Police Chief Bob Day on ‘Blue Flu’ Accusations, High-Priority Call Response Times, and Needing More Police Officers
City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza is talking with Portland Chief of Police Bob Day about everything from repairing community trust to stats pointing to a sharp decrease in homicides. We’re also tackling the perception of a “blue flu” regarding increasing response times on high-priority calls. Chief Day started with the Portland police bureau in 1990 after serving with the Oregon state police and has over 29 years of law enforcement experience. He retired as deputy chief of the Portland police bureau in 2019, but much like Michael Corleone, just when he thought he was out, they pulled him back in — he’s been our chief of police since 2023.
Discussed in today's episode:
‘We are failing in many areas’: Portland police report finds response times average 20 minutes [Oregonian]
Portland sees sharp declines in shootings, homicides in recent years [KGTV]
Complaints against Portland police rise in 2025, including 42% jump from within bureau [KATU]
Portland ranks No. 7 among U.S. cities for its investments to prevent and reduce gun violence [Portland.gov]
Become a member of City Cast Portland today! Get all the details and sign up here.
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448.
Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode:
Salishan Coastal Lodge use promo code CITYCAST
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Nonprofit Abandons Native Patients at Sauvie Island, Cops Want to Use Banned AI, and Columbia's Doomsday Bunker Giveaway
We're talking about a St. Helens nonprofit drug treatment program that continues to leave Native American patients homeless on Portland s...
A County Chair Front-Runner’s Endorsements Are Crumbling, a Ballot Measure Is Snubbed, and Other Election Coverage Updates
We’ll be talking about all the last minute updates surrounding our city and county races. Plus, some exciting news from the Portlan...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Who Controls Austin’s Autonomous Vehicles? — Presented By City Cast Portland
When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Portland. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing...
Your Guide to November 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re going to the opera for the first time, getting a head start on your holiday shopping, or celebrating our region’s olive ha...
How To Guarantee Your Ballot Gets Counted, Another Suburban School District Eyeing Closures, and Listener Mail
Today we're discussing everything you need to know about how to vote in the upcoming election — including deadlines, how ranked-choice is...
The Auto Tycoon Buying Up Downtown Portland. Plus, 800 City Workers Ready To Strike and Portland Etiquette Gripes
We're talking about how hundreds of Portland city workers may go on strike as soon as next week. We’re also digging into the Las Vegas-ba...
The Surprising History of Our Local Exports, From Tuna to Tofurkey
Portland is famous for its music, coffee, craft beer, and a little sneaker brand called Nike — but our city and state’s influence goes fa...
A Cursed Portland Arcade Game and Other Creepy Lore. Plus, the Wildest Halloween Parties in Portland
Host Claudia Meza gets into the Halloween spirit with Matthew Trueherz, arts and culture editor at Willamette Week, and Alex Frane, food...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? — Presented By City Cast Portland
How prepared is Portland to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient...
Banning AI Price Gouging, a Canvassing Group's Misleading Hustle, and Hot Takes on Nike Dunking on the Stag Sign
We're talking about how Portland could become one of the first cities to ban surveillance pricing — before it even hits local stores. Als...