Problem
The problem the study aimed to address:
The study evaluates the impact of Oregon’s Ballot Measure 110 (M110), which decriminalized personal drug possession in favor of treatment-oriented interventions. It investigates whether the removal of criminal penalties has hindered the criminal justice system's ability to connect individuals to treatment.
General impact on the system/public:
- M110 aimed to address Oregon’s high rates of substance use and limited access to treatment services.
- Critics argue the measure diminishes legal leverage to compel treatment, risking increased substance abuse and crime.
- Supporters highlight reduced racial disparities in convictions and increased funding for treatment without reliance on punitive measures.
Research questions answered:
- Has decriminalization under M110 affected police activity, drug court enrollment, and treatment access?
- How effective is Oregon's Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) in providing treatment services post-M110?
- What role could criminal justice agencies play in treatment engagement under revised policies like HB 4002?
Method and Analysis
Program evaluated or gaps addressed:
Evaluated the effect of M110 and successive policies on substance use treatment engagement.
Addressed gaps in linking criminal justice data with treatment outcomes.
Data and sample size used:
- Data included police stop/search statistics, drug court participation records, and treatment service utilization under BHRNs.
- Reviewed statewide and regional trends, with qualitative insights from court personnel.
Analysis used:
- Quantitative analysis of police, court, and treatment data (e.g., moving averages, arrest trends).
- Qualitative interviews with court staff to contextualize quantitative findings.
Outcome
Key findings:
- Police stops and searches declined pre-COVID and stabilized post-M110, with no clear evidence of reduced proactive policing due to M110.
- Drug court participation dropped significantly during COVID-19 but stabilized post-M110 at roughly 700 monthly participants, dispelling fears of drug courts' demise.
- M110 funding significantly expanded treatment access, with substantial increases in peer support and harm reduction services.
- Historical criminal justice measures, even at peak enforcement, connected only a small fraction of individuals in need to treatment.
Implications or recommendations:
- Criminal justice engagement (e.g., police deflection programs) remains crucial for treatment pathways but must be redesigned to maximize non-punitive interactions.
- Enhanced data integration between justice and health systems is vital to evaluate treatment efficacy and justice system contributions.
- Policymakers should prioritize expanding community-based treatment outreach and support, leveraging tools like peer support and harm reduction measures.
This report highlights the ongoing challenges and potential synergies between criminal justice agencies and public health systems in addressing substance use disorders, with valuable insights for researchers and policymakers.