Jeff Merkley on Crime Democratic Jr Senator (OR)

Worked hard to get better laws to deal with criminals

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.

More state troopers; more crime labs; more funding

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.

Mandatory minimum sentence for some 1st-degree sex offenders

Merkley sponsored HB 3511, “Minimum Sentence for Some First-Degree Sex Offenders” (Bill Passed, 54-6)
• 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.

Opposes the death penalty

Merkley supports the following principles regarding crime:
• Oppose the death penalty.
• Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.

Increase rehabilitation & alternatives to incarceration

Merkley supports the following principles regarding crime:
• 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.

First step: reduce recidivism & mass incarceration.

Congressional Summary:

• TITLE I--RECIDIVISM REDUCTION: establish a risk and needs assessment system to evaluate the recidivism risk of prisoners; to guide housing assignments; and to reward participation in recidivism reduction programs.
• TITLE II--BUREAU OF PRISONS SECURE FIREARMS STORAGE: allow federal correctional officers to securely store and carry concealed firearms on BOP premises outside the security perimeter of a prison.
• TITLE III--RESTRAINTS ON PREGNANT PRISONERS PROHIBITED: limits the use of restraints on federal prisoners who are pregnant or in postpartum recovery.
• TITLE IV--SENTENCING REFORM: reduces the enhanced mandatory minimum prison terms for certain repeat drug offenses.

Opposing press release from Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-1):: The reform sentencing laws in this bill may compromise the safety of our communities. Criminals convicted of violent crimes would have the opportunity to achieve 'low risk' status and become eligible for early release. California already has similar laws in place--Propositions 47 and 57--which have hamstrung law enforcement and caused a significant uptick in crime.

Supporting press release from Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-10):: S. 756 establishes a new system to reduce the risk that [federal prisoners] will commit crimes once they are released. Critically, S. 756 would not only implement these reforms to our prison system, but it also takes a crucial first step toward addressing grave concerns about our sentencing laws, which have for years fed a national crisis of mass incarceration. The bill is a 'first step' that demonstrates that we can work together to make the system fairer in ways that will also reduce crime and victimization.

Legislative outcome: Concurrence Passed Senate, 87-12-1, on Dec. 18, 2018; Concurrence Passed House 358-36-28, Dec. 20, 2018; President Trump signed, Dec. 21, 2018

Rated 55% by the NAPO, indicating a moderate stance on police issues.

Ratings by the National Association of Police Organizations indicate support or opposition to issues of importance to police and crime. The organization's self-description: "The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is a coalition of police units and associations from across the United States. NAPO was organized for the purpose of advancing the interests of America's law enforcement officers through legislative advocacy, political action, and education.

"Increasingly, the rights and interests of law enforcement officers have been the subject of legislative, executive, and judicial action in the nation’s capital. NAPO works to influence the course of national affairs where law enforcement interests are concerned. The following list includes examples of NAPO’s accomplishments:

• Enactment of the Fair Sentencing Act
• Enactment of the National AMBER Alert Act
• Enactment of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act
• Enactment of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act
• Enactment of the Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act (Right to Carry Legislation)

VoteMatch scoring for the NAPO ratings is as follows:

• 0%-50%: soft on crime and police issues;
• 50%-75%: mixed record on crime and police issues;
• 75%-100%: tough on crime and police issues.