Cherriots drivers, security report slight increase in assaults

Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).

This summer, Cherriots drivers and security workers again reported an increase in death threats and intimidation from riders, ranging from insults to being cut by someone wielding a nail attached to a pole.

Between July and September, the number of reported assaults increased to 28, compared to 22 in the three months prior.

The Salem Area Mass Transit District, known as Cherriots, reviews reportable assault data each quarter. The board of directors will review the most recent report at its Thursday, Dec. 19, meeting.

Other items on the meeting agenda include committee appointments, awarding various contracts and recognitions for the district’s emergency preparedness and financial reporting.

Cherriots saw a 7.1% increase in system-wide ridership during the last quarter, according to a report by Chief Planning and Development Officer Shofi Ull Azum. Youth, who ride for free, took over 18,000 more trips in the quarter and accounted for a quarter of all riders.

READ IT: Agenda

Assault data

The recent increase in assaults is less drastic than earlier in the year., In September, Cherriots reported assaults more than doubled between quarter 1 and 2, from eight to 22.

This week’s report brings the total number of reported assaults for January through September to 58.

Unlike in the past quarter, several recent incidents yielded multiple reports due to impact to multiple staff and a mixture of physical and non-physical assaults.

One was when a rider threatened to kill an operator on July 9. The driver intervened when the man tried to hop the fence at the Keizer Transit Center. That interaction led to two non-physical assault reports and a physical assault report when the rider pushed the operator, according to the report.

Compared to the same time last year, the report represents a substantial increase. Staff reported 10 assaults between July and September of 2023, compared to 22 this year.

In September, Cherriots General Manager Allan Pollock told Salem Reporter that the system of reporting assaults is relatively new, and they were still looking into causes and potential solutions. He said causes could be anything from the reporting process getting better to more people being outside in the warm weather.

Cherriots recently hired a new chief safety officer to oversee security and emergency planning for the district. Cliff Carpentier stepped into the role about a month ago, said Cherriots spokeswoman Patricia Feeny in an email to Salem Reporter.

Carpentier has 20 years of experience in law enforcement and security, including as a sergeant with the Salem Police Department where he helped manage youth services, tactical negotiations and mobile crisis response, according to a biography from the district.

After reviewing the incidents, the security and emergency management team recommended strengthening existing de-escalation training, Feeny said. Current measures include posted signage about behavior expectations, clear response procedures, video surveillance, panic devices at workstations and regular security patrols.

“Looking ahead, we’re implementing a new initiative focused on post-incident analysis and targeted training. When investigations reveal gaps in de-escalation technique application, staff members will receive refresher training to prevent similar incidents,” Feeny said.

They’re also planning to establish a group to review and develop recommendations for staff training.

Thursday’s meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. It will be in the Senator Hearing Room at 555 Court St. N.E. It will also be live streamed on YouTube by Capital Community Media.

Public comment is accepted by email to board,@cherriots.org by 5 p.m., in person or over Zoom.

Recognitions

The board will hear about several recent recognitions Cherriots has received from outside groups.

The National Weather Service has named Cherriots a StormReady Designated Community Member. The designation acknowledges the district’s commitment to community resilience and ability to partner with local emergency management and public safety agencies during extreme weather events.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada seeks to recognize the district for going above and beyond in its transparency of financial reporting. It would be the 12th year in a row Cherriots received the honor, which requires their financial documents to be accessible, accountable and organized.

“The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management,” said Chief Financial Officer Denise LaRue in a memo.

Contracts

The board will consider the following contracts:

• A contract with EAN Holdings for vanpool services in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. The fixed-route van provides an alternate commute option, and would cut down on solo car trips according to a report by Kiki Dohman, the commuter options program coordinator. The three-year contract would total $975,000. 
• Continuing a contract with Tyler Technologies, which will be $107,118 in the first year. Staff use their systems to manage finance, human resources and other tasks, according to a report by IT Manager Ross Aguilar. 
• A contract with Parker, Smith & Feek for health care brokerage and consulting services, not to exceed $222,984 for a two-year term and three additional one-year options.
• A contract with NIGP Code & Consulting, who fills the role of a procurement manager while Cherriots continues to search for someone to fill the position, according to a staff report from LaRue. They would ensure contracts and solicitations comply with government regulations. If approved, the contract would total $300,000
• Funding recommendations for the Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund program for 2025-2027.

UPDATE: This story was updated Thursday afternoon with additional information from Patricia Feeny, Cherriots spokeswoman.

CORRECTION: Shofi Ull Azum is the district’s chief planning and development officer, not David Trimble who is deputy general manager. Salem Reporter apologizes for the error.

Contact reporter Abbey McDonald: [email protected] or 503-575-1251.

A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE– If you found this story useful, consider subscribing to Salem Reporter if you don’t already. Work such as this, done by local professionals, depends on community support from subscribers. Please take a moment and sign up now – easy and secure: SUBSCRIBE.