Ready to help your community in 2023? Keep reading for more on all of the ways you can get involved. The Sheriff’s Office depends on our amazing volunteers to help us provide the best service possible to our community. Working together, our volunteers' innovation, compassion, and continued dedication equate to an average of 18 full-time positions.
The Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue program teaches young men and women essential life skills and unique insight into the exciting career fields of Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services.  

This program has an outstanding reputation, and police agencies often call upon its skills throughout Oregon. Members are primarily involved in Search and Rescue missions for lost people, downed aircraft, and evidence in major crimes. 

To participate, volunteers must meet the following requirements: 
  • Between the ages of 14-17 
  • Washington County resident 
  • Positive community record 
  • Good physical health  
  • Minimum 2.3 GPA with no failing classes 
  • Basic training academy 
  • Minimum 2-year commitment as an active member 
 
Interested in joining our unique team? Join us for an upcoming informational session to learn more! Both sessions will be held at: Sheriff's Office, 215 SW Adams Ave, Hillsboro 
 
  • Monday, March 20, 2023, 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 25, 2023, 10 a.m.
 
The deadline to apply is April 15, 2023. To keep up with the latest updates and to apply visit bit.ly/WCSO-SAR. 
Want to serve your community but can’t make a full-time commitment? Consider joining the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputy program!  

If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, all while keeping community members safe, building new skills, and committing to 30 hours every 3 months, apply for our Reserve Deputy program!  

Reserve Deputies are sworn volunteer law enforcement officers who assist full-time patrol deputies with answering emergency calls, rendering aid, making arrests, and testifying in court. In addition, Reserves also participate in special missions, panels, critical incident callouts, and events. 

Applications are due by April 1, 2023, to join our next interagency academy in January 2024.  

 
Don’t miss out on this unique volunteer opportunity. Apply now! 
Your new career is waiting for you! Let's get started.

Our recruitment team will host interested applicants at our new Public Safety Training Center (600 SW Walnut Street, Hillsboro) to provide an overview of our hiring process and answer any of your questions.
 
RSVP and learn more about our hiring process by emailing [email protected]
WCSO is fortunate to have a fantastic team of volunteer chaplains who are always on standby to provide trauma-informed care for community members who have experienced a critical incident and may be in crisis.  

Chaplains serve anyone in distress and are often the “emotional first responders” until family, friends, or other professionals arrive. Our Chaplains have had a busy year, and sadly, we anticipate more of the same moving forward because suffering and loss are part of life. 
 
A chaplain is called to be available and authentic, while also affirming every life's inherent dignity in offering real and relevant support. Volunteer WCSO Chaplains always support our mission, core values, and goals while engaging the crisis-related needs of the community, including adults in custody at the jail. 
 
To find out more about this program or to become a volunteer chaplain, contact our Volunteer Coordinator Sara Serna. 
The Washington County Sheriff's Office Foundation supports our safety efforts as the only organization authorized to raise funds on our behalf. Their fundraising efforts support programs that promote community, improve livability, and reduce crime, which County funds do not cover. The foundation sponsors community outreach programs such as our annual Washington County K9 Trials, Shop with a Cop, Search and Rescue, and Project Lifesaver. 

The foundation consists of 14 board members who live or work in Washington County and represent our service area from neighborhoods, businesses, and community participation organizations. Members are volunteers and local business leaders who donate their time and experience to raise and manage funds for these various programs. 

Volunteer board members attend monthly virtual meetings and commit to two years. If interested in a position, please email foundation President Russ Mosser, or visit their website to learn more.  
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. Strengthening our partnerships is an essential step in meeting the public safety needs of our entire community.  
 
We welcome community involvement! The commission meets virtually the first Wednesday of every month from 4 – 5:30 p.m. For more information or meeting links, contact Joann Hoffman at 503-846-2762.  
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 advises the Sheriff on strategic goals, other long-range opportunities, and community collaboration. 

All ESPD Advisory meetings are public and hosted on the first Wednesday of every other month. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 1, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., and is open to virtual attendance via Microsoft Teams. For more information, contact Sharon Gray at 503-846-2506. 
Make a difference in your community today by joining the Elder Safe Volunteer team.

Volunteer advocates connect with crime victims in Washington County over the age of 65 to provide resources and support. The cases referred to our volunteer advocates are specific to scams/fraud, elder abuse, and elder neglect.

Elder Safe volunteer advocates provide:
  • Older adult victims with emotional support and information about their case
  • Community education on elder abuse issues
  • Information and referrals to community resources
  • Safety planning
  • Education about the criminal and civil justice process 

The Elder Safe program is successful because of our volunteer advocates, the personal connections built with older adult victims, and the support we can offer as they progress through the criminal justice process.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or 503-846-6048.
Jail Recovery Program Volunteers Needed

The Washington County Jail is looking for volunteers with experience attending or leading recovery meetings to assist with the Jail Recovery Program. This program provides adults in custody access to drug and alcohol recovery programs. Individuals chosen for this program will host and facilitate Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Celebrate Recovery meetings. Volunteers work collaboratively with Jail Programs staff to ensure the safety and security of all individuals while encouraging rehabilitation.  

Perspective volunteers will undergo an interview, background check, and orientation period before being integrated into the program. Those interested in learning more about this meaningful role can contact the WCSO Volunteer Coordinator, Sara Serna.  
Community Participation Organizations (CPO) provide a place for neighbors to meet and address local issues. Your CPO is your community engagement connection to information, people, and opportunities. Be sure to attend and take the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making that affects you and your community. Everyone is welcome! 

Currently, there are 12 active regionally-based CPOs in Washington County. Find out more about your neighborhood CPO. CPOs hold regular community meetings and events. Drop into the next CPO meeting in your area to find out what is happening in your community.  
Building connections and empowering community members to create friendly and safe neighborhoods is an important goal of the Sheriff’s Office. We prioritize this through deliberate efforts to expand Washington County Neighborhood Watch Programs.

The Sheriff's Office hosts Neighborhood Watch kick-off meetings in partnership with neighborhoods. During these meetings, we discuss neighborhood-specific concerns and encourage simple steps to make communities more friendly and safe.

Click here for more information on starting or reviving an existing Watch Program, or contact Public Affairs.
A rewarding career with great pay + benefits and
the chance to serve your community is waiting for you!
Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community.

Currently, there are multiple ways to build your career at WCSO. Meet with our Recruitment Team to learn more about your perfect opportunity.

Visit Washington County Jobs for more information and to apply today.
Accreditation Agency Invites
Your Feedback on WCSO Services 
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies invites the Washington County community to share commendations and other comments on the quality WCSO services. We hope you will share your view of the quality of law enforcement services provided by the WCSO. Visit the CALEA Public Access Portal today!