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River Public Safety Task Force Increases Service Effectiveness

Multnomah County Sheriffs and Port of PortlandSam's intention regarding public safety is to identify what is necessary to provide public safety services in the most effective and efficient manner possible, regardless of who is doing the providing. Services are divided up by the type: generally fire, law enforcement, and emergency. And they are divided by the jurisdiction: Portland, Multnomah County, Gresham, Vancouver, Clark County and such. While a division of labor and responsibilities is necessary, there are trade-offs as each agency works independently and establishes its own protocols, communication systems, and record and data reporting methods. When you add the unique aspects of providing pubic safety upon water, the need for intentional coordination and communication is clear. While coordination and cooperation happen already, there is room for improvement.

The River Public Safety Coordination Task Force was organized to implement a specific set of assignments designed to improve the quality of service coordination among river response agencies, enhance efficiencies where possible, and offer better data reporting regarding on-river activities by public safety providers. The River Task Force is made up of members from eleven jurisdictions, two independent citizen members, a project manager from Commissioner Adams' office, and facilitator/project coordinator John Campbell of Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc.

The task force was charged with the completion of the following four tasks, all of which have been completed:

1. Develop an Enhanced Reporting System. Develop an effective and reliable reporting system that defines and collects data needed to effectively manage a coordinated river safety services system.
2. Improve Radio Communication & Dispatch Methods. Develop improved radio communication and standardized emergency dispatch methods for all public agencies providing public safety on waterways in Multnomah County.
3. Improve Radio Communication & Dispatch Methods. Develop improved radio communication and standardized emergency dispatch methods for all public agencies providing public safety on waterways in Multnomah County.
4. Develop a Towing Service RFP. Develop a Request for Proposals to establish towing service from private tow assistance businesses for non-distress river calls. Recommend the RFP to the appropriate governmental jurisdiction for implementation.

The final report has been reviewed and accepted by the Task Force Members and will be taken to the various jurisdictional leadership in January, 2008. A link to the final report exists here in the Related Documents. Please read the report and look forward to continued improvement of public safety services on our local waterways.

Ongoing partnership agreement: In recognition of the significant value of regular communication among the various river response agencies, a protocol was developed to ensure the level of communication represented by the task force and its predecessor committee would continue. The Portland Fire Boat on a beautiful night in the Cityprotocol calls for the formation of a committee comprised of representatives from river response agencies (and citizens) that would meet on a regular basis to discuss and solve issues that arise during river events, as well as serve to further communication and cooperation among river response agencies.

Related Documents

Community Partners

Our Blog

The River Task Force Update

Milestones

Oct. 11, 2006; City Resolution passed

Public Safety Collaboration Project Report Accepted.

River Public Safety Report Accepted.

Portland and Multnomah County endorsed task force

formation.

River Public Safety Coordination Task Force membership established.
River Public Safety Task Force begins work on Feb23, 2007
River Public Safety Task Force completes work and accepts final report on Dec. 6, 2007.
*Resolutions and reports will be taken before the jurisdictions' leadership in Jan. and Feb. 2008.