Strong community relationships of mutual trust are critical to the Sheriff's Office's efforts to maintain public safety and effective policing. Law enforcement agencies rely on community members to help identify and devise solutions to combat criminal behavior. Similarly, community members' willingness to trust deputies relies on the belief that police actions reflect community values. The Sheriff's Office encourages community involvement to meet and understand these needs first-hand.

 

Despite continued COVID-19 restrictions, we are working hard to maintain connections with our community members. There are several ways to get involved with local law enforcement to foster mutual understanding and work together to promote public safety. 

We are excited to host our 2021 Community Public Safety Academy virtually throughout March! This academy is a unique and engaging opportunity to take an in-depth look at local law enforcement's inter-workings. Participants will hear directly from many of the different departments and teams who together accomplish the Sheriff's Office's vital work. The academy features comprehensive presentations, behind-the-scenes virtual tours, and Q&A opportunities to foster the best virtual learning experience possible.

This course will run five consecutive weeks, every Wednesday evening in March from 6 - 8:30 pm. Each evening will focus on a new theme, and participation at each session is encouraged.

Registration is limited and will remain open until filled. Please direct any further questions to Public Affairs Specialist Amy Terrones at 503-523-6386. 

The Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District (ESPD) Advisory Committee meets bi-monthly with Sheriff Garrett and command staff to review and offer recommendations regarding the level and type of police service provided. The committee also advises the Sheriff on strategic goals, other long-range opportunities, and community collaboration. 

The ESPD Advisory Committee maintains a 17-member board and currently is accepting applications for two vacant positions. Their next meeting is Wednesday, March 3, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, and is open to the public both in-person and virtually. For more information, contact Lori Larson at 503-846-2694.

The Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue is accepting applications. Don't miss this opportunity to join this prestigious, 55-year-old, highly trained youth program. 

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the academy's model and dates are subject to change, however tentatively scheduled for the end of July through the first part of August.

The Sheriff's Office Latino Advisory Commission addresses public safety issues and seeks to build trust among our communities of color and the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Establishing an ongoing partnership is an essential step in meeting the public safety needs of our entire community.

We welcome Community involvement; the commission meets the first Wednesday of every month from 4 - 6 pm. Questions can be directed to Joann Hoffman at 503-846-2762.

The Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy Program is now accepting applications through April 10, 2021. Reserve deputies are volunteer law enforcement officers who assist patrol deputies in the performance of their duties. This includes answering emergency calls, rendering aid, making arrests, and testifying in court. For more information, visit our website or contact Sgt. Figueroa. 

Washington County has drafted initial recommendations on implementing this program and is seeking input from all community members to inform the final report and advise community leaders on future service delivery priorities. Community members are invited to review the draft report and provide feedback via survey by March 5, 2021.

Washington County Health and Human Services is sponsoring two virtual community engagement sessions via Zoom. No pre-registration is necessary. If you would like to engage in the discussion or for more information on the virtual community engagement sessions, please visit their website.