BEND, OR -- Governor Tina Kotek has yet to sign the drug possession bills reforming Measure 110, but Central Oregon law enforcement leaders are already making plans. At Tuesday's meeting of the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC), Deputy District Attorney Mary Anderson said the Deschutes County D.A. is committed to deflection and diversion programs, "And through every step of the way, whether it’s through deflection or diversion or probation, there is always the focus and opportunity for treatment."

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz believes the bills provide useful tools for law enforcement, "But, there’s a lot of questions, too. How is the county impacted? How is the county going to step up with deflection options? And, how is that going to work?" He also wants a tri-county sobering center. "That’s, I think, one of the most important things we can focus on next, is getting state money and state funding to assist us in creating that sobering center," said Krantz, "Right now, we have an emergency room. And yes, we have the Stabilization Center, but it’s not the same. It is not for people who are coming down off meth. We need a secure, safe, sobering center that’s functional."

Deschutes County Health Services Director Janice Garceau says the bills don’t address racial disparities and worries about local communities of color, "They are still housed at lower rates, they are still employed at lower rates, they are still sometimes experiencing increased consequences in the criminal justice system." But, she's pleased our region will receive additional state funds, "Dollars did get identified, and that is a hug positive. But we are probably way far from where we would need to be for robust treatment courts and deflection programs. And again, we’re going to work together; we’re going to do what we can."

Community Justice Director Deevy Holcomb also acknowledged the need to ensure the new "unclassified misdemeanor" for drug possession is applied equitably. But she is optimistic about provisions aimed at getting addicts who are on parole or probation into treatment, "A returning of the ability to provide a very person-centered supervision to those whose risk and needs really mean that they will be helped by being in our system."