“Diversion” Direction: If Oregon re-criminalises drug possession, how will Deschutes County implement M. 110 reforms?

Isabella Warren will give an update tonight at five

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon's four-year experiment in drug decriminalization under Measure 110 is nearing its end next week after lawmakers and the governor agreed to re-criminalization and new reforms but left many of the details to individual counties to work out.

House Bill 4002 brings law enforcement back to the table and re-criminalizes drug possession in the state, making drug possession a misdemeanor again effective Sunday, September 1.

Each county has been instructed to develop its own “diversion” program. The goal is to reduce the number of people facing drug possession charges from going to jail if they agree to participate in treatment programs to hopefully overcome their addiction for good.

Deschutes County received $844,514 in state grants to implement the new officer intervention program in partnership with Deschutes County Behavioral Health. This means law enforcement will be the first point of contact when meeting with suspected drug users to provide resources for treatment and programs.

Isabella Warren speaks with Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels and others on Monday about the changes taking place and asks people on the street for their thoughts on the issue for a report tonight at five on NewsChannel 21.