Cops Having a Talk (CHAT)

CHAT Team. Left to Right: Officer McMillan, Officer Sager, Officer Bauman, Sergeant Catton, Officer Knotts and Officer Maini

CHAT is a group of five officers and a sergeant on a collateral assignment. They are part of VPD’s Public Order Specialist Team (POST). CHAT team members wear a distinct vest that identifies them as a dialogue officer. Their mission is to attend public events and communicate with participants. They have several goals when at public events, including the following:

Protect First Amendment Rights: CHAT ensures everyone can peacefully assemble and express their free speech.
Maintain Peace and Safety: CHAT works to prevent violence and damage to public and private property.
De-escalation First: CHAT discourages confrontations between opposing groups to avoid violence and ensure community safety.

CHAT in the news: KATU Article