A. Whenever a threat to the public health or safety is created by any
emergency, a Portland police officer may restrict or deny access to any persons
to the area where such threat exists, for the duration of such threat, when the
officer reasonably believes the presence of such persons would constitute a
danger to themselves or others or would substantially interfere with the
performance of the police or other emergency services. For purposes of this
Section, an emergency includes, but is not limited to an escaped prisoner, a
natural disaster, a fire, an explosion, an accident, a riot, the presence of an
armed person, a hostage incident or a bomb threat. B. Whenever it appears to be reasonably necessary to investigate, or
to preserve or collect evidence of criminal acts, a police officer may restrict
or deny access to any area.
C. As used in this Section, "restrict or deny access" means that a police
officer has the authority to regulate or prohibit the presence or movement of
persons or vehicles to, from, and within any area, to evacuate persons and to
move or remove any property therefrom, until the reason for such restriction or
denial of access no longer exists.
D. It is unlawful for any person to enter or to refuse to leave any area
closed or restricted in access pursuant to Subsections (A) or (B) above, unless
such person has specific statutory authority, or the permission of the on-scene
ranking police officer, to be within such area.
E. In accordance with the authority granted by this Section, and in
consideration of the law enforcement and emergency services needs involved,
provision shall be made for reasonable access to such areas by members of the
media for the purpose of news gathering and reporting.
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