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In April, Multnomah County signed a five-year, $40 million contract with InterCon, increasing security presence across public buildings. This contract will deploy 170 security guards to patrol county buildings, a significant increase from the 52 guards reported in 2021.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Multnomah County has significantly boosted security at public buildings, including libraries. In April, the county entered into a $40 million contract with InterCon over five years, providing 170 security officers. This marks a notable increase from the 52 guards that patrolled specific buildings daily in 2021.
KGW requested an interview with Multnomah County officials, who declined but provided a statement. They noted an unprecedented rise in violence and behavioral health crises in libraries, health clinics, and emergency shelters since the pandemic.
Some homeless residents at the Central Library downtown see the additional security as beneficial. “Here, it means that I’m safe, and they’re going to handle it if something gets out of hand,” said Bizmati Heflin, a homeless individual in Portland. Heflin mentioned that the current security guards at the Central Library treat him well.
Currently, only unarmed InterCon guards are patrolling county buildings, according to a county spokesperson. However, InterCon has the capability to deploy armed security if needed. “See, that would be detrimental,” said Ryan Kraft, another homeless individual at the Central Library. “I think it’s definitely a step too far.”
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A spokesperson for Multnomah County libraries confirmed that library security guards are not armed and will not be armed.
Despite differing opinions, some downtown business owners support the increased security. “Well, I think it’s good,” said Troy Berry, co-owner of 10th Avenue Liquor. “Anything that ensures, improves, enhances public safety — you know, I’m all for it.”
Berry mentioned that he has observed safety improvements around the Central Library, an area that recently became a hotspot for drug use. However, he believes more needs to be done before people start returning downtown. “Right now, I’m in a wait-and-see process,” Berry said.
Additional measures have been taken to enhance downtown safety, including increased patrols from Portland Police around the Central Library. Over the past three years, Multnomah County has also established a 24/7 Security Operations Center to bolster safety and security.
