Bike rides often take me into the old Willamette Neighborhood, which normally is quiet without much traffic. So I was surprised Wednesday to come across a fleet of city police and sheriff’s vehicles parked around one corner.
Maybe it wasn’t what Democrats in the legislature had in mind, but the effect of a new law they passed as Senate Bill 48 is that there’s not much law enforcement can do about minor crimes such as shoplifting or trespassing.
Downtown Albany was partially blocked this morning (June 4) while law enforcement officers and firefighters watched a man up in a tree at the corner of First Avenue and Broadalbin Street.
On an evening bike ride Friday, I was surprised by the sight of five Corvallis police cars and about as many officers assembled near the west end of Ninth Avenue in Albany.
The city council has asked for a report on Albany’s so-called Enhanced Law Enforcement Area, including how often it has been enforced. Another question might be: Does the public know what or where it is?
Despite tough talk from Governor Brown, don’t expect anyone to be hauled off in handcuffs in Albany or elsewhere in Oregon for violating her new executive order for a coronavirus “freeze.”
After closed session, here’s contract news
The Albany City Council missed a chance last week to let people learn about the new contract between the city and the union representing most of the employees in the police department.
Tags: Albany council, Albany police, closed meetings, executive sessions, labor negotiations, police contract, union contract