Washington County law enforcement will arrest and book retail theft suspects instead of handing them a citation, under a policy change announced by the District Attorney's Office.
The DA's Office posted the new policy on Oct. 20. It applies to all misdemeanor and felony retail thefts.
Officers will "presumptively arrest and book suspects in the Washington County Jail when legally justified," rather than issuing a criminal citation requiring a later court appearance.
The change replaces a cite-and-release approach that allowed shoplifting suspects to leave the scene with paperwork.
Under the new policy, suspects at Tigard, Tualatin and other Washington County retailers face jail booking.
The announcement came as part of a joint statement from the elected district attorneys of Oregon's three most populous counties.
Those offices together prosecute more than 24,000 cases a year and serve roughly 1.8 million residents, according to the statement.
The announcement did not specify whether the policy took effect immediately or on a future date.
