Jeff Merkley on Crime

Democratic Jr Senator (OR)

Worked hard to get better laws to deal with criminals

On crime, Smith said his opponent has opposed stiffer laws against gang crimes, rapists and child sex offenders. “When I look at Jeff Merkley’s stance on crime, I’m appalled,” he said.

Merkley responded, “Shame on you, Gordon Smith, for portraying that series of lies.” He said Smith took things he said or did out of context, and he affirmed that he has worked hard in the state Legislature to get better laws on the books to deal with criminals.

Source: 2008 Oregon Senate Debate, in Southern Oregon Mail Tribune , Oct 14, 2008

More state troopers; more crime labs; more funding

Keeping our families and our children safe is our No. 1 priority. Since I first ran for the Oregon House 10 years ago, crime issues have been a top priority because of significant public safety issues.

As Speaker of the House, I fought to keep sex offenders away from our kids by making it illegal to lure children over the Internet. I led the charge to add 139 state troopers to keep patrols on Oregon highways 24/7. I fought to fund the expansion of the state DNA crime lab in order to erase the backlog and keep the justice system on track.

We can only expect law enforcement to effectively protect our communities is if we give them the financial support they need. Instead of forcing our highly capable law enforcement officers to do more with less, our proposal will add 50,000 more police officers on America’s streets to stem the tide of violent crime.

Source: Op-Ed by Jeff Merkley in The Gresham Outlook , Jul 26, 2008

Mandatory minimum sentence for some 1st-degree sex offenders

Increases mandatory minimum sentences and extends period of post-prison supervision for, and requires active tracking of, certain persons convicted of rape in first degree, sodomy in first degree or unlawful sexual penetration in first degree if victim is under 12 years of age or of kidnapping in first degree if offense is committed in furtherance of commission or attempted commission of rape in first degree, sodomy in first degree or unlawful sexual penetration in first degree if victim is under 12 years of age.
Provides that increased mandatory minimum sentences and extended periods of post-prison supervision apply only to persons at least 18 years of age at time offense is committed.

Source: Oregon State Legislative Voting Records , Apr 20, 2006

Opposes the death penalty

Oppose the death penalty.
Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.

Source: Oregon State 1998 National Political Awareness Test , Nov 1, 1998

Increase rehabilitation & alternatives to incarceration

Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.

Source: Oregon State 1998 National Political Awareness Test , Nov 1, 1998

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Page last updated: Apr 22, 2013