December 6, 2022 4:00 a.m.
The Oregon Association Chiefs of Police is challenging the implementation of Ballot Measure 114 through a court declaration.
A release from the organization issued Monday afternoon says they are committed to following the rule of law and doing everything they can to meet the requirements set forth in the measure. While the ballot measure is scheduled to take effect on Thursday, the infrastructure, processes and resources necessary to make that happen do not exist, according to the OACP.
The group said that law enforcement agencies are responsible for fully implementing the measure unless a court issues a stay or declares part or all, of the measure unconstitutional.
The released said after the passage of BM 114, OACP began working quickly and collaboratively with Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association to implement a cohesive permit system as soon as possible. OACP said this is what is known so far:
*BM 114 makes each police agency in Oregon a “permit agent” for their respective jurisdictions. Currently OACP is working with OSP and OSSA to create a permit-to-purchase system that meets BM 114’s requirements. Currently there is no system in place and therefore no permits to purchase can be issued.
*There will be a financial burden to law enforcement agencies across the state to meet BM 114’s requirements. The revenue generated by the permits ($65 for each permit) will not come close to fully funding the associated expenditures. This will likely result in other public safety resources being reduced to cover the costs of implementing a new permit program.
*BM 114 also requires permit-to-purchase applicants to provide proof of very specific training requirements. Some can be completed online, but one requires a demonstration to be completed in person before an instructor who is certified by a law enforcement agency. OACP is not aware of any current training program that meets the requirements of BM 114. OACP believes that every person wishing to obtain a permit, including law enforcement officers, will first have to complete training that does not yet exist.
The release said for these reasons and many others, OACP believes there is no way an operational permit system will be in place by December 8th or in the near future. OACP supports the motion made in federal court for a preliminary enjoin of BM 114, and have submitted a declaration to the court outlining the obstacles and challenges as they seen them in implementing this measure in such a short period of time.