As part of a summer initiatve to understand public safety concerns, the City of Eugene has unveiled an online survey for residents. An increasing population has led to changes in the police and fire department’s ability to address safety.
Police Captain Sam Kamkar says police resources are stretched thin:
"You’ve got a boat in the middle of the ocean, we’re taking on water. Not to overdramatize things, but that’s what it feels like to our police officers and frankly to our community when they are calling for help and guess what, we’re busy. We can’t respond.”
In the last five years 911 calls increased by 21 percent while the number of police officers has dropped slightly. Kamkar says one out of three calls to the EPD can’t be responded to.
Residents looking to provide feedback can fill out an online survey and find more information regarding safety feedback on the city website. Those interested can also attend weekly “Party in the Parks” events through the first week of September.