To businesses and property owners in downtown Portland, Echelon Protective Services’ seamless slip into a police role was a lifeline. But within months of the company’s arrival in July 2020, law enforcement officials and the district attorney’s office were faced with reports of misconduct by Echelon employees. — via Portland Police Bureau

Police, prosecutors wary of private security’s expanded role in downtown Portland

By Rebecca Ellis (OPB)

Dec. 2, 2021 1 p.m.

Records show law enforcement officials faced mounting stories of misconduct from Echelon employees but few tools for holding the company accountable.

Tags: Portland, Security, Homeless