| Sheriff's Deputies Participate in the Inauguration
On Sunday morning, January 18th at 4 a.m., a squad of 14 Multnomah County Sheriff's Office law enforcement members left the Hansen Building for the Portland International Airport on the first leg of their journey en route to Washington, DC to provide security for the 56th Presidential Inauguration. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office was the only Oregon police agency participating in this historic event.
"We had very specific duties while the President was in our section so we didn't get to take pictures, wave at him or anything like that. It was very stressful because all you can think is "I am the first line of defense between some crazy and the President, his wife and two daughters..." You're running what-if scenarios through your brain at warp speed as you scrutinize every person and every camera and every move in front of you. It's no wonder that you never see a Secret Service agent ever smile! They're constantly stressed out. "
For the complete story click HEREFor more photos click HERE |
Can-do Attitude Builds Trust
 A ready smile. A strong handshake. Describe anyone you know? At work? In the community? Add in a heart as big as Mt. Hood and a can-do attitude as effective as the bridges that cross the Willamette River, and you've got Don Bryant. For almost a quarter of a century, Don Bryant has worked as a corrections officer, first in Chicago and since 1984 with Multnomah County. For nearly the same amount of time, he has been Becky's father, his daughter born with cerebral palsy. Living life along with Becky honed Bryant's compassion for kids with similar circumstances, so much so that in 1997 he took the six-year-old charitable efforts of agency corrections deputies a step farther than the Fishing Derby and Picnic. That's when he founded the non-profit 501(c) 3 Multnomah County Corrections Deputies Charitable Trust (MCCDCT). His focus on children from Dorenbecher's Children's Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children eventually led to his work with Legacy Emmanuel Hospital. The MCCDCT raised funds with auctions, received donations, and accepted the help of corrections deputies and civilians across the community to put on events of all sorts: from the original Fishing Derby and Picnic for families, complete with boats suitable for wheelchairs; the Christmas party at the hospital; the Easter Egg Hunt at an enclosed football stadium; the Halloween Party complete with costumes, pizza, a DJ and trick-or-treat-time; to a Prom Night for Special Needs Students in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Clark Counties. None of the children have ever spent a penny on a present or for a memorable photo. There is no price for the countless hours of joy, fun, togetherness and feeling like all of the other kids they shared in these moments. Not a single cent. It's not about the money, though. It's about the joy. One Christmas a friend at Adidas offered Bryant an NFL jersey to include in Santa's bag. He took it, not realizing the impact that gift would have. A teenager, his football playing days stopped by a blown knee, lay on the hospital bed, watching football on TV. Bryant as Santa's elf entered the room. "I don't need any toys for Christmas," he told Bryant. "I won't get anything. But my mother loves me." What would you want, though, if you could get it, Bryant asked. A 49ers jersey, Foreman's jersey, he replied. You've already guessed, right? That one jersey was THE jersey. "The boy was in shock," Bryant said. "He came after us, hobbling down the hall, crying, hugged us and hobbled back to his room. The nurses came and hugged us, too. They were crying. He hadn't been out of that bed for four days." It's about the fun. At the prom, two young girls who arrived in a limo shied away from the photographer making prom photos. When Bryant asked why they didn't want to get their photos taken, they said the kids at school had told them that you had to have a date to get prom photos. Bryant immediately approached some of his stalwart civilian volunteers, members of the Wilson High School Leadership Class. "Those guys are handsome," he said, grinning. "They're chiseled athletes, the captain of the football team and the captain of the basketball team." They made sure the girls got their prom photos, that they danced, that they had fun. In fact Bryant had to ask the DJ to take a break at 9 p.m. so that he could get the kids off the dance floor for cake and punch. No one had wanted to stop dancing-they were having so much fun. It's about the togetherness. When Bryant's wife Carrie read a list of 250 area Easter Egg Hunts in the newspaper in 1999, she wondered out loud how many were geared towards developmentally and physically challenged kids. Turns out not a single one. Enter the MCCDCT. Using milk crates borrowed from MCIJ, plastic candy filled Easter eggs, and the artificial turf at the completely enclosed McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver, volunteers-including those ever-present students from the Wilson High School Leadership Class-put on what they believe to be the only Easter Egg Hunt of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Kids in wheelchairs and walkers and autistic kids came to collect eggs from the stacks of decorated milk crates. Then the field is egged again for their siblings and buddies, saving parents precious time with this one-stop Easter Egg Hunt. "We keep eggs to the side, too, because people always get lost. That way we can egg the crates again," Bryant explained. One Easter, Bryant said, he saw 250 kids and their families standing in a downpour, waiting for their turn for a photo with the Easter Bunny. Today each of us personally feels the hard blows of frightening economic shifts and changes. So does the MCCDCT, so much so that this year's activities have been pared down to the Easter Egg Hunt and the Halloween Party. I asked Bryant if he was happy with that, to have those particular two left. "Yes, I am," he said, continuing, "but we're regrouping and will do the silent and oral auction with the dinner in 2010." That's how they raise money so these kids can experience these events, completely free of charge. MCCDCT plans for a full slate of events next year,
For more information or ways to contribute to MCCDCT, check out their website HERE
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| Warrant Strike Team receives award from FBI
Jonathan Zwick, Todd Shanks, Commisioner Diane McKeel, Mike Reiter, Matt Adams
Positive Feedback, Well-Deserved
Not since the 1970s has the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office utilized deputies for a Warrant Strike Team. On Thursday, February 12, 2009 MCSO members gathered to witness an award presented by the FBI to the Warrant Strike Team (WST) regarding the arrest of a repeat bank robber.
Since its inception in October, 2007, the four-person Warrant Strike Team has made over 650 arrests. Capt. Monte Reiser pointed out that 50 of those arrests are Measure 11 offenders. "It's good to get this feedback," Reiser told the crowd, going on to say that feedback is like the breakfast of champions-you don't get it often, but when you do, it makes you feel really good. Deputy Todd Shanks and Deputy Mike Reiter work on felony indictments and failure to appear warrants. Deputies Jonathan Zwick and Matt Adams focus on offenders hiding in Multnomah County for outstanding warrants in other jurisdictions. By returning individuals to our neighboring counties we not only save Multnomah county residents booking and holding expenses but most importantly, dangerous criminals are removed from our streets and placed back into the jurisdictions that can hold them accountable. Deputy Shanks told of a 70-year-old man with 30-40 counts of sex abuse who WST located sitting on a couch in Oak Ridge, Oregon. He also described how two Marion County officers were given 48 hours to find a material witness, or the judge would throw out the case. The WST were able to locate her in Multnomah County so that Marion County officers could pick her up in time for court.
FBI Special Agent in Charge for Oregon, Dave Miller, a 28-year FBI veteran who lives in Multnomah County, specifically came to praise the team for apprehending a four-time bank robber who also has three other failed attempts and a crew still in existence under surveillance.
"The Warrant Strike Team is a super example of law enforcement and of the use of those resources right where they are needed," Miller said, mentioning that without arrest these people would continue victimizing everyone around them. Miller presented the team a letter of appreciation from himself and a certificate from FBI Director Robert Mueller. He finished his remarks with thoughts on warrant service; "It takes specific ability and a full set of skills to address this. This is not just a piece of paper."
Congratulations to the Warrant Strike Team on their award!
Captain Monte Reiser, FBI Special Agent Dave Miller, Deputies Todd Shanks, Jonathan Zwick, Matt Adams, Mike Reiter, Sheriff Bob Skipper
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| Sheriff's River Patrol Headquarters Under Construction
Construction has already begun at Metro's Gleason Boat Ramp to replace the current debris log boon with a new concrete staggered style wall. This structure is designed to reduce debris at the boat basin as well as help protect against wave impact on the ramp boarding floats.
The boat ramp will remain open during the construction with only temporary boat lane closures. Sheriff's River Boats have been moved to a Marina downriver and construction will have very little impact on response to emergencies. Once the project is completed, boaters can look forward to having a much safer dock to load and unload their vessels.
For any questions regarding boat lane closures or other boat-related issues, please contact the River Patrol Office
To view more photos of the construction project click HERE |
| HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
 
This month we are celebrating our State's 150th birthday. A less known fact is that the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is celebrating its 155th birthday in February as well. Multnomah County was created on December 22, 1854, from parts of Washington and Clackamas counties by the Territorial Government five years before the state came into existence. The county's formation was prompted by residents who found it inconvenient to travel to Hillsboro in Washington County to conduct county business.
Like its population, law enforcement in Multnomah County has grown over the years from the day when our first Sheriff, William L. McMillen was appointed in February, 1854. Today the Sheriff's Office employs about 800 full time staff and over 350 volunteers.
Happy Birthday to the State and to MCSO!
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JOIN US!
First Polar Plunge in Portland will benefit Special Olympics Oregon. Thanks to the help of Anthill Marketing, hundreds will dash into the chilly Columbia River on February 21st in an event to raise up to $100,000 for year-round programs to support intellectually-disabled individuals.
Polar Plunge Columbia will take place on February 21st, at Broughton Beach, Portland; on the south bank of the Columbia River, east of the intersection of NE 33rd Avenue and Marine Drive. Registration begins at 8:30 am- the plunge is at 11:00 am. The event is hosted by Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), a law enforcement-driven program for Special Olympics. Those interested in participating must raise a minimum of $50.00 prior to plunge day in order to plunge. For more information please click HERE |
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Deputy Sheriffs Complete Police Academy
After a grueling 16 weeks at the Oregon Police Academy, our newest Deputy Sheriffs are ready to begin the next phase of their training; 17 weeks with a coach learning how to translate lessons into street sense, safety and service for the community. The seven trainees will be placed with our most cantankerous and fastidious coaches at the Sheriff's Office and, if they can demonstrate to these coaches that they truly have what it takes, will pass to solo status and assume the full mantle of responsibilities we expect from our police officers. Welcome and good luck to you all!
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Portland Trailblazers Police and Fire Appreciation Night
Join the Portland Trail Blazers as they take on the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, March 31st as we honor the work of our Police and Fire departments.
Come watch the festivities that start at 2 PM on the Trail Blazers court when the best policemen take on the best firemen in a 5 on 5 basketball game. You are welcome to join in from 3 - 4 PM for open gym on the court. An optional pre-game meal will follow the open gym time.
For tickets and more information, please click HERE |
Stats and Facts
 Protect Yourself From Identity Theft Oregon recently passed Ballot Measure 57, which requires tougher prison sentences for certain crimes such as distributing illegal drugs, stealing from elderly victims, and repeat burglar and property crimes. Another crime affected by Measure 57 is Identity Theft.
According to the BJS Special Report, Identity Theft, 2005, 6.4 million households, representing 5.5% of all households in the US, discovered that at least one member experiences one or more types of identity theft. And households in the Western US were 1.5 times more likely than those in other regions to experience this crime. In 2008, there were 221 bookings where Identity Theft was the primary charge.
Here are a few tips to help keep your identiy safe:
- Shred all personal documents
- Guard your PIN at ATMs
- Have your checks delivered to your bank or post office box not to your home address
- Do not put outgoing mail in your home mailbox.
Take it to a postal box
- Make a list of your credit card and bank account numbers with customer service numbers, and keep it in a safe place.
- Monitor your bank and credit card statements every month. Be aware of billing cycles - if you miss receiving a bill it can be an indication that your credit card company has received a change of address from someone other than you.
- Take your name off promotional lists
- Remain wary of submitting personal information over the Internet
There are many online resources developed to fight Identity Theft. A few are listed below:
The Federal Trade Commission provides information on what to do if you become a victim of Identity Theft.
The Identity Theft Resource Center provides resources for consumers and victims.
And locally, the Portland Police Bureau has a Fraud Detail.
For more MCSO Publications and Reports please visit our website HERE |
| Blast From The Past
It was February 1989 and 6 months into my career. I was assigned to the afternoon shift, known as E-Shift, at the Justice Center. I was working as an inmate escort. At about 2000 hours (8pm), I was taking an inmate named the 'Iron Man' to a contact visit. Although this inmate was charged with homicide, he showed no violent tendencies while in our custody. After his visit, I went to open the door leading out of the contact visiting room. Then it hit me; I had locked myself in the room with the 'Iron Man'. Since there is no key hole on the inside, the only way out was to use the old style 'brick' radio and call for assistance. Since much of our radio communication is spoken in 10 codes (like: "10-11" for starting on-duty), we didn't have such numbers for "come help me, I've just locked myself into a cell with an inmate." After blurting it out over the radio, the entire jail was locked down and the 'green wave' was on its way. By the time the first responding deputy was able to unlock the door, I was confronted by 20 deputies, all shaking their heads and muttering disparaging remarks, "if he only had a brain." For a while after this scary scenario, some of the old-timers called me 'Scare Crow.'
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Development of the Fiscal Year 2010 County Budget - Fiscal Realities vs. Service Needs
The County is in the early stages of developing the Fiscal Year 2010 budget. The first step, of submitting a budget with a 12% reduction of general fund services for the Chair's consideration, was completed on February 13, 2009. The overall impact to our agency of a 12% reduction is $12,586,509 which equates to an 8.8% reduction in our workforce.
The County is in its 9th year of budgetary decline and each year seems like the worst. This year's requested cut, of 12% of current services, is greater than any we have seen before. Additionally, we know that the revenue forecasts are likely to worsen before they improve. Although our services are already bare bones, the economic realities dictate that the county and its leaders make difficult choices. These budget reductions will negatively impact public safety and I cannot in good conscience say I agree with any of them from a public safety or human services aspect.
The Chair will now consider all of the budgets submitted to him as well as changes in state and federal revenues and submit a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2010 to the Board of County Commissioners on April 23, 2009. At that point the Board of County Commissioners will debate the budget and adopt a final budget on June 4, 2009. If you would like more information on the County budget process including public hearing dates, the calendar can be found HERE. Further information on the County budget process as it unfolds will be posted HERE.
As we continue in this budget process, I will make available to you any updates I have on our website.
Sheriff Skipper
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Anyone Lose a Cow?
 On Monday, Feb 2nd, at high noon, a short chase of a loose 650-pound yearling steer ensued on I-84 in the Troutdale area around the Sandy River overpass. The steer, wanted for reckless hoofing, had gotten loose from a trailer full of young steers being transported by a Corbett rancher. A Troutdale officer, first on the scene, pursued the felonious steer on both sides of the freeway at speeds approaching, at times, 8 miles per hour. The steer, whose name is not being released, was finally 'pitted' and pinned against a guard rail by Multnomah County Deputies until a good samaritan, a cowboy from Ft. Wayne, Indiana who happened to be passing by, got out of his truck and 'bulldogged' the bad bull until Multnomah County Animal Control could take it into custody. Traffic was briefly snarled both east - and westbound; the animal was not injured and was returned to the owner. | |
