After a massive, 150-person brawl broke out on Northeast 162nd and Burnside on Friday night, police were out in full force patrolling the area Saturday evening.  It was the first night of a new staggered-shift system for both the Gresham Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau, to make sure the law is enforced there at all hours.

"Whether it’s during our regular shifts or on over-time, it doesn't matter," said Gresham Police Officer, Travis Garrison.  "We're going to be here doing what we like to do, and that’s helping the community get better."

 

East of Portland and west of Gresham, many refer to 162nd Avenue as a type of "no-man's land."  Now police see it as a multi-agency jurisdiction that will take an effort from both departments to clean up.  Garrison says it won’t be easy.

 

"The problem is when we show up, people will scatter and find a different spot to go to, and we can't be everywhere at all times," said Garrison.

 

But anything helps, said neighbors who have asked for these increased patrols.  Now that they're here, Jorge Rodriguez says he's relieved.

 

"I felt very good when I saw the police,” said Rodriguez. “I think it's much better this way."

 

Besides Rodriguez, others who live in the area said they'd gotten used to the violence that had been erupting along the MAX tracks.  Several stabbing, shootings and beatings have been reported there over the past 6 months.  Drugs have also been a problem. 

 

Officers said they would pay extra attention the area every night of the week and especially on weekends, when violence has been at its worst.  Garrison also promised the police presence will not be temporary.

 

"This is a problem that we will not ignore," said Garrison.  "By just being here in these numbers, we want to send a message."