Item B: Neighborhood Livability Working Group Report

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Neighborhood Livability Working Group University of Oregon Police Department - Jurisdiction in near campus neighborhoods Problem Description Jurisdiction of illegal behavior related to quality of life issues in campus neighborhoods currently falls solely to the Eugene Police Department (EPD). The limited staff and financial resources of EPD can make this responsibility a low priority at times, especially when higher level crimes are being committed in other parts of the city. Strategy Description Most universities the size of the UO have fully sworn police departments on campus with the same authority as their municipal counterparts. The process of gaining the authority for and establishing a UO Police Department (UOPD) is underway. Some communities have created districts outside of campus boundaries that allow university police to actively patrol and enforce laws in surrounding campus neighborhoods. The creation of a University Public Safety District is recommended to increase the number of law enforcement personnel available to address illegal behavior in campus neighborhoods and provide more capacity for EPD to deal with other situations throughout the community. This is a multi-year process with the following steps: Senate Bill 405 was passed in the 2011 Oregon Legislative session authorizing Oregon public universities to establish fully sworn police departments. Receive permission from the Oregon State Board of Higher Education to become a fully sworn police department. This step is in process. Once permission is received, begin the process of hiring and training fully sworn police officers (approximately 5-7 years). UOPD officers will be trained to focus on student behavior issues in general. During this time period, some officers will serve in fully sworn capacities while others will continue to serve in public safety officer and non-sworn security officer roles. University leadership will determine the extent to which the UOPD will patrol and enforce off campus. An intergovernmental agreement or memorandum of understanding between EPD and UOPD would need to be established, which would include agreements about off campus patrols and enforcement. Related Goals/Policies UO Safe Campus Initiative West University Task Force recommendations (June 2003): Consistent/Enhanced Police Presence Increased police presence in the neighborhood would deter criminal behavior and address some of the nuisance behaviors that make residents feel unsafe. Costs and Potential Resources The cost to UO as the department transitions to a fully sworn police department is being budgeted for and is not significant. The number of department employees will not change significantly. Training for officers will be funded in the same manner as all other police officers in the state. Costs of jointly patrolling and enforcing a University Public Safety District with EPD are unknown, pending what an IGA or MOU would encompass. Issues to Consider Barriers to the establishment of a campus police department include limited student opposition based on perceived cost and if or what weapons officers would be allowed to carry. The issue of weapons is also a concern of some community members. Barriers to UOPD officers having authority off campus include issues of department capacity, university leadership decision as to the appropriateness of such activity and results of agreements established with the EPD. Measuring Effectiveness: After a UOPD is established and off campus jurisdiction is granted, a variety of crime and contact statistics will be employed to measure effectiveness. 25 Page