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January is nationally recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The Washington County Human Trafficking Task Force, led by Safety Compass Oregon works to identify and support victims of trafficking. Human trafficking is a real threat used to exert power and control over others, especially women and children, through force, fraud, or coercion.

As members of the Task Force, Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) detectives and deputies work tirelessly to help those trapped in trafficking and forced labor. WCSO thanks our community partners, Safety Compass Oregon, the Washington County District Attorney's Office, our municipal partners, and community support service providers. These partnerships help coordinate sex trafficking investigations and prosecutions while ensuring victims and survivors receive trauma-informed services.

Anyone can join the fight against human trafficking. We encourage you to to get involved to raise awareness and honor those missing or who have lost their lives to the violence of trafficking. The US Department of State has outlined ways you can learn more to help prevent and stop this criminality:

• Indicators of human trafficking.
• Learn to recognize traffickers' recruitment tactics, how to navigate out of a suspicious or uncomfortable situation safely, and how to reach out for help at any time.
• Become a mentor to a young person or someone in need. Traffickers often target people who are going through a difficult time or lack strong support systems. 
• Parents, caregivers, and those working with youth: Learn how human traffickers often target and recruit youth and know who to turn to in potentially dangerous situations.
• If you believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, call the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or local non-emergency at 503-629-0111. Always report emergencies to law enforcement by calling 9-1-1. 

If we all “See Something, Say Something” together as a community, we can save lives and hold abusers accountable. To read more about this fight and other ways you can help, visit the US Department of State's website.

Recently members of our Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) led an active threat training with local law enforcement agencies and fire departments. Training and preparing for the unthinkable is one way we keep Washington County safe. Thank you to Tualatin High School for your partnership. 

TNT hosts this training four times yearly and offers it to any available law enforcement officer in Washington County. At the December training, every agency in Washington County sent participants. We are grateful to have partnered with the Tigard Tualatin School District to help host the training. We can better prepare emergency responders for an appropriate response when creating a realistic training environment in a school. These skills are essential and applicable to any active threat situation - no matter where the event could occur. 

We are so grateful for the partnerships that help make this happen – our school partners, fire departments, and partner agencies. This critical training prepares Washington County emergency responders to respond professionally and effectively to any active threat.

Shop with a Cop is a favorite annual program among staff and the community, and for a good reason! Each year we are so grateful for the opportunity to deliver a little holiday cheer to Washington County kiddos while fostering positive relationships with law enforcement. 

In December, deputies and staff partnered with 67 children to shop for holiday gifts for the children's family members. The celebration didn't stop there; each child received a gift from their wishlists. This year marked the return of in-person shopping for this event, making it extra special for all involved.   

WCSO worked with local elementary schools and DHS, who nominated children and their families from the Aloha, Cornelius, and Raleigh Hills communities. The events were made possible through generous donations and volunteer hours from various community partners. 

For those interested in getting involved or contributing to our program next year, please get in touch with Public Affairs.

It’s not too late to send winter cheer through our Elder Safe Community Card Project! Send a note, color a picture, write in a card, and create connections which are then shared with isolated older adults in our community.

All submissions are welcome - this is a fun activity for a youth group, classroom, or your family to get involved. Gather your crayons and markers; here is how you can help bring a bit of cheer:

• Download a card + instructions
• Decorate a holiday card + add a note of goodwill
• Send the card in by January 31st through Library Mail Service

MAIL CARDS TO:

Library Mail Service

111 NE Lincoln St, MS-58A

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Together we can make a difference!

Thank you Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) for your partnership with the WCSO Elder Safe Program to help share this activity with the community.

Make a difference in your community today by joining the Elder Safe Volunteer team today!

Volunteer advocates connect with crime victims in Washington County over 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 wcsoeldersafe@washingtoncountyor.gov or 503-846-6048.

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.