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. |
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Domestic violence affects millions of people of every race, age, gender identities, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, religion, background, beliefs, and abilities. Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, social, sexual, spiritual, financial, and technological abuse and can occur between family members, intimate partners, and within 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.
One of the most significant ways to offer support to an individual experiencing domestic violence is to take the first step in seeking help. This can often be the most difficult. Resources are available to survivors or anyone who believes their friend, co-worker, family member, or loved one may need help. Through collaboration and with the assistance of our partners, services exist for safety planning, counseling, housing, and even temporary financial resources.
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During October, you may see our staff displaying purple, the color designated to raise awareness of domestic violence. We invite you to join with us in show of support. |
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FOCUSED PATROL |
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Corporal Bruce Schmid is a recent addition to the Family Justice Center (FJC) as a patrol liaison, but he is not new to policing or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). He joined the Cornelius Police Department (CPD) in 2000, then transferred to the Sheriff’s Office in 2014 when CPD became a WCSO municipal partner.
One of Cpl. Schmid’s favorite aspects of his patrol position has always been community outreach and promoting positive police interactions, including participating in events such as Shop with a Cop. When the opportunity presented to join the FJC team as a WCSO liaison, he was excited to expand his important duties while impacting and supporting domestic violence survivors. When reporting to work at the FJC, Cpl. Schmid dresses in a polo rather than his police uniform to present a “softer appearance” that is more approachable and sensitive to the survivors he encounters.
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In his new liaison position, Cpl. Schmid helps survivors file reports, connects them to available services, provides information, walks them through the process for civil restraining orders, and can conveniently take their police report of domestic violence rather than directing them back to a policing agency. His vast experience in patrol allows him to answer many survivor questions, such as retrieving belongings from home to possible outcomes for the person’s spouse or loved one. He also spends time reviewing all incoming domestic violence reports to see if he can help in any way.
Before COVID-19, WCSO would partner with all Washington County law enforcement agencies every October for a one-day mission to serve outstanding domestic violence related warrants. “The last two Octobers, we haven’t been able to do the one-day push, because it brings in too many people to the jail at once with no space to social distance them,” explains Cpl. Smidt. Instead, he spends two days a week focused on serving as many domestic violence related warrants as he can. Cpl. Schmid is looking forward to learning more in his new position and helping the community navigate a very difficult and stressful time.
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MASSIVE ILLEGAL DRUG OPERATION SHUT DOWN |
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The responding team searched the 29-acre lot including a 6,000 sq ft house, a 5,000 sq ft barn, and a 13,000 sq ft horse arena, all converted to facilitate an illegal marijuana grow operation.
Investigators located and seized over 800 pounds of dried marijuana, 5,719 marijuana plants, an estimated $500,000 in grow equipment, and $22,000 in U.S. currency. The estimated street value of drugs removed from distribution was over $6.5 million.
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UNDERCOVER CHILD PREDATOR STING |
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On Thursday, September 23, 2021, WCSO detectives conducted a child predator sting where investigators posed on a variety of social media platforms as juvenile boys and girls. During this mission, multiple people immediately ended their conversations once they learned the person they were talking with was identifying as a child. Three male subjects, pictured right, were arrested for the felony crimes of luring a minor and online sexual corruption of a child in the first degree after arriving at a location where they believed they were meeting a child in person for sex.
The Sheriff’s Office regularly conducts undercover operations targeting child predators and encourage parents to help their children be safe online. Be aware of the websites and mobile applications your kids are using, take precautions, teach kids to identify inappropriate behavior, and how to respond. The Sheriff’s Office provides online safety education for parents and community organizations. Contact Public Affairs for more information.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Lake Oswego Police Department for their assistance with this sting.
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Our work at the Sheriff’s Office plays a vital role in so many aspects of public safety throughout all of Washington County. Join and engage with us during our upcoming Sheriff’s Showcase - LIVE on Facebook, as we interview experts from different parts of our office, and use this unique opportunity to ask YOUR questions!
We’ll be live 4 consecutive Wednesday evenings at 7pm, from October 27 through November 17. Join us each session to explore how we serve Washington County.
No registration or Facebook account required.
Schedule:
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Wed, Oct 27: Sheriff Garrett will welcome participants and be available for questions. We'll also explore our Patrol Division, and meet members of our Traffic, Mental Health Response, and K9 teams.
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Wed, Nov 3: Learn about our Investigations Division and meet members from our Tactical Negotiations, Crisis Negotiations, and Robot Teams while taking a sneak peek at our Digital Forensics Lab and Bait Package Program.
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Wed, Nov 10: Take an inside look at Washington County's only jail and gain insight into our operations, including our special needs housing unit and Security Threat Group (Gang team).
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Wed, Nov 17: Come virtually “tour” our Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) and see how we prepare to honorably serve our county. Learn about real life Forensics and other services before we end our Showcase with an open Q&A with Sheriff Garrett and Undersheriff Koch.
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BUILDING BRIDGES - VIRTUAL SUMMIT |
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Building Bridges is the collaborative effort of the Muslim Educational Trust, law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations to examine and understand the racial and ethnic disparities that exist in our communities and explore ways to remove them.
We are gearing up for the 6th annual Building Bridges of Understanding in Our Communities 2021 Virtual Summit! This year, we will focus on what the term "public safety" means to all of us and how we can work together to improve our communities.
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The Washington County Sheriff's Office, as part of the Westside Crime Prevention Coalition (WCPC) and in partnership with Warren Allen, LLP, is hosting virtual Landlord Forums every second Wednesday of each month, from October 2021 through May 2022. Each session will focus on a different topic encouraging prevention and de-escalation of disputes between landlords and tenants.
For questions or to join our email list for reminders and Zoom links, contact Public Affairs.
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#BeSafeBeSeen THIS HALLOWEEN |
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As the sun sets on All Hallows Eve, the potential dangers of walking about become all too frightening. On average, children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to Safe Kids USA. We encourage families to #BeSafeBeSeen by ensuring your little ghosts, goblins, and ghouls heed the following safety tips:
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LIGHT UP your costume with reflective tape or carry a flashlight or glowstick.
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TRAVEL IN GROUPS and stay in neighborhoods you're familiar with.
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STAY ON SIDEWALKS and be aware of surrounding vehicles.
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DRIVE SLOW and obey all traffic signs and signals.
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STAY ALERT on the road, especially when entering and exiting driveways and alleys.
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PUT THE PHONE AWAY and eliminate distractions behind the wheel and when walking.
As always, call 9-1-1 for emergencies and non-emergency dispatch to report any suspicious activity: 503-629-0111. Happy Halloween!
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Washington County Sheriff's Office is now 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, application process and more. |
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