Baker County Deflection Program set to start September 1

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Friday, August 30th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

BAKER COUNTY – Baker County will launch its new Deflection Program starting September 1, designed to enhance community safety and support individuals with substance use disorders. According to a recent release from New Directions Northwest in Baker County, “The recently passed House Bill 4002 reclassifies the unlawful possession of a controlled substance as a misdemeanor, allowing law enforcement to charge individuals for possession. Additionally, the bill provides a pathway for law enforcement to offer deflection, requiring participation in treatment to avoid charges.

Aligned with House Bill 4002, the Baker County Deflection Program is a collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and community behavioral health services. The Baker County Deflection Work Group, including representatives from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Baker City Police Department, Oregon State Police, Baker County District Attorney’s Office, Baker County Commissioner’s Office, Baker County Circuit Court, and New Directions Northwest, will oversee the program’s implementation.

Starting September 1st, local law enforcement will be able to offer deflection, with possession charges not pursued for those who accept and successfully complete treatment.”

This program is aimed as a way to address substance use disorders.

In a press conference on August 28, 2024, Baker County District Attorney Greg Baxter noted that the two main goals of this deflection program is to save lives and get those who need it into treatment and out of the justice system. “I hope it’s successful”, said Baxter.