Remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving. Support zero tolerance for impaired driving.

If you suspect someone is driving impaired, please call 911.

PPB and partnering agencies remain committed to working with government and community partners to create safer streets and reduce - and ultimately eliminate - traffic fatalities as part of the City's Vision Zero efforts.

Make plans for your safety, as well as the safety of others, and enjoy the upcoming festivities responsibly.

###PPB###