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SafeParks Proposal <br /> Statement of Need / Executive Summary: In response to the increasing number of citizen complaints to <br /> the Eugene Police Department and the City of Eugene concerning the safety of Public Parks, St. Vincent <br /> de Paul Society of Lane Co., Inc. (SVDP) proposes a partnership with the Eugene Police Department and <br /> Parks and Recreation Department to address the needs of the neighborhoods surrounding the Riverfront, <br /> Monroe, Scobert and Washington- Jefferson parks. <br /> This project proposes a civic model for reducing the cost of enforcement and encourages compassionate <br /> social service intervention. The project will require hiring 3 FTE, one program coordinator and two <br /> SafeParks staff. Staff will only work only during daylight hours. Rotating shifts will provide 7 day <br /> coverage, with all three employees working in the field. <br /> This project will compliment the increased bicycle patrols. Safe neighborhoods are essential. Economic <br /> development in the downtown core will be hampered if people do not feel safe living in the adjoining <br /> neighborhoods. This project will involve all stakeholders, and the desired outcome of a safer and cleaner <br /> park can be reached. <br /> Our experience with programs that put education first and enforcement second will allow us to efficiently <br /> implement an effective prevention model. The program is modeled on the successful Overnight Parking <br /> Program (OPP). This program has saved the Police Department countless hours and approximately <br /> $220,000 annually in actual cost savings. The OPP has greatly decreased the cost of effective response <br /> while increasing the public's confidence in local law enforcement. Police will only be requested to <br /> respond to the most blatant and troublesome violators of park regulations and local law. <br /> There is a concentration of Social Service agencies in the park neighborhoods serving low- income people <br /> with multiple high needs. Local residents perceive this is the cause of neighborhood difficulties. Dealing <br /> with the impact requires a flexible approach. These urban core neighborhoods face a unique burden, with <br /> enforcement often shifting people and problems from one area park to another. Appropriate destinations <br /> outside of the urban core for individuals abusing the parks are a must. SVDP provides day access centers <br /> on HWY 99 for chronically homeless adults and on the South side of town for families. SafeParks staff <br /> will provide bus tokens to appropriate community sites with essential services. <br /> The problem also involves neighborhoods. A network will be created surrounding each park encouraged <br /> to notify SafeParks staff of illegal activities. Networking will involve the most concerned citizens in a <br /> positive pro- active approach by encouraging ownership of the issue and empowering individuals to <br /> respond effectively. SVDP will screen and respond to each individual complaint, relieving the burden on <br /> the police. SafeParks staff will be guided in their schedule and routes by information from the Eugene <br /> Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department. They will be equipped with cell phones to <br /> receive complaints directly from the community and make calls to the police or other social service <br /> providers. <br /> Serious illegal activities including public drug injection, drug dealing, and prostitution thrive best in an <br /> atmosphere of secrecy, as do more minor offenses like homeless camping, graffiti and drinking in public. <br /> Having a consistent presence in the parks to monitor and re- direct inappropriate use will have an <br /> immediate effect of creating a cleaner, safer atmosphere. <br /> SafeParks staff will consistently provide referral options and harm- reduction education, targeting <br /> homeless adults and families, illegal campers, prostitutes, injection drug users, and youth. Many times <br /> these populations are intermingled, and it is our hope that we can initiate appropriate action in complex <br /> situations. For instance, when a teenage girl is trading sex for drugs or a place to sleep, she needs <br /> treatment or shelter. When an adult male is taking advantage of her, he needs recognized as a predator <br /> and dealt with appropriately. <br /> 1 <br />