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Sheriff Gary Bettencourt

OREGON SHERIFF Magazine News

Sheriff Bettencourt began his law enforcement career with Gilliam County serving as a Reserve Deputy, Deputy, Undersheriff and appointed Sheriff. He was then elected to the Office of Sheriff and began his term in January, 2007. Prior to working in law enforcement, Sheriff Bettencourt was a Volunteer Fire Fighter for Silverton Volunteer Fire Department.

Sheriff Bettencourt has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the Washington/Oregon Regional Crime Task Force (WORC) for Gilliam County which allows organized and efficient use of local resources, manpower, updated technology and equipment that was previously not available. He currently serves on the executive board of this task force. Sheriff Bettencourt has implemented a narcotics detection K-9 program, resulting in several drug related arrests. Since implementing the graveyard shift, there has been a reduction in thefts and burglaries in the rural areas of Gilliam County.

"Since becoming Undersheriff and now Sheriff, the office has continued to grow in professionalism, consistency, fairness and efficiency for the betterment of all the citizens in our County. My door will always be open to the people of Gilliam County to help them with their law enforcement needs," Sheriff Bettencourt said.

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OREGON SHERIFF Magazine News

Summer, 2010 -- The Gilliam County Sheriff's Office is now on facebook! Unashamedly copying the idea from other sheriff's offices, we have created our own profile on the popular social networking site. The feedback has been exceedingly positive so far, and we are excited to use this tool to get our message out, and to educate the public about who we are and what we do.

In recent months, we have noticed an increase in large marijuana seizures. This is most likely due to the widespread abuse of Oregon's poorly written medical marijuana statutes.

We recently investigated the tragic death of a windsurfer on the Columbia River. Sheriff Bettencourt would like to remind everybody to be safe when they head into the great outdoors to enjoy their favorite activities.

The temperature is rising, and historically, our caseload increases with it. We've been busy gearing up for what is typically our busiest time of year and preparing for training on our new ATVs and patrol rifles.

We had to call for an emergency tow for a vehicle parked near the John Day River that was submerged in water up to its mirrors and deputies were afraid it may be swept away. The owner was floating the flooding river.

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