The Portland Police Bureau cast its use of confidential informants as part of a “measured response” that allows officers to focus on arresting lawbreakers rather than using force indiscriminately against crowds.

The Oregonian/OregonLive first revealed the use of what authorities call “Confidential Reliable Sources” in arrests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building after reviewing probable cause affidavits in the 50 protest cases filed since demonstrations began this summer at the complex.

The newspaper’s reporting was in focus at a Friday press conference that police had planned ahead of the “No Kings” rallies that could bring tens of thousands to downtown Portland.

Police Commander Craig Dobson told reporters that the bureau was “not necessarily” using

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