Could you face criminal charges for violating Oregon’s ‘freeze’ order?

“We’re taking an education first approach, and I know the vast majority of Oregonians are complying with the law,” she told KATU last week. “However, my orders are enforceable. This is no different than neighbors calling the police on a house party that’s gotten too loud and the police issuing a citation.”

The governor announced the freeze November 13 in a press conference (watch below) and issued executive orders formalizing the restrictions before they took effect November 18.

But state and local law enforcement officials have issued conflicting opinions on whether or not they will resort to criminal charges to enforce the “freeze.”

The superintendent of the Oregon State Police and the heads of statewide organizations for sheriffs and police chiefs said they will focus on education first.

“Oregon Law Enforcement recognizes that we cannot arrest or enforce our way out of the pandemic. We can however work together in following these restrictions to make our communities a safer and healthy place,” they said, noting that much of the enforcement of workplace rules and restaurant and bar closures falls to Oregon OSHA and the state liquor commission.

Police in Roseburg said they are following those same guidelines, but county officials in Douglas County said they do not support the county government enforcing the state freeze.

And the district attorney and sheriff in Linn County have gone on the record saying they will not prosecute anyone who violates the freeze.

In Lane County, Eugene Police posted on Facebook last week that “Governor Brown’s latest freeze directive is enforceable.”

But here is what else you need to know: EPD will advise staff to ask for voluntary compliance and address issues with an educational approach where possible.

The goal would be to attempt to gain compliance without taking enforcement action.

Usually this is effective. If that is not effective, a citation can be issued with permission from a supervisor, or as the very last resort, taking a person into custody.