The Eugene Police Department’s new chief said he plans to increase communication between EPD and University students. However, the new contract in the works between police and University administrators is likely to diminish the department’s presence on campus.
Because the contract is still under negotiation, police chief Pete Kerns said he was unwilling to discuss it. However, in February the chief said the changes would be the largest in recent history. The likely upshot of the changes: more power on campus for the Department of Public Safety, which in February sought to remove EPD completely from campus.
University spokesperson Julie Brown said the changes would give DPS “additional citation authority, but there will not be a change in equipment.”
Kerns said he plans to speak with various student groups on campus in order to “build stronger, more trusting relationships between the police department and the community.” He also said EPD wants to visit various groups such as co-ops, fraternities and sororities, and students in the West University neighborhood.
Kerns said University community members should be aware of property crime and theft problems on campus. Theft of cars, car stereos and laptops is a main challenge the department faces, he said. Kerns also said unlawful drinking and the resulting behavior causes problems in the neighborhoods surrounding the University.
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EPD fostering positive relationship with UO
Daily Emerald
September 16, 2009
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