UPDATE, 1:38 pm: It is not yet confirmed whether Saltzman drew inspiration for the program’s name from 1984’s Operation “Cool It Now,” by New Edition, but let’s hope so. If not, can we take this opportunity to recommend repeated viewing of the video for all the gang-affiliated youth, Guantanamo-style, in the holding cells at Multnomah County Detention Center, after their arrests? It’s making us all calmer, here at the Mercury, already. Oh, no, hold on, it’s not…that third view’s the doozy…now, be serious, for God’s sakes…
ORIGINAL POST, 12:36 pm: In his first bold move as Police Commissioner, Dan Saltzman joined with law enforcement and politicians from across the Portland region this morning to launch “Operation Cool Down,” a response to the continuing increase in gang-related violence here, which began with a shooting in a church on December 12.
On a street level, the operation means an increase of patrol activity by cops to include 3 sergeants and 17 officers, focused on four gangs who have been involved in much of the trouble. There’ll be a reassessment in 30 days.
The Mercury asked what steps have been taken to avoid racial profiling as an unintended consequence of the new initiative.
“My hope is that we are targeted in our work,” Sizer responded. “Focusing on hot spots, with less unintended consequences for unintended people. It is uppermost on our mind as well as quelling gang violence.”
Saltzman said the effort is not just about a short-term focus, but about addressing the long-term impact of gang affiliated youth in the community. He mentioned the recently-passed Children’s Levy, which he has been an advocate for, as a source of $4m in new funding between now and May on programs targeted at “at risk” youth. He also mentioned city council’s $400,000 funding in grants for gang outreach over the past year, and Mayor Sam Adams’ upcoming effort to launch the Youthcorps program, which will seek to engage young people over the summer vacation.
Mayor Shane Beamis of Gresham also spoke. He said “we have long known that gangsters see no boundaries in their operations.”
Meanwhile, it seems gun violence knows no age boundaries, either, with a nonagenarian accused of a shooting in SE Portland this morning. Update, 3:55 pm: More on the arrest of the 92-year-old man for attempted murder, after the jump.
News release from the cops:
92-YEAR-OLD MAN ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED
MURDER IN SHOOTING INVESTIGATIONOn Friday, January 16, 2009, at 7:42 am, Southeast Precinct officers located 49-year-old Mark Myers on the northeast corner of Southeast Cora Street and Southeast 42nd Avenue after responding to a report of shots fired in the 4200 block of Southeast Cora Street. Myers had sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach. Based on information from Myers, officers identified the suspect as 92-year-old John Wesley Myers. Officers also determined that John Myers was inside of his nearby residence along with 43-year-old Kim Macintosh and her 12-year-old son.
Officers made contact with John Myers who surrendered to officers. Members of SERT then entered the residence locating Kim Macintosh and her 12-year-old son. Kim Macintosh was gravely injured from a gunshot wound to the head. Homicide Detectives were called to the scene to conduct an investigation.
Detectives have learned that the two shooting victims are the adapted children of John Myers and the victims are brother and sister. Detectives are currently processing the crime scene and have not determined a motive for the crime.
Myers has been charged with two counts of Attempted Murder and was lodged into the Justice Center Jail.
Scarf wearing white kids in skinny jeans on bikes will not be spared. Like cavity searching old ladies at the airport. That’ll work.
Look out Dan! There are two people standing right behind you in that photo wearing their “colors”! They look like members of the PDX Po Po crew [dang, I think one is their leader!] and they have been known to shoot folks in cold blood or crush you to death. They are some ice cold I hear they are well connected down at the courthouse too and the grand juries tend to give them a free ride! Let’s keep Operation Cool Ranch on the d.l. when you are right in front of them, okay? Let’s all stay safe out there.
Awesome comment. I hope the Merc prints that shit next week.
Shit is happening now near Alberta St.
I being a white man walking down the street cop speeds by. The black guy on the other hand get a shake down and search PPB style (which means not apology).
Hmmm…The people that are SHOOTING at each other are black gang members. You want to “cool down” as an officer you stop and check out black gang members on the streets.
You still just don’t get it Matt! ALWAYS on the wrong side of EVERY damn issue!
“Fire” you are an Idiot and borderline Racist.
Being black and walking down the street is not “probable cause” for the treatment of the young man I witnessed. More so, the level of intimidation and emasculation that is the norm of the PPB is disgusting.
Really, what would you do if you were stopped and a cop started looking at the numbers in your cell phone because you had to set it on the ground because your had to put your hands on top of your head while they were searching you. Does this now sound slightly illegal on the cops part? Then after the ordeal the cop sends you on your way without an explanation or sincere apology.
Perhaps you should be calling for the resignation of reporters who blindly reprint Commissioners “catch phrases” instead of raising the questions that Matt does.