New on YouTube: 'Clackamas County's Most Wanted'
A brand-new episode of "Clackamas County's Most Wanted" -- hosted by Sheriff Craig Roberts is live on our YouTube channel. The video ends with a message about our recent rescue missions on Mt. Hood -- and how you can be better prepared if you head up the mountain.
IN THE NEWS: Holiday giving, holiday safety
Dear Citizens:
Season's Greetings to you and yours. Here are some stories of interest:
• Pictured above: The Clackamas County Peace Officers Benevolent Foundation (CCPOBF) also just co-hosted the annual "Shop with a Cop" event at Wal-Mart. The Oregonian and the Clackamas Review both wrote about the event -- which gives kids a positive experience with law enforcement while providing them with Christmas gifts. We've posted some highlights on our YouTube channel.
• The Oregonian just wrote about the CCPOBF helping a Dallas man, Tim Kiel (pictured at right), who is waiting for a heart transplant. KXL also posted an extended audio interview with Kiel and his family.
• The Oregon City Police have posted an excellent video on holiday crime prevention.
• We're working with the Sheriff's Offices in Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill counties to increase DUII patrols over the holidays.
• The Estacada News reports that Clackamas Women's Services is expanding its service in rural Clackamas County.
• Our Public Safety Events Calendar contains new listings for January -- including a class series on domestic violence and a bullying seminar for parents. Click here to check it out.
• And as always, you can follow the Sheriff's Office on our YouTube channel and Twitter feed.
It's an honor to serve you. Happy Holidays.
New 'Briefing Room' newsletter now online
The latest issue of our "Briefing Room" newsletter is now online. It features "Most Wanted" and "Can You ID Me?" updates, a profile of Deputy Gary Bergerson (pictured) and his money-saving innovations in inmate transport, links to news stories about the Sheriff's Office, a SARCon wrap-up, and much more.
Click here to check it out. You can subscribe to the e-mail version by clicking here.
IN THE NEWS: KOIN Local 6 embeds with drug task force, domestic-violence sweep
Dear Citizens:
KOIN Local 6 recently traveled with our deputies to report a couple of terrific feature stories:
• First, KOIN's Amy Frazier spent a day with the Clackamas County Inter-agency Task Force (CCITF) as they made multiple local drug arrests involving meth and heroin. Click here to watch the story.
• KOIN also rode along with law-enforcement personnel on our annual domestic-violence warrant sweep, the 9th annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail. The sweep is a day-long event, in which agencies across the United States attempt to serve outstanding family-violence warrants. Click here to watch the story.
It's an honor to serve you.
New on the web: a jail video tour, SARCon, thank-yous, 'Most Wanted' updates, and more
Dear Citizens:
Several new Sheriff's Office updates are live on the web:
• There's a new video on our YouTube channel: "Inside the Clackamas County Jail" -- which offers an in-depth look at the history and operations of our world-class jail. 
• Check out our webpage for Northwest SARCon to find out about the latest updates for our landmark search-and-rescue conference, set for Oct. 13-16, 2011 at the Resort at the Mountain in Welches. 
• We've also updated our "Most Wanted" and "Can You ID Me?" webpages -- which enable you to help us find suspects and people of interest in a variety of Clackamas County cases. You can also look at our latest news releases and give us tips on ongoing cases.
• We've added several new messages from citizens to our "Thank-You Letters" webpage. Learn about just a few of the good impressions our deputies are making in your community.
• And visit our "Public Safety Events Calendar" to learn about happenings presented by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and its community partners. You can also track updates on our Twitter feed.
It's an honor to serve you.
IN THE NEWS: Sheriff Roberts rides for the Benevolent Foundation
The Clackamas Review just reported on Sheriff Craig Roberts' Cycle Oregon ride (with his 14-year-old son Ryan) for the Clackamas County Peace Officers’ Benevolent Foundation.
As the Review writes, the Benevolent Foundation "was founded in 2005 by Steve Hyson and Mark Koberstein, with the original intent to help police officers who were injured or killed. For a variety of reasons, the foundation decided to broaden its focus, to also help children at risk and victims of crimes, and to educate the community about law enforcement."
You can learn much more about the Roberts family, their Cycle Oregon ride, and the Benevolent Foundation's charitable efforts at this link.
NEW VIDEOS: 'Most Wanted,' safe driving and a terrific deputy profile
Dear Citizens:
Three new videos featuring the Sheriff's Office are now online:
• TV news station KOIN Local 6 just broadcast a terrific feature story in which reporter Amy Frazier interviewed Clackamas County Jail Deputy Pat Johnson. Frazier learns about Deputy Johnson's life on the job -- and also about her unique life in sports. Click here to watch it.• A brand-new episode of "Clackamas County's Most Wanted" is up on our YouTube channel. Be sure to watch all the way to the end, when we celebrate the three-decade career of Criminalist Greg Martin.
• And finally: Check out our new 30-second public-safety announcement, in which I urge teenagers to stay off their mobile devices while driving -- it's the law, and it could prevent a tragic accident.
It's an honor to serve you.
'Keeping it in the family'
The Clackamas Review just published a terrific profile of Clackamas County Undersheriff Dave Kirby, his daughter and his family's unique law-enforcement history.
Daughter Danielle "is the youngest member of the family to attend the FBI Academy" in Quantico, VA, where she finished the FBI’s nine-day Youth Leadership Program. Her attendance there means three generations of the Kirby family have now studied at the Bureau's elite training facility.
Click here to read the whole feature.
New activity book for kids: 'Mik & Nero Meet the Deputies!'
You've seen Deputy Sheriffs in your community -- but do you know everything the Sheriff's Office does to protect, serve and educate the public?
In our newest coloring and activity book, K-9 Deputies Mik and Nero give young readers an action-packed tour of the Sheriff's Office -- and show kids how they can get involved!
You can download the book here, on our Sheriff's Office kids' webpage.
2010 Annual Crime Report now online
Dear Citizens:
Want to read a detailed breakdown of Clackamas County's crime statistics from last year?
Our 2010 Annual Crime Report is now online as a free public download. This "Analysis of Crimes in Clackamas County" features flowcharts and graphs containing easy-to-read, in-depth stats on crime rates, stolen vehicles, domestic violence, calls for service, traffic and DUII arrests, and much, much more.
You can download this 38-page .pdf right here.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Congrats to the Cadets
Dear Citizens:
Here's a great e-mail from Capt. Kevin Layng that crossed my desk this week:
Our Cadets started bugging their advisors about a regional competition in Las Vegas (of course) about six months ago. The money wasn't in the budget to send them. With the help of Barb McCullough, Marcus Mendoza and Jonathan Lee, they organized several successful fundraisers, bringing in thousands of dollars, enough to send a team to Vegas.
Once there, they competed against 42 teams from around the country in all types of law-enforcement-duty related scenarios, obstacle courses and shooting competitions.
In the photo I've attached [linked above], you'll see the 1st Place Trophy for the downed officer rescue event. They also took 4th and 5th place trophies in team challenge and shooting competitions.
A big thank-you to all of you that purchased cruise raffle tickets or have supported the cadets through training and mentoring. I'm incredibly proud of the determination these kids have shown and equally happy for them in their success. Give them a pat on the back when you see them.
Congratulations, Cadets! It's an honor to serve with you.
NEWS ROUNDUP: New 'Most Wanted,' a successful rescue and the Relay for Life
Dear Citizens:
• On Saturday, June 11, I helped kick off the 2011 American Cancer Society Relay For Life. The event is a 22-hour relay, held at Heckard Field in Molalla, that raises funds for cancer-fighting efforts -- while offering "a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease."
This event has come a long way since it started in 2001. There were 22 teams and it rained the whole time. This year, at least 57 teams participated, with a goal of raising $80,000.
This is a cause everyone can relate to. My own family has been touched by cancer. I had a young cousin named Daniel. He was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumor, and fought long and hard, spending a lot of time in the hospital. Every night, he would use the nurses’ intercom to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” When he passed away, the entire medical staff showed up for the funeral. It's one of many reasons I was there on Saturday.
You can learn more about the Relay for Life by clicking here.
• In other news: Several new suspects have been added to our "Most Wanted" webpage. Click here to check it out -- you might help us catch a fugitive.
• On June 9, our Search & Rescue Coordinators led a successful retrieval of an injured climber on Mt. Hood -- with help from AMR's Reach And Treat (RAT) Team, Portland Mountain Rescue and Mountain Wave Emergency Communications. Click here to read our press release about the rescue, and thanks to our SAR partners for their invaluable assistance.
It's an honor to serve you.
'Child Abuse Prevention Month,' KOIN and a new editorial
Dear Citizens:
Heading into our Child Abuse and Family Violence Summit, we're once again partnering with KOIN Local 6 to get the word out about preventing child abuse.
Last year, KOIN worked closely with the Sheriff's Office throughout April -- "Child Abuse Prevention Month" -- running stories focusing on aspects of child abuse and neglect. We're extremely grateful for this remarkable and educational media partnership, and we're proud to be doing it again in 2011.
You can find KOIN's "Child Abuse Prevention Month" stories on a special web page, koinendabuse.com.
I also have a new editorial on the subject: "Child abuse seems like an overwhelming problem -- but you can make a difference." You can read it here.
It's an honor to serve you.
New 'Briefing Room,' new Twitter account
The latest issue of our "Briefing Room" newsletter is now online -- featuring "Most Wanted" updates, links to videos, a report on Sheriff Roberts' recent visit to Salem to talk about mental-health issues, and much more.
Among the stories is the announcement that the Sheriff's Office is now on Twitter. Want the latest Sheriff's Office updates in 140 characters or less? Follow our feed. It features links to the latest news releases, Web-site updates, public-safety event listings and much more. Check it out now at twitter.com/ClackCoSheriff.
New on YouTube: KOIN's terrific report on the Community Corrections warrant sweep
On Feb. 10, 2011, Clackamas County Community Corrections coordinated its annual "warrant sweep" -- targeting absconders who've violated the terms of their parole or probation.
KOIN Local 6 accompanied the Sheriff's Office during the day-long sweep -- creating a beautifully edited feature story on the effort. Click here to watch it.
Nineteen law-enforcement officers -- representing every agency in the county except Gladstone -- participated. Sweep teams attempted to serve warrant arrests on 135 criminal offenders; 142 different addresses were attempted -- resulting in 17 arrests.
New on our YouTube channel: 'Earthquake Preparedness'
James Roddey -- the Earth Science Information Officer for the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries -- was the keynote speaker at Northwest SARCon 2010.
In a seven-part video series -- now available on our YouTube channel -- Roddey talks about the likelihood of a catastrophic earthquake in the Pacific Northwest, and how you can prepare for this impending event.
New 'Briefing Room' now online
Click here to check out the latest edition of our "Briefing Room" newsletter. In this edition: "Most Wanted" and "Cold Case" updates, our Strategic Plan, new hires, "Mik & Nero," a major drug bust, and much more.
If you want to subscribe to the e-mail edition of "The Briefing Room," click here.
New 'Cold Case' added
A new unsolved mystery has been added to our "Cold Case" webpage -- the March 2009 home-invasion murder of Joseph Patrick Haley (pictured).
Click here to read more -- your tips may be able to help us bring justice and closure in the aftermath of a brutal murder.
Quick bits: New 'Most Wanted,' MSO jobs, and conference updates
• 'Most Wanted' updates: We've updated "Clackamas County's Most Wanted" with a new YouTube video and an updated web page. Check it out -- you might just help us bring an alleged criminal to justice.
• Hiring Marine Service Officers: This summer, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit will hire three or four new Marine Service Officers (MSOs). MSOs are non-sworn team members who assist our Marine Unit deputies. We're accepting applications for these jobs until Feb. 11, 2011 -- click here for more info.• The Summit returns: Our Child Abuse and Family Violence Summit returns to Portland April 26-29. Check out the Summit's website to learn more about our three-and-a-half day multi-disciplinary conference for professionals working in the areas of investigations, interviewing, assessment, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
• Save the date: Northwest SARCon -- our search-and-rescue conference for emergency responders and their supervisors -- returns to Welches on Oct. 13-16, 2011. Updated info will be posted on the conference's website in the coming months. Stay tuned.
Honoring Chief Painter
Dear Citizens:
Today (Friday, Jan. 14, 2011), I joined citizens, family and law-enforcement personnel from across the Northwest and Canada at the University of Portland's Chiles Center for a "Ceremony of Honor" remembering Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter -- who was killed during a struggle with 21-year-old suspect at a car-stereo shop on Jan. 5.
Honoring our fallen officers is a solemn and necessary part of our duty, and I offer my sincere condolences to Chief Painter's family -- including his wife Amy, his seven children, his mother, and three siblings -- and his colleagues in the wake of this horrible tragedy.
Here are links to Chief Painter's obituary and a memorial page in his honor.
Painter was a 25-year veteran of the Rainier Police, and had served as its chief for five years.
You can help the family in the aftermath. The City of Rainier has set up an account for the benefit of Chief Painter’s family at Bank of America. Contributions can be made to the "City of Rainier in Memory of Ralph Painter" account at any Bank of America branch.
It's an honor to serve you.
Now online: 'Clackamas County's Most Wanted' and a teen-drinking comic book
Dear Citizens:
Over on our YouTube channel, we've posted the latest installment of "Clackamas County's Most Wanted." Check it out -- and help us bring alleged criminals to justice.
We're also excited to unveil the latest issue of our crime-prevention comic-book series, "Mik & Nero." This issue is titled "Teen Drinking: The Hardest Lesson," and it's a powerful look at the consequences of underage drinking and driving.
You can find print copies of "Teen Drinking: The Hardest Lesson" and other Mik & Nero comics at our North Station and Public Safety Training Center, or you can download them at our "Mik & Nero" kids' webpage.
It’s an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Introducing our Strategic Plan
Dear Citizens:
Today, we are moving forward with one of my long-held goals for the Sheriff’s Office as I introduce you to our new Strategic Plan.
Click here to download the Strategic Plan.
(PDF format)
The Strategic Plan is a roadmap that will guide us for the next three years -- helping us to become an even better organization. It has four broad goals:
1. Enhancing the Safety of Our Community
2. Increasing Resources for Future Growth and Stability of the Sheriff’s Office
3. Promoting a Proactive, Innovative and Efficient Organization
4. Growing and Enhancing Community and Stakeholder Partnerships
These four goals support 47 individual objectives across our five divisions -- the specific steps we will take to achieve these goals.
This plan is a living document. It will evolve and change while we are implementing it. We're already hard at work on some of these objectives, and some of them have already been completed. During the strategic-planning process, we also revisited our vision, mission statement and values. Capt. Kevin Poppen will head our Strategic Planning Steering Committee, which will ensure that this plan is implemented.
Many, many people have helped us to develop this Strategic Plan, and I owe all of them my sincere thanks. I appreciate the input, and the patience, that have made this day possible.
It's an honor to serve you.
Sheriff's Reserve now accepting applications for 2011 academy
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Reserve has been an invaluable part of the Sheriff’s Office for over 50 years. This volunteer organization of dedicated, trained citizens supports and assists Sheriff's Deputies in several ways -- including but not limited to:
• Assisting at the Clackamas County Jail -- including transporting custodies and arrestees
• Helping out at special events, including the Oregon International Air Show and Sandy Mountain Daze
• Attending public-school activities, including dances and football and basketball games
• Riding with and covering Deputies on uniformed patrol
• Traffic control
• Marine patrol
• Crime-scene security
Many Reserve Deputies go on to a full-time career in law enforcement. But even if you aren’t considering a career, the Reserve provides an incredible chance to serve your community by training for and engaging in law enforcement on a professional basis.
The Sheriff's Office is accepting applications through Feb. 1, 2011 for its 2011 Reserve Academy. For more information, click here. To download an application form (PDF format), click here. And for more information call (503) 557-5800 ext. 1130.
Praising the Posse
Dear Citizens:
Be sure to visit our Web page of thank-you letters to read a terrific note I received from Suzanne Cleland-Zamudio, M.D., Executive Director of the Sycamore Lane Therapeutic Riding Center. She praises the Clackamas County Sheriff's Posse for donating over six tons of hay to feed the therapy horses at the Center.
"It has been a rough recession for small non-profit organizations in Clackamas County and our support has been limited," she writes. "The Posse made me cry when they showed up with over six tons of hay for my farm. I am so grateful to the Posse for their assistance -- which restores my faith in this community to assist others."
I also want to recognize the Posse for its impressive donation. It's an honor to serve with them.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Hot off the presses: the latest 'Briefing Room'
Dear Citizens:
Click here to check out the latest issue of our "Briefing Room" newsletter. Among the stories ...
• "SWIFT Action" -- The Sheriff's Office and Clackamas Fire work together to form an elite water-disaster strike team.
• A remembrance of former Sheriff Bill Brooks, who passed away in January 2010. He was a great leader and friend to the Sheriff’s Office, and we want to honor his legacy of service.
• "Walking for Jake" -- The amazing story of Jennifer McCarty (left), who hiked 1,000 miles to help give my friend Jake French a chance at regaining his lost mobility.
... and much more, including child-abuse prevention tips and recognition of a major drug bust by the county's drug task force. Give the new issue a look and drop us a line. You can also subscribe to the e-mail version of the newsletter by clicking here.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Northwest SARCon site now live!
The site for Northwest SARCon -- our search-and-rescue conference, held Oct. 14-17 in the shadow of Mt. Hood -- is now live for 2010. Click here to learn more!
New on YouTube: 'Clackamas County's Most Wanted'
Dear Citizens: On our YouTube channel, you can now find the latest installment of "Clackamas County's Most Wanted" -- in which I present the latest info on area fugitives and ask for your help to track them down.
It's an honor to serve you.
Help find Kyron Horman
Click here to learn more about the search for 7-year-old Kyron Horman, who disappeared from Skyline Elementary in Portland during a science fair on Friday, June 4.
Here's The Oregonian's reporting on the case.
Kyron is 3'8" and weighs 50 pounds, and was last seen on June 4 wearing a black t-shirt with "CSI" in green letters and a handprint graphic. Kyron was also wearing black cargo pants, white socks and black Sketchers sneakers with orange trim. He wears metal framed glasses.
Anyone with information on Kyron's whereabouts should contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) or the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Tip Line at 503-261-2847.
'Stranger Danger' video on Parenting Today
Sheriff Roberts -- with help from young correspondent Grace Jensen -- presents safety tips on "Stranger Danger" in a new video at ParentingToday.tv.
Walking for Jake
Dear Citizens:
Long-distance hiker Jennifer McCarty was deeply moved when she heard the story of Jake French -- the 24-year-old Dufur resident who was paralyzed in December 2008. Jake is pursuing aggressive -- and expensive -- therapy at Adapt Advanced in Beaverton. It's the best shot he has at gaining back some of his lost mobility. (Click here to watch a video of my visit with Jake, or read our feature story about him.)
Jennifer decided that she wanted to help Jake -- so she's taking a walk. A very long walk.
Jennifer is hiking 1,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail -- from Mexico to Yosemite Valley, CA -- to help raise money for Jake to attend Adapt Advanced. Learn more about the hike -- and how you can help -- on Jennifer's Web site, or on the online journal she's keeping of her journey. Jennifer's goal is to raise $5,000, which will support Jake’s rehabilitation for two months.
Donations can be made directly to the “Jake French Fund” care of the Clackamas County Peace Officers’ Benevolent Foundation. To make a donation or for more information, download this form (PDF format).
It's an honor to serve you.
KOIN named a 'Champion for Children' at Child Abuse & Family Violence Summit
On Thursday, April 29, 2010, KOIN Local 6 was presented with a "Champions for Children" award at our 2010 Child Abuse & Family Violence Summit.
KOIN worked closely with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office throughout April 2010, a.k.a. "Child Abuse Prevention Month." The station ran stories focusing on aspects of child abuse and neglect every day during its April "KOIN Local 6 at 6" broadcast. We're extremely grateful for this remarkable -- and educational -- media partnership.
Check out our 'Public Safety Events Calendar'
Be sure to take a look at our "Public Safety Events Calendar" for listings of all sorts of upcoming public-safety happenings sponsored by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and its community partners -- including a "Family Fun Day" at Bullwinkle's, "Safe Kids Day" at the Oregon Zoo, our first charity shooting contest, fundraisers for TIP (Trauma Intervention Programs), and much more.
County updates alarm ordinance; changes effective starting April 28
Dear Citizens:
Clackamas County's alarm ordinance (Chapter 8.07 of the Clackamas County Code) has been updated by the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners.
These changes became effective on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Alarm Permits issued after April 28, 2010, will be issued under the new ordinance. Alarm renewals due as of June 1, 2010 will be issued under the new ordinance.
The purpose of the updated Alarm Ordinance is to reduce the number of false alarms that the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office receives. Currently, over 98% of all burglary and robbery alarms prove false. Sheriff's patrol units are dispatched to all alarms. The hours and resources used during responses to unfounded false alarms is a burden on resources.
Neighboring counties and cities utilizing similar alarm ordinances have experienced greatly reduced numbers of false alarms within their jurisdictions. This results in patrol officers being more available to meet other requests for service. With limited revenues, increasing county populations, and only a limited number of deputies, it's important that the deputies and resources of the Sheriff's Office be allocated to their best use.
We expect this updated Alarm Ordinance to help us make more efficient use of our deputies and provide more timely law-enforcement service to county citizens.
It's an honor to serve you.
SWIFT wins an award
As reported in The Oregonian on April 5, our new Swift Water Incident / Flood Team (SWIFT) has received a 2010 National Higgins & Langley Memorial Award in Swiftwater Rescue for program development.
Rick Bella at The Oregonian has the full story.
New on YouTube: Rescue stories, 'Child Abuse Prevention Month' and 'Clackamas County's Most Wanted'
New uploads to our YouTube channel:
• "It's OK to Tell" -- During April 2010, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is teaming up with KOIN Local 6 for "Child Abuse Prevention Month." In this 30-second PSA, Sheriff Craig Roberts teams up with KOIN's Jeff Gianola and Kelley Day to remind kids that "It's OK to tell."
• The latest "Clackamas County's Most Wanted" -- Sheriff Roberts presents our Most Wanted fugitives as of April 2010.
• "Miracle on Main Street" -- The heartwarming story of a lost wallet returned to the Clackamas County Courthouse.
• And, finally, four rescue stories -- in which an injured climber, a woman attacked by her then-boyfriend and a couple lost along the Salmon River share their ordeals and thank their rescuers. You'll also hear the story of a Good Samaritan who helped three fishermen after their SUV was submerged in the Willamette River.
Hot off the presses: New 'Neighborhood Watch' newsletter
Dear citizens:
You can now check out the latest issue of our "Neighborhood Watch" newsletter.
The new issue features some terrific articles on how to be a good witness, talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol, and the importance of keep gas in your car's tank. We also provide a handy downloadable form so you can create an inventory of your valuables.
It's an honor to serve you.
Now you can send us crime tips via text message
On Thursday, May 21, we unveiled an exciting new crime-fighting tool: Cell-phone users across Clackamas County can now send us anonymous crime-fighting tips through the power of text messaging.
Click here to read all the details.
It's an honor to serve you.
The Oregonian: 'Humane approach aids deputy in eviction cases'
Dear Citizens:
Oregonian reporter Rick Bella recently spent some time with Deputy Lawrence Jones of our Civil Division. The resulting article is a great read -- touching on Deputy Jones' "calm approach to what could be a really ugly job ... [enforcing] court-ordered evictions when people lose their homes."
Bella goes on to write:
The way Sheriff Craig Roberts sees it, that job should include helping people in need. That's why the sheriff's office printed a new flier that deputies now give to people who are losing their homes.
Titled "Getting Help After Eviction or Foreclosure," the four-page brochure lists contact information for agencies that offer mental health services, social services, housing referral, emergency shelter, food distribution, employment services, health care, youth programs, legal services, conflict resolution and services tailored for youth and the elderly.
We know times are tough. Circumstances beyond a person's control may lead to an eviction. But help is available. You can find an online version of our "Getting Help After Eviction or Foreclosure" brochure right here.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
An important message on Concealed Handgun Licenses and your privacy
Dear Citizens:
Recently, my office has received a number of letters from concealed handgun license (CHL) holders requesting that information in their CHL file be kept confidential by my office. I am writing to clarify my position as the Sheriff of Clackamas County with respect to the public’s right under state law to inspect CHL records. I also want to inform you of how you can help me prevent disclosure of your CHL file.
You may be aware that earlier this year, a ruling by the Jackson County Circuit Court determined that the Jackson County Sheriff could not withhold personal information in CHL files from public inspection under ORS 192.501 (23), a law that protects “security measures” from public inspection. Jackson County has appealed that decision to the Oregon Court of Appeals. I intend to work with my fellow Sheriffs for passage of legislation that would exempt CHL files from public disclosure. In the meantime, I must proceed under the existing statutes.
It is my belief that CHL files should be private and not disclosed. As a general matter, Oregon’s Public Records Law grants every person a right to inspect any public record unless a particular record fits within specific exemptions to public disclosure. Working with counsel, we have identified three exemptions under current Oregon law that I believe apply to CHL files:
- Personal safety -- ORS 192.445;
- Information that would identify security measures -- ORS 192.501(23);
- And information of a personal nature if disclosure would be an unreasonable invasion of privacy -- ORS 192.502(2).
For me to determine if a CHL file is protected under law, I must make a determination based on a request or information provided by each individual license holder. Without such information, I am unable to protect personal information contained in the CHL file from disclosure. Please send this exemption-request form (PDF, 84kb) to my Office if you believe disclosure of your CHL file fits within any of the statutory exemptions I have identified.
Send your completed form (which you can download here) to:
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Concealed Handgun License Unit
12700 S.E. 82nd Ave.
Clackamas, OR 97015
Our Web page at www.clackamas.us/sheriff/concealed.htm will provide information on this matter as it becomes available. In addition, you can sign up to receive the Sheriff’s Office newsletter electronically. The electronic newsletter is used to communicate newsworthy events and important updates to our subscribers. This is a timely and cost effective way for us to communicate important information with our citizens, so we will also use this format to communicate major changes to the Concealed Handgun License issue with you. I will follow the existing law, and where appropriate, apply the above exemptions.
Please return your form immediately if you want to request that your personal information be treated as exempt from disclosure.
It's an honor to serve you.
How do we deal with an officer-involved shooting? This video has the answers
Dear citizens:
I'm proud to announce the release of "Inside the Tape" -- a dramatic 20-minute video that takes the public behind the scenes to see how we respond to an officer-involved shooting.
The video opens with a fictional lethal-force incident in which a deputy is forced to shoot a man who pulls a gun during a traffic stop. We then use dramatic re-creations and interviews with real-life experts to demonstrate the careful, multi-agency, coordinated response taken by law-enforcement and other officials as they investigate the incident.
Click here to watch the video.
(Pops in new window;
optimized for Windows and Internet Explorer)
The video was created in response to the passage of Senate Bill 111 -- which requires law-enforcement officials to educate the public about their responses to incidents involving the use of deadly physical force.
As I say in the video's introduction: Our mission is to be open and transparent in these situations. We need to be considerate of and compassionate toward the deputies involved in these situations, their families, and also the family of the individual who died as a result of a deputy's actions. It's our hope that this video will provide some valuable insights.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Our Jail Web site: new and improved!
Dear Citizens:
Our Web pages for the Clackamas County Jail just got a lot more useful.
If you click on the Jail link above (or on the left side of this page), you'll now be taken to a brand-new mini-site. On the left side of that mini-site, you'll find new links to all sorts of practical Jail information, including:
About the Jail
Fast Facts
History
Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
Jail Tours
Inmate Status
Current Inmate Roster
VINE (Victim Information and Notification)
Info for Inmates & Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Bail
Visiting Policy
Mail Policy
Inmate Money Accounts
Property Release
PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)
Thanks to Sgt. Lee Eby and Clackamas County's Web Development Team for helping us set this up.
It's an honor to serve you.
Reminder: Last day for 'Giving Barrels' is Friday, Dec. 17
Friday, Dec. 17 is the last day to bring in non-perishable food and/or a new unwrapped toy for the "Giving Barrels" at the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. Clackamas Fire District #1 has placed these large, decorated barrels in the lobby areas at the Sheriff's Office North Station (12800 SE 82nd Ave., Clackamas, OR 97015) [ map ], South Station (2223 Kaen Rd., Oregon City, OR 97045) [ map ] and Public Safety Training Center (12700 SE 82nd Ave. Clackamas, OR 97015) [ map ].
All donated items will be given to families in the Fire District areas of Beavercreek, Oregon City, Redland, Clackamas and Oak Grove.
If you'd like to donate, you can drop off your items at the South Station lobby area 24/7 or the North Station lobby area from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can drop off items at the Public Safety Training Center Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The barrels will be removed on Friday, Dec. 17.
Thank you very much to those who have already donated. It is much appreciated. Happy Holidays!
Giving Thanks, Staying Safe
Dear Citizens:
We're heading into Thanksgiving, and I urge you to be safe this holiday weekend. The regional sheriff's offices will be out in force over the weekend looking for intoxicated drivers, and the Sheriff's Posse will be on mounted patrol at Clackamas Town Center. Please read these tips to make your weekend travel safe instead of tragic.
We're thankful for the opportunity to serve Clackamas County -- and it's incredibly meaningful to us when we receive letters, e-mails and phone messages from the public thanking us for that service. Check out our Web page containing some of our favorites.
It’s an honor to serve you.
Law-enforcement agencies: Help us SWEEP domestic violence this fall!
One of our most successful operations is the annual Family Violence Warrant Sweep.
Each fall, working with agencies across the United States, we attempt to serve as many outstanding family-violence warrants as possible in a single day.
Last year, over 180 Sheriff's Offices from 22 different states participated -- along with local municipal law-enforcement agencies, probation departments, District Attorney's offices, shelter organizations, and community members. All told, over 1,000 law-enforcement members participated.
The results were staggering. There were over 5,000 nationwide attempts to serve arrest warrants, and 1,000 warrants served.
The SWEEP sends the message to offenders that no matter where they flee, we will work together to hold them accountable for their crimes.
We've created a Web page for the 2010 SWEEP. If you're from a law-enforcement agency and want to get involved in our growing national fight against domestic violence, be sure to check it out and get involved.
It's an honor to serve you.
Free 'Women's Empowerment Project' classes help victims break domestic-violence cycle
Dear citizens:
Are you a woman who's been emotionally or physically abused by a current or former intimate partner? The free "Women’s Empowerment Project" (WEP) series of classes can help you break that cycle.
Sponsored by Clackamas County Community Corrections, WEP is designed for women who were in abusive relationships in the past, or who are thinking about ending a current one. Classes are free and open to all women in Clackamas County. Evening classes begin Aug. 5 and Sept. 15, 2010 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Topics include: the cycle of violence, coping mechanisms, effects of abuse on children, risk assessments, safety planning, non-violent communication and self-esteem.
About 85% of domestic violence victims are women. Abusers hurt their victims economically, emotionally, verbally and sexually. They usually control their violence carefully, ensuring their behavior is kept out of the public eye. If you or someone you know is interested in the WEP workshops, please contact Patricia Barrera, Victim Services Program Coordinator patriciabar@co.clackamas.or.us or call 503-655-8776.
For more information click here. You can also find a video about the WEP classes on our YouTube channel.
It's an honor to serve you.
Sheriff's Office, KOIN kick off 'Child Abuse Prevention Month'
Dear Citizens:April is "Child Abuse Prevention Month" -- and we're teaming up with KOIN Local 6, Mattress World and Safeway to get the word out.
The goal of this unprecedented partnership is a month-long TV campaign designed to bring the subject of child abuse to the public's immediate attention -- generating greater awareness of the problem by educating the public about this horrid crime.
As part of this media campaign, KOIN plans to report on all aspects of child-abuse cases. As Rick Devereaux writes in a story posted to koin.com: "Each day on KOIN Local 6 at 6, viewers will learn about recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect, how to understand the impact child abuse has on its victims and the community, and what resources are available to combat abuse."
Child Abuse Prevention Month concludes with our Child Abuse and Family Violence Summit, held April 27-30 in Portland. (For more information on the Summit, click here.)
You can visit KOIN's "Child Abuse Prevention Month" Web page by clicking here.
'Go Orange!' during National Work Zone Awareness Week
April 19-23 is "National Work Zone Awareness Week." Learn more about "respecting the zone" on ODOT's Web page.
Remembering Karl Wingren
Our hearts go out the family of Public Safety Training Center employee Karl Wingren — who passed away in his sleep on Monday, March 22. He was 45 years old.
Known for his trademark suspenders, Karl had worked for us as a Range Training Officer and handgun-class instructor since May 2004. He also ran our Practical Pistol League on Wednesday evenings.
He is survived by wife Elaine and two children: son Kentaro, 11, and daughter Emiko, 6.
A memorial service will be held April 3, 2010 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Oswego Heritage Council (398 10th St., Lake Oswego OR 97034). Sincere condolences to his family.
New on YouTube: SARCon promo, 'Clackamas County's Most Wanted'
Just added to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office YouTube channel:
• The latest installment of "Clackamas County's Most Wanted";
• And a new promotional video about Northwest SARCon, our search-and-rescue conference held in the shadow of Mt. Hood.
New on YouTube: SWIFT action
On Friday, Feb. 5, the media was invited to attend a skills demonstration by the recently formed Swift Water Incident / Flood Team (SWIFT) and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and crew.
The Coast Guard helicopter performed tactical maneuvers with the SWIFT team in the lagoon situated at the rear of the Oregon City Shopping Center in Oregon City. This challenging drill gave SWIFT personnel an opportunity to learn how best to package and hoist potential victims up from the water and into a hovering Coast Guard helicopter. This hands-on drill introduced SWIFT members to the turbulence generated by the hovering craft -- which can exceed 100 mph.
Click here to watch a video on our YouTube channel of SWIFT training with the Coast Guard.We're very excited about SWIFT. It's a new, specially trained inter-agency strike team that can respond to water disasters locally, regionally and even nationally, thanks to special agreements at the state and federal level. It comprises team members from the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and Clackamas Fire District #1.
To learn more about SWIFT, click here. You can also click here to watch a YouTube video about SWIFT's formation.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Sheriff Roberts press conference on Grahn Shooting
During a Feb. 16 press conference, Sheriff Craig Roberts reacted to the tragic shootings that took place on Feb. 12, 2010. A 9-minute video of this conference is now available on our streaming video server.
The Charlotte Grahn Memorial Fund
In the wake of the the tragic shootings of Friday, Feb. 12, the Clackamas County Peace Officers' Benevolent Foundation’s Board of Directors has established the Charlotte Grahn Memorial Fund.
The purpose of this fund is to assist the children of Charlotte Grahn and the families of Kathleen Hoffmeister and Victoria Schulmerich.
The Benevolent Foundation's Board of Directors has approved a contribution of $10,000 to the Charlotte Grahn Memorial Fund. Anyone can make additional contributions to the fund at any Wells Fargo Bank branch, or by mailing a check to the Clackamas County Peace Officers Benevolent Foundation, PO Box 426, Oregon City, Oregon, 97045.
For more information on the Benevolent Foundation, visit http://www.ccpobf.org/.
Remembering Sheriff Bill Brooks
UPDATE: Info on the Jan. 30 memorial service for Bill Brooks can be found here.
Dear Citizens:
Former Clackamas County Sheriff Bill Brooks passed away this week. I want to honor his extensive legacy of service.
My recollections of Bill are that he was a friendly, easygoing man who cared deeply about everyone who worked at the Sheriff’s Office. He started with our organization in 1953, after serving with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the West Linn Police Department. He was appointed Clackamas County Sheriff in 1983 by the Board of County Commissioners, and went on to win subsequent elections to the office in 1984 and 1988. While he was Sheriff, Bill implemented several important projects that continue to serve us today -- including a major expansion of the Clackamas County Jail. He retired in 1992 after more than four decades in law enforcement.
In 1995, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association honored him as its “Sheriff of the Year.” Even in retirement, Bill kept in touch with the Sheriff’s Office, and continued to work on important public safety issues -- such as the passage of Measure 57 in 2008.
Bill also had an extraordinary knowledge of aeronautics and aircraft, and he always wanted us to have an aero unit with a helicopter.
He will be sorely missed.
Remembering Katie Rani Nolan, Anthony Vietti and Luke Gullberg
Making the decision to suspend a search-and-rescue mission is among the most difficult that I am required to make as Clackamas County Sheriff. Unfortunately, that was how our rescue efforts for Katie Nolan and Anthony Vietti ended on Dec. 16. The mission received national media attention, so you might think that by now everybody knows everything that happened up on the mountain. But I want to tell you about some of the things you didn’t see on television -- at a special tribute Web page we've posted in memory of Katie Nolan, Anthony Vietti and Luke Gullberg.
Click here to visit the tribute Web page.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Hot off the presses: 'The Briefing Room' December 2009 issue!
Dear Citizens:
Click here to check out the latest issue of our "Briefing Room" newsletter. Among the stories ...
• A profile of our School Resource Officers (SROs) -- the first line of defense against school violence. Meet the Clackamas County deputies tasked with educating and encouraging crime prevention among students.
• A feature profile of Jake French -- an extraordinary young man working to walk again after a paralyzing accident.
• A preview of "Mik & Nero," our new series of crime-prevention comics for kids starring our real-life canine deputies.
... and much more. Give the new issue a look and drop us a line. You can also subscribe to the e-mail version of the newsletter by clicking here.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
In Memory of the Lakewood Officers....
On Nov. 29, four Lakewood, Washington police officers -- Sgt. Mark Renninger and Officers Ronald Owens, Tina Griswold and Greg Richards -- were ruthlessly gunned down in a coffee shop. A memorial service was held today (Tuesday, Dec. 8) at the Tacoma Dome.
Here are some online resources on the shooting -- and info on where you can make donations to the surviving family members:
- Information, tributes and news at the Lakewood Police Department Web page
- Lakewood Police Independent Guild (Fallen Officer Donations)
- "In Memory of the Lakewood Officers" Facebook group
Get involved with TIP!
Dear Citizens:
Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) is a terrific boon to the community. TIP trains citizen volunteers to help "fill in the gaps" for fire, police and other emergency workers -- offering "emotional first aid" to family members, running errands, connecting victims to aid programs, and much more. TIP volunteers support and comfort victims so we can do our jobs.
Would you like to get involved?
TIP trains new volunteers once a year -- and their next Training Academy begins in January 2010. For more information on the Academy, click here to read a PDF.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
KOIN on Jake French
KOIN Local 6 just did a wonderful story on Jake French, the remarkable young man working to recover from a devastating spinal-cord injury.
Click here to watch KOIN's video. (For more on Jake, scroll down this page or watch our YouTube video.) You can make donations to the Jake French Fund at any U.S. Bank branch -- or you can mail your donation to: Jake French Fund, c/o CCPO Benevolent Foundation, P.O. Box 426, Oregon City, OR 97045.
New video: A visit with the extraordinary Jake French
Dear citizens:
In 2008, Jake French was paralyzed from the neck down after a horrible accident in the Estacada area. I recently spent the day with Jake and his parents -- and was amazed by Jake's courage, determination and upbeat attitude as the family adapted to Jake's new life.
I was so moved by Jake's story, I asked him and his family to join me at Northwest SARCon's Saturday-night banquet in Welches. We showed a video about Jake's life, and the Clackamas County Peace Officers Benevolent Foundation presented Jake with a check. We also took up a collection from among the 300 attendees in the ballroom to raise more funds. This much-needed money will go toward Jake's trip to Project Walk -- an aggressive spinal-cord injury recovery program that offers Jake's best fighting chance at getting back on his feet.
Click here to watch an extended cut of the video chronicling my visit with Jake and his family. I guarantee you'll be moved by their extraordinary story.
You can make donations to the Jake French Fund at any U.S. Bank branch -- or you can mail your donation to: Jake French Fund, c/o CCPO Benevolent Foundation, P.O. Box 426, Oregon City, OR 97045.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
New video: 'Clackamas County's Most Wanted'
On our YouTube channel, you can find the latest installment of "Clackamas County's Most Wanted" -- in which I present the latest info on a few fugitives and ask for your help to track them down.
You'll also find a new public-safety message on "Exponential Speed" and a profile of our Marine Unit on YouTube.
New videos: A text-tip how-to -- and much more
On the county's video server, you'll find several new videos -- including:
• A how-to video on sending crime tips to the Sheriff's Office via cell-phone text message;
• info on Clackamas Federal Credit Union's donation to Northwest SARCon;
• Our donation to ailing Sheriff's Office Chaplain Mark Evans;
• A donation to Clackamas Women's Services by Krav Maga;
• And highlights from the May 11 service in which we honored deputies who gave their lives in the line of duty.
(All county-server videos are optimized to played on Windows using Internet Explorer.)
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
New on our Web site: newsletters, a calendar and a new crimefighting tool
Dear Citizens:
We've added some exciting new features to our Web site:
• Click here to check out the Winter 2009 issue of our "Briefing Room" newsletter. This issue is a "Search & Rescue Special" -- profiling the deputies and volunteers who respond to emergencies on Mt. Hood, the world's second-most-climbed mountain.
• There's also a new issue of our "Neighborhood Watch" newsletter, which checks in on the latest ID-theft threat: credit-card skimmers. You can download a PDF of the January/February/March 2009 issue from our Neighborhood Watch Web page.
• We're also unveiling a "Public Safety Events Calendar" -- a list of educational opportunities, workshops, social events and more.
• And finally, I'm pleased to announce our "Can You ID Me?" page -- which features surveillance photos of people we need your help identifying. These people may be persons of interest or potential witnesses; they have not necessarily committed a crime. For your own safety, do not attempt to apprehend or contact them.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Help us solve the Sohi murder
Dear citizens:
On Feb. 4, exactly one year after the unsolved murder of Gurdev Sing Sohi, deputies took to the streets with the victim's family at the crime scene to talk to the media and distribute a bulletin -- in the hope of shaking loose new leads that will help solve the case.
You can download the bulletin here.
(PDF format; requires free Adobe Reader)
If you can help us, drop us a tip.
It's an honor to serve you.
New Videos: 'How to File a Restraining Order,' SARCon overview
We've got some exciting new videos to share with you:Clackamas County's Most Wanted: January 2009 (YouTube) -- I present our Most Wanted fugitives as of Jan. 1, 2009. For more information and the latest updates, visit our Sheriff's Office Most Wanted Web page.
"Northwest SARCon 2008" (YouTube) -- This video takes you inside our unprecedented four-day gathering in the shadow of Mt. Hood -- America's most-climbed mountain -- where internationally renowned experts led field and classroom exercises covering the latest advances in search and rescue. You can also click here to watch additional interviews with search-and-rescue survivors.)
"How to File a Restraining Order in Clackamas County" (county video server) -- Sgt. Angela Brandenburg takes you step-by-step through the basics of filing a restraining order in Clackamas County. (This video is optimized for Windows and Internet Explorer; pops in a new window.)
AED donation press conference (county video server) -- During a Jan. 16, 2009 press conference, the Wilsonville Police Department received four Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) for use in their patrol vehicles. With each minute that goes by without defibrillation, a patient's chance of survival dwindles; AEDs allow trained personnel to render crucial aid to cardiac-arrest victims immediately. This press-conference footage includes Deputy Mitch Beyer recalling how he used an AED to revive his friend -- a lieutenant who's suffered a heart attack at the Oregon Marine Law Enforcement Academy at Camp Rilea. (This video is optimized for Windows and Internet Explorer; pops in a new window.)
It's an honor to serve you.
Citizen's Academy 2010: Now accepting applications!
UPDATE: The 2010 CISA session is now full.
Want a first-hand look at how the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office works? We're now accepting applications for our 2010 Citizens Informational Sheriff's Academy (CISA).
CISA is an amazing experience. It gives members of the community an education on Sheriff's Office functions -- fostering positive relationships between deputies and the community. Through facility tours, simulator training, and interactions with deputies and command staffers, participants come to understand the various challenges and decisions faced daily by our deputies.
Click here to read a series of stories, printed in the Clackamas Review, about one reporter's experiences in CISA. It gives you a great sense of the life-changing excitement that's in store for participants.
Even though citizens attending the Academy are given information in numerous police-related subjects, the graduates are not prepared for nor expected to conduct any police services.
More information and application forms can be found online right here, or by calling (503) 655-8819.
Hot off the presses: New 'Neighborhood Watch' newsletter
Dear citizens:
You can now download the latest issue of the "Neighborhood Watch" newsletter from our Neighborhood Watch Web page.
This double-sized issue features some terrific articles on Internet safety, pedestrian safety and restraining and stalking orders.
Here's a direct link to the new issue (PDF format; requires free Adobe Reader).
It's an honor to serve you.
Northwest SARCon is almost here (Oct. 15-18, 2009)! Now accepting late registrations!
Northwest SARCon is our search-and-rescue conference for emergency responders and their supervisors. Attendees include sheriff’s deputies, SAR-team members and volunteers, police officers, firefighters and military and medical personnel. Participants receive hands-on training and participate in discussions on topics related to every aspect of search-and-rescue missions.
The conference returns Oct. 15-18, 2009 to the Resort at the Mountain in Welches, Oregon. This year's gathering will feature more than 50 expert instructors, seven unique training tracks, and nearly 25 field sessions -- including high-angle rope rescue, water safety and four-day tracking training and search/scent discrimination courses for K9 teams -- plus vendors, networking opportunities and more!
Registration fees are $350 for paid search professionals -- such as sheriffs' deputies, police officers, career firefighters, military personnel and public safety workers -- and $250 for volunteer searchers.
And we're now accepting late registrations and one-day registrations. One-day registrations are $100 per day for volunteers, $125 for paid professionals. Add $20 per person if you're attending the SARCon banquet on Saturday, Oct. 17.
More details can be found on the official Web site, www.nwsarcon.com.
Hot off the presses: 'The Briefing Room' Summer 2009 issue!
Dear Citizens:
Click here to check out the Summer 2009 issue of our "Briefing Room" newsletter. This issue is our biggest yet. Among the stories ...
• My report on how high-tech solutions are saving money at the jail.
• A feature story about Oregon Impact's regular drunk-driving panel, which dramatically demonstrates the consequences of DUII.
• A profile of Corrections Deputy Adrian Larsen -- who also happens to be a record-busting bench-press champion.
• ... and much, much more -- including stories about award-winning deputies, crime-prevention and safety tips, how to file a restraining order, and our new cell-phone text-tip technology.
Give the new issue a look and drop us a line. You can also subscribe to the e-mail version of the newsletter by clicking here.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Multiple rewards offered for information on July 12 killing, mutilation of Milwaukie dog
Reprinting and expanding on info in this Oregon Humane Society release....
The Oregon Humane Society (OHS) is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the recent killing and mutilation of a 5-year-old Boston terrier in Milwaukie, Ore.
An additional reward fund has been set up at U.S. Bank. The public can add money to the BANDIT MARR REWARD FUND at any U.S. Bank branch. This reward will also go to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in this grisly crime.
The family pet was killed sometime during the evening of Sunday, July 12 on the grounds of Rex Putnam High School, located on Roethe Road.
A preliminary medical exam indicates the dog died from stab wounds to the neck. After the dog was killed, its coat was cut from its body.
Click here to read the full press release at the Oregon Humane Society's Web site -- where you'll also find a KATU news report on the case.
Law-enforcement agencies: Help us SWEEP domestic violence this fall!
One of our most successful operations is the annual Family Violence Warrant Sweep.
Each fall, working with agencies across the United States, we attempt to serve as many outstanding family-violence warrants as possible in a single day.
Last year, over 150 Sheriff's Offices from 27 different states participated -- along with local municipal law-enforcement agencies, probation departments, District Attorney's offices, shelter organizations, and community members. All told, over 1,300 law-enforcement members participated.
The results were staggering. There were over 5,700 nationwide attempts to serve arrest warrants, and 1,200 warrants served.
The SWEEP sends the message to offenders that no matter where they flee, we will work together to hold them accountable for their crimes.
We've created a Web page for the 2009 SWEEP. If you're from a law-enforcement agency and want to get involved in our growing national fight against domestic violence, be sure to check it out and get involved.
It's an honor to serve you.
Congrats to Community Corrections and our deputies!
Dear citizens: I wanted let you know about some terrific recognition we've received recently.
• On June 6, Special Olympics Oregon presented our own Lt. Dixon Andrews with its Ken Davis Unsung Hero Award. Lt. Andrews (pictured at right honoring a Special Olympics athlete) was recognized for the stunning amount of volunteer work he does for Special Olympics and its Law Enforcement Torch Run. For a detailed press release on this award, click here.
• Congratulations also to Deputy Curtis Kessler, who recently completed Homeland Security hazardous-materials technician training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama. Deputy Kessler joined us in 1996, prior to eight years with the Lane County Sheriff's Office. He's served us in SWAT, the Firearms Training Unit, the bomb squad and much more. CDP training is a big deal -- it gives emergency responders the skills and confidence to effectively respond to local incidents and potential WMD incidents. You can read more about Deputy Kessler's training right here.
• And the American Legion Estacada Post #74 (Department of Oregon) recently honored Deputy Jeffrey Juker (pictured at right) for his service by presenting him with its "Law Enforcement Certificate of Commendation" -- which is "Awarded for Outstanding Service Benefiting Our Community, State and Nation." Usually this honor goes to veterans and members of the military, but the Legion recently started expanding this honor to law-enforcement personnel. We're extremely proud of Deputy Juker and his service.
• And finally: I want to congratulate Clackamas County Community Corrections for the incredibly high score it received during a recent audit.
Community Corrections runs a Corrections Substance Abuse Program (CSAP). CSAP provides intensive substance-abuse treatment and cognitive-behavioral treatment to high-risk parole and probation clients. The treatment program lasts a full year -- six months in-house, followed by six months in a clean-and-sober living environment such as Oxford House. This program was re-opened by Community Corrections about a year-and-a-half ago.
In April, CSAP was evaluated using the state's Evidence Based Correctional Program Checklist (CPC) -- and the scores were incredible.
The national-average score is 44, and CSAP scored an astounding 86. Anything over 65 is considered "highly satisfactory," and the score ranks CSAP among the top 6 percent of treatment programs in the nation. In a detailed breakdown of the CPC evaluation, CSAP scored 100 percent on its ability to assess clients' treatment needs.
I'm incredibly proud of Community Corrections for making this treatment program one of the nation's best. Congratulations to everyone on their hard work!
KOIN profiles INTERCEPT
KOIN-TV just broadcast a terrific news report on the men and women behind INTERCEPT -- the Inter-agency Child Exploitation Prevention Team, which combines the resources of local, state and federal law-enforcement agencies to stop online child sexual predators.
You can watch KOIN's feature story right here.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
REPORT: Oregon drug use exceeds national average; abuse and trafficking of meth, marijuana remains epidemic
Dear Citizens:
Want to learn the status of Oregon's drug trade -- and how we intend to fight it?
The Oregon High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program just released its annual Drug Threat Assessment and Counter-Drug Strategy -- an in-depth report that examines trafficking of marijuana, meth, and other drugs in Oregon.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
OPB: 'Federal Agents Working Closer With Local Police On Illegal Immigration'
Dear citizens: I recently spoke with OPB's April Baer for her story on how we're working closely with Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) to intercept illegal immigrants at the Clackamas County Jail.
You can read (and listen to) OPB's piece here.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig RobertsHonored for our 'Wolf Pack' drunk-driving enforcement efforts
Dear Citizens:
On Friday, April 17, we were honored by the Oregon DUII Multi-Disciplinary Task Force as 2008's "County Agency of the Year."
Undersheriff Dave Kirby and I accepted the award at the Task Force training conference -- held at the Jantzen Beach Red Lion Inn. You can find video from the event on our video page (2nd item in playlist; optimized for Windows and Internet Explorer).
This is the first time we've won the award. We received the honor for our work on the "Wolf Pack" DUII Saturation Patrols -- an enhanced enforcement effort targeting locations in the county with high reported numbers of DUII citations and crashes. The patrols began in June 2008 and concluded in August. In total, 11 agencies dedicated over 1,260 staff hours resulting in 282 traffic stops, 18 DUII arrests and 24 custodies.
The Wolf Pack patrols were featured in the February 2009 edition of American Police Beat magazine. A copy of that article can be read here.
It's an honor to serve you.
'The Fireworks FAQ'
The Fourth of July is fast approaching. And while it's wonderful to have fun with fireworks, it's absolutely vital to have that fun safely and legally.
And so -- with a lot of help from the Oregon State Fire Marshal -- we're offering answers to frequently asked questions about fireworks safety and legality.
It's an honor to serve you.
Hot off the presses: 'The Briefing Room' Spring 2009 issue!
Dear Citizens:
Click here to check out the Spring 2009 issue of our "Briefing Room" newsletter. This issue has even more useful features than our Winter 2009 debut issue, including ...
• My status report on the Jail and the push to consolidate Sheriff's Office operations
• A profile of Reserve Deputy Cornelius Booker, who re-enlisted in the Army after 9/11
• An update on the year-old murder of Gurdev Sing Sohi
• A wrap-up of our 2008 Awards Ceremony
• Spring river-safety tips
• A list of our new Web tools
• Answers to common traffic questions
• How to get help after eviction or foreclosure in Clackamas County
... and much more. Give it a look and drop us a line. You can also subscribe to the e-mail version of the newsletter by clicking here.
It's an honor to serve you.
This weekend (July 20, 2009): Child fingerprinting and charity football
This Saturday (July 20, 2009), you can protect your child and watch football for charity:
The first-annual "Black and Blue Bowl" charity flag-football game will be held Saturday, July 20 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Hood Community College (26000 SE Stark St., Gresham). Proceeds from the game (presented by the Portland metro police departments and the Blackshirts) go to Concerns Of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). The Blackshirts and the PDX Enforcers are dedicating this year's game to the officers and their families of the Woodburn Bank bombing: Woodburn Police Chief Scott Russell, Oregon State Police Senior Trooper William Hakim, and Woodburn Police Captain Tom Tennant. Tickets are $10 each (free admission for children under age 12). To read a news story about this event, click here. For a PDF flyer for this event, click here.
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office will be providing free child fingerprinting services on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Public Safety Training Center (12700 SE 82nd Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015). Child ID kits (which you can download here as a PDF) are one of the best ways to ensure you have the tools necessary for law enforcement to locate your children in the event they go missing. On June 20, Clackamas County Sheriff's staff will be on hand to process your children's fingerprints with their inkless equipment -- there's no mess, and there's also much greater accuracy than with fingerprints taken with ink. The fingerprinting services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Ages recommended for fingerprinting are 3-13. For more information, call the Public Safety Training Center at 503-794-8072.
This information and more can be found in our Public Safety Events Calendar. It's an honor to serve you.
CORRECTION: Incorrect photo featured in news report, bulletin
Due to an investigative error involving misread time-codes on an ATM surveillance camera, the Sheriff's Office mistakenly circulated a surveillance photo of Jamie Suskanen of Donald, Oregon as a person of interest in a recent theft case.... READ MORERemembering Jimmy Shoop
Today (Friday, Nov. 7, 2008) we celebrate the courage and dedication of Deputy Jimmy Shoop, even as we commemorate the anniversary of his death. Jimmy was killed on Nov. 7, 1981, when his patrol car was struck by a drunk driver near Boring. He was survived by his wife Vickie and three children: Troy, Gina and Ryan.
As a young deputy, I recall waiting at roll call one evening for Jimmy to arrive. This was back before we had take-home cars, so no one was surprised when he rolled up his own pickup truck. We were surprised when he hauled a drunk out of the passenger seat and brought him into the squad room. Jimmy had pulled him over on his way to work and arrested him on the spot.
That was classic Jimmy -- always ready to jump in and lend a hand. Please take a moment today to think of him.
Two days ago, on Nov. 5, we christened one of our marine patrol boats in his honor. At that same ceremony, we also named two of our other boats in honor of Damon Coates and Bill Bowman. Sgt. Coates was shot in the line of duty in January 2003, survived, and is recuperating with his family in West Linn; Deputy Bowman was shot and killed during a training exercise in September 2000. To me, these men are true heroes. We will always remember them and their sacrifices on behalf of the community that they served and protected.
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It’s an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Check out our new YouTube channel!
We're always looking for new ways to share our messages and connect with the public. So we're excited to unveil our brand-new YouTube channel -- which will allow users to watch, share and embed Clackamas County Sheriff's Office videos across the Web.Click here to check it out!
We're also using YouTube to spread the word about one of our Most Wanted fugitives: alleged scam artist Leonard Weston Ramey, Jr.
Take a look at our video on Ramey -- hosted by our Public Information Officer, Det. Jim Strovink -- and pass the link along, or embed it on your own Web site. You might help us bring an alleged Ponzi-scheme master to justice.
It's an honor to serve you.
Help Chelsea Butler
Dear Citizens:
I've been deeply moved by the uninsured medical ordeal of Oregon City teenager Chelsea Butler -- and I urge you to help her if you can.
Chelsea cut her knee on some glass on New Year's Eve. This minor scratch turned into a life-threatening medical crisis -- because Chelsea was infected with a Strep infection manifesting as necrotizing fasciitis, which acts much as a flesh-eating virus acts.
She was LifeFlighted to Legacy Emmanuel’s Burn Center unit. She underwent multiple surgeries to remove infected tissue, skin grafts, and a massive battery of medicines. She was placed in a medically induced coma, on a ventilator, as doctors battled to stop the infection and save her failing organs. She is now making slow, steady progress toward recovery -- only standing up for the first time on Monday, Jan. 26.
However, as local news outlets are reporting, there are other, devastiating financial complications. "Her dad had a brain tumor," reported KOIN-TV. "That battle did not end Chelsea’s sense of hope -- but it did end the family’s ability to carry health insurance."
Chelsea Butler's family has set up a fund at West Coast Bank to cover her staggering medical expenses. I urge you to donate if you can. You can also follow Chelsea's progress toward recovery and learn more at her CaringBridge Web site.
It’s an honor to serve you.
A Tribute to Daisy
Dear Citizens:
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office offers heartfelt condolences to Canine Search Specialist Pamela Zachritz, who led some excellent workshops on K9 disaster search and rescue at Northwest SARCon '08. Her 8-year-old German Shepherd, Daisy, passed away due to complications from a heart tumor on Oct. 6, 2008, just after returning home from the conference.
We've set up a tribute Web page in memory of this amazing rescue animal:
"Daisy: 2000-2008"
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
NEWS ROUNDUP: The SWEEP, our deputies and 'Dr, SWAT' - in print and on TV
Dear Citizens:
Sheriff's Office deputies and team members have been all over the news recently:
• KOIN just reported on our nationwide Oct. 16 domestic-violence sweep -- and even rode along with me as we served warrants on domestic-abuse suspects. You can watch their excellent feature video on the roundup by clicking right here. 
• The Estacada News profiled Deputy Steve Funk, the new school resource officer at Estacada High. 
• KOIN-TV did a story on our "Operation Peek-a-Boo" -- in which we use high-tech tools to make sure truck drivers wear their seat belts. You can watch KOIN's video right here (video optimized for Windows and Internet Explorer; pops in a new window). 
• KOIN was also on-scene for our wildly successful Northwest SARCon -- which gathered search-and-rescue pros, volunteers and vendors from across the state in Welches, at the foot of Mt. Hood, the world's second-most-climbed mountain. You can watch their news report on the event by clicking here (video optimized for Windows and Internet Explorer; pops in a new window). 
• Click here to watch KOIN's terrific news feature on Dr. Seth Izenberg, the Legacy Trauma Surgeon who rolls with our SWAT team (video optimized for Windows and Internet Explorer; pops in a new window). It's an honor to serve you.
ONLINE READING TIP: Our new Jail as 'wagon wheel'
Dear Citizens:
The Oregonian's Rick Bella just wrote a terrific story on the new, expanded Clackamas County Jail we're planning.
In it, Bella beautifully explains the new Jail's more-efficient "podular" design -- as well as the ways the facility will be friendlier to both the environment and the mentally ill. If you want an up-to-date look at the status of this exciting project, give it a read:
"Clackamas County prepares to build modern jail"
(The Oregonian, Sept. 4, 2008)
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Subscribe to our e-newsletter!
Dear Citizens:
We're gearing up to launch a regular Sheriff's Office newsletter, "The Community Report" -- which we'll be making available in print, on this Web site as a downloadable PDF, and via e-mail.
Subscribers will receive updates on what's going on at the Sheriff's Office, deputy profiles, safety tips, status reports on the planned expansion of the Clackamas County Jail, links to useful features on our Web site, and much more.
If you'd like to subscribe to the e-mail version of the newsletter, drop us a line at ccsonewsletter@co.clackamas.or.us -- or simply click the giant button on the right-hand side of this Web page.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Finding a Sheriff's Office job: now easier than ever
We've given our Web site some serious upgrades over the past year. Now I'm delighted to announce our latest improvement:
A major overhaul of our Recruiting page.
The new Recruiting section contains a lot of practical new data -- including step-by-step info on how to apply, a quick look at our eligibility requirements, and detailed info on salary and benefits. You'll also find an overview of our career opportunities, a list of other ways to serve, and a quick look at why Clackamas County is such a great place to live and work.
It's an honor to serve you.
Get involved with TIP!
Dear Citizens:
Trauma Intervention Programs (TIP) is a terrific boon to the community. TIP trains citizen volunteers to help "fill in the gaps" for fire, police and other emergency workers -- offering "emotional first aid" to family members, running errands, connecting victims to aid programs, and much more. TIP volunteers support and comfort victims so we can do our jobs.
Would you like to get involved?
TIP trains new volunteers once a year -- and their next Training Academy begins in November 2008. For more information on the Academy, click here.
TIP is also holding its annual "Heroes with Heart" dinner/auction fundraiser on Oct. 30. To learn more or to register for the event, visit www.tipnw.org or call 503-823-3937.
It's an honor to serve you.
Be safe this Halloween!
Trick-or-treating is fun -- but it should also be safe.
Click here to read an excellent list of Halloween safety tips -- courtesy of the Oregon State Police Missing Children Clearinghouse and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
It's an honor to serve you. Have a great Halloween.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Reporting from Iraq
In August, Salem-News.com lead reporter Tim King, who has written about the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, departed for a five-week assignment in Iraq. He's embedded with Oregon Guard soldiers from 641st Aviation Group -- deployed to Iraq to work in the aviation sector at Balad. It's Tim's second tour embedded with an Oregon National Guard unit.
We're big supporters of our men and women in uniform. You can read Tim's coverage of their efforts in Iraq right here.
CHARITY BRIEFS: Fighting ALS, cleaning the Clackamas, and helping an elderly woman cool off
Fighting by Walking: Corporal Toby Candilora of the Washington County Sheriff's Office was recently diagnosed with ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. He's responding to this news with a fighter's attitude: He and his family are raising funds to participate in a "Walk to Defeat ALS" on Sunday, Sept. 7 in Vancouver.
To read Corporal Candilora's inspiring message and donate to his fundraising effort, visit his "Personal Walk Page" at ALSA.org.
Help Clean the Clackamas: Also on Sunday, Sept. 7, our Dive Team will participate with other professionals and enthusiasts in the 6th Annual "Down the River Clean Up" on the Clackamas River.
You're invited to join "kayakers, rafters, drift boaters, tubers, river boarders, snorkelers and even scuba divers" as they float the river and clean it up -- and then return to Barton Park for music and a BBQ.
For more information, visit www.DownTheRiverCleanup.org.
A Deputy Steps Up: If you want to read a heartwarming story, check out our press release on K-9 Deputy Brad O'Neil -- who helped an elderly woman suffering in the heat by buying her an air conditioner out of his own pocket.
Fox12's story about the donation.
(optimized for Windows and Internet Explorer)
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
New 'Neighborhood Watch News': water safety, stolen cars and TACT
A new issue of our "Neighborhood Watch News" is now available. Click here to download the PDF.
Covered in the July/August/September issue:
- Water-safety tips;
- How to protect your car from theft;
- Warning signs to help ID a con artist;
- And safe-driving suggestions around big-rig trucks.
Back issues of this quarterly newsletter can be found on our Neighborhood Watch Web page.
It's an honor to serve you.
Best wishes to Shellie
Dear Citizens:
At the Sheriff's Office, we take pride in our strong relationships with members of the media. Our hearts, prayers and best wishes go out to KATU "Problem Solver" reporter Shellie Bailey-Shah, who is fighting breast cancer.
Shellie has bravely decided to share her cancer experiences with KATU viewers, in the hopes that other can learn from her struggle.
Click here to read and watch video of her story, to e-mail her well wishes, and to learn about early detection and other key cancer information.
The Public Information Office and I wish Shellie a speedy and full recovery, and we encourage you to drop her a supportive e-mail.
It’s an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
'Learning to Climb' and SARCon '08
By law, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is responsible for all search-and-rescue (SAR) operations within county borders.
This presents an interesting challenge when Mt. Hood -- the second most frequently climbed mountain in the world -- falls in your juisdiction.
We're the busiest search-and-rescue agency in the state, having completed more than 150 missions last year -- an average of one every two or three days.
Patrick Sherman just wrote a fascinating feature article about how Rocky Henderson of Portland Mountain Rescue recently sharpened the mountaineering skills of three of our deputies. The extra training -- which included lessons in "self-arrest" and other emergency techniques -- will give our deputies an extra edge when they're running SAR missions on Mt. Hood.
Click here to read "Learning to Climb."
This isn't the only way we're sharing and enhancing our search-and-rescue knowledge. This fall, we're hosting Northwest SARCon 2008 -- a search-and-rescue conference developed for emergency responders and their supervisors. Attendees will receive hands-on training and share knowledge while participating in SAR-related discussions and workshops. Click here if you'd like to learn more about this exciting new conference.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
We're ready to SWEEP domestic violence
One of our most successful operations is the annual Family Violence Warrant Sweep.
Each fall, working with agencies across the United States, we attempt to serve as many outstanding family-violence warrants as possible in a single day.
Last year, over 190 Sheriff's Offices from 30 different states participated -- along with local municipal law-enforcement agencies, probation departments, District Attorney's offices, shelter organizations, and community members. All told, over 1,600 law-enforcement members participated.
The results were staggering. There were over 7,600 nationwide attempts to serve arrest warrants, and 1,780 warrants served.
The SWEEP sends the message to offenders that no matter where they flee, we will work together to hold them accountable for their crimes.
This year, we've created a Web page for the 2008 SWEEP. If you're from a law-enforcement agency and want to get involved in our growing national fight against domestic violence, be sure to check it out.
It's an honor to serve you.
2007 Annual Crime Report now online
Want to read a detailed breakdown of Clackamas County's crime statistics from last year?
Our 2007 Annual Report is now online as a free public download. This "Analysis of Crimes in Clackamas County" features flowcharts and graphs containing easy-to-read, in-depth stats on crime rates, stolen vehicles, domestic violence, calls for service, death investigations, traffic and DUII arrests, and much, much more.
You can download this 34-page .pdf right here. (And if you're curious, the 2006 report can be found here.)
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
An election victory message
With the May 20 election now behind us, I want to say how humbled and honored I am to have been re-elected as your sheriff -- especially given the margin of victory. I see it as a strong affirmation of the changes we’ve made over the past four years, and a mandate to pursue the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Great organizations constantly challenge themselves and seek out ways to improve, and this has always been my goal for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. We will continue to achieve by building partnerships with the community, being vigilant with your tax dollars, holding offenders accountable and working proactively to prevent crime.
There are far too many people who supported and encouraged me through this campaign to thank here, but I do want to acknowledge the special contribution of my parents, Jim and Madeline Roberts, as well as my grandparents, now deceased. They taught me the values that have guided me in my life and through my career: to be honest, to treat everyone with respect, to be fair and to help those who are less fortunate.
Thank you for your vote, and please know that the confidence and trust you have placed in me is never taken lightly. I will continue to work hard, and to foster a transparent, accountable organization that is always on the upward path -- always pushing ahead. All of us working together to make a difference is how we accomplish that goal.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Announcing INTERCEPT
Sex predators use the Internet to lure children. These criminals manipulate kids online for one reason -- to fulfill illegal urges that destroy young lives.
Now we have a multi-agency team dedicated to stopping them.
On Thursday, May 15, I stood at a press conference with Washington County Sheriff Rob Gordon, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tim Moore, and United States Attorney Karin J. Immergut. Together, we announced the formation of INTERCEPT -- a new, tri-county investigative unit dedicated to protecting children on the Internet.
"INTERCEPT" stands for the Interagency Child Exploitation Prevention Team. The unit comprises investigators from the three counties, the Oregon Department of Justice, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
You can download a four-page information packet explaining INTERCEPT and its mission right here. (PDF, 556kb)
The Sheriffs of the tri-county area have recognized the growing problem of sexual predators roaming the Internet in search of innocent children to victimize. I'm excited to work with our federal, state and county law-enforcement partners. Together, we're detecting these predators and arresting and prosecuting them before they meet these vulnerable children in person and destroy their lives.
Here's a list of crime-prevention resources on Internet safety.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
KOIN reports on Jennifer Delap Cold Case
In January 1991, Jennifer Lynn Delap was reported missing from her home in Boring. Her body has never been found, and foul play is suspected.
There's a cash reward of $25,000 for information leading to an arrest in this Clackamas County Cold Case.
On May 8, KOIN-TV reported on the case. We've added that news report to our video page. I encourage the public to take a look -- and to help us if you can.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
A visit to Brookside
I recently got the opportunity to tour the new Brookside Center on the Kaiser Sunnyside campus. It's a 40-bed facility dedicated to treating people suffering from mental illness and addiction.
Mental-health issues continue to have a big impact on public safety in Clackamas County. About one-third of our calls for service involve a person with a mental-health problem -- and a similar proportion of our jail population suffers from mental illness.
To better prepare police officers and our deputies to meet these challenges -- on the street and in our jail -- we've implemented a county-wide program of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training. It gives us the tools we need to peacefully de-escalate people in crisis.
You can learn more about our CIT program here. And you can read all about my visit to Kaiser's new facility here.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
All Jail beds now open -- ahead of schedule
Dear Citizens:
I'm pleased to announce that the remaining 46 closed beds at Clackamas County Jail re-opened on March 1, 2008.
After March 1, all 84 Jail beds that were previously closed in 2002 due to staffing shortfalls are once again operating at full capacity.
Funding to open the Jail beds comes from the passage of Levy 3-246 on Nov. 7, 2006.
In November 2007, we opened 38 Jail beds, thanks to staffing efficiencies and the hiring of new Corrections deputies. The remaining 46 beds opened ahead of schedule on March 1st; the original plan called for opening all the beds at the end of March.
The November bed openings are already having an impact on public safety: The opening of 38 beds in November 2007 resulted in a 34-percent decrease in the number of inmates being freed due to overcrowding over the previous month. That means 130 offenders who would have been released due to lack of bed space remained in custody.
We're also set to launch an "inmate work crew" program. It will employ prisoners to perform labor outside the Jail -- including trash- and graffiti-cleanup details, brush- and culvert-clearing, and other high-visibility public beautification projects. This work crew is designed to hold offenders accountable while giving back to the community. The program is tentatively set to launch on March 28.
Thanks, again, to all those who supported the Sheriff’s Office and helped pass the 2006 jail levy. Together, we're further slowing the forced release of offenders in Clackamas County. It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Expanding our online Tip Sheet
Dear Citizens:
Did you know you can report suspected criminal activity to us using this Web site?
Our online Tip Sheet allows you to notify us (anonymously if needed) about a wide range of crimes.
Fill out as much of the form as you can. Select the type of crime at the top of the form. Hit "submit." An e-mail will be created and forwarded to the proper deputy.
We've just added new selection fields for gang and graffiti problems. We hope you'll use them to help us do an even better job fighting crime in your neighborhood.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Looking back on an amazing year....
Dear Citizens:
During our annual Awards Banquet, I gave a speech about the Sheriff's Office's major accomplishments in 2007.
If you'd like to hear that speech -- which covers everything from the overall decrease in Clackamas County crime to the opening of long-closed Jail beds -- head on over to our video page and click on the top entry, "Sheriff Roberts speaks at 2007 Awards Banquet."
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Gun-range cereal donations hit 1k!
I'm proud to announce that the indoor public shooting range located at our Public Safety Training Center just donated its 1,000th box of breakfast cereal to the needy.
It's an honor to serve you.
Our Neighborhood Watch page --
now with more info
The latest issue of our crime-prevention newsletter is now available for download from our Neighborhood Watch page.
You'll also find a new link there to our brand-new list of online crime-prevention resources -- everything you need to know about Internet safety, home safety, gangs, child abuse, drug abuse, personal safety, domestic violence and much more.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Our 'Cold Cases' are now online
We just unveiled an exciting new crimefighting tool on our Web site -- a "Cold Case" page showcasing some of the county's unsolved mysteries.
The Web page currently showcases five unsolved cases:
- The 2006 murder of William Andrew Corpe;
- The 1991 disappearance of Jennifer Lynn Delap;
- An unsolved 1946 murder of an unidentified victim;
- The 2000 discovery of the remains of an unknown African-American male;
- And the 1973 disappearance of Rita Lorraine Jolly, in which foul play is suspected.
Detectives hope the Web page will become a tool for the public to help us develop new leads that will resolve difficult cases.
Meanwhile, the "Clackamas County Weekly" section of the Thursday, Feb. 28 Oregonian features an in-depth article on how we're using the Web to solve Cold Cases:
It's an honor to serve you.
'The Surgeon of SWAT'
We recently interviewed Dr. Seth Izenberg, who leads a remarkable double life -- he's a top trauma physician at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, and he's the on-site tactical surgeon for our SWAT team.
The interview appears in print in the latest issue of the Clackamas County Citizen News. We've also posted the story online here. We hope you enjoy Izenberg's amazing story of service under fire.
It's an honor to serve you.
Get your Boater Education Card!
On Saturday, Jan. 26, our Marine Patrol conducted boat-safety inspections -- and gave free equivalency exams for the Boater Education Card -- at Clackamette Park.
As of Jan. 1, 2008, all boaters age 70 or younger need to carry a Boater Education Card when operating a powerboat if it’s greater than 10 hp. Youth ages 12-15 also need a Boater Education Card when operating boats 0-10 hp alone.
It's an honor to serve you.
Finding a Sheriff's Office job:
now easier than ever
We've given our Web site some serious upgrades over the past year. Now I'm delighted to announce our latest improvement:
A major overhaul of our Recruiting page.
The new Recruiting section contains a lot of practical new data -- including step-by-step info on how to apply, a quick look at our eligibility requirements, and detailed info on salary and benefits. You'll also find an overview of our career opportunities, a list of other ways to serve, and a quick look at why Clackamas County is such a great place to live and work.
It's an honor to serve you.
NEWS ROUNDUP: Donations, awards and a new teen cell-phone law
Some quick news updates to kick off the new year:
TEEN-DRIVER CELL-PHONE BAN: A new law, House Bill 2872, went into effect Jan. 1, prohibiting drivers under age 18 from using mobile communication devices -- including cell phones -- while driving. The ban also includes text-messaging devices. The full details are here.
A VALUABLE DEPUTY: Congratulations to Deputy Jim Keen! Last month, at the City of Wilsonville's employee Christmas luncheon, Deputy Keen received an award called "The Rock" from City Manager Arlene Loble -- honoring his outstanding work as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Wilsonville School District. Deputy Keen is the first non-city-employee recipient of this award, and we couldn't be prouder.
THANKS FOR DONATIONS: The Sheriff's Office frequently gives children's quilts and teddy bears to kids -- many of them crime victims in scary and overwhelming situations. We recently received children's quilts from Marian Ahlberg on behalf of the Delta Theta Sorority, as well as teddy bears (pictured) from Leila Martin of Milwaukie. I want to publicly thank these outstanding and generous citizens. If you'd like to make a donation, call one of our Community Service Officers (CSOs) at (503) 655-8218.
It's an honor to serve you.
NEWS ROUNDUP: Web updates and an award (and a farewell) for Capt. Naab
Some quick news updates:
NEW SHOOTING RANGE INFO: We've updated our Web pages for the Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) with the latest class descriptions and prices. There's also a downloadable PDF of our brand-new "Classes & Clinics" brochure -- which collects all of the PSTC's instructional offerings in one pamphlet for the first time.
NEW WEB PAGE: The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office periodically receives thank-you letters from citizens. We've reproduced some of our favorites on this brand-new Web page. (Letters may be edited for length or clarity, and identifying details may be removed.) If you'd like to send your own note of praise, feel free to use our online commendation form.
NEW HONORS FOR A DEPARTING DEPUTY: Citizen heroes and others -- including two Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputies -- were honored during the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association Annual Conference, held Dec. 10-12 at the Riverhouse Resort in Bend. (You can read the full awards breakdown here.) I'm proud to announce that our own Capt. John Naab, who's retiring this year, won the coveted "2007 Enforcement Commander of the Year" award. Also, Deputy John Gibson was honored for his outstanding service as the 2006-07 President of the Oregon Sheriffs' Search and Rescue Advisory Council.
I'm sorry to lose Capt. Naab. He has served us (and you) for 24 years in Patrol, Investigations, Search and Rescue, the Air Unit, the Hostage Negotiation Team, the SWAT team, as chief of our contracted Wilsonville Police service, and much more. After assuming command of our Patrol Division, he reduced our overtime expenditure by $116,000 over a two-year period. And he was crucial in helping us rebuild our SWAT team after the tragic training accident in 2000 in which Deputy Bill Bowman was killed. During his career in Patrol, he was awarded CCSO's Life Saving Award, Medal of Valor, and Meritorious Service Award.
Congratulations, John, and best wishes in your retirement. It's been an honor to serve with you.
The jail beds begin to open
UPDATE: You can now watch video of news reports on our newly opened Jail beds. Go to our video page and scroll down to "News reports: Clackamas County Jail beds open" and "Sheriff Roberts on newly opened Jail beds."
Happy Holidays from the Sheriff's Office. The best gift we can give you is increased public safety. And now -- thanks to the passage of last year's levy -- that gift is a happy reality.
After months of recruiting, planning and training, on Nov. 30 we started to open beds at the Clackamas County Jail that had gone unused since 2002.
On Wednesday, Dec. 19, I gave the local media a tour of Cell Blocks E, F and G at the Jail -- sections that were vacated by the state in May 2002. This area can accommodate up to 84 additional inmates, putting a major dent in the number of inmates we're forced to release each month due to overcrowding.
And I have you to thank for this. Citizen approval of the November 2006 levy, which was created thanks to input from our citizen-driven Blue Ribbon Committee -- along with aggressive hiring, employee training and keen Jail management -- have allowed us to increase our staff so those beds could be opened.
We've opened nearly 40 beds so far, with the rest to follow in early 2008. It's already having an impact on public safety: Our average forced releases per month are projected to go down nearly 20 percent in December from the rest of the year, from 436.27 to 364.63.
It's an honor to serve you.
Welcome to the team, Undersheriff Kirby
Dear Citizens:
On Friday, Nov. 16, during a special ceremony, we officially added a new deputy to our leadership team: David Kirby was sworn in as our second Undersheriff.
Undersheriff Kirby comes to Clackamas County from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, where he had an impressive 14-year career -- rising through the ranks from a Patrol Deputy to serve as both the Jail Division Commander and the Investigations Division Commander.
Before that, he served for three years with the Oregon State Police as a Cadet.
Kirby holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon. He’s a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and the Oregon Sheriff’s Command College, and has completed additional training through the United States Department of Justice, Portland State University, the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute, and the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association.
He also enjoys the unique honor of having been selected as the Vic Atiyeh Award winner for both his Basic Police Academy and his Basic Corrections classes. During his career, he's been recognized as the Patrol Deputy of the Year, Detective of the Year and Supervisor of the Year.
I personally had the pleasure of working closely with Dave while he was still at Washington County. He’s worked on a variety of other interagency teams, tackling issues as diverse as gangs, identity theft and narcotics. I think Dave is a person that we can all learn a lot from -- not only from his deep reservoir of knowledge and skills, but also from his character and his commitment to excellence.
You can read more about Undersheriff Kirby here, in our official press release. You'll also read how we're hiring new deputies -- hires made possible by the passage of last year's public-safety levy.
It's an honor to serve you.
'Pride of the Posse'
Dear Citizens:
The all-volunteer Clackamas County Sheriff's Posse has been helping us since 1939. They help with parking at large public events, serve as backup in local search-and-rescue efforts, keep a hand in several charitable causes, and even offer their own scholarship. The Posse has helped us locate lost children, mushroom hunters, hikers, game hunters, and Alzheimer’s patients; they’ve even helped guard marijuana plots during drug investigations.
We recently interviewed the Posse's oldest member -- the amazing Vern Hulit -- about the group's long history of service, which includes a recent extreme makeover of a County Fairgrounds building. The 75-year-old Vern also told tales only he could tell, gathered from nearly 50 years of service and horsemanship.
The interview appears in print in the latest issue of the Clackamas County Citizen News. We've also put a longer "director's cut" of the story online at our site. We hope you enjoy the Q&A; it really honors the Posse's decades of service.
"Pride of the Posse" (Clackamas County Citizen News, Fall 2007)
It's an honor to serve you.
Our Dodge Chargers look as good as they run
Dear Citizens:
You've probably seen the Dodge Chargers we recently added to our fleet of patrol cars. With their slick new striping and sleek lines, they're hard to miss -- unless, of course, they're streaking by on their way to a call.
But did you know our new cars are also award-winners?
We recently won second place in our category in Law and Order magazine's 2007 International Police Vehicle Design Contest.
"When the agency updated its graphics, it replaced brown-on-tan with forest-green-on-white," the magazine wrote of our cars in its August 2007 issue. "Striping continues along both sides of the car, incorporating reflective white block lettering." Among the judges' comments: "We like the way that they continue the striping to the back…. They carried the theme throughout the vehicle."
In addition to giving us a plaque and a featured photo in their magazine, next year Law and Order will present us with a $75 check to donate to a local charity.
Car and Driver magazine summed up the Dodge Charger police package as follows: "Big-time oomph, quick responses, sharp steering, dynamically superior to other cruisers in every way." Popular Mechanics was also impressed, writing: "We’ve tested cop cars before and haven’t exactly been impressed with their performance. But … this Dodge was the real deal, and we made the tire marks to prove it." Even The New York Times has weighed in favorably on the Charger's "sense of power."
It's an honor to serve you.
Important changes in Oregon's booster-seat law
Dear citizens:
I'd like to pass along some info on important changes to Oregon’s Occupant Protection Law -- which governs how to best restrain and protect children in motor vehicles.
The proper restraint of children reduces the severity of injuries and the number of children killed in crashes. And effective July 1, 2007, ORS 811.210 and 811.215 were amended to reflect National Best Practice.
The changes to the law require the following:
- Infants must ride rear-facing until they reach both one year of age and 20 pounds.
- Children who weigh over 40 pounds must be properly secured in a booster seat until they are age 8 or 4'9" in height.
- Children ages 8 or older or children taller than 4'9" must ride properly secured with the safety-belt system.
Oregon law continues to require that children over 1 year old and between 20 and 40 pounds must be properly secured with a forward-facing child safety seat -- up to a minimum of 40 pounds or the weight limit of the seat.
Want more information on Oregon law, answers to child passenger-safety questions, or to locate a child safety seat "check-up event"? You can contact the ACTS Oregon Child Safety Seat Resource Center at 503-643-5620, toll-free at 800-772-1315, or online at http://www.childsafetyseat.org/.
It’s an honor to serve you.
The New Budget Breakdown
Dear Citizens:
I want to update you on the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office budget process -- specifically, on some of the details we recently presented to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and the Budget Committee.
On May 30, 2007, we presented the Sheriff's Office budget -- which included funds from our recently passed levy -- and on June 1, we presented the ELED (Enhanced Law Enforcement District) budget.
The Board of Commissioners plans to approve the entire county budget during its June 21 meeting.
Click here to read the detailed breakdown of our presentation -- including an accounting of how we'll be spending your money, an overview of our crime statistics, an update on the future of our jail, and more.
It's an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
The Oregonian writes up our Crisis Intervention Training program
About 30 percent of offenders booked at our County Jail suffer from some sort of mental illness. Since February 2005, we’ve collaborated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and local mental-health agencies to build a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) program -- which teaches our staff and Deputies how to communicate with people with mental-health problems.
In early November 2006, The Oregonian’s Aimee Green spent some time embedded with our Crisis Intervention program -- and came up with a probing, informative feature article about CIT and the way it creates a bridge of communication between our Deputies and the mentally ill.
With The Oregonian’s permission, we’re also reproducing it here (PDF).
It’s an honor to serve you.
-- Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts
Learn about our 'Past, Present and Future' with new PDF brochure
Dear Citizens:
I began my career with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in 1982. Since then, I’ve watched us become the third-largest Sheriff’s Office in the state -- and I've watched us grow from serving a primarily rural county to serving a county that’s a blend of urban and rural.
We've grown so much, in fact, that we can't expect the public to know all the different ways we serve Clackamas County.
So I recently commissioned an eight-page brochure that offers a quick overview of the Sheriff's Office -- a sort of "Eyewitness Guide" to all our services, our history, and our plans for the future. We'll soon be handing this out at public events and at our stations, but I also want to offer it as a PDF download right here:
"Clackamas County Sheriff's Office: Past, Present and Future" (PDF, 8 pages, 1.2 MB)
This handout is designed to give readers a general understanding of CCSO -- our history, our structure, our responsibilities, our accomplishments, our budget, and our plans for the future. You'll also find out how we're working to save money, embrace innovation, and involve the public in local law enforcement.
Our top priority is public safety, and we're constantly looking for ways to reduce crime through education, enforcement and technology. I'm incredibly proud of our hard-working deputies, and I'm proud to share this information with you.
