Oregon State Sheriffs' Association

Immediate changes to the sheriff's office have included:

Lengthening the patrol schedule to cover more hours in the day
Streamlining the command structure of patrol and the jail to produce a more efficient system
Renewing a commitment to patrolling the Columbia River, adding an extra, seasonal deputy position with additional state funds
Updating and revamping the policies and procedures that govern day-to-day activities
Cost cutting measures designed to save jobs and keep more deputies on the road
Setting the groundwork for, and building a solid team of volunteers to help ease the burden on the agency's short-staffed operations
Building a new image for the sheriff's office with a new look in uniforms and patrol cars that speak of professionalism, assurance and preparedness in uncertain times
Rebuilding the agency from the ground up in the areas of training, discipline, management and administrative direction
Maintaining a positive outlook, even in difficult budget times -- not allowing our financial woes to affect our commitment to service or our devotion to duty

These are trying times for public safety, and local sheriff's offices are struggling to provide all the services mandated to them by state law. We are working hard to find ways to maximize our limited resources for the good of the citizens we serve.

Summer, 2010 -- Two new deputy positions have been approved through negotiations with the Board of Commissioners. The Sheriff's Office will now be managing Animal Control and the Columbia County firing range. A new civil deputy position will also be added to take the strain of serving civil papers off our enforcement deputies.

In April, deputies responded to a shooting incident by a floating restaurant in the Multnomah channel near Scappoose. One man was arrested and charged with several counts, including attempted murder.

The committee appointed by the Board of Commissioners to recommend solutions to the funding gaps for public safety in Columbia County has recommended to the Board that a tax district measure to provide dedicated funding for jail and court security operations be placed before the voters next spring. It is my view that this concept provides the best chance to free up general fund dollars to support other important Sheriff's Office operations (i.e., enforcement, civil process and search and rescue), while providing a firm footing for the jail for many years to come. I will be working with the commissioners to bring this measure to the people and to make the case for the funding needs of this office.

I again want to thank you for your support of our State Sheriff's Association. Working together to help one another conserve the peace in the 36 counties in Oregon, your Sheriffs depend on the gracious support of people like you to promote the Office of Sheriff statewide!