Ashland Gives Police Faster Route to Expel Repeat Offenders from Public Spaces After Heated Council Vote

ASHLAND, Ore. — A recent 4 to 2 vote in favour of an amendment to the civil expulsion ordinance in the  Ashland City Council aims to give officers a quicker way to expel individuals who exhibit chronic negative behavior.

Ashland Expulsion Ordinance Updated With Quicker Way To Expel Chronic Negative Behavers

The recent amendment to the Expulsion Ordinance aims to provide officers with a more responsive tool to address negative behavior, but it is still up to a judge to decide on expulsion. It seeks to address issues within two Enhanced Law Enforcement Zones in the downtown area and from Ashland Street to Exit 14.

An important amendment for public safety still requires qualifying behavior at the beginning. Local law enforcement now has the authority to expel chronic misbehavers. Law enforcement can now request an expulsion from a judge if someone is charged with the following within six months:

• 3 or more nuisance violations
• 2 or more misdemeanors
• 1 charge of unauthorized burning or assault

Concerns have been raised that the amendment targets vulnerable populations who might react negatively to police presence.

However, law enforcement emphasized that the amendments aim to stop the chronic negative behavior observed in these two geographically defined areas, and public camping violations don’t count towards an expulsion.