In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), this October, local law enforcement agencies, victim advocates, and community partners are taking a stand against domestic violence. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges in many ways, one thing remains constant, our commitment to protect the community we serve. We remain dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence by connecting them to critical community resources like the Domestic Violence Resource Center and Family Justice Center.

Domestic violence affects millions of people of every race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religion, background, beliefs, and ability. Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, social, sexual, spiritual, financial, and technological abuse and can occur between family members, intimate partners, and dating relationships. More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States report having experienced domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or physical assault by an intimate partner during their lifetimes.



Resources are available to survivors or anyone who believes their friend, co-worker, family member, or loved one may need help. Services are available for safety planning, counseling, housing, and even temporary financial resources. Taking the first step by asking for help can often be the most difficult, but also one of the most significant ways we can show support.

Click here for more information and resources related to domestic violence.

#BeSafeBeSeen THIS HALLOWEEN

Welcome to our new website! 

Following a multi-year planning and development process, we are excited to launch our new website. We designed our new look to provide improved access to information and services, including a modern, clean design and a mobile-friendly experience. 

We work hard to provide accurate, up-to-date, and transparent information, and we encourage you to stay connected and remain in tune with our safety messages, updates, and services on our new site. If you have trouble finding the information you need or experience any technical difficulties, we invite your feedback directed to [email protected]

In early September, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies received three similar reports of thieves targeting victims and stealing their valuables. In each encounter, the suspects used suspicious tactics to steal from the victims, totaling over $10,000 in losses.

In all three incidents, the suspects engaged the victims and offered a gift of jewelry. Distracted by the conversation, the suspects took the unsuspecting victim’s jewelry while leaving them with a counterfeit or with a fake piece of jewelry. In one report, the suspects took money directly from the victim’s wallet and refused to return it. Other victims allowed the suspects to follow them home or to the bank to get additional money for payment or charity. The scammers play on emotions and often make a plea for help such as needing gasoline or food to support their family.

Detectives with our Property Crimes Unit want to share awareness of this nationwide theft scheme and encourage our community to be safe. Contact your local law enforcement agency if you believe you have been a victim of a similar theft. For incidents occurring in Washington County, call 503-629-0111.

For additional details, please see the full media release.

In instances when the victim doesn't know their offender's identity, deputies and detectives have the extra burden of first identifying the suspect before proceeding further with the investigation and hopefully bringing closure for the victim.

Such was the case on September 7, when deputies responded to a report of public indecency and sexual assault with an unknown suspect. A student reported that while walking to Mountain View Middle School, an unknown adult male exposed his genitals and sexually touched them. Video surveillance caught footage of the suspect, though detectives could not immediately identify him. Detective Wilde, assigned to investigate the case, internally shared the camera footage with WCSO staff in hopes of identifying the suspect. While off-duty, Deputy Graeber saw the bulletin, immediately recognized the suspect from past arrests, and had information on where to find him.

The suspect was quickly apprehended, thanks to the timely information from Deputy Graeber. Detective Wilde shared her appreciation for Deputy Graeber's help and specifically commended his "dedication, phenomenal memory, and willingness to take the time to call on his day off."

Thank you, Deputy Graeber, for your excellent work and commitment to public safety in Washington County.

Read the full media release here

Over Labor Day weekend your WCSO Traffic Safety Unit focused on DUII enforcement with along our state and local partners. During this focused mission, the team stopped over 372 drivers, arresting 28 for driving under the influence of intoxicants and two for other crimes. The team also issued 123 traffic-related citations.

Thank you to Oregon State Police, Beaverton Police Department, Sherwood Police Department, Tigard Police Department, Forest Grove Police, and W.C.C.C.A. 9-1-1 for their partnership and commitment to keeping drivers safe.

We can all do our part to keep our roads safe. If you choose to use alcohol or drugs, please be safe and avoid getting behind the wheel. Make plans beforehand to get a ride from a sober friend, use public transportation, call a taxi, or use a ridesharing service.

WCSO is excited to resume our in-person Power Curve Women's Self-Defense classes during our next session on November 8 and November 10, 6-10pm.

Washington County Sheriff's Office Defensive Tactics instructors invite women over the age of 14 to attend this hands-on class focused on women's empowerment and tools to maintain personal safety. Our focus centers on situational awareness and physical self-defense techniques that provide options to reduce the risk of abuse and sexual attack. This class introduces self-defense techniques and is not intended for on-going training.

This class is limited to the first 30 registrants - Sign up now!

On September 15, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, alongside other local law enforcement agencies, made strides (about 5 miles worth!) to support the community by participating in the 2022 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. Staff joined Olympians as they carried the flame of hope while running the Washington County leg. Throughout the nation, law enforcement joins this special cause every year and culmatively runs over 1,500 miles through more than 175 communities. We were honored to be a part of it!  

Ever thought about a career at the Washington County Jail? We are now accepting applications for Jail Service Technicians (JST).

JST's are vital to keeping our complex jail operations running smoothly. They work alongside uniformed deputies and provide various administrative jail services related to booking, evaluation, risk assessment, and custody support functions.

Visit Washington County Jobs for more information and to apply.