Why Is This Important?
The number of verified shooting incidents is a measure of the incidents reported to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) where the discharge of a firearm was confirmed. The number of non-fatal injury shooting incidents is a measure of the incidents reported where an injury, but not death, occurred from a gunshot. These incidents do not include events that were determined to be attempted or completed suicides. The non-fatal injury shooting incidents represents the number of incidents with injuries, not the number of people injured. Shooting incidents directly impact the community by causing both physical trauma and continued fear of violence. Verified shootings encompass a range of potential criminal activity from firing a weapon that causes property damage (vandalism) to death (homicide). The number of non-fatal injury shooting incidents not only speaks to the prevalence of gun violence, but also to the severity. High numbers indicate a serious public safety and public health issue that may require immediate interventions and resources. The data is used to inform strategic planning and daily operations for the Police Bureau (Focused Intervention Team / Enhanced Community Safety Team) and to inform actions for Ceasefire and other Public Safety Work Group Partners. This community is kept informed through the Police Open Data website.