Hold the Line with Mike Solan Why Portland is a Dumpster Fire
Oct 21, 2025
Aaron Schmautz, President of the Portland Police Association and veteran officer, delves into the chaos surrounding Portland's protests. He shares insights on the distinction between peaceful demonstrators and violent groups like ANTIFA, discussing their impact on public safety and business. Schmautz reveals the toll on police morale amid public criticism and staffing crises. He also highlights the challenges of policing during unrest, the role of federal oversight, and calls for clearer narratives to better support law enforcement and the community.
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Staffing Crisis After 2020
- Portland lost roughly 160 officers immediately after 2020 and dipped to the mid-600s in staffing.
- Schmautz says staffing has recovered to about 800 but remains far below the ~1400 needed.
Nuance Around The "One Block" Message
- Schmautz supports the chief overall but criticizes the "one city block" messaging as reductive and potentially abandoning residents.
- He emphasizes police still patrol the whole city and face daily high call volumes even during the ICE protests.
Prioritize Member Safety And Pick Battles
- Schmautz advises union leaders to prioritize members' safety and pick battles wisely when navigating political pressure.
- He stresses direct internal communication to reassure officers and protect families from threats.