Feb. 25, 1998 Contact Gaye Vandermyn (541) 346-3133 Media Advisory WHAT The University of Oregon and the Eugene Police Department will sign a Declaration of Cooperation to formalize a community policing relationship that has evolved over the past two decades. The official declaration defines areas of present and future mutual cooperation and assistance between the university and the police department. It may be the first of its kind in the nation. WHEN 10:15 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25 WHERE Room 106, City Hall, 777 Pearl St. WHO * Leonard Cooke, chief of Eugene Police Department * Dan Williams, vice president of administration, University of Oregon BACKGROUND Members of the Eugene Police Department and the University of Oregon have successfully developed areas of cooperation around a shared interest of enhancing the safety of residents, students, faculty, staff and visitors in and around the university campus. The declaration the two agencies will sign officially recognizes the relationship, the shared commitment to maintain successful practices and identifies areas where further cooperation is desired and planned. Current areas of cooperation include police protection services, training of campus public safety officers, community policing and EPD use of professional consulting services of UO faculty. Some future areas of cooperation identified in the declaration include: * Expanded training opportunities for both police officers and campus public safety officers. * Coordination and planning of patrols on campus and nearby neighborhoods and around large-scale university-related events. * Supporting the sworn officer status for the University Public Safety Director to assure high standards of professionalism and familiarity with police practices and standards. * Timely notification with investigation updates provided to UO Office of Public Safety when high-profile or serious incidents involving students or the campus occur. * Specifications for cooperation with University Office of Public Safety on incidents and investigations will be included within the Eugene Police General Operations Manual. -30- #A-1066/special distribution by EPD