2008 Woodie Awards
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EPD must increase its campus presence
Editorial
by Emerald Editorial Board |
In all likelihood, the majority of cases where the Digital Patrollers will play a significant role are in traffic-related incidents, such as drunken driving charges. By no means is it a bad thing that these recording devices will cut down on the number of reckless drivers on our streets. It's questionable, however, whether these devices will have much of an impact on non-vehicle cases. An assault incident near the cemetery on campus would probably be most accessible to police by foot, for instance.
That there is only four armed police officers campus-wide borders on unbelievable. While Eugene is no breeding ground for violence, there is a considerable homeless population here. Many are located downtown, where the city's most popular bars and nightspots reside. But there is also a large concentration of vagrants in low-income, student housing areas.
The question isn't whether having such a diminutive police presence on campus is acceptable or not. It clearly isn't. What must be asked is what can be done to increase that presence. The University can't simply ask for more Eugene Police Department officers - the city has a shortage as it is. University officials and EPD administrators are in ongoing talks about how to rectify this problem. But the University must do its part. That starts with enough funding to ensure adequate police representation on our campus. Protection should not be a discretionary commodity, it should be a given.
That there is only four armed police officers campus-wide borders on unbelievable. While Eugene is no breeding ground for violence, there is a considerable homeless population here. Many are located downtown, where the city's most popular bars and nightspots reside. But there is also a large concentration of vagrants in low-income, student housing areas.
The question isn't whether having such a diminutive police presence on campus is acceptable or not. It clearly isn't. What must be asked is what can be done to increase that presence. The University can't simply ask for more Eugene Police Department officers - the city has a shortage as it is. University officials and EPD administrators are in ongoing talks about how to rectify this problem. But the University must do its part. That starts with enough funding to ensure adequate police representation on our campus. Protection should not be a discretionary commodity, it should be a given.
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john q
posted 10/29/07 @ 4:45 AM PST
i fucking hate eugene police. i got $1000 ticket for some marijuana!!!! i was smoking a j with some of my dogs. what the fuck????????!!!!!!!!!!!!! at least the public safety will cut you some slack and show you some respect. (Continued…)
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