Focusing on the root causes of violent crime is key to reducing its occurrence and impact on our community. We need to ask ourselves and our legislature to stay focused on real solutions for violent crime.
A recent Oregonian article pointed out the 100+ murders in the Portland city over the last year. Portland is the large contributor to the stats, but lets keep our focus for all of Oregon. Keeping close tabs on the stories one finds disturbing trends that if recognized, can be addressed with real solutions to make our communities safer.
If one keeps close tabs on the articles describing the details on arrests made in Oregon violent crime. Almost without exception, prior offenses or conditions known by law enforcement or those close to the offender are noted. Examples like a felon in possession of a firearm, repeated assault charges, and more.
Where are the REAL solutions found?
Mental Illness:
Make sure your Legislators know that if they want real solutions they need to focus on:
- Mental Illness engagement and treatment
- Increase Law enforcement capabilities, especially in high crime areas
- Enforce current laws - eliminate repeat offenders
A recent Oregonian article pointed out the 100+ murders in the Portland city over the last year. Portland is the large contributor to the stats, but lets keep our focus for all of Oregon. Keeping close tabs on the stories one finds disturbing trends that if recognized, can be addressed with real solutions to make our communities safer.
If one keeps close tabs on the articles describing the details on arrests made in Oregon violent crime. Almost without exception, prior offenses or conditions known by law enforcement or those close to the offender are noted. Examples like a felon in possession of a firearm, repeated assault charges, and more.
Where are the REAL solutions found?
Mental Illness:
- Our new Governor is spot on to highlight this as a key issue for Oregon. Applying our States dollars and legislative efforts here will help those in need of mental treatment to ensure safety of themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.
- Law enforcement shortages are at critical levels. Portland is short 100 officers alone. This means there are not enough officers for first response. This means there is not enough presence in the community to drive crime off our streets. The Police Academy can not produce the number of new officers needed. The departments can not hire applicants due to funding and other deficiencies.
- The study commissioned by the City of Portland in the summer of 2022 was very clear - engage crime in the communities, address the crime groups where 70% of crime happens.
- If one keeps close tabs on the articles describing the details on arrests made in Oregon violent crime. Almost without exception, prior offenses or conditions known by law enforcement or those close to the offender are noted. Examples like a felon in possession of a firearm, repeated assault charges, and more.
- Our local judicial systems need to be given the resources to address the offenders. Today, for example, offenders are processed out due to lack of public defenders available, only to repeat their offences for another round. In addition, not applying effective sentencing, especially on firearms offences, only encourages repeat offences.
Make sure your Legislators know that if they want real solutions they need to focus on:
- Mental Illness engagement and treatment
- Increase Law enforcement capabilities, especially in high crime areas
- Enforce current laws - eliminate repeat offenders