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ASHLAND, Ore. — A first reading of the proposed new Enhanced Law Enforcement Area seeking to restrict repeat offenders was approved by the Ashland City Council on Tuesday. The expanded Law Enforcement Area will include Ashland Street towards Interstate 5.
Proposal To Ashland Repeat Offenders Passes First Reading
The Ashland City Council approved the first reading for a new Enhanced Law Enforcement Area (ELEA) ordinance extending an existing ban to the area along Ashland Street towards Interstate 5.
The ELEA has been operational for 12 years, banning people who commit three or more crimes in Ashland’s downtown from the area for up to a year.
The crimes range from drinking in public to littering. Illegal camping is not included as a crime, leading to an exclusion, and banned repeat offenders may still enter the area for essential services like medical care.
Ashland Police Chief Tighe O’Meara noted at the meeting that the 2012 downtown ELEA has successfully curbed an increase in offenses.
His department hopes to extend this success. Police said 105 violations were recorded in Ashland’s downtown ELEA last year, leading to nine expulsions.
Expanded Law To Curb Criminal Behaviour By Banning Repeat Offenders
City Council member Gina DuQuenne, who voted in favor of the extended ELEA, said she wished the ordinance had been implemented long ago.
Counselor Jeff Dahle felt the ordinance was necessary to stop the increased criminal behavior in the area.
He said that part of Ashland has seen a disproportionate increase in behavior not conducive to a healthy community for some time. He believes “the responsible thing to do is take some active action to mitigate this trend.”
During the public meeting at the first reading, community members raised concerns that the ordinance could push criminal behavior into neighboring communities or be used to target the homeless.
The final reading of the expanded Enhanced Law Enforcement Area ordinance is scheduled for December 17. It will take effect in 30 days if approved.
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