***BACK PAGE***
RESTRICT ACCESS, POLICE OFFICER AUTHORITY
14C.30.010 Authority to Restrict Access to Certain Areas
A. Whenever a threat to the public health or safety is created by any emergency, a Portland police officer may restrict or deny access to any persons to the area where such threat exists, for the duration of such threat, when the officer reasonably believes the presence of such persons would constitute a danger to themselves or others or would substantially interfere with the performance of the police or other emergency services. For purposes of this Section, an emergency includes, but is not limited to an escaped prisoner, a natural disaster, a fire, an explosion, an accident, a riot, the presence of an armed person, a hostage incident or a bomb threat.
B. Whenever it appears to be reasonably necessary to investigate, or to preserve or collect evidence of criminal acts, a police officer may restrict or deny access to any area.
C. As used in this Section, "restrict or deny access" means that a police officer has the authority to regulate or prohibit the presence or movement of persons or vehicles to, from, and within any area, to evacuate persons and to move or remove any property therefrom, until the reason for such restriction or denial of access no longer exists.
D. It is unlawful for any person to enter or to refuse to leave any area closed or restricted in access pursuant to Subsections (A) or (B) above, unless such person has specific statutory authority, or the permission of the on-scene ranking police officer, to be within such area.
E. In accordance with the authority granted by this Section, and in consideration of the law enforcement and emergency services needs involved, provision shall be made for reasonable access to such areas by members of the media for the purpose of news gathering and reporting