MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) wants community members to take proactive steps to stay safe over the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. 

In 2022, MCSO had 365 calls for service, including proactive police work, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, to include Thanksgiving through Sunday. In 2023, that number increased to 403 and decreased to 359 in 2024. 

MCSO’s three-year average for calls for service during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend is 375. 

No matter your plans for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, MCSO is providing residential safety tips.  

• Always report suspicious circumstances by calling 9-1-1 in an emergency or 503-823-3333 for a non-emergency.
• Always secure your home by locking windows and doors and keeping garage doors closed.
• Never block fire hydrants, sidewalks, or other driveways.
• Turn on porch and driveway lights so anyone approaching your home can be seen.

Law enforcement agencies across the country often see an increase in driving while impaired incidents during the holiday season, which is why MCSO will conduct high visibility patrol operations focused on keeping our roads safe. 

• MCSO reminds community members to never operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol.
• Using rideshare apps or having a designated driver provides the safest alternative. 

Although there are no forecasted winter events in Multnomah County that could significantly impact driving conditions, motorists are still encouraged to ensure they and their vehicles are properly prepared while traveling. 

• Have extra vehicle/cellphone chargers in your vehicle.
• If someone on the road is driving dangerously, don’t engage. MCSO recommends that you create distance and report dangerous driving by calling 9-1-1.
• Keep tire chains, blankets, food, and water in your vehicle.
• Never drive distracted, to include using a cellphone, tablet, or allowing yourself to become distracted by music or other passengers.
• Plan routes in advance and use the Oregon Department of Transportation website for updated traffic information.

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend consists of several community events throughout Multnomah County. MCSO will have increased patrols at many of these events, including the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in downtown Portland. Community members are always reminded to be aware of their surroundings when attending large events.

• Avoid loading purchases into your car, locking it, and walking away. Criminals watch for that moment.
• Consider technology or apps that provide your contact information or location services if a child goes missing.
• Crimes of opportunity increase when people are distracted.
• If a situation feels off, step away and reassess. Report any suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1 or notifying law enforcement on scene.
• Maintain situational awareness in parking lots and at gas pumps.
• Never leave items in your car that could make it a target for thieves.
• Park in well-lit areas, even if it means walking farther.

Finally, MCSO wants to remind community members about best practices when shopping online. 

• Avoid “too good to be true” marketplace or social media listings. Scams often spike around Thanksgiving.
• Only shop on legitimate sites and verify URLs before entering payment info.
• Use strong, unique passwords and avoid saving credit card information online.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the hundreds of law enforcement professionals and other first responders working this holiday weekend. Many of our MCSO employees, including patrol and corrections deputies and professional staff, will be spending time away from family and friends to support MCSO’s public safety objectives. Their service is deeply appreciated. 

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