PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – On Monday, Portland Police Chief Bob Day wrote a letter to Chair Vega Pederson urging the Board of County Commissioners to build a sobering center where first responders can drop off people in crisis without diverting them to jails or overcrowded hospitals.
“These individuals are not criminals but victims of addiction and mental health disorders,” Day wrote. “The absence of a 24/7 first responder drop-off center is a critical public safety crisis, resulting in a staggering burden on law enforcement and millions of lost taxpayer’s dollars.”
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Chair Vega Pederson responded to the letter saying in part, “...I look forward to further conversation with you and our other law enforcement partners on the County’s plan for bringing sobering resources, including a 24/7 drop-off facility, online.” ‘
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