… Amy Gallant, advocacy coordinator at the nonprofit Preble Street, which provides services to the city’s homeless, said the constable request was "worrisome." She said police officers are better trained to handle potential trespassing cases, and they have oversight from Portland Police Chief Michael Sauschuck, whom Gallant praised for his work with the homeless population.
"Preble Street and Homeless Voices for Justice have always had a great relationship with the Portland Public Library and we have always been able to mitigate any issues," Gallant said. "The library is so important. It is such a valuable resource to our community and I would hate to see this change be a barrier to accessing the library." …
