PPD’s Beat 4 is now operational
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Pendleton Police Department started running its newest beat, Beat 4, in July. Police Chief Chuck Byram says over time adjustments will be made, but he’s pleased with the officers patrolling the River Parkway, adjacent parks, and the downtown area so far.
“In July we instituted 269 calls for service,” he said. “Obviously, this geographical beat is way smaller than the other beat systems so the numbers are going to be lower.”
Byram said the month of July is also very busy with other events so some officers had to be pulled out to cover other duties. He said he’s taking his time and they are learning as they go.
One adjustment will come in the way they patrol the new beat. The department has now received two E-bikes and they will hit the roads and walkways as soon as the officers are trained on them, probably later this month.
“They are unique,” he said of the bikes. “I didn’t realize what we were getting until we got them. These are quite a piece of equipment. We’ll probably roll them out later this month, and you’ll definitely see them around during Round-Up and Happy Canyon.”
The police are not alone when they patrol Beat 4. They are joined by experts from Community Counseling Services and Umatilla County Community Corrections. The Beat 4 officers are also contacting merchants and other familiar individuals on the beat to introduce themselves and explain the new system.
