Councilors Smith and Clark Introduce Resolution Requiring Comprehensive Public Safety Staffing Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2026

On February 12, 2026, Councilor Loretta Smith and Councilor Olivia Clark will introduce a resolution directing the Deputy City Administrator for Public Safety to prepare a comprehensive report on recruitment goals, staffing projections, and the long-term costs associated with the Portland Police Bureau (PPB).

The resolution is intended to ensure that future public safety decisions are grounded in data, transparency, and nationally recognized best practices. The report, due by April 30, 2026, will provide Council with detailed information on recruitment and training costs, retention patterns, ongoing operational expenses, and projected staffing needs considering Portland's population growth.

Currently, the City of Portland has 877 authorized police officer positions, approximately one officer per 725 residents and 65 of those positions are vacant. According to FBI data, the national average is approximately 2.4 sworn officers per 1,000 residents, nearly double Portland's current ratio. These disparities help explain slower response times than in years past and underscore the need for a comprehensive and data-driven review.

"As our population has grown, our public safety staffing has stayed stagnant," said Councilor Clark. "This resolution represents an opportunity to inform our decision-making around community policing needs with data and best practices."

"Public safety is one of the City's core responsibilities," said Councilor Smith. "Before we make long-term commitments, we must have a clear understanding of the full financial and operational picture. Portlanders deserve transparency, accountability, and thoughtful stewardship as we plan for the future."

The resolution carries no immediate fiscal impact and is intended to provide Council with the evidence necessary to guide responsible budgeting and policy decisions related to public safety staffing.

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