Oregon City creates crime “exclusion zone”

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Oregon City has passed a Civil Exclusion zone where criminals can be banished from the zone for 30 days of they commit certain crimes.  Oregon City has basically covered their downtown area in this protective zone.

The Oregon City Police explain:

“The Civil Exclusion Zone (CEZ) is a newly established area within Oregon City where certain behaviors that threaten public safety or disrupt community spaces may result in temporary exclusion. Ordinance No. 25-1016 was adopted to address ongoing safety and nuisance issues in specific areas of the city. The ordinance provides the city and law enforcement with an additional tool to reduce repeated unlawful conduct in high-impact public spaces.

This new CEZ covers the “Oregon City Downtown Core Area,” which includes Main St. from 5th St. to 18th St. Highway and Highway 99E from 5th St. to 18th St. Above the bluff it includes Washington St. and Center St. from 7th St. to 17th St., as well as Singer Hill Road.
Who Can Be Excluded?

A person may receive an exclusion notice if they commit violations within the zone.

Examples may include:

– Disorderly conduct
– Public consumption of alcohol or drugs
– Harassment or threatening behavior
– Vandalism or property damage
– Other violations specified under Ordinance No. 25-1016

How Long Can an Exclusion Last?

Thirty (30) days. Ninety (90) days if the individual has been excluded from the Oregon City Downtown Core Area at any time within two years before the date of the present exclusion.

What Happens If an Exclusion Is Violated?

Entering or remaining in the CEZ after being legally excluded may result in citation or arrest.

Appeal Process

Individuals who receive an exclusion notice have the right to appeal. Appeals must be filed, in writing, within ten (10) days of the notice’s issuance to the city manager. Several other communities in Oregon have similar zones. Both Portland and Milwaukie have created them in recent years, as have Medford and Ashland in southern Oregon. City Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance stating that the fact that the CEZ is focused on behaviors and not other factors, and is aimed at helping to keep downtown a vibrant and safe location, as their reasons for approving its creation. “

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