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Key Points in Preparation for Oregon Legislative Session (2024): Examining the Multifaceted Impacts of Drug Decriminalization on Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Prosecutorial Discretion

NCJ Number
308255
Author(s)
Kelsey S. Henderson; Christopher Campbell; Brian Renauer
Date Published
December 2023
Length
11 pages
Annotation

This publication summarizes the key points of a study examining the impact of drug decriminalization in preparation for the 2024 Oregon Legislative Session.

Abstract

This publication summarizes the key points of a study examining the impact of drug decriminalization on public safety, law enforcement, and prosecutorial discretion, in preparation for the 2024 Oregon Legislative Session. These findings are part of a 3-year study to examine the impacts of possession of PCS law changes on (1) law enforcement discretion, (2) prosecutorial decision-making, (3) courts/sentencing, and (4) public safety. The key findings, unless noted, represent statewide trends and impacts. Prior to M110, other statewide changes in policy, law, and historical events such as the COVID-19 lockdown/court backlog and public defense crisis also had important impacts on enforcement, prosecution/sentencing, and public safety outcomes. As such, data collected during the early implementation of M110 is not likely a reliable predictor of its ultimate impact. The data reported on below is through 1 – 2 years post-M110. Although it sheds light on important questions, it is too early to draw any definitive conclusions about long-term impacts of M110.