Conversations about crime often focus on legislation and enforcement. Bracken McKey says that misses where the real work begins. After more than 25 years in public service, including serving as Chief Deputy District Attorney in Washington County, McKey believes effective crime prevention starts with local leadership.
Not political leadership. Practical leadership.
“Most progress happens before anything goes wrong,” McKey said. “You don’t need a crisis to start a conversation.”
McKey is highlighting how individuals, businesses, and community groups play a decisive role in preventing crime when they act early, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for their part of the system.
Why Leadership Matters at the Local Level
Washington County is located in a region that consistently faces challenges with property and economic crime.
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Oregon has ranked among the top states for property crime over the last decade.
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In the Portland metro region, property crimes account for roughly 70–75% of reported offenses, according to regional data.
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Construction theft and equipment loss cost Oregon businesses tens of millions of dollars each year, especially on small and mid-sized projects.
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Organized retail and intellectual property crimes increasingly involve multi-county networks, not isolated offenders.
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Local agencies report that cases involving early reporting and cooperation are cleared faster than those reported late.
“These aren’t abstract numbers,” McKey said. “They affect workers, schedules, and families right here.”
What McKey Saw From the Inside
During his career, McKey handled high-profile cases involving construction crime and intellectual property theft. Many of those cases earned recognition because they relied on early coordination between industries and law enforcement.
“The turning point was almost always collaboration,” McKey said. “Once industries became active partners, the outcomes changed.”
He emphasized that leadership often came from unexpected places.
“Sometimes it was a supervisor noticing a pattern,” he said. “Sometimes it was a business owner asking a better question.”
Leadership Without a Title
McKey stresses that leadership does not require authority or policy power.
“Pay attention to patterns,” he said. “That’s where prevention starts.”
In his experience, small decisions made early often prevented larger harm later. Sharing information. Training staff. Picking up the phone before losses escalated.
“Criminal networks don’t operate in silos,” McKey said. “If people don’t communicate, gaps get exploited.”
Local Action List: 10 Things You Can Do This Week
McKey encourages residents and organizations to focus on simple, local actions:
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Report suspicious activity early, even if losses seem minor.
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Talk with nearby businesses or neighbors about recent incidents.
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Review basic security and access controls.
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Train employees to recognize common patterns of theft or fraud.
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Keep clear records of tools, inventory, and equipment.
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Designate one person as a point of contact for issues.
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Attend a local community or industry safety meeting.
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Share trends through trusted industry groups.
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Encourage open discussion about workplace prevention.
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Follow updates from local law enforcement or community alerts.
“Good ideas only matter if they work,” McKey said. “Small steps add up.”
How to Find Trustworthy Local Resources
McKey recommends relying on sources that emphasize accuracy and cooperation. County district attorney offices, local law enforcement agencies, chambers of commerce, and established industry associations often provide guidance and alerts on prevention. Residents should prioritize resources that focus on practical steps and verified information rather than alarmist messaging.
Take One Step Today
McKey urges readers not to wait for permission or perfect solutions.
“You don’t have to solve everything,” he said. “Take one local step today. That’s how leadership actually works.”
About Bracken McKey
Bracken McKey is an attorney based in Washington County, Oregon, and the owner of McKey Law. He served more than 25 years with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, including roles as Senior Deputy District Attorney and Chief Deputy District Attorney. During his public service career, McKey handled many of Oregon’s most serious and complex cases and worked closely with industry partners on crime prevention efforts. His work earned recognition, including the Recording Industry Association of America Gold Record Law Enforcement Award and the Oregon Construction Industry Crime Prevention Law Enforcement Partner Award. He retired from public service in 2024 and continues to work in the legal field, drawing on decades of experience in prosecution, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration.
Media Contact
Contact Person: Bracken McKey
Email: Send Email
City: Washington County
State: Oregon
Country: United States
Website: https://www.brackenmckey.com/
