Team effort focuses on park issues and crime

Ongoing reports and complaints of issues and criminal behavior in parks brought together a team of Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit, Park Resource Officers, Housing Support Officers, park maintenance assets, and patrol officers on August 12. The operation ran from 8 a.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. and focused on Washington Jefferson Park as well as the surrounding areas and nearby parks. Plain clothes officers worked in the area and focused on drug offenses, such as possession and delivery of controlled substances, in addition to other criminal behavior. Once the plain clothes officers made observations, uniformed officers moved in and made the contacts with those involved and continued to investigate the circumstances.

During this operation, 19 people were contacted and either arrested or cited for various crimes. Several of the offenses included possession or delivery of controlled substances. A firearm was seized during one contact, and a prostitution investigation led to charges for prostitution. The following are the statistics from the operation:

7 people had at least one warrant

10 people were charged with Possession of Controlled Substance

2 people were charged with Delivery of Controlled Substance

2 people were charged with Prostitution

1 person was charged with Felon in Possession of Firearm

1 person was charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon (brass knuckles)

2 people were charged with Violation of Park Rules

According to the effort's supervisors, numerous people expressed their appreciation for the special enforcement effort.

OF SPECIAL NOTE:

During this operation, it became apparent that several businesses in the area are used as meeting points to distribute controlled substances and conduct unlawful behavior. Getting a trespass letter of consent on file is an effective way to help with enforcement of trespass and unlawful behavior on private business properties. It is a city-wide option for businesses. More information about how to participate in this program is available online: Trespass Letter of Consent | Eugene, OR Website