(Salem) “Senate Bill 911 addresses only a portion of the concerns voiced by residents and local law enforcement, but it is a step in the right direction,” said State Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) who carried the measure on the Senate Floor today. Senate Bill 911 was adopted by a vote of 29‐0. The measure calls for standards for Secure Residential Treatment Facilities (SRTF) which house people coming out of the state hospital and have been found “guilty except for insanity”.
In Starr’s legislative district an SRTF was placed in Cornelius housing offenders charged with violent crimes such as rape and arson, but conditionally released by the Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB). The Connell House was eventually shut down and reopened with less dangerous forensic patients.
Over 300 residents turned out for a town hall meeting last year, upset about the Connell House. Starr noted during his floor remarks that, “neighbors deserve the highest security standards possible. I urge you to send a message about these facilities before there is a really tragic incident; before we move any more of these dangerous people into the community.”
“This much needed legislation will place an emphasis on public safety concerns, while still allowing residential treatment for appropriately placed individuals,” said Washington County District Attorney Bob Hermann. “Having these security standards in place will be one step toward gaining community confidence in these treatment facilities.”
There are currently eight SRTFs around Oregon and more under development; however, Senator Starr pointed out there are, “no standards for security, no standards for health and safety, and no standards for staff training. SB 911 puts standards in place.”
The definition of “secure” also varies depending on the home. For example in Woodburn, there is a facility which allows several clients to leave, and go to work every day. But in Pendleton, the SRTF is enclosed with a 10‐foot alarmed security fence, doors locked 24/7 and security cameras. Another SRTF proposed for Vale last year was supposed to have a 3‐foot deep moat, 6‐foot vinyl fence, and alarmed windows.
SB 911 now moves to the House for consideration. Recommendations for uniform standards were also
included in a taskforce report recently released by the Governor’s Office. Starr is also pushing Senate Bill 910, which would notify residents living within 1,000 feet of a facility.
