Item 3: Ord.Police Uniform Stdr - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

the specific issue of police uniform standards, although there is existing city code that addresses "criminal impersonation." The Police Commission believes that given the growth in the number and types of security firms in operation in Eugene, an ordinance designed to address standards for police uniforms would be a proactive measure. Although the ordinance may only pertain to private security firms, and cannot be applied to the Department of Public Safety at the University of Oregon, the Police Commission believes that such an ordinance will have value in preventing uniform similarities from causing confusion to the general public. Discussion will continue with the Department of Public Safety at the University of Oregon (UO- DPS) regarding uniform similarities between UO-DPS and the Eugene Police. The Police Commission recommends that, if enacted, the ordinance 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. Consideration can be afforded to private companies that could be affected by this ordinance by providing a reasonable amount of time for affected companies to come into compliance with the ordinance. No financial or resource considerations are anticipated for the City of Eugene. Senate Bill 547-A, which was introduced by State Senator and Police Commissioner Floyd Prozanski, and would amend ORS 162.367 to address criminal impersonation of a peace officer, is still under consideration in the current session of the State Legislature. This bill 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. On April 21, 2005, the council took the position of Priority 2/Support for SB547-A which addresses, in part, issues around uniforms resembling law enforcement as to mislead the public. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council may choose to: 1. Take action on the proposed ordinance at the June 13, 2005, City Council meeting. 2. Direct staff to modify the proposed ordinance and bring the ordinance forward for action either at the June 13, 2005, meeting, or at a later date. 3. Take no further action on the proposed ordinance. 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. Private security agencies, armored car services and campus security officials were invited to the meeting. Feedback from attendees followed several common themes, including: - Non-sworn officers and security providers need to convey a professional appearance and establish a command presence to be effective, but there is no desire to emulate police. L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M050523\S0505233.doc