Illinois Valley News

Minors and criminals beware: “Operation Safe Streets“ is in effect.

And it has some literal and legal teeth.

The Josephine County Sheriff“s Office (JCSO) is increasing its patrols in Cave Junction city limits, and plans to enforce curfew and other municipal code violations.

Those announcements were made during the 15-minute city council meeting Monday evening, July 12.

City Recorder Jim Polk said that as of Thursday, July 1, the city is receiving 60 hours of deputy patrols through its JCSO pact. The city“s current contract officer, JSCO Deputy George Gasperson, will continue to commit 40 hours per week to patrols, Polk said, and Deputy Brad Johnson will add 20.

Polk later stated that K-9 Bosco will accompany Johnson, who will patrol in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Gasperson read a statement on implementation of “Operation Safe Streets.“

“The city of Cave Junction has faced an ongoing issue of late night criminal mischief and thefts,“ Gasperson said. “Prior incidents indicate unsupervised minors are largely to blame for these problems.“

Deputies will utilize municipal code against curfew violation and alcohol on public premises, Gasperson said. They also will enforce another ordinance codifying the legal responsibilities of parents and guardians.

“Personnel will observe high-risk areas and conduct person contacts and field interviews with people believed to be juveniles, and people possibly committing violations or crimes,“ he said.

Gasperson said that deputies also will enforce Oregon Revised Statutes in instances involving disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, trespassing and minor in possession of alcohol.

Chapter 9.28.010 of the municipal code states that it is unlawful for anyone under 16 years old to “be upon, loiter, wander or stroll upon the streets, alleys, avenues, parks or any other public place“ between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the week, and midnight and 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

It is unlawful for anyone more than 16 years old and younger than 18 to be out between midnight and 6 a.m. on any night unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, the code states. The exception is if they are running an emergency errand or have other “legitimate business“ as directed in writing by a parent, guardian or “other proper person.“

A separate section of the municipal code, chapter 9.28.020, deals with parental responsibility. It states that it is unlawful for anyone having legal care and custody of any minor person under the age of 16 to allow them to be out in public after curfew.

Chapter 9.28.030 of the municipal code authorizes lawmen to hold minors in custody until their parents or guardians arrive. Under chapter 9.28.040 of the municipal code, it is unlawful for parents to refuse to pick up their minor children from police custody.

Violators of the municipal codes are subject to a $500 fine.

In other matters, the council:

• Voted 3-0 to submit a letter of support for adding a Frisbee golf course at Illinois River Forks State Park.

  That action was requested by Leonard Crocker, who was not present at the meeting. Councilor Margaret Miller expressed her support for the concept, and said that the course at Lake Selmac is quite popular. She said that having a course “might eliminate some of the elements“ at Forks Park.

• Continued its discussion regarding recreational immunity. That issue has come to light due to a state court ruling stating that municipalities can be liable for injuries sustained at their facilities if they charge for their use.

Polk said that he discussed the matter with officials at City County Insurance Services of Salem. He said that organizations that rent city facilities assume that liability, and should have a certificate of insurance prior to hosting any event open to the public.

• Heard an update from Mayor Don Moore about Councilor Carl Jacobson, who was absent from the meeting, along with Councilor Dan Fiske. Moore said that Jacobson has been transferred to a hospital in Portland as a result of his recent health issues.
• Was introduced to new City Recorder Ryan Nolan. Polk was visibly thrilled as his retirement looms. He has a maximum of two council meetings left until his retirement at the end of August.
• No council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 26. However, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners will make its quarterly appearance at the county building on Redwood Hwy. on that date. The commissioners will meet with city officials from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and with citizens thereafter.

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