Police Street Sweeps Coming to Mississippi Ave?

Police Street Sweeps Coming to Mississippi Ave?

The City of Portland is considering passing an ordinance that would prohibit sitting or lying on sidewalks in high-pedestrian areas, such as downtown Portland, around the Lloyd Center, and possibly Mississippi Avenue. This ordinance would prohibit street musicianship, panhandling, and even just hanging out.

Of course, the ordinance would not always be enforced. Instead, it is selectively enforced. Although the United States Constitution promises every U.S. Citizen “equal protection of the laws,” (14th Amendment), it is likely to be enforced exclusively on poor people. Some people will come up with a variety of ways to blame the poor for being poor, but the hierarchical economic system that we live in ensures that there will always be people who are poor, in spite of best efforts and intentions.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled on April 14, 2006, that
punishing homeless people for sleeping, sitting or lying on sidewalks and other public property when other shelter is not available was unconstitutionally cruel and unusual punishment (Edward Jones v. City of Los Angeles, on the internet at http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov). Although this federal court decision should guide the lower courts, many police departments will continue to commit these offenses against society’s most vulnerable people.

COPWATCHING

What can we do to actually defend our neighbors and ourselves against these offenses? One thing is to observe police activity if it appears that they may be harming someone or violating someone’s rights, and record the incident. Important details include time and date, officers involved, accounts of what happened, witness contact information, name of victim, and, if arrested, on what charge. It is important to note that police officers can arrest anyone that they feel is interfering with their actions.