Deflection Program A Success

Lincoln County is celebrating a milestone in its Deflection Program, which launched December 30, 2024, as part of a state-wide effort to reduce recidivism and provide supportive alternatives to prosecution for low-level, non-violent offenses. In the program’s first nine months, 36 individuals voluntarily entered, with 20 of those being identified internally by the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. Having the deflection coordinator embedded in the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office has increased the identification of eligible individuals by 55%, providing our community with greater access to resources outside of the criminal justice system.

This month marked a significant achievement for the program with four participants who have successfully graduated the six-month-long deflection program by demonstrating sustained progress in recovery, stability, and community reintegration. The Lincoln County Deflection Program provides an alternative to traditional prosecution by connecting individuals to behavioral health services, substance use treatment, housing resources, and case management – before criminal charges are filed. Participation is voluntary and designed to interrupt cycles of arrest and incarceration by addressing the root causes of criminalized behavior.

Prior to the Deflection Program, these individuals were arrested and faced charges in the criminal justice system, typically ending with a conviction as punishment without addressing any underlying issues. Now, some individuals have a different option: deflection. In the Deflection Program, law enforcement has the option of connecting an eligible individual with a treatment provider instead of arresting them and transporting them to jail. Additionally, the District Attorney’s Office’s deflection coordinator reviews all misdemeanor arrests or referrals daily to screen for deflection eligibility, which has increased the number of individuals entering and successfully graduating the deflection program.

“We are thrilled to see our first graduates, and we’re proud of every participant who has taken the step to engage with this opportunity,” said Jenna Wallace, Lincoln County District Attorney. “The program is showing real promise in addressing the underlying issues that often drive criminal behavior. If this program has a positive impact on one person’s life, it is success!” The program is a collaborative effort between the District Attorney’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement agencies, and three local participating treatment providers: Reconnection Counseling, Phoenix Wellness Center, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

As part of its continued development, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has applied for an additional two years of grant funding to sustain and expand the program. Looking ahead, the District Attorney’s Office plans to launch a new pathway for deflection through community referrals made by peer treatment providers, broadening access for individuals in need, prior to any direct contact with law enforcement or the criminal justice system.

“This expansion will make it easier for people to access help earlier, before they’re in crisis or involved with law enforcement,” said Shannon Heisler, Deflection Program Coordinator. “Our goal is to strengthen community safety by supporting individual recovery and resilience before behavior escalates to the point of law enforcement contact.”

Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to data-driven, compassionate alternatives that balance accountability with opportunity. The Deflection Program, imbedded in the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, is a vital part of that mission. Together, with our local law enforcement agencies and treatment providers, we are positively impacting the lives of Lincoln County citizens and, in turn, creating a safer drug-free community for all.