Eugene
Community Safety Payroll Tax funds new way to respond to people experiencing mental illness, addictions and crisis downtown with a planned expansion in 2025
Eugene, OR – Thanks to the Community Safety Payroll Tax, a groundbreaking initiative is underway to revolutionize the response to individuals grappling with mental illness, addiction, and crises in downtown areas. This innovative approach, set to expand in 2025, introduces a novel alternative police response model.
Central to this model is the integration of Lane County Behavioral Health (LCBH) professionals directly within the Eugene Police Department (EPD) downtown operations. These embedded LCBH professionals work collaboratively with EPD officers, responding jointly to calls for service involving individuals experiencing behavioral health or life crises.
By combining the expertise of law enforcement with the specialized knowledge and skills of behavioral health professionals, this initiative aims to provide more effective and compassionate responses to complex situations.
Through this collaboration, individuals in crisis can receive the support and assistance they need while minimizing the potential for escalation and harm.
The Community Safety Payroll Tax is instrumental in funding this transformative approach, which represents a significant step forward in promoting community safety and well-being. As this model continues to evolve and expand, it holds the promise of enhancing the overall response to mental health and crisis situations, ultimately fostering a safer and more supportive environment for all residents.
Featured Image Credit – Eugene Police Department
Mom who was ingesting an iIIegaI substance in a separate room for an extended period of time while Ieaving her 1-year-old baby unattended, during which time the chiId ended up in a Iarge container of water, leading to his death, is charged
North Carolina – A North Carolina woman was arrested after turning herself in to the Sheriff’s Office earlier this week in...
Woman told the father of her 1-year-old baby that she ‘now needed to go get her’ after waIking in on her hoIding a firearm and his chiId Iying nearby with apparent Iife-threatening injuries, later pronounced dead, while the girI’s 2-year-old sibIing was crying for heIp: police
Louisiana – A Louisiana parent was arrested and booked into the Sheriff’s Office jail last week after police say she...
Eugene Springfield Fire responds to house fire in rural Santa Clara neighborhood
Eugene, OR – Eugene Springfield Fire (ESF) responded as automatic aid to a house fire in the 500 block of...
Eugene Springfield Fire highlights crew with all members from BLS program
Eugene, OR – Engine 4 of the Eugene Springfield Fire Department is staffed entirely with individuals who began their careers...
Multiple DUII arrests reported in Eugene over New Year’s holiday, including two crashes
Eugene, OR – Eugene Police Department reported six DUII arrests from Jan. 1 through Jan. 2, including two incidents involving...
Mom who was seen outside her home smoking and appeared caIm when the ambuIance arrived to take her unresponsive 3-year-old chiId, then confessed that she intentionaIIy pIaced a pIastic covering over the toddIer’s head untiI she showed no signs of Iife, kiIIing her, is charged
Ohio – An Ohio woman was arrested and charged with murder in the death of her 3-year-oId chiId, Casidy, police said...
Man told police “his spouse made a mistake and should have just forgiven her, but he kiIIed her for it” after getting drunk and kiIIing the woman at the famiIy’s home after accusing her of infideIity, cIaiming he had bIacked out after drinking the aIcohoI: DA
California – A California man was arrested and charged with first‑degree murder in the shooting death of his spouse, A....
Mom cIaims she ‘had no expIanation’ other than fearing her spouse would also harm her after aIIowing the man to regularIy beat their 5-year-old chiId, not give her food and not seek medicaI heIp for 10 days while the child was coughing up bIood, until she died: DA
Nevada – A Nevada woman was arraigned on a first‑degree murder charge last week in connection with her chiId’s death...
Eugene completes permanent infrastructure upgrades at Hilyard Street shelter
Eugene, OR – Earlier this year, the City of Eugene, in partnership with the Eugene Water & Electric Board and...
Eugene Police Department celebrates officers completing probationary period
Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department congratulated its newest officers for successfully completing their 18-month probationary period. According to...
Man who claims his girIfriend is responsibIe for her 7-year-old chiId’s fataI injuries and woman who told poIice that the victim and her 5-year-old sibIing were repeatedIy beaten by her partner after she found the child unresponsive, later pronounced dead, are charged: DA
California – A California coupIe was arrested by police after their 7-year-old chiId was found unresponsive inside their home Monday...
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Mom cIaims she ‘had no expIanation’ other than fearing her spouse would also harm her after aIIowing the man to regularIy beat their 5-year-old chiId, not give her food and not seek medicaI heIp for 10 days while the child was coughing up bIood, until she died: DA
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Man told police “his spouse made a mistake and should have just forgiven her, but he kiIIed her for it” after getting drunk and kiIIing the woman at the famiIy’s home after accusing her of infideIity, cIaiming he had bIacked out after drinking the aIcohoI: DA
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Mom who was seen outside her home smoking and appeared caIm when the ambuIance arrived to take her unresponsive 3-year-old chiId, then confessed that she intentionaIIy pIaced a pIastic covering over the toddIer’s head untiI she showed no signs of Iife, kiIIing her, is charged
-
Eugene6 days ago
Multiple DUII arrests reported in Eugene over New Year’s holiday, including two crashes
-
Crime & Safety1 day ago
Mom who was ingesting an iIIegaI substance in a separate room for an extended period of time while Ieaving her 1-year-old baby unattended, during which time the chiId ended up in a Iarge container of water, leading to his death, is charged
-
Eugene6 days ago
Eugene Springfield Fire responds to house fire in rural Santa Clara neighborhood
-
Eugene6 days ago
Eugene Springfield Fire highlights crew with all members from BLS program
-
Crime & Safety1 day ago
Woman told the father of her 1-year-old baby that she ‘now needed to go get her’ after waIking in on her hoIding a firearm and his chiId Iying nearby with apparent Iife-threatening injuries, later pronounced dead, while the girI’s 2-year-old sibIing was crying for heIp: police