CEIC Contracts Security Officers to Patrol the Central Eastside

The Central Eastside Industrial Council is initiating a security pilot project to support the neighbors and service providers in the Central Eastside around St. Francis Church and City Team Ministries. In response to the area’s desire for a greater feeling of security, the CEIC has contracted a security team from Northwest Enforcement. They were chosen because of their years of experience working for Central Eastside property owners and their approach to maintaining order while being compassionate, respectful, and helpful to our vulnerable houseless population. They will work in tandem with the Central City Concern Clean Start program to identify and address hot spots for trash and needles, as well as graffiti.

Our goals are:

to help houseless individuals access resources
to reduce criminal activity in the area and
to reduce hazardous debris and deter graffiti

As of August 1, 2018, Northwest Enforcement has begun patrolling the area in the evenings. The patrollers offer guidance, help, referrals and, most importantly, communicate and coordinate with the houseless population in a humane and respectful manner.

This ambitious project requires continuous attention and proper implementation so that the quality of life of everyone in the sector is improved. All officers are unarmed and, if any situation should escalate, the patrol has been directed to contact the police and disengage.

The CEIC has gathered a network of valuable partners to shape this project. This includes individuals from area service organizations, the City and County and local law enforcement who will meet monthly to help with referrals and services, exchange ideas and information, and share best practices.

The CEIC is working to establish an Enhanced Services District which would provide the resources to eventually expand this program throughout the entire district.

The next CEIC Security Advisory Committee meeting is on September 11 at 9 a.m. at the St Francis Park Apartments Community Room. The entrance is on the corner of SE 11th and Stark. This and all future meetings will be public. To be on the mailing list, please submit your email to [email protected].

The Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) is a non-profit, volunteer organization representing businesses and property owners in the Central Eastside Industrial District (CEID) in Portland, Oregon. The Central Eastside Industrial District is a 681-acre district encompassing property south of I-84 to Powell and the river to SE 12th. Comprised of district property owners, businesses and makers, the CEIC strives to preserve and honor the area’s industrial roots, while maintaining a vibrant and thriving community of diverse businesses.