Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Immigration Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police commission adopts immigration-policy 305 after public comment; some commissioners abstain
Summary
The Eugene Police Commission reviewed and adopted Policy 305 on immigration enforcement but several commissioners abstained; commissioners said they would consider public comment and could revisit the policy later if needed.
The Eugene Police Commission reviewed Policy 305, the department’s immigration-related policy, and moved to adopt it as written.
Chief Skinner and Sergeant Jordan told the commission the policy as drafted complies with state law and departmental practice. “It’s still compliant with the ORS on the matter, and it’s still compliant and current in terms of how we do business,” Sergeant Jordan said.
Commission discussion focused on whether to adopt the policy immediately or wait until after public comment. Several commissioners said they wanted to hear the public before taking final action; others said the policy appeared to follow state statute and was appropriate. “If followed, it seems appropriate,” one commissioner said after reviewing the policy.
Action taken: A motion to adopt Policy 305 “as written” passed. Multiple commissioners verbally supported adoption; at least two commissioners announced they were abstaining from the final vote. No commissioner recorded a formal “nay” vote during the roll call.
Public comment during the meeting included 17 speakers who expressed concern about law-enforcement use of ALPR/Flock technology in immigration enforcement, the risk of misidentification, and the need for local oversight and data controls. Several commenters asked the commission to recommend canceling the city’s contract with Flock Safety and to require local data storage and independent audits of search activity.
Commissioners said they would consider public testimony when setting future priorities and that the commission retains the ability to revisit policy language if additional information or legal considerations emerge. Chief Skinner reminded the commission that an internal command directive—separate from the public-facing policy—had reaffirmed the department’s commitment to sanctuary law compliance earlier in July.
Ending: The commission adopted Policy 305 at the meeting; commissioners and staff left open the possibility of revisiting the policy in light of public feedback or new legal developments.
