Public Safety

Lane County has a new sheriff. Carl Wilkerson, a thirty-year veteran with the Lane County Sheriff’s Department, was sworn in Wednesday.

Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would loosen restrictions on how police can use drones. A coalition that includes privacy and racial justice advocates say the measure would allow wide-spread, warrantless searches.

Eugene and Springfield police have purchased license plate readers that use AI to make digital fingerprints of vehicles. Police say they're a tool to gather objective evidence. Privacy advocates fear the system could put Oregon’s vulnerable residents at risk.

Anticipating a hot and dry Fourth of July, the Newport city council voted this week to ban personal fireworks this summer.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has reversed her decision not to extradite one of the suspects linked to burglaries targeting Asian Americans in Eugene and Springfield. But the governor’s office said another suspect will remain in Texas for now.

Carl Wilkerson, the current acting sheriff, is the only qualified person who applied.

Lane County’s top law enforcement official Sheriff Cliff Harrold is resigning mid-term to take a senior security position at PeaceHealth.

Sunriver Police and Fire are moving into a new Public Safety Building this week. The consolidation means residents and visitors will have access to essential services all under one roof.

Lane County Parks says crime at its most visited recreation area, Mount Pisgah, has dropped since adding security measures.

Wildfires continue to burn in Western Oregon despite a slightly cooler weather and a light overnight rain.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has appointed chief deputy, Christopher Parosa. He was set to take on the role anyhow since he won the election last month.

Officials say gaps in the region’s radio system put both first responders and rural communities at risk.