Survey of Portland voters shows stunning support for non-police first responders to street crises

Street Roots commissioned a survey with McKelvey Consulting to assess the public perceptions around crises response in the Portland metro area. More than 400 random registered Portland voters consented to the survey via a text-enabled phone number. The survey was conducted March 9 and 10, with a 67% response rate. Of the respondents, more than 10% identified as a person of color. Respondents were asked a series of questions on their preferences between police and non-police responses, and who were best equipped to respond to situations of crisis.

Here are some questions and responses, which show an overwhelming support for programs like Portland Street Response:

87% think non-police 1st responders are better trained to deal with street crises
86.4% think non-police 1st responders are better trained to deal with a wellness check
80.4% do NOT think Portland Police are the best equipped to deal with people having a mental health crisis
61.1% do NOT think Portland Police have a positive impact on homelessness in their neighborhood

The city launched the Portland Street Response program on February 16. It is in a pilot phase, limited to the Lents neighborhood. We want to see the pilot completed, and the program expanded.

One Reply to “Survey of Portland voters shows stunning support for non-police first responders to street crises”

  1. I stand behind the findings of this survey (Portland First Responder survey), and fully support having the contract for the Portland Street Response units be separated from the Portland Police Contract and have a separate contract independent of the PPB.
    This is a chance for the city and police to regain trust in both entities with direct action not just empty pledges. The Community is waiting and hoping that some changes need to be made now, not 5 years from now. We are suffering!!

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