This month, I’ve invited our Tigard Police Chief, Jamey McDonald, to help me talk about some changes that recently took effect around Measure 110, or the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act. These changes have a substantial impact on our community, and I wanted to make sure all of you are up to date on the impact.
For some background, the Oregon Drug Intervention Plan, comprised of House Bill 4002 and House Bill 5204, were passed in the Oregon’s Legislative session earlier this year. They passed with bipartisan support and went into effect on September 1.
HB 4002 fundamentally recriminalizes possession of small amounts of hard drugs. What is important is that the bill provides multiple opportunities for community members to enter treatment after that first interaction with a police officer. HB 5204 was the funding companion bill that helps address the funding needs for mental health, addiction treatment, and corrections services.
What does that mean in practical terms? Now, officers encountering a person in possession of illegal drugs on the street will issue a citation for the possession of narcotics while also providing the individual with resources for the deflection program. Within a couple of days of that citation, the individual will be contacted by a resource worker who will work to connect them to the level of service that best fits their situation.
If the individual engages in the treatment, the criminal portion of their encounter does not move forward and they stay out of the criminal justice system. If they do not work with a service provider, they may then be entered into the criminal justice system, or directed to do so when they appear in court. People who do not enter treatment or if they fail to appear for their court appointments will be entered into the criminal justice system and held accountable.
Our Tigard Police Department (TPD) continues to work in partnership with Washington County on this issue. As it’s a new program, we expect updates and adjustments as it moves forward and appreciate your patience as we work through any issues that come up. We will keep you in the loop on any new changes to the legislation or our response on the ground.
This problem won’t be solved overnight, and our TPD team will remain dedicated and focused on what the legislature intended with their reforms: deflection.
If you have questions you can reach us at heidil@tigard-or.gov and the Chief at james.mcdonald@tigard-or.gov, or you can connect to the whole City Council at CouncilMail@tigard-or.gov.
