PRESS CONFERENCE: DEPUTY INVOLVED CRASH |
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Community Grieves Fatal Crash That Claimed Two Victims; Deputy and Other Local Students Critically Injured |
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As many of you know, a horrific crash in the early morning hours of April 27 rocked our community. Two local high school students lost their lives, three others were hospitalized, and one of our deputies was critically injured. Sheriff Garrett provided a statement in a press conference yesterday afternoon identifying the injured deputy as Dep Michael Trotter, shown here in a photo provided by his family. |
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ENHANCED SHERIFF PATROL DISTRICT
PROPOSED DISTRICT LEVY
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Proposed Measure 34-310: On May 17th voters will have the opportunity to vote on whether to replace the expiring local option levy to maintain current service levels within the Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD).
The ESPD provides law enforcement services for residents in the urban areas outside of cities in Washington County.
ESPD LEVY FUNDING WOULD PROVIDE:
- 9-1-1 emergency response
- Investigation of major crimes
- Follow-up on incidents impacting neighborhood safety and livability
- Deputies trained and prepared to respond to emerging and complex community issues
- Advanced training in crisis intervention and de-escalation to respond appropriately to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis
- Resources and livability support tor those impacted by houselessness
If passed, the proposed levy rate would have a five-year, fixed rate of $0.83 per $1,000 of assessed value, a $0.15 increase over the current rate. In 2022, homeowners in the district with an average assessed value of $320,655 would pay around $22 per month. If the proposed measure does not pass, the proposed service would not be provided, and property taxes on a home with an average estimated assessed value would decrease by about $18 per month. The current levy expires in June 2023.
More informational resources:
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WCSO RESPONSE TO HOUSELESSNESS |
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The Washington County Sheriff's Office dedicates time and resources to people experiencing houselessness to ensure safety for all community members. Deputies work directly with various partners to connect the unhoused community with available resources, conduct risk assessments, and engage with residents to improve the livability of Washington County.
Our goal is always to promote public safety and to support all our community members. We ask anyone with information to report suspicious or criminal activity to non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111.
To learn more about the Washington County Sheriff's Office houseless resources, visit bit.ly/WCSO_HOPE. |
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RESPONDING TO INCREASING DRUG OVERDOSE |
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The Sheriff's Office works with partners throughout Washington County to bring public awareness to drug-related issues, including the drastic rise in overdose cases in our community. Naomi Hunsaker, a Behavioral Health Addictions Program Coordinator with Washington County Health and Human Services (HHS), has facilitated collaborative efforts between public health, behavioral health, public safety, and the community. Together, these county partners have worked to improve data collection, educate the community, expand treatment access, increase medication disposal options, and improve pain care opportunities.
- The pandemic took a heavy toll on many due to social isolation, economic distress, unemployment, limited activities to relieve stress, and a lack of available support services.
- Counterfeit pills containing deadly amounts of Fentanyl also began to circulate quickly, often with the contents unbeknownst to the user. According to the DEA, two out of every five illegally produced pills contain a lethal dose of Fentanyl.
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In response, the Sheriff's office created avenues to promote public awareness, such as the " One Pill Can Kill" campaign. The Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) Team focused efforts to enforce drug laws and investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. Staff members were also crucial partners in the Narcan (naloxone) distribution initiative to give life-saving medication to those at the highest risk of overdose. Ms. Hunsaker notes, "The goal of this initiative was to save lives and connect people to recovery resources. The Sheriff's Office distributed over three thousand Narcan doses over a two-year period, and we know of at least 82 lives that were saved from these."
She also stresses that help is available; many behavioral health providers and recovery support services are available in Washington County. "We are constantly assessing the community's needs so that we can mitigate or respond to substance use and overdoses," explains Hunsaker. HHS offers the following recommendations to help keep our community safe from drug misuse and overdose:
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INVESTIGATION LEADS TO LARGE DRUG SEIZURE |
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In February 2022, the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team initiated an investigation into a county-wide drug trafficking organization. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Beaverton Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle related to the investigation, resulting in the seizure of 54 pounds of methamphetamine and 3000 blue “M30” Oxycodone pills believed to be counterfeit and pressed with Fentanyl. The primary suspect in the investigation was taken into custody for multiple commercial drug offenses, and the investigation is ongoing.
The WIN Team is an inter-agency task force comprised of personnel from the Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Oregon National Guard Counter-Drug Program, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
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WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! |
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Receiving feedback from the community helps us recognize outstanding staff members and evaluate opportunities to improve, assisting in our commitment as a learning organization that strives for excellence. Your support and honest feedback is sincerely appreciated!
You are always welcome to submit a compliment or complaint via our website or call non-emergency at 503-629-0111.
We are happy to share a few experiences shared with us over the past month:
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On Saturday, April 16, a community member shared their appreciation of Dep Julia Corey for going above and beyond while responding to a criminal mischief call. The caller's house was pelted with eggs, some of which had landed on his roof. As an elderly gentleman, he did not have the physical ability to get on his rooftop to wash them off. But after listening and taking his report, Dep Corey offered to climb up on his roof and wash it for him. When sharing this account, the gentleman explained that he had kindly told her she didn't have to do that, but she insisted and went above the call for service that day. Dep Corey's professionalism and care for her community stood out to this gentleman and truly made a positive impact! Thank you, Dep. Corey!
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On Tuesday, April 12, Deputies Don Maller and Mark Demmer investigated a crash on 185th/Rosa Rd. The son-in-law of one of the involved parties reached out to share that both deputies treated his 86-year-old father-in-law with such kindness and compassion. They provided him a ride home and left him in the care of his neighbor. Later, Dep Demmer returned to check on him and provided a copy of the accident report. The son-in-law wrote, "Thank you for having people like them who go above and beyond and make a real difference. Both of them need to be recognized for the outstanding job they are doing!" Way to go the extra miles, thank you both!
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On Friday, April 8, a Washington County resident reached out by phone to praise Cpl Mark Shah for a recent interaction. She stated that she has on-going medical issues and needed help, but as it wasn't a life-or-death emergency, she preferred not to use an ambulance to get to the hospital. Having no other transportation means, Cpl Shah offered to drive her and even accompanied her inside and spoke to the registration clerk on her behalf. She commented how extremely kind Cpl Shah was to her and wanted to express her sincere appreciation. Thank you, Cpl Shah, for the great work you do every day!
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The Washington County Sheriff's Office joined with law enforcement agencies across the country to stop drivers from using cell phones and other devices while behind the wheel.
- Need to send a text? Pullover and park in a safe location. Only then is it safe to send or read a text.
- Designate a passenger as your "designated texter." Have them respond to calls or messages.
- Do not scroll through apps while driving.
- Struggling to not text and drive? Put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat when driving.
Oregon's distracted driving law includes a fine of up to $440 for first-time offenders involved in a crash. See ORS 811.507
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K9 Trials competition: 11 AM – 1 PM
Safety Fair: 10 AM 12:00 PM
Vendor Fair: 10 AM – 1 PM
The Washington County K9 Trials are almost here! Join us for a FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT as police K9 teams from throughout the region compete for the "Top Dog" title during the 2022 Washington County K9 Trials at Hillsboro Stadium.
Don’t forget to stick around for the meet-and-greet with the K9s after the competition!
- Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
- Please leave pets at home (service animals are welcome).
General questions about the K9 Trials? Contact us!
*Subject to change based on Washington County guidelines for large gatherings.
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Did you miss any of our Showcase events this month? Feel free to revisit any of our interviews to gain more insight into Washington County's Public Safety work!
Sheriff Garrett, Patrol Commander Bennett, and Recruitment Sergeant Shaddy share how their teams work to ensure rapid 911 responses and continued levels of policing services for our community.
Hear from our Training Department, our Mental Health Response Team, and our Tactical Negotiations Team to learn how we respond to people in crisis and divert them from the criminal justice system when appropriate. Explore our advanced de-escalation and crisis intervention training to ensure proper law enforcement response to all types of calls.
Due to the horrific crash preceding our planned event, we will postpone our discussion with our School Resources Officers, Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN), and Houseless Outreach Programs and Engagement (HOPE) Teams. When determined, date and time will be shared on our Facebook page. Instead our live-stream was used to share the updated information about the crash involving our deputy. |
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Many recognize that a career in law enforcement requires a high level of physical capabilities to perform the duties of an officer. So much so that before one can embark on their career, they must first complete the Oregon Physical Abilities Test (ORPAT). But for some special teams and assignments, the physical requirements necessitate even higher standards. The K9 Team and Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) are among the most physically demanding – keeping up with the K9s and sporting heavy tactical gear for long periods of time and distance. Sgt. Eamon O'Reilly just so happens to belong to both.
When applying for patrol back in 2008, Sgt. O'Reilly, yielding to his competitive nature, wanted to pull off the best ORPAT time in his academy class, which he did. While training for the ORPAT, he developed a love for fitness, running, AND competing and began participating in 5K runs. Still driven, primarily by ego he says, Sgt. O'Reilly sought to prove that he could run farther distances, which he also did. In 2016, having yet to run a marathon, he set a goal to qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon, not an easy feat by any standard. Three years later, while running his fifth marathon, Sgt. O'Reilly qualified for this highly esteemed race. This past weekend he not only achieved his goal of competing in the Boston Marathon but did so in record time, completing the 26.2-mile marathon in just over 3 hours and 13 minutes, four minutes faster than his personal best. Now, don't be silly and think he's run to the end of his road; for the last six months and with 11 marathons now under his belt, he's been training for an ultramarathon and plans to run a 100-mile race next!
Sgt. O'Reilly has not missed a single day running in the past 485 days; you might even see him around town training with his K9 partner, Radar. Though it's mostly for fun and fitness, Sgt. O'Reilly recognizes the benefit his training brings to his position as both the K9 Team Sergeant and a TNT member. He is the epitome of dedication and perseverance, both traits that serve him and Washington County well!
Don't miss your chance to meet Sgt. O'Reilly and Radar at our upcoming K9 Trials on May 21! Click here for more event details. |
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Kids see strangers every day in stores, at the park, and in their neighborhoods. Most of these strangers are decent, normal people, but a few may not be. Parents can protect their children from dangerous situations by teaching them about strangers, suspicious behavior, and taking a few precautions:
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Know where your kids are at all times. Make it a rule that permission is needed before they go anywhere. Also, make sure they know your phone number by heart so they can reach you at all times.
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Point out safe places. Show your children safe places to play, set boundaries, and discuss with them where to go if there’s trouble.
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Teach children to trust their instincts. If they ever feel scared or uncomfortable, tell them to get away as fast as possible and find a trusted adult.
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Teach children to be assertive. Make sure they know it’s ok to tell an adult no or run away if in a dangerous situation.
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Encourage the buddy system. There is always safety in numbers!
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The Washington County Sheriff's Office is hiring Patrol and Jail Deputies. If you or anyone you know is interested in making an impact in Washington County, check out our available positions! Visit joinWCSO.com for information on requirements, testing, the application process, and more.
Some essential skills needed to serve the community in a law enforcement position include excellent communication, de-escalation, understanding of community policing, and the ability to interact with individuals from all backgrounds.
If you have additional questions, please contact our Recruitment Team or call (503) 846-6369. |
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CRIMINAL RECORDS SPECIALISTS |
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We are actively recruiting for Criminal Records Specialist I/II positions!
This role is an opportunity to apply your best skills in a broad array of administrative responsibilities and receive comprehensive, on-the-job training. This role provides vital support to law enforcement officers, criminal court operations, and other jurisdictions. Additionally, you will run reports, extract law enforcement data, and provide administrative customer service to the public, attorneys, or insurance companies related to bail, fees, towed vehicles, or expunction of records.
If you are looking for a dynamic, fun position and would like to join our support team, apply today! |
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