Washington County Sheriff's Office Updates

WCSO 2024: A Year of Service, Dedication, and Community

Sheriff Massey proudly looks back on a year of dedication and service from our incredible team at the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

2024 was filled with challenges, growth, and countless moments of courage; many thanks to our unwavering staff for their tireless efforts, commitment to our community, and integrity brought every day.

Together, we continue to make a difference!

We invite you to reflect back on 2024 with us.

New Year, New Career Opportunities at WCSO

Start 2025 with Purpose: Join the Washington County Sheriff’s Office

As we kick off a new year, it’s the perfect time to think about your goals—and your career. At the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), we are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and make a difference in their community.

Whether you’re drawn to public safety, community engagement, or behind-the-scenes operations, WCSO offers a wide range of career opportunities.

Our team members enjoy:

Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits
Work-life balance with opportunities for growth
A career with purpose

From sworn deputies to professional staff, every role at WCSO is vital to our mission of keeping Washington County one of the safest urban counties in Oregon.

Ready to make 2025 the year you start a career that matters? Visit joinwcso.com to learn more and apply today!

Let’s make this year one to remember—together.

Preparing for the Unthinkable: Live-Action Training Strengthens Response

Over the winter holiday break, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Tactical Negotiations Team (TNT) hosted a live-action simulated active threat training at Glencoe High School in Hillsboro. This training brought together WCSO personnel and city partners for hands-on skill-building and interactive scenarios designed to prepare first responders for critical incidents like active shooter events.

The scenarios focused on efficient decision-making and actions, placing the highest priority on the preservation of life. WCSO Patrol Commander Crecelius shared that WCSO has been conducting this vital training for over 20 years, continuously incorporating lessons learned from events locally and nationwide.

The training emphasizes the ability to quickly assess situations, respond rapidly, and maintain a professional response during critical incidents. Several media outlets attended to observe and document the realistic scenarios, giving the public a glimpse into the preparedness efforts of our first responders.

By conducting this training, WCSO works to prepare our team and city partners to protect and serve in the most challenging circumstances.

Learn more: news coverage sharing a closer look at the training.

Caprice Massey is Sworn in as the Sheriff of Washington County

On January 7, 2025, Presiding Judge Rebecca Guptill swore Caprice Massey into office as the 33rd Sheriff of Washington County. Judge Guptill codified the 2024 voter’s choice stemming from an appointment to the position by the Washington County Board of Commissioners after the retirement of former Sheriff Pat Garrett in late 2023.

Sheriff Massey is dedicated to working with our community partners to remain the safest urban county in Oregon.

“I am truly honored to serve the Washington County community as its 33rd Sheriff alongside the hundreds of dedicated professionals of this office. We look forward to continuing our public safety mission.” ~ Sheriff Caprice Massey

Read more here

Introducing: K9 Puddles

We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Washington County Sheriff's Office K9 Team - Puddles!

Named after the beloved Oregon Duck mascot, Puddles is a Dutch and German Shepherd mix born in April 2023.

Puddles is partnered with Cpl. Akin, who you may recognize from his successful time working with K9 Stark. Puddles has already proven herself as a top-notch K9, earning her certification and even making her first capture while on patrol.

Let's give a warm welcome to Puddles as she joins our team in keeping our community safe and secure. We are proud to have her on board!

Want to serve your community but can’t make a full-time commitment? Consider joining the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Program!

Reserve deputies are sworn volunteer law enforcement professionals who assist full-time patrol deputies protect and serve our community. Many of our reserve deputies bring unique life experiences, skills, and knowledge to the program while also balancing full-time jobs.

If you are interested in applying for this unique volunteer opportunity or know someone who may be a great candidate for this role, visit our Reserve Program page for more information.

It's not too late to join us for our Reserve Program Q&A session!

March 1, 2025
1 to 3 p.m.
Public Safety Training Center (600 SW Walnut St, Hillsboro)

The registration deadline for the 2026 Reserve Academy is April 1, 2025.

Don't miss out on this unique volunteer opportunity - sign up today!

Our WCSO Community Academy is back!

Join us for an immersive eight-week course on Wednesday evenings from April 2 to May 21 (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.). You will experience interactive demonstrations, specialized tours, and an in-depth look at the many facets of your local law enforcement operations.

Attending the academy will give you access to exclusive tours of our precincts, jail, training facility, and dispatch center. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the various teams within the Sheriff’s Office.

Learn more or sign up for the WCSO Community Academy here.

Registration will be open until March 12.

Do you know a teenager interested in emergency services, law enforcement, or outdoor experiences?

The Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Program (SAR) equips young men and women with essential life skills. SAR provides unique insights into exciting career fields of law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency medical services.

This program has an excellent reputation and is often sought after by law enforcement agencies across the state. Members are primarily involved in search and rescue missions for lost people, downed aircraft, and evidence in significant 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 informational session at the Sheriff's Office (215 SW Adams Ave., Hillsboro) on the following days/times:

Saturday, March 5, 2025: 10 a.m. or 5 p.m.
Monday, March 31, 2025: 7 p.m.

 Apply now!  Applications are due by April 19, 2025.

WCSO Civil Unit

Did you know the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has a dedicated Civil Unit?

Having a Civil Unit is a state-mandated responsibility for sheriff's offices in Oregon and one of the key differences between a sheriff's office and a police department.

This team of highly trained and sworn deputies plays a vital role in serving our community.

Our five civil deputies and one patrol deputy wear the same uniforms, carry badges, and drive the same vehicles as patrol deputies. They provide essential services, including:

Serving legal orders and paperwork from Federal, State, and Municipal Courts
Enforcing court orders, such as evictions and restraining orders
Preparing reports and appearing as court witnesses
Towing and managing abandoned vehicles
Enforcing Washington County Codes and Ordinances

Ready to serve your community? Explore career opportunities with WCSO today!

Stay Safe While Sharing the Road

No matter how you travel — walking, biking, or driving — road safety is a shared responsibility. Here are some essential tips:

For Pedestrians and Bicyclists:

Know the rules: Follow traffic laws and signals.
Be visible: Wear reflective clothing and use lights, even during the day.
Stay alert: Avoid distractions like phones or headphones that affect your vision or hearing.
Think clearly: Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and reaction time.
Gear up: Always wear a helmet while biking.
Light the way: Use flashing lights on your bike or carry a light while walking or running.
Stay aware: Don’t assume drivers see you — make eye contact when possible.

For Drivers:

Follow the law: Obey traffic rules and speed limits.
Be patient: Slow down for pedestrians, bicyclists, and others sharing the road.
Eliminate distractions: Keep your focus on driving, not your phone or other activities.
Stay sober: Alcohol and drugs impair your driving abilities.
Clear the view: Keep your windshield and mirrors clean for maximum visibility.
Be extra cautious: Watch for bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and school zones.
Signal your moves: Use turn signals to communicate with others on the road.