Today, Monday, August 5, 2013, the Portland Police Bureau released reported Part I crime statistics that illustrate that crime continues to remain at levels not seen since the mid to late-1960s.
Part I crimes are mostly violent crimes, such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and arson. Portland's crime rate per 1,000 population in 2012 was 58, which is consistent with the mid-1960s.
In analyzing the last 50-plus years, the lowest crimes were in the early 1960s and the highest in the late 1980s.
Despite the decline in violent crime, many people continue to perceive it as higher. A 2012 study by Portland State University found that Portlanders still have a perception that crime is rising, some due to their exposure of media.
"We are pleased that Part I crimes continue at low levels," said Chief Michael Reese. "We measure Part I crime as every city in the country does, but it doesn't illustrate the whole picture. Today, officers are spending more time on social disorder, including responding to people with mental health issues, including suicides. Officers are responding to people with addiction issues, homelessness and general services failure. Most of these incidents don't make the news like crime does."
Crime analysts suggest the decline in violent crime in Portland and across the nation can be attributed to many things, including: the fall in crack cocaine use; demographic shifts such as baby boomers aging; and better use of technology by police.
"Officers are doing great work out there," said Chief Reese. "The examples of the community-police collaboration that has occurred at Albina and Killingsworth or 162nd and Burnside shows what kind of success we can have using this kind of approach. Its smarter policing and its working."
"Crime statistics are down, and that's to the credit of our Police Bureau and the community, working together for years and years, to change things for the better," said Mayor Charlie Hales. "That's part of the social contract we have between the police and the community. And it's proof that we're on the right track. Is there more to do? Obviously. Are we proud of these trends? Absolutely."
Despite the decline in Part I crimes, the Portland Police Bureau encourages community members to take measures to avoid becoming victims of crime. Police continue to warn the community not to leave valuables in their vehicles, lock-up bicycles, and ensure your home is secure, especially in Summer, where windows, doors and garages are often left open.
For downloadable crime prevention brochures, visit the Police Bureau's website: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/29869
or the Office of Neighborhood Involvement/Crime Prevention at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/oni/53530
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Attachment: VIEW FILES
Public Information Officer:
Sgt. Pete Simpson
Peter.Simpson@portlandoregon.gov
Desk: 503-823-0830
Pager: 503-790-1779
Alternate PIO:
Lt. Mike Marshman
Michael.Marshman@portlandoregon.gov
Desk: 503-823-0010
Pager: 503-790-1779
Portland Police Bureau
1111 SW 2nd Ave, Suite 1526
Portland, Oregon 97204