Sunday's Oregonian reported a news conference with Teressa Raiford of Don't Shoot Portland requesting a limited police presence for their Feb. 20 protest. I realize Ms. Raiford is but one of many leaders and organizers for this event. I have a suggestion for everyone who will speak and has a leadership role in this protest march.

Prior to the march beginning, it is not difficult to observe a certain group of people mingling in the crowd with the legitimate marchers. These are the ones not interested in your message of peaceful protest but who come to hijack it through criminal behavior on Portland's streets. They come to disrupt and cause trouble while hiding among your peaceful marchers. The ones dressed mostly in black and with faces covered. You can see them, the so-called anarchists.

I call on the protest leaders to publicly announce that the march won't begin while anyone in the group has their faces covered and that anyone covering their face during the march will be filmed by observers. They should draft a letter to Mayor Wheeler and all sign on the behalf of their groups committing to this promise to justify their request for limited police presence.

This would show leadership and responsibility. It may not avert trouble but shows a desire for these leaders to ensure Portland streets can be a place for peaceful and legitimate protest.

George Benton, Newport