ORS 137.301 Legislative findings

The Legislative Assembly finds that:

Systems critical components of the Oregon criminal justice system exist that require the highest priority considerations for funding from the Criminal Fine Account.

The systems critical components of the Oregon criminal justice system are interrelated and essential to the initiation and successful conclusion of criminal investigations.

The interests of victims of crime and other Oregonians are advanced by the ability of the public safety community to respond professionally to reports of criminal activity and to successfully investigate criminal cases in a manner that protects the constitutional rights of all Oregonians.

The effective training of police officers, corrections officers, parole and probation officers and other first responders increases the likelihood that crimes will be solved quickly and that the needs of victims of crime will be met.

The collection of evidence at crime scenes, the forensic processing of the evidence by qualified, well-trained technicians and the work of medical examiners are critical statewide functions that allow all Oregonians an equal opportunity to justice.

The collection of criminal information such as that retained in the Law Enforcement Data System enhances the ability of investigators to identify criminals and the unnamed victims of violent crimes.

Timely intervention on behalf of victims of crime through effective assistance programs makes recovery from victimization possible and is necessary to the well-being of Oregonians adversely affected by violent crime.