Item A: Downtown Public Safety Zone

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ATTACHMENT B - Public Comments Received Police Commission Downtown Public Safety Zone Public Forum December 13, 2011 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Members in attendance: Juan Carlos Valle, Tamara Miller, Bernadette Conover, Bob Walker, Jim Garner, Jesse Lohrke, Tim Mueller, James Manning The meeting convened at 5:35. Mr. Valle explained that everyone would have the opportunity to speak. He announced that everyone wishing to speak would be offered two rounds, the first lasting 3 minutes and the second round lasting two minutes. Lt. Doug Mozan was introduced and offered background and history of the Downtown Public Safety Zone (DPSZ), and its origin, which was provided in a written report. Sgt. Terry Fitzpatrick offered a more detailed explanation of how the decision making occurs regarding issuing a Downtown Public Safety Zone citation. The Commissioners asked clarifying questions. Mr. Lohrke asked about the provision in the ordinance that states that the police "shall" issue citations, and whether the intent was to require the Police to enforce this in all circumstances. Lt. Mozan explained that this was not the department's intent, and that the City Attorney and Prosecutor advised that the department was meeting the spirit and intent of the law by using discretion in the enforcement of the DPSZ. Public comments were accepted. Carol Berg-Caldwell - She expressed concerns about the advocacy program. She said that of the people she's talked with, no one has ever been notified that there was an advocacy program or received a brochure. She inquired whether the officers are carrying the brochures about the advocacy program and was assured by officers and court staff that the police are carrying and distributing the brochures. She stated there is no good reason to not implement the advocacy program. Dave Hauser - Represents Downtown Eugene Incorporated. He stated it is important not to overstate or minimize the DPSZ because it is an important tool, although it is not the sole tool. DPSZ provides an alternative to incarceration, and is a tool that has been implemented responsibly. There has been no evidence that it has been used badly, with no complaints made to the Auditor. He stated his support to extend the sunset on the regulations. Extending this program gives the community the opportunity to assess the positive impact of $84 million in new construction. While the DPSZ is not a perfect solution, the funding constraints on the criminal justice and social service systems preclude a perfect solution. The DPSZ represents something good that can be done now. Attachment B - Page 5