Byram: 2020 wasn’t just about COVID-19

By Terry Murry on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – Police Chief Chuck Byram says his department has seen a jump of over 500 calls for service between February 2020 and February 2023. He says that many agencies blame the pandemic on negative trends. That’s not the case here. He said that the trend in crimes is not the fault of COVID-19 but has everything to do with the passage of Measure 110.

“It’s definitely a trend and it started at 2020,” Byram said. “It’s rising every year.”

Measure 110 decriminalized the possession of user amounts of narcotics. Instead of going to jail or posting bond, those found guilty receive a written citation for a misdemeanor.

Byram said that statistics show Pendleton is experiencing an increase in what are considered to be quality of life crimes, which include theft, trespass, and criminal mischief.

“That’s the stuff that goes along with that type of behavior of state-sponsored addiction, mental health, and homelessness,” he said. “It’s definitely affecting this community like it’s affecting every other community.”