PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Despite hesitation from several city leaders, Salem officials have agreed to utilize private funding for the expansion of law enforcement amid public safety concerns.
With a 6-3 vote on Monday, Salem City Council accepted the local business community’s offer to donate $180,000 toward hiring two new officers for the police department’s Homeless Services Team.
Councilors voted to spend $626,200 on the Safe, Clean, and Healthy Salem initiative earlier this month, which includes about $275,000 for the additional officers who are expected to improve safety by reducing unsanctioned camps and increasing homeless outreach…