Public Attitudes on Crime and Punishment in Oregon
When asked about crime and punishment, Oregon voters strongly support policies that get results. They want evidence of the public safety impact of state policies and they want a solid taxpayer return-on-investment.
As part of the Public Safety Performance Project's work with states to improve public safety and control corrections costs, we collaborated with two of the nation's leading polling firms, The Mellman Group and Public Opinion Strategies, to explore public opinion on sentencing and corrections issues in Oregon.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon voters have little awareness of the state's crime decline or the size of the corrections budget.
- Voters want corrections dollars to produce public safety results.
- Voters prefer prison spending cuts to cutting funding for other programs or tax increases.
- Voters demonstrate broad support for specific policies that reduce prison populations and spending.
Spotlight on Mental Health
MORE FROM PEW
Explore Pew’s new and improved
Fiscal 50 interactive
Your state's stats are more accessible than ever with our new and improved Fiscal 50 interactive:
- Maps, trends, and customizable charts
- 50-state rankings
- Analysis of what it all means
- Shareable graphics and downloadable data
- Proven fiscal policy strategies
Welcome to the new Fiscal 50
Key changes include:
- State pages that help you keep track of trends in your home state and provide national and regional context.
- Interactive indicator pages with highly customizable and shareable data visualizations.
- A Budget Threads feature that offers Pew’s read on the latest state fiscal news.