Seismic shifts in how Oregon tackles drug possession are rolling out across the state, with 20 counties set to launch new deflection programs later this year, designed to offer pathways to recovery rather than jail time. As reported by KATU, these initiatives come in response to legislation re-criminalizing possession of hard drugs and provide counties the leeway to customize their approaches, following an opt-in model.
Washington County, preparing to reinstate drug possession as a crime, plans to implement a human-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive program. According to KGW, the county's deflection team will collaborate with law enforcement, with officers referring drug users to the team for assistance. David Huey, public information officer for the Washington County Sheriff's Office, noted the program's specifics are still under development, stating, "I think the wheels are turning and my understanding is that they have a program that’s in progress, but I don’t think they’ve fine-tuned all the details yet,".
With counties preparing their respective programs for a September debut, a rich bouquet of strategies are emerging, informed by a symposium held in Salem where the exchange of ideas flourished. As detailed by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, the goal is innovation across varied landscapes, from dense urban hubs to rural expanses. Rural counties, grappling with larger land areas and minimal funding, remain concerned about the sustainability of their implementations.
The multifaceted programs, tailored to local demographics and needs, mark an earnest attempt to reconcile public health with law enforcement. Counties including Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah are among those readying for the shift, while others like Crook, Harney, and Lane anticipate October launches. Kevin Campbell, executive director of the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, lauded the collective effort, telling lawmakers the diverse challenges faced by counties offer a wealth of innovative possibilities, "I think that the good news about this is, in a way, what we’re doing is we’re creating this laboratory of effort around the state, where counties are going to have to innovate."
