City of Portland, OR

05/22/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/22/2024 11:11

Focused Intervention Team Community Oversight Group (FITCOG) presents 'No One Asked Me: A Community Conversation About Gun Violence'

News Article
This is a professionally facilitated community discussion on gun violence and an opportunity for the FITCOG to assess residents of communities served by the Focused Intervention Team (FIT). At the event, an active listening panel will engage with stakeholders and record their testimony.
Published
May 22, 2024 9:21 am
In this article

Date and Time

Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.)

Location

Portland Community College, Cascade Campus, Terrell Hall Auditorium, 705 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland, Oregon 97211 or online.

Details

  • This is a hybrid event with the option to attend in-person or virtually.
  • Comments can be submitted online.
  • Masks, hand sanitizer, and spaced seating are available.
  • Light refreshments will be provided.

What is the purpose of this event?

This public forum allows residents to share their experiences, voice their concerns, and discuss solutions around gun violence, police-community relations, and public safety issues. Each participant is allowed two minutes to speak in an open mic format, and the FITCOG will record their testimony. We encourage participants to prepare their comments and register in advance, but neither is required.

Who should attend?

All Portland residents are welcome and encouraged to attend this event.

Questions for participants

  • Do you feel safer in your neighborhood?
  • Is your neighborhood safer?
  • Are you a part of the solution to safer communities?

What is the Focused Intervention Team (FIT)?

The Focused Intervention Team (FIT) is a dedicated police unit formed in response to the high number of shootings and homicides tasked with interrupting cycles of retaliatory violence in Portland. The FIT comprises 12 police officers, two sergeants, and one lieutenant. It focuses on responding to shooting scenes and apprehending suspects. Community relationship building is also vital to the team's work to impact gun violence and lays a foundation for building trust and security between the police and residents.

What is the Community Oversight Group (COG)?

The Community Oversight Group (COG) is a group of community volunteers and professionals who are organized to work with the FIT and make recommendations to reduce gun violence through prevention, intervention, and response.

Who will be moderating or sitting on the listening panel for this event?

  • FITCOG members.
  • A facilitator.