‘Deflection’ direction: As Oregon recriminalizes drug possession, how will Deschutes County implement M. 110 reforms?

Isabella Warren will have an update tonight at Five

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- Oregon's four-year-long Measure 110 drug decriminalization experiment is approaching its end next week, after legislators and the governor signed off on recriminalization and new reforms, but left many of the details up to each county to work out.

House Bill 4002 brings law enforcement back to the table and recriminalizes drug possession in the state, as drug possession again becomes a misdemeanor, as of Sunday, Sept. 1.

Each county has been directed to create its own "deflection" program, with a goal of fewer people facing potential drug possession charges ending up in jail, if they agree to enter into treatment programs to end their addictions, hopefully for good.

Deschutes County received $844,514 as its share of state grant funding for the implementation of the new officer intervention program, working 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 is speaking Monday with Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels and others to talk about what changes are taking place and also asking people on the street for their views about the issue for a report tonight on NewsChannel 21 at Five.