Oregon Public Broadcasting

After seven shootings in seven days, the Portland Police Bureau is planning to increase gang enforcement patrols this weekend. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Police say the shootings do not appear to be retaliatory or even related. But they have all involved gang members or affiliates.

Two shootings happened after large concerts, which often bring rivals together. Another was a domestic dispute and the fourth was a robbery.

But Mike Leloff, a lieutenant with Portland’s Gang Enforcement Team, says even though there doesn’t appear to be a turf war, they’re stepping up patrols.

Mike Leloff: “We’ll have a mobile precinct and go from hot-spot to hot-spot within the city to address gang members and gang violence.”

The effort will start Friday evening and run through the weekend.

Police concede it’s a short-term effort, but they say it’s needed to reduce violence and support their longer-term outreach efforts.