Oregon Public Broadcasting

Police officers, jail staff, a district attorney and drug counselors gathered at Clackamas County Court House Wednesday to kick-off their campaign to pass Measure 57 in November. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Measure 57 is a legislative referral to increase prison sentences for drug trafficking, and for repeat offenders who commit property crimes or identity theft. But it also requires additional treatment for some criminals. 

A separate citizen initiative, Measure 61, would create mandatory minimum sentences for drug and property crimes. But Clackamas County DA, John Foote, says 57 is the better plan.

John Foote: “The sentences for repeat property offenders at the top end are longer in this measure. Second of all, this measure covers almost twice as many crimes. And finally this measure has a treatment component, which we don’t’ think treatment is a substitute for punishment. It’s a compliment for punishment.” 

A recent study by the Pew Center found Oregonians spend more money per capita than any other state to put people in jail.

DA Foote disputes the figure. Instead, he says 16 percent of convicted felons go to prison in Oregon.