MultCo DA Vasquez takes tougher approach to street drugs
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez has two decades of experience as a county prosecutor. His approach to helping solve the drug crisis on Portland's streets will be much firmer than his predecessor's.
One year ago, there was a 90-day fentanyl emergency declared in Multnomah County. That declaration brought dozens of government and business leaders together but did not eliminate the problem.
"It was a band-aid with a much bigger wound," Vasquez said.
Among the changes Vasquez will push for as the new DA will be treatment facilities, outpatient facilities, a transition plan to help drug users get and stay sober once they're arrested and eventually released.
But he is adamant there can not be free and open use of drugs on the streets of Portland.
"We have to hold people accountable. And we have to have real pathways to treatment. And that can occur in a whole host and variety of ways. It doesn't just happen through the criminal justice system," he said.
He told KOIN 6 News he intends to push hard on trying to get the leadership in Multnomah County to set up sobering and sobriety centers to help get drug users off the city streets longterm.
The county has set up a deflection center for people arrested for possessing small amounts of hard drugs. Those people can avoid jail by opting to be dropped off at the center to get referrals for counseling and treatment.
To date, about 150 people have chosen that route. However, no numbers have been released about drug users actually entering a treatment program as a result.
"My commitment to the belief that this program must include meaningful treatment remains," he said, "and if it doesn't we're going to have to change it."