Criminal legal system engagement among people who use drugs in Oregon following decriminalization of drug possession

Original research
by
Smiley-McDonald, Hope M. et al

Release Date

2024

Geography

USA

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

This study examined criminal legal system (CLS) involvement of people who use drugs (PWUD) 2 years after Measure 110 (M110) was enacted in Oregon, which decriminalized possession of drugs in February of 2021.

Findings/Key points

The majority of PWUD (74 %) reported any past year CLS involvement; 67 % had at least one law enforcement stop and 33 % had at least one jail incarceration. Among PWUD whom law enforcement had found to possess drugs, 77 % had their drugs seized at least once, and 63 % were taken into custody for charges that did not include drug use or possession at least once. Younger age, cisgender male identity, unstable housing, and nonurban county location were associated with a higher prevalence of any CLS involvement. No significant differences were found by race or ethnicity and CLS involvement. Only 13 % of PWUD were aware that all drugs had been decriminalized. In summary, despite drug decriminalization, the majority of PWUD in our study reported significant CLS engagement and limited M110 knowledge.

Design/methods

We conducted a quantitative survey of PWUD (N=468) in eight Oregon counties between March and November 2023. We ran multivariable models to examine predictors of CLS involvement and law enforcement stops.

Keywords

About PWUD
Crime
Decriminalization/legalization
Housing
Illegal drugs
Legal system/law enforcement
Rural/remote