Copyright The Oregonian
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez previewed the “push-pull” effort he expects will bring a trickle of criminal cases to prosecutors’ desks as Portland’s camping ban takes effect Saturday. “We give a little bit of a push, and then put out a hand to pull them, to help them,” Vasquez told reporters Friday. “It’s time that we start expecting and demanding some accountability with our compassion, and it’s time to help people get to a better place.” This is hardly the first time Portland officials have talked about ramping up enforcement of camping rules. The Portland City Council passed a “time, place and manner” camping ordinance in 2023, but a judge blocked the city from enforcing the rule. A replacement rule was crafted and added to the City Code last year, but it hasn’t been in effect as the city’s government changed and Mayor Keith Wilson embarked on an ambitious plan to open up hundreds of beds in congregate shelters. Many new overnight shelters are now open, but many are running at roughly 50% capacity. As long as shelter beds remain available, officers are expected to start writing $100 citations for campers who refuse those overnight accommodations and have problematic camps — such as those that completely block sidewalks, have dangerous fires or accumulate trash. The citation also requires a trip to the courthouse. “From there, we’re going to look for every opportunity to get rid of that case, as long as that person is making efforts and we are getting them off the streets,” Vasquez said. “Jail is going to be the absolute last resort.” Vasquez says people who miss their court date will face “failure to appear” charges. Under current court rules, anyone who racks up such a charge is eligible to be held in custody until a judge can review their case. The maximum punishment for violating the city camping ordinance is seven days in jail. Failure to appear can technically be punished with up to a year in jail, but sentencing for that crime alone are rare. In a statement, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell offered qualified support for the mayor’s effort, but said her focus was to use the jail for cases involving violence, ongoing criminal conduct or victimization. “Our jails were never designed to absorb the weight of inadequate housing, medical, and behavioral health systems,” she said. “They should not be seen as the default response to illegal camping or unmanaged crises.”
