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types of security firms in operation in Eugene, an ordinance designed to address standards for police uniforms would be a proactive measure. The committee presented a draft proposal to the Police Commission in June 2004. It was emphasized that, if enacted, the ordinance would be complaint driven, e.g., there would be no obligation by the City to review uniforms to ensure that they are distinguishable from those worn by Eugene police officers. The committee met with the City Attorney and from that discussion learned that the proposed ordinance could not be lawfully applied to the University of Oregon's public safety officers. As a result of that discussion, the commission discussed adopting specific standards describing a police uniform into the city's administrative rules with a delayed effective date to allow a reasonable amount of time for affected companies to come into compliance with the ordinance. The draft ordinance, Attachment A, was presented to the Police Commission in November 2004. Although the ordinance may only apply to private security firms, the commission believes that an ordinance will have value in preventing uniform similarities from causing confusion to the general public during interactions. Discussion continues with the Department of Public Safety at the University of Oregon (UO-DPS) regarding uniform similarities between UO-DPS and the Eugene Police. No financial or resource considerations are anticipated for the City of Eugene. In order to hold the public hearing while students are still in school at the University of Oregon, the proposed ordinance will be posted for public review prior to the council work session. State Senator and Police Commissioner, Floyd Prozanski, has introduced SB547 at the 2005 Oregon Legislative Session to amend ORS 162.367 to help to address some of the issues regarding police uniforms (see Attachment B). This legislation would address criminal impersonation of a peace officer and specifically states: "'Law enforcement uniform' means clothing bearing words such as 'police,' 'sheriff,' 'state trooper,' or 'law enforcement,' or clothing that is an official uniform or substantially similar to an official uniform of a law enforcement unit that would make it reasonably likely that a person would believe that the wearer is a peace officer." RELATED CITY POLICIES During each legislative session, the council takes a position on all bills identified as important to the City of Eugene. The council on April 21, 2005, took the position of Priority 2/support for SB547-A. CO[INCIL OPTIONS The council may choose to: 1. Proceed with the public hearing scheduled for May 23, 2005; 2. Make no changes to the Eugene Code concerning Police Uniform Standards; 3. Identify additional modifications to the draft ordinance that staff should address prior to a public hearing. On May 4, 2004, the Police Commission task group held a forum to convey its concerns about police uniform similarities, explain its proposed solution, and solicit feedback on the concept. L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050511\S05051 iA. doc