The City of Eugene is working to increase downtown public safety efforts.  Among other measures, Chief Bob Lehner and the Eugene Police Department are responding to current public safety issues downtown through reallocation of staff. 

“I recognize downtown public safety as a very high priority right now, and our downtown police deployment is an important part of an effective, multifaceted effort,” said Lehner.  “EPD is currently reassigning every available additional hour of patrol officer time to the downtown, including officers on foot and bike patrol, and I anticipate continuing this deployment for whatever duration is needed to have an impact.  We are seeking every opportunity to expand this effort without adversely affecting the services we provide to the entire community.”

City Manager Jon Ruiz and Chief Lehner also recently appointed an interdepartmental team of City staff to develop additional action steps.  The team is chaired by Lt. Tony Baker and is charged to consider a full range of options and provide recommendations to the Chief and City Manager within 30 days.  Representatives of all City departments are included on the group to facilitate consideration of non-police related options, such as activities and entertainment, youth outreach, outreach to the business community, and maintenance measures, as well as enforcement.

Other recent efforts to increase public safety and security downtown include:

• City Council and Budget Committee action added the equivalent of 4 police officer positions and extended coverage of downtown area bicycle patrols year round.
• The City partnered with DEI to enhance graffiti removal efforts.  DEI has hired a 20-hour per week employee to proactively remove graffiti downtown, including working with businesses.  The City is paying half the cost of the employee. 
• The City Council is considering a downtown public safety “exclusion” ordinance. A public hearing was held on July 21.  Revisions to the draft ordinance are being prepared based on Council input, and the item is scheduled for Council action on Monday, August 11.
• CALC, the Human Rights Commission and businesses are involved in leafletting downtown and other community-based action to support existing businesses and discourage negative activities.