Lane County’s law enforcement staffing is inadequate. We are one of the least patrolled counties in the nation with as few as only three deputies on patrol at any given time.

In 2025, a diverse task force of community representatives dedicated hundreds of hours to understanding the state of Lane County Public Safety. That group thoughtfully delivered a message to the Board that the solution first is in prioritization, not new taxes. The committee implored the Board to find efficiencies within the current budget structure, in some cases choosing public safety over other department programs, before implementing new taxes or fees. They also emphasized unanimously the importance of trust and engagement with voters. I believe our roadmap to Public Safety exists in those multi-step recommendations.