EUGENE–In an ongoing effort to enhance public safety at the University of Oregon, the UO Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced it will commission up to 11 of its officers by April 1, 2001.

In making the change, the UO will join four other Oregon University System institutions whose public safety departments employ commissioned officers–Oregon State, Portland State, Southern Oregon and Western Oregon universities.

Under an Oregon statute enacted in 1987 and modified in 1995, commissioned officers have limited enforcement authority, specifically, to make probable cause arrests and to stop and frisk individuals suspected of illegal activity on campus. Currently, DPS officers have authority only to enforce university rules and regulations and to make citizen arrests, in accordance with provisions of Oregon law. The Eugene Police Department is contacted when additional enforcement action is required.

"DPS handles 90 percent of the calls for service on campus and those who call us typically are not concerned about our authority. They expect us to be able to do something if a crime is in progress," says Tom Fitzpatrick, director, UO Department of Public Safety.

"Employing commissioned officers will help us provide a safer campus environment for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors," he adds. "It also will enhance the safety of our officers, who are often times placed in jeopardy due to their inability to take enforcement action, pending the arrival of Eugene police and the potential escalation of the situation being dealt with."

In 1998, the UO commissioned a review of public safety operations on campus, which was conducted by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). IACLEA recommended the commissioning of campus officers. Research indicates that Oregon is the only state nationally that presently does not afford its public institutions of higher education the authority to grant full peace officer status.

Initially, five DPS officers will be commissioned–a DPS associate director, one lieutenant and three sergeants. The statute allots a total of 11 commissioned officers at the UO and the remainder of those positions will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

All commissioned officers will receive special training and will undergo ongoing performance reviews. DPS presently is allocated 21 positions–15 public safety officers, three sergeants, one lieutenant, one associate director and a director.

DPS also is forming a Public Safety Advisory Group that will solicit input from the campus community on public safety issues and will hold public forums. The 11-member group will be comprised of students, faculty and staff and is expected to be in place by April.

—30—

#O-4066/Local,PDX