Over 60 neighbors attended SUNA’s 11/8 Zoom General Meeting, focused on concerns about the recent increase in crimes in our neighborhood and the University. Guests included Eugene Police Chief Skinner, UO Police Deputy Chief Wade, UO Dir. Security & Support McNulty, UO Dean of Students Langford, and Community Relations Dir. Thompson.
Recently, crime has increased city-wide. The Eugene police department is unable to respond to all of the approximately 500 calls the department receives each day. Chief Skinner acknowledged that residents may be frustrated when there is a delayed or lack of response to non-emergency calls. However, he and UO Deputy Chief Wade strongly encouraged residents to continue to call and report both emergency (911) and EPD non-emergency (541-682-5111) crimes. It is important for the police to have a record of complaints and criminal activity taking place in each neighborhood.
UO Police Deputy Chief Wade shared his cell phone number (541-913-9652), and encouraged reaching out if anyone wants to talk further about UOPD or general campus safety. This is NOT the number to report an incident—neighbors should use 911 for emergencies or the UOPD non-emergency number, 541-346-2919.
Both forces work together, particularly in communities near campus. Chief Skinner said the Eugene department is understaffed by 22 officers, and discussed the difficulty in hiring qualified officers. The department is working increasingly with Cahoots and social workers.
Eugene’s per capita unhoused population is the highest in the country, and local plans to support people are in flux regarding camping, safe sites, and support for drug related problems. This was especially true when Buckley House was closed due to COVID.
Chief Skinner doesn’t see a huge increase in gangs, and reminded neighbors that graffiti, which has increased recently, is not the same as gang-related tagging.
Taking basic security steps of locking doors, being aware of surroundings, and getting to know one’s neighbors are important for everyone’s safety.
When asked how neighbors can support the police effort, the Chief suggested expressing appreciation to officers for their efforts. He thanked SUN for being one of the few neighborhoods that has reached out to EPD to have a conversation regarding public safety.
Neighbors can sign up for UO Alerts (incidents that could impact UO and the surrounding areas) at alerts.uoregon.edu. EPD does not send out alerts of in-progress crimes.