Morrow County is working on its deflection plan

HEPPNER – Oregon recriminalizes possession of certain narcotics on Sept. 1. That’s also the date when counties can put their deflection plans in place. The plans, specific to each county, establish a system that will allow some of those who could face criminal charges to opt for substance abuse disorder treatment instead.

Morrow County District Attorney Justin Nelson said they are working on a deflection plan and are optimistic it will be accepted by the state, opening the way for a grant to help fund the new system.

“Morrow County has submitted our grant application for funding and I haven’t heard that it’s been denied or anything else at this point,” Nelson said. “Hopefully we’re going forward, but we’re not ready to start on Sept. 1.”

Nelson said the county is working to update its contract for mental health services with Community Counseling Solutions. CCS is a vital element to the plan.

“It does not make sense to start a program with CCS until the general mental health agreement is taken care of first,” he said.

Until the plan is up and running, Nelson said the county will do what it’s always done, focusing on treatment instead of punishment.

“Many of these cases may lead to a diversion anyway, with a defendant being able to have a drug possession charge dismissed if they successfully complete drug treatment,” he said.

Nelson added that it’s difficult to know what will and what won’t be acceptable as a deflection plan in the eyes of the state.

“Clackamas County, the only one in Oregon with a plan in place, was turned down by the state,” he said.

He also stressed that the recriminalization does not make possession of small amounts of drugs worthy of a felony charge.

“On Sept. 1, possession of small quantities of drugs like meth are changed from less than a speeding ticket to a lower-level misdemeanor offense – close to stealing a candy bar or slapping someone (harassment),” he stated.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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