| Governor's Oregon Principles Budget 2005-2007 |
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| Public Safety |
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What else is the Governor doing to contribute to this principle?
Comprehensive Review of Public Safety System
In February 2004, the Governor appointed a Public Safety Review Steering Committee to lead a complete review of the public safety system. The review includes the following efforts:
Sentencing Review Task Force
The Governor asked Attorney General Hardy Myers to lead an in-depth look at Oregon’s sentencing structure, including parole and probation activities, in order to gauge whether we are holding the right people accountable for their criminal activities.
Elder Abuse Task Force
The Governor convened a task force of members composed of members of the law enforcement, domestic violence, adult protective service and medical communities to review all forms of elder abuse and neglect and provide recommendations to ensure Oregon’s seniors are safe and secure. The Governor plans to work with the Legislature and community activists on implementing key recommendations, including the task force’s recommendation of an “Oregon Elder Justice Act of 2005” that would change statutory language to strengthen protection for older Oregonians.
Campaign to Combat Meth
The Governor declared the meth problem in Oregon an epidemic and has led the charge to curb the meth problem in Oregon through:
Meth Task Force
Recognizing the severity of Oregon’s meth problem, the Governor wanted to have advice from the foremost experts in the field, so he created the Methamphetamine Task Force composed of experts in the law enforcement, medical, community mobilization and prevention communities to develop short-term and long-term recommendations to address the meth problem in Oregon. The Task force completed its work in September 2004 but will continue to meet to address new problems as they arise.
Limited Sale of Pseudoephedrine
In October 2004, the Governor asked the Oregon Board of Pharmacy to enact a temporary rule that places pseudoephedrine behind a secure counter and requires purchasers to show identification in order to purchase products containing pseudoephedrine. Since this chemical is required to make meth, this step will make producing meth much more difficult; smaller meth labs that occur in houses and apartments – often located near children - get this chemical from products sold in grocery and other retail stores. The Governor also asked for the adoption of a permanent rule that tracks the sale of pseudoephedrine to assist law enforcement with identifying those misusing the products to produce methamphetamine.
Meth Watch Program
Under the leadership of the Governor, the state implemented the Oregon “Meth Watch” Program in coordination with 800 businesses statewide. The program is a low cost way to educate to the public regarding what easily available items are used to produce Methamphetamine.
Pre-cursor Database Program
The Oregon State Police implemented the pre-cursor database program which tracks sales of iodine and MSM used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The lists are developed and forwarded to the drug task forces around the State related to methamphetamine lab investigations.
Drug Endangered Children Program
At the Governor’s direction, state agencies are implementing a statewide training program to enhance the state’s ability to identify and protect “Drug Endangered Children.” This is designed to address the Governor’s concern over what happens to children who are being raised by parents with drug problems or in drug houses, especially those that involve the production and use of methamphetamine.
Outreach to Youth
The Governor’s office and meth task force have entered into a unique relationship with the University of Oregon School of Journalism to conduct research and develop messages that will prevent children in Oregon from taking meth. They will also be developing media packets that will assist local communities to get out the word on meth. The Governor believes it is critical that we inform school-age youth and their parents about the devastating effects of this very addictive drug as well as making sure that we do all we can to get communities engaged in fighting the meth problem.
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