Oregon’s stalking law enters modern age, thanks to push from St. Helens police sergeant
PORTLAND, Ore. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) — A St. Helens police sergeant found that 21st century safety needs 21st century laws, and he set out to usher in those changes.
After investigating a case involving a woman and her stalker, St. Helens Police Sgt. Matt Smith was inspired to go to Salem to change the state stalking law. His aim? To make it harder for potential stalkers to use the latest technological gadgetry to connect to potential victims.
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The result of his work, in conjunction with victims and state lawmakers, is House Bill 4156, which passed both the House and the Senate and awaits final approval by Gov. Tina Kotek as of Tuesday afternoon, March 19.
It was a stalking case related to a woman’s ex-boyfriend that triggered Smith’s interest.
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“I actually had a stalking case that started here,” Smith told Pamplin Media Group. “She was pretty alarmed. She called here and she was really upset.”
Read more at PortlandTribune.com.
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