Possessing user quantities of drugs is once again a criminal charge and Salem Police are actively enforcing the new law.
The changes are a result of Oregon House Bill 4002, which was created to provide fixes to Ballot Measure 110, which earlier decriminalized user amounts. The bill created a misdemeanor charge for user possession that encourages deflection and diversion programs rather than jail time.
In Marion County, offenders will be referred through the existing LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program. A LEAD Navigator will be called directly to the scene of arrest.
In West Salem, part of Polk County, offenders generally will be cited into their diversion program.
“The bill also gave us stronger tools for identifying, arresting and successfully prosecuting drug dealers, who are fueling the crisis and profiting,” said Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack at the September 9 City Council meeting.
