Community Services combines elements of crime prevention, public information and specialized community programs. The division's main goal is to provide programs for the community that sharpen crime awareness and encourage citizens to work with the police towards reducing crime. 

DARE is a simple acronym with a big message: Drug Abuse Resistance Education! DARE began in 1983 in Los Angeles as a cooperative effort between the LA Police Department and the L.A. school district to develop an approach to prevent substance abuse among children.

Neighborhood Watch

Neighbors helping neighbors continues to be a viable means for protecting our homes.  Since it would be impractical to put police officers in every neighborhood, much of the time residents must be alert for suspicious activities.  Portland has a number of active watch groups.  Neighborhood Watch streets are marked with distinctive signs.

The H.E.A.T. Program

This program targets those citizens who are concerned about their cars being stolen between 1 AM and 5AM through a sticker identification program which allows the police and border guards to stop their car if seen on the street during these hours.

Police Explorers

Young men and women between 14 and 21 years old can take part in this Scouting program designed to give young people an introduction to law enforcement as a career.  For more information, contact Officer Roland Chavez at 643-2546 or mailto:rchavez@portlandpd.com

Citizen Police Academy

Citizen academies help educate the public in many of the technical issues related to law enforcement.  Classes meet one evening a week for 12 weeks.  Alumni have the opportunity to participate in the state citizen police academy organization.