Portland, Oregon Local News
As Oregon recriminalizes drugs, TriMet prepares for enforcement
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TriMet is preparing for a big shift in Oregon drug policy, one which adds teeth to the prohibition of drug use on public transit.
PORTLAND, Ore. — This weekend, Oregon will implement a new law that recriminalizes public possession of hard drugs, even in small amounts. In anticipation, TriMet is increasing the number of enforcement officers across its public transit system.
Starting Sunday, officers will ostensibly have the authority to cite individuals found with drugs, which could lead to up to 180 days in jail. The law, House Bill 4002, also aims to connect those cited with deflection programs, with the goal of facilitating recovery.
TriMet riders have frequently observed drug use on the transit system.
“It’s almost an everyday occurrence, especially at 122nd and Burnside, right there at the bus stop,” said Jeremy Doud, a TriMet rider.
Greg Garrison, another rider, described seeing people “knocked out, passed out on the train or just acting crazy from their drug use.”
Oregon’s new law, effective Sept. 1, will put pressure on TriMet to address drug use throughout its system. TriMet officials claim to have already been working on this issue.
“We have been working on this over the last couple of years to really reduce the number of incidents happening on the train, especially post-COVID,” said Andrew Wilson, TriMet’s executive director of safety and security. “We started to see some increase in the use of things like fentanyl on our stations and platforms, and even at times on the train.”
The new law provides officers with expanded enforcement powers, including the ability to criminally cite anyone with drugs, which could result in up to 180 days in jail. However, Multnomah County has adopted a deflection program with the aim of redirecting people from jail and the court system — even if it will be launching without a drop-off center that was originally supposed to open Sept. 1.
Wilson expressed optimism about the impact of these new tools.
“They have not had this same level of ability to address open drug use as they do now with HB 4002 for several years. We’re really optimistic that this additional tool and its use will create some great benefits for TriMet,” he said.
The riders who spoke with KGW were optimistic about the prospect of people getting treatment, even if they’re dubious about recriminalization.
“It’s a good step forward, but I think the best thing is to try to get these people help,” said Doud.
“Criminalizing it again, I don’t know if that’s a solution, but I think it’s going to create a bigger mess,” said Garrison.
Additionally, another law set to take effect on January 1 will specifically target drug use on public buses and trains, further shaping TriMet’s approach to this issue.
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