Thank you, Washington County urban unincorporated voters, for continuing the enhanced police services provided through the Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD) levy. Your ongoing support ensures we have the funding necessary to keep our communities safe through rapid response to emergency calls, services comparable with nearby cities, and resources for those experiencing homelessness, mental health crises, or substance abuse.

Sheriff Pat Garrett shares his appreciation for our community, “We are happy to see the unwavering support from the community members within the Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District. It is an honor to continue to provide police services to ESPD and all of Washington County. ESPD is an important factor for us to call Washington County the safest major urban county in Oregon.”

Recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month, our Mental Health Response Team (MHRT) and our partners from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue shared smiles and messages of hope by hosting two mental health sign rallies throughout the month.

Alyce, pictured here with our teams, shared feeling the positivity we were hoping to inspire, “Thank you to the officers and firefighters for being out there today. Seeing you all together with the positive messages on those signs put a huge smile on my face!”

The Washington County Suicide Prevention Council sponsored these sign rallies across the county to promote community togetherness and inspire hope and positivity. Anyone can make a difference!

To find out more about suicide prevention and how you can help, visit Washington County Health and Human Services.

On April 6, 2022, the Washington County Jail earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). This renewal marks the Jail's 23rd year of compliance with NCCHC's Standards. Our Jail underwent an on-site virtual survey in May of 2021 conducted by doctors and experts in correctional health care from across the country. They surveyed our Jail's compliance with standards on continuous quality improvement, safety, infection control, chronic care, personnel and training, medical and mental health care, health records, and legal issues.

This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to meeting the constitutional requirements for health care delivery for our adults in custody. This accreditation is a voluntary process our Jail undergoes to ensure we provide quality health care and instill confidence in the community we serve. Our Command staff is very proud of this accomplishment and staff's time and energy dedicated to this successful accreditation.

The Western States Hostage Negotiators' Association hosted its 36th annual Hostage Negotiation Team Competition this past month. Twelve negotiation teams from multiple states competed in a challenging full-day scenario that tested every aspect of crisis negotiation. We are proud to share that our Washington County Inter-Agency Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) was awarded first place for the sixth time. CNU tied for first place in 2015, 2016, and 2018 and won outright in 2017, 2021, and 2022 (due to COVID-19, the 2020 conference was canceled).

CNU is an interagency team dedicated to creating a peaceful resolution to what can be highly volatile situations. The team responds to many callouts throughout Washington County every year, often in tandem with the Tactical Negotiations Team. The team members are trained in crisis negotiation and use those skills to bring about the safest resolution possible.

On May 19th, Clark County Deputies located a stolen Ford F350 pickup driving in Hazel Dell, WA. The driver evaded all traffic stop attempts while driving over medians and running red lights; Deputies disengaged the pursuit for safety reasons. Soon after, Portland Police Bureau and Clark County Sheriff's Office's joint Air Support Unit located the vehicle as it crossed I-5 into Portland. Air Support followed the vehicle through Portland and into Washington County. Eventually, the vehicle stopped in an empty parking lot on Hall Blvd near Washington Square Mall.

Washington County Deputies quickly arrived on scene, but the driver ran from the vehicle and into a nearby golf course. With the assistance of a Beaverton Police Department K9 and Air Support, Washington County Deputies tracked the suspect and took him into custody without incident.

The driver, 30-year-old David James Curtis, was charged in Washington County with Unlawful Use of a Vehicle. Curtis is also facing Clark County charges for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and Attempting to Elude Police.

This is an excellent example of multiple law enforcement agencies working together on a common goal and supporting the overall pursuit of public safety.

That same evening on May 19th, deputies received multiple calls reporting a slumped-over driver in a parked vehicle on Scholls Ferry Road near SW Hillsboro Highway.

Deputies responded to find a Ford F150 truck blocking the southbound lane with a driver who appeared to be asleep. Deputies noted the vehicle was still in gear; they parked their patrol cars in front and behind the truck so it couldn't drive away, then attempted to wake the driver by knocking on the window. When the driver began to slowly awake, he showed signs of intoxication and tried to drive away, ramming into the patrol car and causing minor damage. Deputies broke the driver's door window to gain access to stop the driver and put the truck in park.

The driver was arrested for several crimes, including DUII and reckless driving, and lodged in the Washington County Jail.

We had such a great time at our 15th annual K9 Trials! We're happy to share a few highlights of the K9s in action above, and if you missed it - we hope to see you next year!

Eleven K9 teams from law enforcement agencies all around Oregon competed in various competitions, including:

And we'd be amiss if we didn't acknowledge that our own K9 Bolo took Top Dog! Congratulations, Deputy Zaugg and Bolo!!

And thank you to our co-sponsor, Washington County Sheriff's Office Foundation, and everyone who participated and helped make this event possible!

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, limiting social interaction became a crucial tool in the fight against spreading the virus. But now, as restrictions loosen, we are capitalizing on the many events and opportunities to reconnect with community members.

Over the past month, we have genuinely enjoyed the smiles, high fives, and positive interactions at farmer’s markets, coffee shops, and community events all over the county. Thank YOU, Washington County, for supporting us and trusting us with your public safety. We are already looking forward to summer and the many more opportunities to connect with our community!

The Sheriff's Office Criminal Apprehension Team (CAT) consists of expert staff who serve two vital missions for Washington County. Members of CAT ensure registered sex offenders stay in compliance with their court-mandated reporting requirements and the team also uses their investigative skills to track down wanted suspects and take them into custody. CAT regularly partners with the United States Marshall's Service and other local law enforcement agencies on operations and specialized training.

During May, CAT deputies conducted 361 compliance checks within Washington County; from these home visits they arrested 17 warrant subjects and 25 sex offenders who had failed to register as required. Pretty impressive for just one month of work! 

The Sheriff's Office has the long-term responsibility of verifying sex offender compliance with court-mandated requirements. According to our team supervisor, Sgt Crecelius, "CAT has set an ambitious goal of checking in with every registered sex offender at least once per year. In support of this goal, our team members proactively conduct annual compliance checks (also known as home visits) on every registered sex offender in Washington County."

Each specialized team at the Sheriff's Office has unique yet vital goals, all working incessantly to maintain safety in Washington County.

Always take extra safety precautions to supervise and protect children in the water who have not had swim lessons, but also be mindful of the inherent dangers for everyone. According to Safe Kids Oregon, teenage boys are at the most significant risk of drowning, and they are most likely to drown in natural water.

Swimming in natural water is different than swimming in a pool; there is cold water, drop-offs, entrapment, other swimmers, boats, and fishing lines which can be hazardous. The currents and environment can also change daily, and "familiar" swim areas can have new hazards that weren't there before.

The Sheriff's Office urges parents and caretakers to protect themselves and their children by always wearing life jackets on floating devices and in open, natural waters. There are resources to help educate community members about water safety; the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the American Red Cross have various drowning prevention materials available for parents and caregivers.

If you have any questions or want more information, please reach out to Safe Kids Oregon State Coordinator Betsy Hartner.

Our Recruitment Team continuously works hard to ensure the Sheriff's Office is well-equipped with the best, most capable staff possible. This team stays busy providing tours, arranging job shadows and ride-alongs, staffing event booths, fielding questions, and inspiring new applicants from all over the country!

Have you had a chance to meet our Recruitment Team? They are available to help you get started on your career path today! Any questions? Let us know, we are here to help.