By JESSICA ANDERSON
I recently became aware that the Portland Police Bureau produces occasional podcasts on topics for community education. It’s called the “Talking Beat Podcast” and it highlights the work they’re doing in various areas. The latest episode focuses on the efforts being made to address bias crimes in Portland. From my work with PPB, I know how seriously PPB takes bias crimes. Sgt. Matthew Jacobson is part of the Major Crimes unit. It was his insistence that PPB management know about every incident that gets reported to him. He works closely with the FBI and prosecutors and is passionate about his work. Every time I report an issue to him, he calls the affected person within 24 hours of learning about it. He’s attended conferences hosted by the Anti-Defamation League and is committed to learning as much as he can about working with the Jewish community and the challenges they face. 
In this most recent episode, Sgt. Jacobson discusses with the host how PPB investigates and helps support victims of crimes motivated by bias and hate. Listeners will gain an understanding of the unique challenges these cases present, and the collaborative approach taken with community and state partners. The discussion emphasizes the importance of encouraging victims and witnesses to report bias incidents and crimes. They also explain what bias crimes are, how they differ from hate incidents, and the role the unit plays in supporting victims and holding offenders accountable. Take a listen! portland.gov/police/news/2025/4/8/talking-beat-understanding-bias-crimes-portland-oregon
If you’re interested in learning more about what the Bias Crimes unit encounters, PPB collects and publishes all its data online. You can find the database online at portland.gov/police/open-data/reported-bias-crime-statistics. Be sure to check out the “Launch Dashboard.” 
The Talking Beat podcast is part of the PPB’s broader efforts to connect with the public, provide transparency, and engage in meaningful conversations about public safety issues. Here are some other episodes that you might find interesting: 
December 2024 - covers their efforts at recruiting and hiring officers in 2025 as part of a rebuilding year. portland.gov/police/news/2024/12/17/talking-beat-recruiting-2025-rebuilding-year
November 2024  - Community Active Shooter Preparedness: This episode contains sensitive information and frank discussions of potential and past violence. portland.gov/police/news/2022/11/15/talking-beat-community-active-shooter-preparedness
April 2024 – A Conversation with Chief Bob Day: Chief Bob Day discusses his reasons for coming out of retirement to lead the Portland Police Bureau. He talks about his hope for the organization and the community. portland.gov/police/news/2024/4/19/talking-beat-conversation-chief-bob-day
If you didn’t catch my recent article on safety and security training (jewishportland.org/jewishreview/jr-stories/new-online-trainings-are-live) be sure to take a look at the link on the JFGP Security web page for all the upcoming training. I offer all classes over Zoom and you’re welcome to share the training schedule with anyone in or outside the Jewish community. 
Please contact me if you have questions about any of the training or have a personal security issue in your life. Our conversations are always confidential. You can reach me at janderson@securecommunitynetwork.org or 872-273-9214.