Rapid Response Team Media Event - June 13, 2024

On June 13, 2024, PPB re-launched the Rapid Response Team (RRT), an all-hazard incident response team capable of quickly deploying bureau members with specialized training to respond to incidents requiring higher levels of technical expertise. This includes: public assemblies, civil disturbances, and natural or man-made disasters. The team is comprised of 3 full-time sworn employees that coordinate training and equipment management, as well as detached sworn PPB members who work other jobs in the Bureau, including patrol, detectives, and specialty units. They can be called upon to respond to situations where RRT’s expertise and training is needed.  

RRT is a critical piece of PPB’s response strategy to public order events, but it is not the only piece. PPB uses a tiered approach to demonstrations, starting with events that require no police involvement. The vast majority of demonstrations, marches, and other gatherings require no police at all. Some are monitored by PPB because there is a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity may occur, and some may be attended by Event Liaison Officers. ELOs are sworn members who wear white shirts that say “Liaison Officer” on them. They are not members of RRT, and do not have an enforcement function. They serve as a point of contact for event organizers to communicate with PPB.

For events with a higher likelihood of criminal activity, officers on bicycles may be brought in, and some targeted enforcement may take place, including arrests where appropriate. For the most dangerous situations, RRT members with specialized protective equipment and training may respond, under the direction and coordination of a Crowd Management Incident Commander.

https://www.portland.gov/police/rrt

0:00 Introduction
4:00 Mayor Ted Wheeler
8:00 Commander Craig Dobson
12:41 Commander Franz Schoening
30:03 Sergeant Andrew Kofoed
34:01 Chief Bob Day
42:10 Questions