11/19/1986 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ diverse, innovative, and balanced. She said they stress empathy, accountability, prevention, response, and community involvement. e CATF members reviewed the following high priority program recommendations with the council: A. Community Services Specialists Richard Greene said the best deterrents to crime are clearly defined laws, a visible, uniformed police presence, immediate and adequate sanctions, and public education. He discussed Recommendation #44, which suggests eight Community Service Specialists be added to the Police, Fire and Emergency . Services Department. He said the specialists will take reports, staff the window in the Police Department, work with the Neighborhood Watch program, and enforce the Fire Code. They will relieve sworn officers of some duties. The recommendation is to have four Community Service Specialists in the Police Patrol Division, two specialists in the Police Community Affairs Division, two specialists in fire prevention, and two specialists in crime prevention. B. Crime Prevention Unit Gloria Timmons discussed Recommendation #36, which recommends establishment of a Crime Prevention Unit (and a Neighborhood Watch Program) in the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Department. She said a Crime Prevention Unit and a Neighborhood Watch Program will enable average citizens to participate with law enforcement officers in protecting the community. She said they will assist people in reporting crimes and in preventing such crimes as child abuse, robbery, vandalism, and substance abuse. e C. Human Services Intervention Team Bill Sweet discussed Recommendation #45, which establishes a human services intervention team. He said said some homeless people and some youth cause problems for residents and business people. The homeless people and youth engage in nuisance behavior and often become victims of crime. He said the human services intervention team program would provide responses to confrontations and nuisance behavior and would provide protective support when it is needed. He described the $300,000 24-hour program and the $130,000 12- to IS-hour program. D. Social Services Coordination Jan Gund discussed the community's need for social services. She said only about 50 percent of the needs are being met and only about 10 percent of the people with mental disorders are being served. She said a survey by CATF members indicated there is some duplication of services and there is a need for additional personnel and funds. Ms. Gund asked if the community has a responsibility to provide a safety net for people who need it? If increased assistance for people who need it would increase the need for,assistance? If social services could be maximized? She wondered who should take the initiative in answering her questions. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session November 19, 1986 Page 2