With spring break ending this weekend, the UO Police Department and the Office of the Dean of Students have issued an updated crime report as well as a set of safety tips and self-defense training opportunities.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our students,” wrote Matt Carmichael, chief of police, and Kris Winter, associate vice president and dean of students, in a message to students. “Although previous incidents occurred off campus and within the jurisdiction of Eugene police, we continue to work closely with EPD and to step up patrols.”

Among the increased activities:

• UOPD has officers dedicated to patrolling city streets near campus. UOPD and the Oregon Department of Justice have installed cameras in neighborhoods near campus. Additional Eugene police officers are patrolling the area during evenings and overnight.
• EPD has substantially increased patrols near campus and has pledged to coordinate information and tactics with UOPD.
• UOPD is working with private security to provide four unarmed, nonsworn security officers to patrol city streets near campus until further notice.
• The UO Campus Shuttle has expanded its hours and is running 5 p.m.–1 a.m. daily. New routes to serve more areas are being developed for spring term.

Additionally, the message emphasized the availability of campus shuttles, encouraging students to use UO safe rider programs like Safe Ride, 541-346-RIDE, ext. 2; Designated Driver Shuttle, 541-346-RIDE, ext. 1; UO Campus Shuttle; taxis; an on-campus escort from UOPD, 541-346-2919.

In the coming weeks multiple opportunities will be offered for self-defense training, including:

• Custom, two-hour workshops for students, faculty and staff by the Department of Physical Education and Recreation. Workshops focus on physical, verbal and emotional techniques to help participants recognize and thwart perpetrator tactics. Cost ranges from $50-$100. Groups can submit a request to schedule a workshop on the PE and Rec website.
• Self-defense classes hosted by UOPD at the Erb Memorial Union weekdays 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m., April 2–13, in EMU Suite 213, the Center for Student Involvement. Classes are free to students and employees; pre-registration is not required but prompt arrival is appreciated. Active clothing is recommended.
• A special session of the two-day Rape Aggression Defense self-defense class for women held by UOPD from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., April 7-8, in EMU Suite 213. Registration required; the class is free and open to students who identify as female.

“Welcome back to campus. Let’s help each other be safe and successful this term, and beyond,” Winter and Carmichael wrote.