Bend plans new downtown police substation
(Update: Adding new KTVZ.COM Poll)
The Bend Police Department and the city’s Economic Development Departments have partnered with the Downtown Bend Business Association to open a new police substation in downtown Bend later this year, the city announced Friday.
The substation will be located at 61 Oregon Avenue, on the northwest corner of the parking garage, in the former office of the DBBA, officials said.
“The location will provide an additional presence for the Police Department to better serve downtown residents, businesses and visitors,” the announcement said.
“The City of Bend is committed to keeping downtown vibrant, safe and fun for everyone,” said Police Captain Paul Kansky. “This new police substation will provide our officers with the opportunity for more community engagement.”
When the downtown Bend substation officially opens, it won’t be staffed 24 hours a day. Police still encourage people to call 911 for emergencies and 541-693-6911 for non-emergencies.
But t he substation will be a convenient place for police to use to complete follow-up investigations, write reports and make phone calls, officials said.
The city said establishing a new substation is a proactive step in improving downtown public safety. It aligns with the City Council-supported Downtown Public Safety Improvement Plan, which was developed based on feedback from the public and downtown businesses.
“Downtown Bend serves as an economic, cultural, and recreational hub for locals and visitors,” said Parking Demand Manager Drew Dietrich. “With more than 325 businesses and numerous public events in downtown, public safety is a top priority.”
Strategies that have been implemented to improve safety in downtown also include improving lighting in the parking garage, removing garbage enclosures in the south Mirror Pond parking lot and increasing foot patrols.
Additional strategies the city plans to implement include redesigning the south Mirror Pond parking lot and installing video security cameras in key areas, such as the parking garage.
City Communications Director Anne Aurand said the city’s IT staff is working to get infrastructure installed, and while police could use the office now if needed, the wiring likely won’t be completed this month.
They are aiming for a fall opening, Aurand said, but the city made the announcement now because the signs are up, prompting questions about their plans.
Years ago, Bend’s police department used to share the first floor of the City Hall building at the south end of downtown with other city departments, before a new police headquarters was built on Forbes Road, near 15th Street, Highway 20 and Pilot Butte.
