Statement from St. Helens Police Department on St. Helens Protests

To the St. Helens Community,

We hear you. We are upset and saddened by acts of racism and racial injustice. Most of our officers live in this community. Our friends and families are here. This is where our children attend school and where we shop and dine. We support your concerns regarding the need for systematic change across the nation in police response. The people who make our laws need to hear your voice so that this change can become a reality.

Our Department has been in contact with the organizers of the protest being planned for Wednesday, June 3 at 5 p.m. in St. Helens. For community safety, the protest will now be using the Lewis and Clark Elementary School parking lot to park their vehicles and assemble. The protest will then proceed down Columbia Boulevard to South 1st Street and into the Plaza Square and Columbia View Park area.

Although this event is not permitted by the City due to the Governor’s orders restricting gatherings over 25 people, we understand that right now people need a platform in which to voice their sadness and anger and hear their call for these issues to be addressed.

At this point, we have no reason to believe that this will be anything other than a peaceful protest, and we are working with the group organizers and other community members who have contacted us to ensure that it remains so.

Our police officers will be at the protest with the safety of everyone as our number one priority. We encourage all attendees to obey all laws. Respect our community residents, business owners, and their property. By respectful of each other and protest in a peaceful fashion so that your voice can be heard.

We will be there to facilitate a peaceful protest. We will protect those who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights and ensure the safety of our community members.

Thank you,

Chief Brian Greenway

St. Helens Police Department