Areas in need of progress
Public Safety & A Functional Criminal Justice System
Portland's public safety infrastructure is demonstrably failing. The police force suffers from severe understaffing, the courts are burdened by an overwhelming backlog of cases, a tense, adversarial climate exists between the police and their oversight commission, and the justice system has become entangled in political agendas.
This breakdown has created a climate where persistent, brazen criminal acts—from vehicle break-ins and burglaries to open-air drug trafficking—generate a constant sense of insecurity among Portland residents. Decades of inconsistent messaging from city leaders concerning law enforcement have eroded public trust. Citizens now harbor doubts about whether the police will respond to their calls, and they express concerns about potential excessive force when officers do arrive. Furthermore, the judiciary, particularly the judges, contributes to the problem by releasing repeat offenders back onto Portland's streets, a clear risk to public safety.
What Portland desperately needs is a balanced approach. This entails a police department that is both effective and held accountable, capable of rapid, proportionate responses to incidents. Simultaneously, the judicial system must operate on a foundation of impartiality, rendering decisions based solely on the merits of each case, rather than being swayed by personal ideologies.
The Current Predicament
Car Break-Ins
A wave of vehicle break-ins plagues Portland, leaving residents with a sense of both frustration and powerlessness.
Burglaries and Vandalism
The devastating impact of burglaries and vandalism on local businesses extends beyond immediate losses, gradually diminishing neighborhood vibrancy and deterring potential investors.
Drug Dealing
Open-air drug dealing, including the sale and use of fentanyl, occurs brazenly in daylight hours, seemingly without consequence.
3 Keys to Progress
An Acclaimed Police Force
Portland deserves a police department recognized for its excellence, one that receives consistent backing and embraces reform.
No More Open-Air Drug Markets
The city must eliminate open-air drug markets, creating streets where every resident can walk without fear, free from harassment and the presence of drug use.
An Accountable Court System
A revitalized court system is essential, with a judiciary dedicated to public safety, and with clear metrics to evaluate case results and ensure judicial accountability.