11/10/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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resources devoted to a certain problem could make an impact on that crime. He said he would soon be making recommendations to the manager regarding changes ih police priorities. Councilwoman Beal asked whether the statistics with regard to the interagency rape . team included all sex crimes or only rape. Also, how these crimes were handled befor the team was created and whether there had been an increase in the number of sex crimes. Chief Allen answered that statistics covered only forcible rape; however, the team was charged with investigation of all sex crimes. He said there had been a slight decrease in reported offenses this calendar year. He said also that prior to the interagency rape team there was a female investigator. He added that some of the team is available to the community and they had spent a great deal of time with women's groups and other civic organizations where it was felt information was needed. A significant part of the program, he said, was offering' suggestions en-how women could protect themselves. Mrs. Beal then asked whether there had been an increase in the number of reported rape since start of the interagency team. Also, whether he felt the team was adequate to handle all compl aints recei ved . Chief Allen' replied that there was nO increase in the number of rape cases ~eported. However, he said it should be recognized that the interagency team had been in existence only a short time. It ~hould have time for more publicity so that citizens would be aware of how to cope with the problem. He said that more investigative effort was needed. In further response to Mrs. Beal's questioning, the Chief said that in 1974, in about 35% of reported rape cases, suspects were identified and information forwarded to the District Attorney's office for prosecution. No statistics for 1975 are available, he said. Councilman Bradley asked if there was anything unique about the Eugene/springfield metropolitan area to contribute to the crime rate, anything to distinguish it from other areas with sindlar crime rates. Chief Allen said there were two - a younger e population; and location, both on the West Coast and in the state providing a good avenue for persons to commit a crime then move on. He added that this area also has the reputation, because of its location, as a center for distribution of narcotics. Manager said he thought it was generally accepted that students are a target for certain crimes because they tend to be less protective than older adults. Chief Allen said that was especially true in rape cases; computerized statistics enable mapping' location.of offenses, he said, and most of them occur in the 24-block area of the University campus. Councilman Williams said he was intrigued by the statistics showing burglary and larceny extremely high in this community compared to national standards, yet auto theft app~ared to be low in the same comparison. Chief Allen felt the statistics were the result of more reporting of offens~s occurring. He cited the example of investigation by a private group of percentages of reported rape -one in ten nationally; in Eugene, one in three. He said it was also found there was a very significant cross traffic between drugs and burglary and larceny. In further response to Mr. Williams, he said people were stealing both drugs and npney to buy drugs. In addition, he said, the major crime team had found this to be a major kickoff point for fencing. Councilman Murray asked the Chief's perspective, in view of the statistics on drug traffic, fencing, etc., with regard to organized crime in this area. Chief Allen answered that it would depend upon the definition of "organized crime" . There was considerable amount of b/o or three people banding together in those operations. However, there was no indication of extensive e involvement of syndicated crime. Councilman. Williams ,commented, hotvever, that three years ago the stattiment of "extensive involvement of syndicated crime" would not have been mentioned. The_Chief said that it was recognized in police circles there was organized crime involved in gambling, drugs, prostitution. 11/10/75 - 26 ,'='0/