Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET)

CSET BadgeThe Eureka Police Department's Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) originated in July 2018. CSET's mission is "to proactively address quality of life, crime and disorder problems in Old Town, along the waterfront, and in city parks while developing strategies to ultimately improve upon or eliminate these issues."

CSET is staffed with a Sergeant, MIST Officer, Old Town Officer, two Parks/Waterfront Rangers, a Homeless Liaison, and a volunteer substance abuse / mental health professional. CSET also shares two Homeless Outreach Workers (HOW) with UPLIFT Eureka. The MIST Officer, one of the Parks/Waterfront Rangers, the Homeless Liaison, and one of the Homeless Outreach Workers are funded through Measure Z.

Related Documents

  1. Measure Z Quarterly Report 2022/2023 4th Quarter

CSET operates under the following philosophies:

  • Homelessness is not a crime, but the criminal behavior (i.e. thefts, assaults, open drug use and sales, prostitution/human trafficking, victimization of others etc.) frequently associated with the homeless community is.
  • Focus on criminal behavior and causes behind crime.
  • Balance accountability with compassion and outreach while trying to address the underlying causes of an individual's criminal behavior, which often negatively impacts the community.
  • Reach people in their own environment - reach people where they are, not where we want them to be.
  • A one-size-fits-all approach to addressing homeless is not effective.Each person who is homeless is an individual and an individualized approach is necessary.
  • "Cut the red tape" - remove barriers to streamline services to those experiencing homelessness and poverty.

CSET operates using the following strategies:

  • High visibility, proactivity, and presence.
  • Building relationships and working in partnership with those within the homeless community, government and private social service providers, businesses, and other community stakeholders.
  • Identifying locations and individuals responsible for high emergency service call volumes, and developing long-term solutions toward reducing their needs through a judicious balance of outreach and accountability.
  • Developing long-term solutions to address criminal quality-of-life and safety concerns through firm but fair accountability and outreach strategies.
  • Connecting those homeless with resources including public sector, private, non-profit and faith-based community partners (addiction treatment, mental health services, social services, food, clothing, shelter, employment, etc.).
  • Bridging and filling other existing service gaps in our community.
  • Connecting people with resources including when taking accountability actions.
  • Partnering closely with the City's UPLIFT Eureka program.
  • Utilizing Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED).
CSET Trash Pickup