This morning, the 2013 Point-In-Time Count of Homelessness in Portland and Multnomah County was released. The Portland Housing Bureau has the report, as well as additional materials on their website available here.

The attached PDF has information regarding where and how to surrender your firearms in Multnomah County Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) Restraining Order Cases. We expect more information to be up on the Multnomah County Courthouse's website shortly as well.

On Wednesday, June 5, the flag of the City of Portland will be lowered in honor of a deceased newborn girl found at a Portland recycling center. The City flag will be lowered at City Hall, the Portland Building, the World Trade Center, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and Jeld-Wen Field. Portland Police are still investigating the manner and cause of death.

“We need the public’s help with this investigation. Someone out there knows something. For the sake of this child, who never had a chance at life, please leave an anonymous tip,” said Commissioner Dan Saltzman. “The least we can do for this baby is to get some answers.”

Also on Wednesday, Commissioner Saltzman will make remarks in honor of the newborn at the 9:30am Portland City Council meeting at Portland City Hall.

City Council approved a resolution in April 2009 to lower the City’s flag in honor of children who die from abuse, neglect, or homicidal violence. This marks the tenth time that the flag has been lowered.

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Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you can remain anonymous.

Leave a Crime Stoppers tip online at http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com , text CRIMES (274637) and in the subject line put 823HELP, followed by your tip, or call 503-823-HELP (4357) and leave your tip information.

Portland Police Investigators:                                                                                   
Detective Kristina Coffey - (503) 823-0762, Kristina.Coffey@PortlandOregon.gov                                             

Detective Erik Kammerer - (503) 823-0696                                                                                     Erik.Kammerer@PortlandOregon.gov

City and county leaders in the Portland area are coming together today, to announce a common-sense step to address the epidemic of domestic violence.

“One of the best tools to combat domestic violence already exists, and we want to begin implementing it,” said Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman. “Existing state law allows the court to restrict an individual who is subject to a domestic violence restraining order from possessing a firearm. It’s time to take this important step to protect the victims of domestic violence.”

Saltzman will be joined Tuesday by Portland Mayor Charlie Hales, Multnomah County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Nan Waller, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill, Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton and Portland Police Chief Mike Reese. All are announcing new procedures to implement state law regarding firearms surrender when an individual is under a domestic violence restraining order.

“The studies are conclusive,” Mayor Hales said. “Domestic violence victims are more likely to die when guns are around. We’re not asking for any new law. We are enforcing existing laws.”

Under Oregon law, the court may restrict anyone who is subject to a restraining order from possessing firearms, when the court deems the step necessary to protect the safety and welfare of a restraining order applicant, and any child or children in the applicant’s custody.

When a judge issues such an order in Multnomah County, the restrained individual is served with the order by the Multnomah County Sheriff.

Under the new protocols, the restrained individual will also be able turn unloaded firearms to law enforcement at three locations in Multnomah County, or to an approved third party.  In addition, compliance with the court’s orders regarding firearms possession will be closely monitored and tracked by law enforcement and the District Attorney. A person deemed non-compliant with the Court’s order could be found in contempt of court. 

The city, county and court officials will be on hand Tuesday to discuss the collaboration and to take questions.

What: Press event on Firearms and Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

When: 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 4

Where: City Hall, 1221 SW Fourth Ave, 3rd Floor Rose Room, Portland, OR 97204

More information:

Shannon Callahan, Office of Commissioner Saltzman: (503) 823-3031, Shannon.callahan@portlandoregon.gov

Dana Haynes, Office of Mayor Hales: (503) 823-4799, dana.haynes@portlandoregon.gov