Statement by Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski on FBI crime numbers

Violent and property crimes down between 2007-2008

September 14, 2009 -- (Salem) - “Today’s FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Data is good news for Oregon.

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“Last year Oregon had the largest decrease of any state in our violent crime rate and the eighth largest decrease in the property crime rate – and these declines reached across urban and rural boundaries.

“I appreciate the work of our law enforcement, educators and local leaders who work everyday to help keep our communities safe, and clearly with today’s report, their hard work is delivering results with the lowest violent and property crime rates in nearly four decades.

“While we have made great progress over the years in reducing crime, our work is not done. This data is proof that we must continue to strengthen our efforts on the front end, enhancing and improving prevention efforts as well as expand rehabilitation opportunities for those in our jails and prisons so when they reenter society they do not reoffend. The report also makes it clear that not all communities are seeing these reductions in crime, and we have to make sure those communities have the tools in place to achieve the results the rest of the state is enjoying.

“The reset cabinet I appointed earlier this month will take a comprehensive review of our public safety system from the state and local levels and develop options for steps we can take to continue to achieve these goals so that we can continue to reduce crime while also providing a more cost-effective and efficient public safety system, benefiting the safety and well-being of all Oregonians.”

Source: Oregon Governor