Portland, Tennessee Blog

lilmisstalk, It is refreshing to see that there are still some people left out there who realize the importance of the role public safety plays in society. Portland does need more than 16 officers on the streets. Im sure there will be some who disagree with that number. I beleive the police department has around 25 employees but that number reflects the admin, dispatchers, records clerks, etc..Bottom line: 16 people holding the line! wow. Not even close to being enough. There is no reason I can fathom that these men should work 60-70 hrs. a week to ensure that our familes are safe. The solution is simple..HIRE MORE OFFICERS!!! Im not saying increase the force to 50 patrolman, im saying increase enough to properly staff a shift without officers having to work doubleshifts 3-4 days a week to provide the police service that the citizens of this community deserve. I have personally witnessed seeing an officer at 3 in the afternoon then seeing the same officer at 5 in the morning the next day! More than once! I had a chance to speak to him at Mapco the other morning. He never complained or whined. His only response was "We are short handed. Gotta do what we have to do." I walked away thinking that there are people out there who care enough about us to sacrafice time with there own families (not to mention healthy rest) to give to this community. And it's true. People seem to dislike cops. Usually the ones who get arrested or receive speeding tickets. Simple cure? STOP COMMITTING CRIMES and SLOW DOWN!! The police are here for OUR safety, not theirs. Lilmisstalk, dont let the nay sayers discourage you. Seems to be that their only defence is the "If you don't like it, move.." approach. Portland is on the verge of a growth spurt. When that happens, we will need people like you to see the obvious. Ever thought about bidding on a seat at city hall?

Do you think that I am expecting to have all the eggs put into one basket? We only have 16 that patrol the street right now..... I don't even think that would be 1/10th of the eggs in the basket!!!!! All people who have not served the community with their "lives on the line" may think this is enough but I do not.... not when I'm looking for someone to come home everyday. 16 men for 3 shifts/24hr a day/7days a week/ 365 days a year.... can you do the math!!!!!!!
I love this town. I support it with my blood, sweat, tears & my husband & kids. I do own a home & I have lived in Brentwood. I just know that there are much better things that can take place in a town like this. This place needs an overhaul.

to lil miss talk

I think the council has done a fair job at providing for additional patrolmen over the past year or two, to sit there and say they don't have a clue! I think they probably know more than most of the citizens in this town, they only have just so much to work with, it's not like we can pull money out of a hat. Our city is growing in population and we are experiencing it's effects. Granted some times it appears that the City is spend thrift with tax payer dollars that could be going somewhere else, like public safety, but if we put all our eggs in one basket there isn't room for the other things that perhaps in the future will make portland a better place to live. Are you a homeowner? Are you interested in a nice property tax increase, or higher Sales Tax so we can provide all the things needed to make Portland a fantasy land town? We don't have the business tax base other towns have so the residents/shoppers pay the tab! There are more churches in this town than any place I've ever seen and they pay a big fat $00.00 in taxes, tax exempt 100% yet they get all the benefits just like you and I, and have repeatidly fought against LBTD, probably one of the only things that might bring more tax revenue ex: businesses, restaurants, hotels etc. etc to this town, so if you want to point fingers.......

As for clean up.... why does it become the fault of the city my word they don't put the trash there... maybe the citizens of this town need to take a little more pride and quit the trashing and that goes for the kids/teens that tear up even the smallest things that come around for them to do! Portland by far is not the cheapest place to live in Sumner county, my word try to find a rental in this town for under $750 per month and if you do it's a DUMP!! In some ways I am glad to see this as it does keep some of the rifraf out, but there are others that really could use a decent place to live for 5-600 per month, there are people out there that are good folks struggling and there isn't a place for them in our community. As for property value, one can go to westmoreland and buy more for the buck any day! Or go across state line and buy houses for pennies on the dollar compared to Portland.

Our officers do a fantastic job!! are their risks? of course! do I sympathise with them, absolutely!! I wouldn't do it, but they chose this profession one that they were fully aware of the risks from the get go. As for working 60-80 hours a week, no I'm sure that isn't a good thing because they get burn out which may weaken their ability to react and put them in further danger, but they aren't salary either. If their jobs here are that bad they can always go to Nashville where there's 100% greater risks for this profession. No Portland isn't Mayberry, but there is far worse out there when it comes to crime, Until we either raise taxes or get additional sources of tax base income we need to make the best of what we have, and make wise money decisions. I'm sure there are other areas that are suffering as well, not just public safety.

You seem to find fault in this town everywhere, from no sidewalks to the reference of the ghetto areas and white trash people, maybe you would be happier in Brentwood.

I would just like to say that the police here work hard.... too hard. Most of then work 60-80 hours a week. They do a good job to keep up with the short staff that they keep. They need more help. It is a tough job, demanding on your entire family. People want to think that this little community is like May berry... there are some parts that are more like a ghetto. we have a lot of white trash in this city & our city council sits in their nice home, nice neighborhoods & have no clue what the officers face on a daily basis. Other than Erin Mclerran who knows for sure what they face. The council members who have no connection just withhold money & help and they are hurting our community.
Furthermore why does'nt Portland clean up & get some sidewalks, things for kids to do & decent food to eat. What is this community so afraid of. We have grown in number but noone wants to allow the city to keep up with the demands that this brings. If we do not catch up we are just gonna cont. to be one of the cheapest places in Sumner Co. to live & we cont. to attract trashy residents. If you give the people the option to be better & better themselves they will. If you have nothing to offer what can you hope for anyway?

I just moved to portland. Seems like a nice town. The cops seem to do a decent job. there is a lack of active patrols they are always grouped or just leaving the station. Once a patrol officer clocks in get on the street heck even use the big city tatics have a bike cop in the park. close the park at dusk. I think there are some good things to come in portland just have to voice your thoughts

TGT Rd needs to be watched.The neighbors across the road scare me they were driving a go cart on the road & the teenager who was driving it moved & this little kid( about 3 years old)that was riding on it fell off & she was being dragged with it. We called the police & they didn`t do anything!

We had 3 or 4 who just didnt have any morals and who really needs a good backside whoopin!
Gallatin had to close theirs down for a few weeks after it opened for the same reason.
When kids are allowed to go unsupervised at all times of the night, usually some bad stuff will happen.
The lack of respect and disipline has become a major problem across our country.
Many kids are glad to have the place and want it taken care of.

I'm disappointed to read that the skate park has been closed due to vandalism. There has been so much around town about the lack of things to do for our kids and when something comes about it gets destroyed. Perhaps this is why nobody wants to take the risks to invest for them, too bad a few rotten apples ruin it for everyone! And those against LBTD said that we would need a drastic increase in Police patrols if it passed!! Now we need increased security patrols for the parks..... go figure!

Amazing..... I post a comment on here about the problems at the skateboard park, then drop Councilmin Callis an email, next evening at the park there were three patrol cars through the park within a 45 minute window. Nice work. And for the record, the thugs scattered and left the park for the kids to enjoy. Keep up the good work and patrols and they will get the idea and go elsewhere.

Boy the State Troopers are out on 109 in full force today, been 3 buzzing all day pulling cars over left and right, as the trucks continue to speed thru town.

They try to patrol each park 3-4 times a shift, now if there are accidents, or other crime or needs taking place, then they must take care of that; and they have to patrol a few other sqare miles each shift also.

As I said, all police departments are probably more reactive then proactive; not that they do not want to be or are not proactive, just that they are more reactive.
Why is this?
Because there are simply not enough cops to be at every place at all times.

To stop every crime before it is committed would require a little sci-fi - uh.."Minority Report"

jj
please read the post again - I never said wait until crime happens; I am trying to give you some understanding of the situation.
portland police do an excellent job of patroling and in solving crimes, and there are times when they are in the perfect place to stop it; but criminals usually try to commit crimes when no one is around.

The fact is, if you see a crime take place, it should be a matter of civic duty for you to report it.

We have added several to our force over the last 3 years, and I am pleased about that; but frankly, we have more to do.
As our city grows, so does our need for all services; police and fire are two major areas we will need to expand to help keep Portland as safe as it is.

So, I hope we all will do our part to help make this a safe place for generations to come; and by the way, it is easy to be down on police; I mean everybody seems to love fireman and hate cops, but we are fortunate to have the group we have here in this city.
Let's be as supportive as we can, they really do put their lives on the line for us every day.
Thank you,
mike

Seems to me the police could be doing more drive-thrus instead of being parked somewhere talking to each other. I have noticed this quite abit.

I have been at Richland park several times and have NEVER seen a police car drive thru.

If the cops are not on a call they should be doing drive thrus in the parks and all troubled areas of the city.

You can read the police reports every week in the Progressive and there seems to be more warnings given than tickets and arrest. Which is surprising to me.

callis,

yeah lets wait till someone gets murdered then we can react. thats such moronic thought. who voted you in?

First:
Hwy 109 is a state highway, we cannot dictate who can or cannot drive on it as along as they do so legally. This is how I understand it.

Secondly:
We have I belive 25 active patrol cops. That must be spread over multiple shifts. My goal has been to have 4-5 all the time but that will require another 4-8 officers; depending on overtime.
When you look at those on another stop, in court, on vacation, sick, or hurt, etc.. There is no way we can patrol every area of town at once, and unless people are willing to report crime, how will they know.
Rule of law is no good unless citizens take an active part.
Police departments are more reactive then proactive simply because they do not have the numbers to be every where at once.
if you see a crime you must report it; I would hope someone would get involved if it was happening to me.
Its not a matter of you tackling a criminal its a matter of calling; even most kids have cell phones.
Involvement is the only way to make anything better.

Councilman Callis

Do you mean to tell us that Portland only has 2-4 officers on duty max at any given time, I thought there were several officers added to the force over the past year/s?

I'm not saying it isn't the publics place to report crimes, but there are factors to consider when doing so, ex: retaliation, harassment, safety of your family, etc I would think that some area's of town would have regular drive thru's by our officers and the parks should be one of them! We have an investment in these areas and deserve a little consideration. I think just making an appearance in these areas on a regular basis would deter the type of activities mentioned. Lucy has a good point, after reading it I asked my daughter who walks the paths at that park several times a week if she ever observed this, her response was a over whelming YES and is why she won't let my youngest grandson skateboard there while she is walking.

I think the PD is doing a great job and deserve respect from everyone, when we can help to deter criminal activity by reporting it by all means do so "cautiously". BUT, don't take matters into your own hands!

Is there any law or anything preventing the city of Portland from restricting truck traffic from that curvy part of the downtown area ? Why can't trucks be directed to take the new Rt. 52, so that traffic congestion on the curvy narrow section there downtown be avoided.
Seems to me, that could be a solution to that one dangerous area when trucks make that little area treacherous for us "four wheelers".

You are correct, patrols are needed; just like at a football game, or other gathering to help ensure safety.
When did you file a police report about the drug dealing, and have you heard anything yet?
Were you able to give names and good descriptions of those causing the trouble to the police?
Thank you for your concern for the welfare of all at the park, and with only 2-4 police officers at any given time patrolling many square miles of city, we need all the help we can get.
Our goal is do our best to ensure safety, but without the public's involvement, we are limited.
The skatepark has been used greatly and has been appreciated by many, but we cannot let a criminal element take it over; or any other area. One of the biggest problems law enforcement faces is the unwillingness of some citizens to get involved, but as we stay aware and are willing to help, we can help keep crime down.
Those who seek to do others harm will always find a way; but letting our police know about potential problems helps tremendously.
Thank you for your post,
Alderman Callis

The new skateboard park needs some attention. While there are a lot of good kids trying to skate there are also a lot of thugs selling dope and hanging out in the parking lot. The loud vulgar language has no place where there are young kids playing. I personally have sat there with my kids for 2-3 hours and never saw a patrol. All the while there was chaos! If you built it you should have known you would need to patrol it. What did you expect?

White House may indeed be a speed trap, but it has five times the places to eat, five times the places to shop, and there aren't junk cars, unkept rental properties and unmowed yards up and down the main part of the city like Portland!

Hi Moose,
Just to clarify. I don't "detest" trucks; they are the method of transportation that deliver most of the things we use every day. Nor do I "detest" truckers; I know some very good, decent people who drive trucks, and the more I learn about the trucking industry, and the amount of regulations and bookkeeping that they have to contend with, the more I respect them.

What I do detest is trying to make a quick run downtown to the bank or store, and taking my life in my hands because I am sandwiched between huge trucks in the curves on either side of Main St., near the Portland Leader and Captain Video. Many times there are two trucks coming toward you, and one next to you, and because of the curves, none of them can stay completely in their lane. Where do I go in that situation? I grip the steering wheel and pray that nobody sideswipes me.

Then let's add the extra exhilaration of traffic entering or exiting on the little spur of Jackson Rd. (Mill St.?) that goes from CEMC to 52 behind the BP station. That will raise your heart rate! That little spur serves no purpose except to make already difficult traffic spots even more dangerous. This town needs an in-depth study of traffic flow, not a study on whether or not we need to put planters on Main St.

PS. Try to turn left out of Volunteer State Bank. What were they thinking???

Yes, White House is, indeed, a speed trap.

I've been stopped twice going through there.
Now, when I go there...I go VERY VERY SLOW, just to protest...LOL LOL

White House is known for it's speed traps. That's why I rarely go to White House.

Instead of putting a set of scales in to curb truck traffic (which won't help much), why not take advantage of the truck traffic and bring in a big truck stop/travel center similar to the Flying J. Build it near the state line and pull some tax revenue in off of the truckers that most of you seem to detest so much.

I don't know if this is true or not, but I heard at one time, the new part of the 109 was for regular traffic and all truck traffic would travel on the existing part of 109. Has anyone else heard this or know if it is true?

If you think the truck traffic is bad now,just wait until the new 109 on the ridge opens up.Every trucker that didn't use that route will then.Portland will have more trucks than ever.I think the state started on the wrong end first.

The truckers need to get off 109 permantly. They are nothing but a hazard. The trucks are too big for our roads and most drive way to fast. I live right up 109 and cannot tell you how many times I have been coming up or down the ridge and have almost been sidswipped, ran over, or almost had a head on collision. The Mayor and city need to do something to stop them. It is up to our city to do something about it. STEP UP!Do something about it.
The ridge is not big enough for these death traps.
And if you are a trucker then take a hint.
When we do move away from here that will be the number one reason. Not the lack of shopping.

People don't speed through White House because they are trying to find it. It's kind of like Portland, if you blink you will miss it.

...and then there are stories like Coopertown. I think that's what SL is referring to, and he/she has a point.

Sensing a little hostility over getting tickets there, SL. Seeing the need for a little police enforcement on what are already stated as laws (not just personal opinion) hardly is saying that anyone wishes a ticket or fine upon anyone..but seeing as there is very little patrolling in many areas around town that are dangerous for motorist and pedestrians, if the police were to keep an eye on those areas from time to time, it would be come "knowledge" that they are around and hopefully would encourage drivers to be aware of their actions, in hopes of NOT getting a ticket. Just as someone stated, White House is known for their policeman enforcing the speed limit,so what does that mean? People are aware of their speed while driving through that town, making it safer for everyone. Isn't that what we should all want?

I just hope that all of you that want the police in certain areas to write tickets get what you want. A TICKET!

I would like a little police enforcement on N. Russel & the 3 way stop over the RR next to Subway..Apparently people at the stop signs are not aware that traffic coming over the tracks have the right away and some people that go over the tracks need to learn they don't need to stop while going over and wait on anyone at the stop signs..this causes the people behind you to be stuck on the tracks. Please be aware of the 3 way stop laws and stop being in such a rush to get where you are going..You won't end up anywhere any faster if you hit me or someone else.

if you come from mars too why you driving a truck? lmao

I Come From Mars

I'm a trucker and can tell you that about 95% of the truckers are using Portland as a bypass and only a few are just coming through Portland to avoid the Scales. Get off of this blog for adults and back on your myspace page.

didn't know p-town was bypass for interstate. dah
they should get spaceship like mine. dah

DA the trucks are driving through Portland to avoid Nashville traffic plus it is a shorter route to I-40. Dah

DA - Now that is a GREAT Idea, I bet it would work too!!

Here's an idea. Why doesn't Portland build a weigh station near the intersection of 109 and 31W. I bet traffic from the truckers who are avoiding the scales (and zooming up and down the Ridge) would avoid Portland like the plague. And until they get the message, the fines would really be appreciated in our little town. Driving downtown is scary; especially in the curves on either side of Main St.

i think strawberry street needs to be torn down or get the police to sit a car on that street there are alot of stuff goes on there and someone needs to stop it

What's wrong with Portland being known as a speed trap town. If the "local towners" don't learn to slow down, who do they have to blame but themselves?

White House has the reputation of being a speed trap and I keep an eye on my speedometer when I go through White House. But until Portland steps up and starts enforcing the speed limit, people will go as fast as they like. I would also like, when I may be going 35 in front of the middle school, to not have a PPD squad car fly past me at warp speed. They are not even in Hot Pursuit when i see this. Kew-kew-kew!

109 is a sate highway, and the city has little say as to what limitations they can put on it.

I have seen the THP sit by the Mini-Park and pick off speeders one-by-one. Then reset and do it again and again. They may be going after the big rigs, (which is what needs to be done) but at the end of the day, that officer has met his quota AND all that revenue goes to the STATE and not the CITY. $$$'s from tickets would greatly help the PPD and the City as well.

I agree with Judy that they are doing a great job, but always room for improvement. My complaint is the speeding through town on 109 where it is 4 lanes. It's not just the trucks that speed either.

Personally I don't agree with the ticket trap idea, cause you're gonna end up catching a lot of local towners a lot of the times. Also cause we're a small town, I feel money spent on that could be better spent in other areas of real need, that would help out citizens more than trying to punish them.

If I was to choose a problem it would be to change the rules and ways truckers come through our city. I know we're an industry town but I get really tired of driving to the store or the bank with up to three semi-trucks around me at all times.

I think the police are doing a great job, yes there are always room for improvements and as our town continues to grow there will be areas that need a closer look, including as mack mentioned out 109 closer to the KY line as I have experienced the same. Another area is on Fowler Ford Road, this is a narrow winding road which is 30mph until you get to the County then it becomes 40mph, I couldn't tell you how many times I get passed (i'm, doing 35, 5 over speed limit) Also there are big grain trucks and milk trucks that do 45 easily on this road in the City limits..... Now watch, I'll get a ticket for doing 34-35 in a 30 zone. They are welcome to come sit in my yard and catch those that come out of the county into the city speeding, as I know there is litterly no where for them to just pull off and sit!

I say we need to have regular radar set up on 109 between the state line and Kirby Rd. They could sit at the little power substation. How many times have you been coming into town from Kentucky on 109 and have someone pass you at a high rate of speed or seen someone pass three or four cars at a time? I know I have! In fact I have witnessed two or three near head-on collisions on this stretch of highway.

The only thing I think needs more attention is the people that have trash all over their yards. They need to clean up or be fined every day until they clean up.