Community Safety Initiative

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Community Safety Pinwheel DiagramThe Community Safety System

The Community Safety System includes police, fire, 911, municipal court, prevention and social services, which are interdependent and work together. 


What is the problem? 

Our Community Safety System is stressed

  • Calls for police service increased 21% from 2014-17.
  • Staffing levels have remained relatively flat.
  • One out of three non-life threatening police calls for service receive no response, and general response times have increased by 20 minutes. 
  • The number of unsheltered homeless adults is significantly higher than in many other similar communities. 

While many creative programs have been applied to this problem to maximize resources and meet community needs, the growing demand continues to outpace capacity.

What is the plan? 

The Eugene City Council passed the Community Safety Payroll Tax Ordinance (No. 20616) in June 2019 to provide long-term funding for community safety services. The Community Safety Payroll Tax is expected to generate funds to provide faster, more efficient safety responses, deter crime, connect people to services, engage and help at-risk youth, support more investigations and court services, and add jail beds to reduce capacity-based releases and hold those who commit crimes accountable.

Three-pronged approach

Prevent

Many people are seen repeatedly. The goal is to reduce those interactions and help people deal with their challenges. Community partners are integral.


  • Deter crime
  • Connect people to services
  • Engage at-risk youth early

Respond

This is the first priority with the goals of:


  • Answering more calls
  • Getting to more crimes faster
  • Using new tools and methods to increase efficiency

Resolve

The goal is to resolve every situation in a way that is best for the people involved, as well as the community.


  • More investigations
  • More court services
  • More accountability
  1. Updates
  2. Funding Highlights
  3. Accountability Requirements
  1. Conestoga huts in city park

    Rest Stop Program Supports, Stabilizes

    Rest Stops are designated sites where people can stay in Conestoga huts in a secure, managed location, with on-site amenities as well as individualized and group facilitation supports. Read on...
  2. City of Eugene Logo with City Skyline

    Community Court Lunch Program

    One of the many way community members and groups can help people in Community Court is through the Community Court Lunch Program. Read on...
  3. Person landscaping in downtown Eugene

    Community Restoration projects through Community Court

    Community Court program participants are required to complete a certain number of hours of Community Restoration during the length of their case plan. Read on...
  4. community safety icon on police car

    New Community Safety Icon

    Eugeneans will start noticing this new icon around town on vehicles, websites, and program materials to help understand how funds received from the Community Safety Payroll Tax are spent. The image included shows the icon on a Eugene Police Vehicle. Read on...
  5. Community Provider Room

    New Provider Room now open to all on Wednesdays

    The Community Provider Room began at Community Court in the Eugene Public Library, connecting anyone in need with local service providers, whether they are part of the Community Court program or just passing by. Read on...
  6. Young people at Vibe Teen event

    Teen Empowerment Program

    From the outset, the Community Safety Payroll Tax has included funding for out-of-school youth programs, which helped launch Eugene Rec’s Youth & Teen Empowerment Program in January 2022. Read on...
  7. Community Provider Room with Mural behind chairs and tables

    New mural brings connection and color to Community Court

    When developing a plan for our new Community Court Provider Room, we knew the space needed some color and warmth brought in to help people feel more welcome and comfortable. Read on...
  8. Patient on gurney with Eugene Springfield Fire personnel

    Ambulance Transport Fund at Eugene Fire

    The Ambulance Transport Fund (ATF) supports Eugene Fire & EMS’ emergency medical services and the services they provide to the community. Read on...
  9. Community Safety Officer

    Eugene Police Department – Community Service Officers

    Community Service Officers (CSOs) serve a vital role in enhancing response by providing an alternative response to sending a sworn officer and by keeping the community safe. Read on...
  10. City of Eugene

    Increasing Service Level in FY22 and FY23

    The City slowed the planned implementation of the CSI on the FY22 Adopted Budget from the previous implementation strategy due to caution regarding the unknown impact of the pandemic on employment and tax collection. Read on...
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