Best Practices on Trauma Informed Care--HB 2575

The 2021 legislative session enrolled HB 2575 (ORS 181A.445) which required DPSST to develop, in consultation with the Department of Justice, best practices for law enforcement agencies when interacting with persons who have experienced trauma.  The bill further required law enforcement agencies to adopt appropriate best practice policies on trauma informed care.  

Pursuant to OAR 259-008-0510, DPSST has published the Trauma-Informed Practices web page which meets the requirements found in ORS 181A.455.  

Law enforcement agencies that employ police officers must adopt best practice policies for interacting with persons who have experienced trauma by January 1, 2024. 

The ORS and OAR are copied below for your convenience.  If you have any questions, please contact Staci Yutzie, Center for Policing Excellence Manager at Staci.Yutzie@dpsst.oregon.gov

Thank you!

ORS 181A.445 Best practices for interacting with persons who have experienced trauma; rules. (1) No later than January 1, 2023, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, in consultation with the Department of Justice, shall develop best practices for law enforcement agencies when interacting with persons who have experienced trauma.

(2)(a) The best practices developed under this section must offer alternative options for law enforcement agencies of varying size and resource capacity.

(b) The best practices developed under this section must, at a minimum:

(A) Be research-based and take into account the psychological and neurological effects of trauma;

(B) Recommend techniques for interacting with persons who have experienced trauma;

(C) Have the objective of minimizing further trauma;

(D) Take into account the impact of structural racism and other forms of historical trauma;

(E) Require law enforcement officers to consider the effects of trauma when working on a case;

(F) Recommend techniques for interviewing persons who have experienced trauma; and

(G) Provide recommendations for writing reports based on interviews with persons who have experienced trauma.

(3) Law enforcement agencies within this state shall adopt appropriate best practice policies for interacting with persons who have experienced trauma no later than the date established by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training by rule.

(4) The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training shall adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section. [2021 c.532 §2]

OAR 259-008-0510 Law Enforcement Agency Best Practice Policies for Interacting with Persons Who Have Experienced Trauma

(1) No later than January 1, 2024, a law enforcement agency that employs police officers must adopt best practice policies for interacting with persons who have experienced trauma.

(2) DPSST, in consultation with the Department of Justice, must develop best practices that meet the criteria listed in ORS 181A.445(2). A copy of the best practices will be posted on the DPSST website.