A survey commissioned by the Oregon District Attorneys Association found that 55% of Oregonians feel less safe in their communities than they did two years ago and 58% feel the State is headed in the wrong direction when it comes to the issues of public safety and protecting the public from crime.

The survey explores decisions from Oregon's leadership that directly affect public safety. Specifically Oregonians' shared strong opinions on pending and recent proposals before the Legislature including pre-trial release, early release of violent offenders, mandatory minimum sentencing and victim notification.

"The survey data reflects exactly what our elected District Attorneys hear in our communities across the State every day, from Oregon City to Salem to Medford and Pendleton. The general public is concerned about their safety and the policies coming out of the State Legislature and from the Governor," said ODAA President and Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson.

The survey found that 61.8% of Oregonians believe that Oregon's political leadership, including the Governor and Legislature has been "too soft" on crime and overwhelmingly support increased resources for police and prosecutors.

On specific policy proposals, the survey found 64% of Oregonians oppose releasing people the same day when arrested for property crimes and almost 89% oppose same day release for those arrested for domestic violence and assault crimes. 56% of Oregonians oppose the Governor granting early release for prisoners serving sentences for murder and other violent crimes they committed as teenagers and 68% support mandatory minimum prison sentences for adults convicted of murder and violent crimes.

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The survey also found that Oregonians overwhelmingly support protecting the rights of crime victims with 82% backing investments in victim notification and 71% supporting taxpayer dollars to ensure victims have notice and opportunity to provide input before offenders are released pre-trial.

The statewide survey, conducted by Nelson Research, was commissioned January 4, 2022 and included 500 likely voters with a margin of error of 4.38%.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2022-02-17 09:20:05

Last Update: 2022-02-17 09:54:19