Ideas on a new Public Safety building
By Paul Hall on Thursday, November 4th, 2021 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
LA GRANDE – Sheriff Cody Bowen proposed some ideas to the Union County Commissioners on a new and larger Public Safety Building.
Bowen stated, “My idea for a new Justice Center would incorporate our partners to include LGPD, Dispatch, Adult Parole & Probation, Juvenile, Union County Emergency Services, possibly CHD and any others interested. In the new facility I would like to have a “stabilization unit” which would assist our community members struggling with drug addiction waiting for a treatment center to open or someone in a mental health crisis waiting for a bed. Right now when those situations arise we use the hospital and it’s a huge drain on bed space and staff.”
Bowen indicated the staff has outgrown the current facility both patrol and the jail. Unfortunately the current building that the staff resides in is incapable of being renovated or even brought up to current building codes. Not to mention the foot print is just not large enough. All of this is obviously is in its infancy and we are just beginning to explore options.
“I would like the citizens of Union County to be in the know and privy to the direction I am looking at going. I would encourage and welcome there feedback, ideas and input,” said Bowen. Bowen said this will hopefully keep the ball rolling and put us in a position to move forward if and when funding options become available.
