Eugene Police will have extra officers on patrol when Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump comes to Eugene Friday.
The city has approved overtime hours for Eugene police to assist with the Trump rally at the Lane Events Center. The campaign does not pay for police coverage. The EPD is working with secret service and there will be law enforcement both inside and outside the venue. Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns says he’s concerned about the potential for violence.
Kerns: “Without any question there is some violence tied to these rallies so we’ve seen what’s occurred in other cities, we know how police departments have prepared for those and how it’s gone for them. So we’re learning the lessons, we’re gaining the lessons that they’ve experienced in preparing for them.”
Hundreds of people are expected to protest the event. The venue holds up to 5 thousand people, Kerns says security screening will be similar to an airport checkpoint. The 7 p.m. rally is open to the public and people are encouraged to come early.
CITY OF EUGENE PLANNING FOR CANDIDATE VISIT
News Release from Eugene Police Dept.
Posted on FlashAlert: May 5th, 2016 12:28 PM
During Presidential Election years, the city has had as many as five or six visits by candidates. As a city, we are responsible for providing a safe environment for any visitor to Eugene. Some visitors, due to their higher profiles, require a higher degree of security. And, we can't do this alone, it is the job of everyone in our community, not just the police, to provide a safe and respectful environment.
This year there have been some incidences of clashes between different groups during primary rallies in other parts of the country. That's not something we want Eugene to experience and we hope those who attend or are in the area during rallies will do their part to ensure civility defines our actions. We are a community that is well experienced with differences of opinion and our expectation is that this visit will occur without incident. However we want people to know that we will be vigilant in protecting the safety and wellbeing of all our community members.
With regard to security detail. We are not allowed to provide specifics because that would comprise safety of not only the visiting dignitary but bystanders, our staff and other agencies' staff. EPD works with Secret Service on security, using a model that has been developed over years of partnership.
The security detail does come with a significant cost because the plans and staffing is substantial, but the City has funds that can be made available to cover this.
With any candidate, every measure is taken to ensure the candidate is secure and safe. The Secret Service Staff determines the risk and security plan for the visit of any candidate. You will see significant security presence, traffic congestion, visible police, law enforcement and security agencies.
There will be Eugene Police, Lane County Sheriff's Office, Federal agencies, Eugene Springfield Fire, Eugene Emergency Management as well as mutual aid support by Oregon State Police, Portland Police Bureau, Springfield Police, and Eugene Springfield Fire EMS. We do ask that everyone cooperate to ensure an environment that allows for safety and for free speech. These are our community's values.
We have a liaison who is reaching out to identify groups planning to organize demonstrations to help them to prepare to have peaceful demonstrations.
SECURITY AND TRAFFIC LOGISTICS
SECURITY
Those attending are advised to plan ahead for the security screening practices that accompany any presidential candidate visit.
A good rule of thumb to follow: do not bring to the event any items that would not be allowed through screening at an airport checkpoint. To enter the event this Friday, spectators will walk through magnetometer screening similar to that at an airport. Do not bring weapons of any kind (including knives of any size), umbrellas, signs, banners, or tripods. Please limit personal items and do not bring large bags. Small bags such as purses are allowed but will be subject to search for security reasons. Cameras are allowed.
Open carry of firearms on Fairgrounds property is prohibited during the event.
Due to past security experience with the difficulty in storing and returning items that are not allowed through screening, there will be no storage area. Visitors are advised to leave items that won't clear screening at home, or to secure them in their cars prior to driving and parking at the event. At the request of organizers, please don't bring signs to the venue.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING FOR MAY 6 IN THE FAIRGROUNDS AREA
* Expect heavy traffic in Eugene, and specifically in the Fairgrounds area on Friday. Parking may be difficult if you are not in the main parking lot.
* Arrive early to allow plenty of time to get there, due to congestion.
* The Event Center parking is available in the main parking lot only.. The south and eastern lots will be closed.
* General public access to the Fairgrounds is limited to eastbound traffic from 13th and Chambers or Polk.
If you have questions about the event: www.donaldjtrump.com (look under 'events')
