How Multnomah County plans to divert drug users from jail
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With just over a month until Oregon recriminalizes possession of small amounts of illicit drugs, Multnomah County officials have released a plan for how they hope to divert individuals away from jail and into local behavioral health services.
Why it matters: The new policy will be a pivotal test in how the region addresses skyrocketing fentanyl use and more drug-related arrests while simultaneously dealing with a public defender crisis and chronic lack of treatment beds.
- The Oregon Criminal Justice Commission previously estimated that recriminalization could add 1,523 cases per year into the state's overburdened system.
Catch up quick: When the Oregon Legislature passed HB 4002 in March, it rolled back key components of voter-approved Measure 110 and allowed for law enforcement to begin arresting those in possession of small amounts of drugs — like heroin, meth and fentanyl — on Sept. 1.
- The bill also included an optional "deflection buy-in" for counties, where police officers can refer those arrested or cited for possession to treatment instead of having them enter pleas or standing trial.
- 23 out of 36 counties, including Multnomah, have indicated they'd introduce deflection programs.
What's inside: Under the new guidelines, anyone stopped by law enforcement for possessing illegal drugs for personal use — and who has not committed other crimes — can avoid jail by agreeing to an initial screening and engaging with a referred treatment provider within 30 days.
- If those steps are not completed, and the person is stopped for possession the following month, they'll be arrested and charged "if contacted by law enforcement during that time period," according to the plan.
Friction point: The county will use the location of a vacant printing plant in SE Portland's Buckman neighborhood — a block away from the new Soho House — as a space for law enforcement to drop individuals off for treatment screenings.
- Neighbors criticized the planned location during last Thursday's commissioner meeting, calling it dangerous due to its proximity to a preschool.
- A new county-run, 24/7 sobering center has plans to open in early 2025.
What they're saying: In a press release, the county said it intends to review data, feedback from its clients and partners, plus public safety needs every 30 days and update the policy accordingly.
- The statement said the new policy takes into account that "it can take multiple attempts to engage in treatment and services" but that there "is also the need to hold individuals accountable for community safety."
What's next: Portland Police Chief Bob Day, Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, District Attorney Mike Schmidt, and Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell will hold a press conference Wednesday to discuss the deflection plan and other next steps.