R.A. Long Memorial Park Zero Crime Tolerance—Klog 100.7 News

The City of Longview says it plans to get tough on crime at R.A. Long Memorial Park. Longview City Manager Jennifer Wills issued a city update yesterday titled “R.A. Long Memorial Park: Zero Tolerance for Crime, Full Support for Law Enforcement.”

In the release, Wills made it clear that R.A. Long Memorial Park, like all public spaces, is open to everyone, including unhoused individuals, and that simply being there is not a crime. However, she did highlight several illegal activities that have been observed in the park, such as having shopping carts, tents, and makeshift shelters, as well as leaving large amounts of trash behind, smoking, and vandalism or destruction of property.

Wills stated that the Longview Police Department (LPD) is dedicated to maintaining safety within city parks. This includes more than just routine patrols; it also “includes daily, active engagement, arrests when illegal activity is present, and covert surveillance operations to identify and stop crime before it escalates.” The city also has a Behavioral Health Unit, a specialized team consisting of a police sergeant, four crisis response specialists, and a community outreach coordinator. This unit is key in de-escalating situations, connecting individuals to mental health and substance use treatment, and assisting with housing and support programs.

One physical change coming to R.A. Long Memorial Park is the installation of a new security camera to assist with investigations into specific illegal activities, such as drug abuse. The camera will not be monitored live, but footage will be reviewed if illegal activity is reported.

In an email to KLOG this morning, Wills said that this zero-tolerance push was unrelated to a personal Facebook post made last week by Longview City Councilmember Erik Halvorson and Kelso City Councilmember Keenan Harvey. That post, titled “If you can’t beat them… join them!” showed the two councilors with a tent and chairs set up at the park. Wills said the announcement was prompted by “questions and concerns we’ve been hearing directly from our residents these past few months,” adding that “our goal is to share factual information, not to respond to individuals’ social media posts or speculation.”

She also noted that those seeking to better understand the City’s approach on this issue should watch last year’s City Council presentation from Longview Captain Brandon McNew and Sergeant Tim Watson. That presentation is available on KLTV and outlines the challenges and proactive steps the police are taking to address the issues.

If you want to discuss the matter, there will be a special Longview City Council meeting next week on Thursday, June 5th, that will include an open forum for public discussion.