NWCC Partners with Portland Police Bureau to Strengthen Pearl District Safety
Pictured: Chase McPherson (NWCC Executive Director), Ricki McIlwraith (NWCC Board Member - Safety Committee), and Ken Thrasher (NWCC Board Chair) with Commander Derrick Foxworth Jr.
The NWCC recently hosted newly appointed Central Precinct Commander Derrick Foxworth Jr. and Lieutenant Brent Maxey to discuss NWCC's work in the Pearl District and how the community can continue working together with Portland Police Bureau (PPB) to make the neighborhood safer and stronger.
Leadership Collaboration on Community Safety
The meeting brought together key stakeholders committed to Pearl District safety: Board Chair Ken Thrasher, Safety Committee and Board Member Ricki McIlwraith, and Executive Director Chase McPherson representing NWCC, along with Commander Foxworth and Lieutenant Maxey. The conversation addressed critical operational challenges and collaborative solutions for the community.
Key Discussion Topics: Staffing, Data, and Community Reporting
The discussion ranged across several important aspects of community safety and police operations:
PPB staffing levels and officer morale — Understanding current resource allocation and the state of the Central Precinct team
Safety concerns specific to the Pearl District — Identifying priority areas and emerging issues
Data and statistics — Understanding how PPB uses crime data and incident reports to determine where officers are needed most
Community reporting importance — Recognition that consistent neighborhood reporting is essential for maintaining PPB support and resource allocation
The Power of Reporting: Ongoing community communication with PPB remains a critical best practice for the Pearl District. Continued reporting helps ensure the neighborhood keeps receiving the police support it needs.
Walking Beats Provide Increased Community Visibility
Commander Foxworth shared that when staffing allows, PPB is continuing walking beats in higher-need areas throughout the precinct, with particular attention to Downtown, Old Town, and the Pearl District. While officers are often pulled away by higher-priority calls, these walking beats provide an important opportunity for increased visibility and engagement with the community.
In the Pearl District, areas currently receiving particular attention from PPB walking beats include:
North Park Blocks
Jamison Square
Safeway area
Areas under and along I-405
NWCC commits to continuing its information sharing with PPB about emerging issues and areas of concern in the Pearl District, ensuring that police resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.
Recognizing Lieutenant Brent Maxey's Dedicated Service
NWCC took this opportunity to recognize Lieutenant Brent Maxey, who has served as a dedicated partner to NWCC and the Pearl District community for more than two and a half years. Lieutenant Maxey is being promoted to lead the Narcotics and Traffic divisions citywide—a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership and commitment.
While Lt. Maxey will remain with the Portland Police Bureau in his new role, his transition from day-to-day Central Precinct operations marks an important change for NWCC. The organization is deeply grateful for his professionalism, accessibility, and unwavering dedication to the Pearl District and the broader community.
Lieutenant Norman Staples will be taking over Lt. Maxey's role in day-to-day operations at Central Precinct. NWCC looks forward to building a strong working relationship with Lt. Staples and continuing the collaborative approach that has defined recent community-police partnerships.
Building Stronger Community-Police Relationships
NWCC extends sincere thanks to Commander Derrick Foxworth Jr. for taking the time to listen and learn about the Pearl District and NWCC's mission. The meeting demonstrated a shared commitment to community safety through ongoing dialogue, data-driven decisions, and mutual respect.
The partnership between NWCC and Portland Police Bureau's Central Precinct exemplifies what's possible when community organizations and law enforcement work collaboratively toward common goals of safety and neighborhood vitality.
Supporting Those Who Keep Our Community Safe
Finally, NWCC thanks all Portland Police Bureau officers who continue to step up every day to help keep our city safe. Their dedication and service, often under challenging circumstances, deserve recognition and community support.
For more information about NWCC's work with PPB or other organizations, and available resources in Portland, reach out to Chase McPherson at chase@nwccpdx.com.
Parks Update: New Fall Hours, Outreach Resources & Community Partnership
Read our blog about NWCC’s work with the Portland park Rangers in the Pearl District!
About NWCC: NWCC is a community organization dedicated to fostering safety, connection, and vitality in the Pearl District and surrounding neighborhoods. Through strategic partnerships with law enforcement, local businesses, residents, and other stakeholders, NWCC works to create a vibrant, welcoming community for all.
www.nwccpdx.org/news/parks-update-new-fall-hours-outreach-resources
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