Cross-posted from my campaign blog
In recent days, all three major gubernatorial candidates in Oregon have focused on increasing the number of state troopers on Oregon's highways, a move I have been talking about and supported since I got into this race back in April. But as our campaign has had many conversations with state troopers over the past several weeks we have learned that this is not the only issue hampering our state troopers and their ability to combat crime and protect Oregonians.
State trooper vehicles don't come automatically equipped with digital video cameras, nor do they come with in-dash databases. This requires troopers to call in every suspect license plate lengthening the amount of time to get a response, increasing the danger on Oregon's highways. We have even learned that one trooper actually purchased a laptop at his expense to place in his squad car to improve the speed of his police work.
Troopers are not on a unified communication system with other law enforcement agencies. So when a call comes in to Clackamas County Sheriff's Dispatch, their operator has to call OSP dispatch, who in turn has to put the call out to troopers to respond. This is an incredibly inefficient way to protect our citizens.
Oregon State Police does not have a K-9 drug unit located in the Portland metro area. It is unfathomable to me that a city of our size would not have a high priority with OSP in having a K-9 drug unit. But without funding difficult decision need to be made. K-9 drug units are excellent way to scope drugs, providing efficiency and safety for our troopers and residents.
We have a serious problem in our state when it comes state troopers and the ability to combat crime. These hard working cops want and desperately need our support. I have learned that adding at least 50 trooper is a start but it will only scratch the tip of the iceberg when it comes to increasing the safety or our communities, the Oregon State Police needs a great deal more than just more bodies to do the job they want to do for us and as our next State representative I am committed to being a strong ally for the Oregon State Police.
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Mike Caudle is the Democratic nominee for the Oregon House of Representatives from the 39th district, which encompasses Oregon City, Canby and surrounding Clackamas County. To learn more about Mike, visit mikecaudle.com, Mike's campaign blog, Mike's Facebook group or Mike's ActBlue page.