Public Safety

How many times has your car been broken into?

For some, the figure is comical. Park your car downtown long enough, and it’s common knowledge that it isn’t a question of if, but when, your windshield will be shattered. The experience plays out in the numbers. According to the Portland Police Bureau’s open data on crime for 2023, the city recorded 52,304 property crimes. While down from 2022’s record-breaking year at 59,915, we’ve got nothing to be proud of when one in twelve Portlanders was burdened with the financial and emotional tolls these crimes create.

The change is real, and Portland is getting hit hard

It’s difficult to pinpoint the moment things changed, but based on PPB data 2023 marked a 73% and 70% rise in Personal and Property crimes, respectively, from 2015. That’s 124% more assaults, 250% more homicides, 153% more instances of vandalism, and 99% more burglaries. This past decade has not been kind to anyone, least of all small businesses suffering to the point of closure or to those without the financial means to recover from property crimes.

A brick through your car window shouldn't be a regular occurrence

We often hear that this is a national problem and that Portland isn’t unique. While there has been an unfortunate rise in national crime rates, Portland holds the ignominious honors of placing 65th in the nation for violent crime and 7th(!) for property crime per 2019 FBI data. That’s right, we were in the Top 10 for break-ins, burglaries, and busted car windows in a year with 20% less crime than in 2022, so “It’s happening everywhere” isn’t a good enough answer for Portland.

What's John going to do about it?

Adequately fund the Portland Police Bureau to address the critical issues on our streets

PPB has enjoyed great success in their recent efforts to curtail shoplifting, drag racing, and violence in unsanctioned encampments, successes that must be supported on an ongoing basis. We’re still a long way off from the police force Portland needs, so ensuring adequate funding will enable the continued recruitment of a diverse, well-trained officer base held to the highest standards of accountability.

Work closely with the Multnomah County DA’s Office to ensure politics never trump public safety

Our recent DA was reform-minded, a laudable approach to law. It is not, however, carte blanche to eliminate the processes that keep residents safe, and the plummeting rate of misdemeanor prosecution is all too correlated with our avalanche of property crime. We will work with the DA’s Office to ensure public safety remains their top priority, keeping dangerous and repeat offenders off the streets.

Support a Portland Municipal Court, prioritizing efficiency and functionality in our court system

Fifty years ago, in an effort to consolidate the local legal process, Portland transferred the responsibilities of the city’s court to Multnomah County. Fifty years is long, and our current circumstances call for a revaluation. We must explore options that ensure fair and swift justice while maintaining accountability and upholding the rule of law. Reinstating the Portland Municipal Court will offer a balanced approach to handling local legal matters, enhancing the timeliness and efficiency with which offenses may be addressed.

Increase foot patrols in areas that need it most, including merchant and senior corridors

Small businesses shouldn’t live in constant fear of break-ins, nor should our most vulnerable citizens feel in danger simply existing in their city. Bringing back foot patrols in the most highly trafficked areas of Portland will provide a tangible safeguarding presence, a need well met through Multnomah County Reserve Officers.