Portland police approached 540 people at 299 campsites between Nov. 1 and Dec. 7 because they were present at locations that violated the city’s ban against blocking public thoroughfares with tents and other belongings.

Of those, 421 people were found to be in violation of the city’s ordinance, though only 20 were issued a citation. Nearly everyone else received a warning.

Portland police on Nov. 1 resumed enforcement of the city’s camping ban, which prohibits camping when reasonable alternate shelter is available and has been declined, or when campers start a fire, completely block a sidewalk or have excess trash at their campsites. Violators can be cited and charged a $100 fine.

“I’ve asked our police to issue citations for lawbreaking behavior and actions that harm our community,

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