Portland — Attorney General Hardy Myers announced today that his bid for reelection has been endorsed by a robust group of law enforcement organizations in Oregon.
The Attorney General’s base of support from the law enforcement community includes the Oregon Council of Police Associations, Oregon Police Chiefs for Safer Communities, Oregon State Fire Fighters Council, Association of Oregon Corrections Employees, Crime Victims United, and thirty-one of the state’s district attorneys.
Preparing Oregon for the New Terrorist Threat
“Hardy Myers has earned a reputation for resolute leadership and integrity,” Brian Delashmutt, spokesman for the Oregon Council of Police Associations, said. “In the post 9-11 world, Hardy helped lead the charge in state government to increase Oregon’s preparedness for the terrorist threat.”
As a member of the Governor’s Security Council, Hardy led the effort to fix gaps in state law to better protect Oregon against a terrorist attack. And even before the national 9-11 Commission suggested it, Hardy championed the creation of a regional system for sharing information among law enforcement agencies.
Protecting Oregon’s Neighborhoods from Crime
“Attorney General Myers has a proven track record of success in fighting crime,” said Kevin Campbell, Oregon Police Chiefs for Safer Communities spokesman. “Hardy has been a relentless advocate for criminal justice and has earned our endorsement as a partner in our efforts to make Oregon’s streets safer.”
Hardy has worked to fight the methamphetamine scourge in Oregon. He has worked with state and federal agencies to coordinate and improve efforts to fight drug trafficking, targeting high intensity drug trafficking areas. He has also helped streamline the paperwork involved in closing down meth labs, so officers can spend more time working cases and less time wading through red tape.
Additionally, after two Oregon Supreme Court decisions that tied the hands of local law enforcement, Hardy led the fight to ensure that law enforcement could use undercover sting operations to combat crime and consumer fraud.
Supporting Victims of Crime
Clatsop County District Attorney Joshua Marquis said, “Hardy Myers has been a steadfast advocate for crime victims. Hardy has been a consistent voice for victims of crime and has provided leadership in the Oregon law enforcement community.”
As a member of the Legislature, Hardy created one of the nation’s first crime victims’ compensation programs, using money from offenders to compensate victims. As Oregon’s Attorney General, Hardy has secured and distributed millions of dollars to help victims relocate or be given restitution. His office helped create an automated system that notifies crime victims when their offender has been released from prison or is up for parole.
“It is an honor to enjoy such broad support in the law enforcement community,” Attorney General Myers remarked. “It has been a great privilege to be a partner with law enforcement leaders to make Oregon’s neighborhoods safer. I look forward to continuing this work in the years to come.”