Based solely upon the neutral interests of overall public safety
The Oregon State Police have issued the following statement:
The Oregon State Police is aware of several protests that are planned in the Salem area on Friday, January 1, 2021.
The protests are planned to happen at the Oregon State Capitol, Bush Pasture Park, and Mahonia Hall. These protests could also affect streets in the areas of these locations.
OSP encourages people to exercise their first amendment right, but please do so lawfully, peacefully, and respectfully.
OSP and Salem Police Department will have personnel assigned to monitor these protests. If criminal behavior is observed and the situation allows you will be cited or arrested. If an arrest or citation is not able to be immediately made, police will be investigating criminal behavior. If you feel you are the victim of a crime please ensure that you report that to the police.
OSP has set the following operational goals:
- Ensure a safe, non-violent environment for rally participants.
- Ensure a safe, non-violent environment for citizens of Salem and for those passing through the area.
- Minimize traffic flow issues and disruptions.
- Deter or prevent criminal acts and take enforcement action as necessary.
- Protection of property from damage and unauthorized access.
The Salem Police Department has also issued a statement:
The Salem Police Department is aware of several protests that are planned in our
community on Friday, January 1, 2021. These protests may impact areas and city
streets near the Oregon State Capitol, Bush’s Pasture Park and Mahonia Hall. The
Salem Police Department, in partnership with the Oregon State Police and the Marion
County Sheriff’s Office, will have resources including patrol, crowd management teams
and SWAT officers to monitor and manage the protests as they unfold.
The Salem Police Department’s preparations have included reaching out to protest
organizers. Conversations with organizers about safe and lawful protests and the actions
which could result in police enforcement or intervention are an important component to
maintaining order and safety for everyone. Although attempts to speak with all persons
involved have not yet been successful, we remain open to the opportunity for
communication.
We recognize the concerns brought forward by residents. These events have affected
our entire city in one way or another. When opposing groups come into contact, the risk
of violence increases as evidenced in previous protests. The recent events at the
Oregon State Capitol also resulted in violence and property damage. Due to these past
unacceptable and unlawful actions, the Salem Police Department has set the following
objectives and goals for its response to the upcoming protests.
- Our primary goal is to prevent or stop violence, prevent or stop property damage
and deny the unlawful occupation of public or private buildings, while respecting
individuals’ right to free speech and assembly.
- Keep opposing groups from converging in order to prevent violence and best
ensure community safety.
- Take proper enforcement action to address minor offenses when reasonable and
appropriate.
- Ensure follow-up investigation of criminal behavior that was not immediately
addressed.
These goals and objectives are based solely upon the neutral interests of overall public
safety, regardless of the view held or expressed by any particular group of protestors.
To the extent possible, residents are encouraged to avoid the above-mentioned areas
as there may be disruptions to traffic flow.
Both departments are coming off a less-than-ideal performance in which a mostly peaceful protest at the Capitol in Salem turned ugly with gas being deployed and several arrests as citizens attempted to enter the Capitol to attend the proceedings, claiming a constitutional right to do so.
--Staff Reports| Post Date: 2020-12-30 19:38:30 | Last Update: 2020-12-30 20:02:34 |
