Multnomah County’s drug deflection program sees challenges in first year

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Multnomah County deflection program updated its policies in early 2026, and they are now giving their first updates on its progress.

Deflection is designed to divert people caught with small amounts of drugs away from jail and into treatment.

Under the new policy, enacted in January 2026, those who don’t properly engage in treatment within 90 days will be criminally prosecuted by the county…

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