Our city is home to the State Capitol, the seat of government for Oregon. This makes us a host for many groups and activities in which people exercise their rights of free speech to be heard by those elected to serve, the Legislature, and the Governor. We take that responsibility – and public safety – seriously, regardless of the content of the speech or the ideology of the groups. For events that occur at the State Capitol, the Oregon State Police has jurisdiction and enforcement responsibility. However, the Salem Police Department and Oregon State Police have a longstanding partnership and assist each other when requested and needed during assemblies, protests and demonstrations.

Due to the State pandemic restrictions, the City of Salem stopped issuing permits for special events in the parks or for the use of the streets for parades and marches in July 2020. The City of Salem's intent was to discourage social gatherings, consistent with public health guidance.

As of May 31, 2021, residents may apply through the City of Salem Public Works Department to host a community event. If the event is a rally or assembly, for example, the permit application process helps organizers work with City of Salem staff to cover all aspects of the event, including public safety. However, sometimes these types of events are more spontaneous without clearly identified organizers and no permits sought or obtained. Regardless, the City of Salem applies the same philosophy and approach to both permitted and non-permitted protests, assemblies or marches.

The police cannot prevent assemblies and marching absent a specific, direct, and actionable threat to public safety, or of violence or property damage. Language has sometimes been offensive, obscene, and personally objectionable, but has not risen to a level to preemptively stop a march. Freedom of speech is protected. Language, however offensive, is not grounds for arrest. The right of assembly and to free speech are fundamental rights under the U.S. and Oregon Constitutions. Absent a threat to public safety, or violence or property damage, the police do not have the authority to order a crowd to disperse or arrest individuals who do not comply simply because an event has not been issued a permit.

Other considerations include the size of the protest and the capacity of law enforcement to effectively and safely disperse the crowd. Acting to stop a large protest with limited resources increases the risk of escalation. Law enforcement must, therefore, work to manage each protest as it develops, making decisions based upon the behaviors exhibited by individuals as the protest develops. Again, our primary goal is to prevent or stop violence and property damage while respecting individuals' right to free speech and assembly.

Community events such as parades or large gatherings that will obstruct a public sidewalk are required to have a permit. However, walking or small gatherings on a public sidewalk does not require a permit. Sidewalks are public areas and available for demonstrators, and as noted above, the police cannot prevent an assembly absent a specific threat to public safety. There is no exemption or limitation for demonstrations in public neighborhoods. However, the Salem Police Department has and will continue to encourage marchers to stay on sidewalks or to the side of roadways, and issue citations for traffic violations when appropriate and possible. Decisions to take immediate enforcement action for minor infractions must always be weighed against the totality of the circumstances.

Large gatherings obstructing a public sidewalk and other community events without a permit are minor offenses. Our priority in responding to demonstrations is to ensure that all people are safe, free from physical assault, or loss or damage to their personal property

We always seek voluntary compliance by attempting to meet with organizers to discuss their plans and actions, regardless of a group's beliefs or cause. Often there is more than one formal or informal organizer and not everyone in a crowd hold the same intentions making enforcement and accountability difficult. Issuing citations for low-level infractions and misdemeanors because some of the participants are walking in the street or the organizer failed to obtain a permit risks escalating the situation, takes officers away from protecting public safety (such as stepping in to prevent or intervene in acts of violence or serious property damage), and may increase the likelihood of even larger future demonstrations.

When faced with a large group of people marching or demonstrating in the street without a permit, the City has limited options. However, for the sake of public safety, the police can attempt to redirect a group of marchers to a safer or more manageable area, or if there is an immediate threat to public safety, require a gathering to disperse.

We are deeply concerned about large demonstrations in residential neighborhoods, and the disruption such demonstrations cause. The City will continue to closely monitor these events, and consistent with our primary interest in preserving public safety, will take appropriate action as is warranted under the circumstances. Police resources are called in and on standby when we are aware of groups' plans to protest, assemble, or march in Salem.

In cooperation with the Oregon State Police, Salem Police have closely monitored these recent demonstrations and have had some success in limiting noise and other actions that cause disruptions. We issue frequent and continual warnings to stay off the streets when marching or demonstrating. In some cases, we have received cooperation. In others, we have not.

Carrying a firearm openly in public, including Salem parks, is not a violation under Salem Revised Code (SRC). However, SRC 95.095 does prohibit the possession of a loaded firearm in public within the city limits of Salem, unless the person is licensed to carry a concealed handgun.

Unless officials have probable cause to believe the firearm is loaded with ammunition, the police cannot detain the person and force an inspection. In most situations, without that probable cause, the most police can do is ask if the firearm is loaded. A firearm with a visible magazine or clip by itself does not necessarily mean the weapon is loaded and does not provide enough evidence to force an inspection. Merely carrying a firearm openly does not constitute a violation; it must in fact be loaded.

If you feel unsafe at any time or witness a crime, please dial 9-1-1. You should always call 9-1-1 when life, safety, health, or property is in immediate danger and emergency responders are needed to help safeguard the safety and security. Please do not assume that others have called or that officers in the area are already aware of what you are seeing. Police will continue to be on scene and in the vicinity of demonstrations, assemblies and marches and actively monitor.

Email police@cityofsalem.net with your question, preferred time and phone number for response, or call 503-588-6100. We'll be answering your calls and questions as quickly as we can, with a focus on those residents in the immediate vicinity of upcoming demonstrations or marches.