The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) led a coordinated law enforcement effort to improve public safety along the TriMet transit corridors in North Portland. The operation, which took place on February 12, 2026, resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals near the northern boundaries of the MAX Yellow Line.
According to MCSO, “High-visibility enforcement, whether through uniformed presence, foot and bicycle patrols, or a strong presence at major events – deters potential crime and increases safety for neighbors as well as TriMet riders and staff.”
The five-hour mission targeted both livability issues and criminal activity with the goal of promoting a safer environment for community members and transit users. The initiative was part of MCSO’s broader public safety strategy and involved multiple agencies. Participating units included Transit Police, the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct Neighborhood Response Team, MCSO Corrections Transport Unit, and MCSO’s Airborne Law Enforcement Support Team (ALEST).
MCSO stated that their approach uses problem-oriented policing strategies focused on identifying specific community issues or patterns of disorder that may impact the transit system. These efforts are designed to create targeted and proactive long-term solutions.
Of those arrested during the operation, investigations addressed several serious offenses such as firearm crimes, drug possession and distribution, felony eluding police, recovery of stolen vehicles, and serving outstanding warrants. Authorities also recovered hundreds of dollars in counterfeit money during the mission. A photograph documenting this evidence has been released by investigators.
“Transit Police continue to conduct regular enforcement along transit corridors to help maintain a safe environment on the transit system,” officials said.
The TriMet Transit Police Division is led by MCSO and includes officers from several regional agencies: Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, as well as support from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. Officers work throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms to respond to incidents occurring on TriMet property.