MCSO eNewsletter
Your 24/7 Human Services
and Public Safety Agency
MARCH 2010 |
Charter Review Meeting Wrap-up
During
the Charter Review Committee Meeting on March 11th, Ted Wheeler,
former County Chair, addressed the approximately 60 citizens, county employees,
and local officials in attendance about the changes he would like to see made
to the Sheriff's Office. Although Mr. Wheeler
resigned his position as County Chair to assume the position as State
Treasurer, he continues to seek acceptance of his plan to radically change the
county charter as it pertains to the Sheriff's Office. Prior to his sudden
resignation, Mr. Wheeler proposed that the county charter be significantly
altered to move the Sheriff's Office Corrections Department to the direct
control of the board of commissioners and to change the position of Sheriff
from an elected position to a position appointed and managed by the board.
After
Mr. Wheeler spoke to a silent room, Sheriff Dan Staton took to the podium and addressed
the realities of running the largest county corrections system in the state and
the importance of maintaining his direct accountability to the citizens of
Multnomah County. Accountability that he
believes would be significantly altered if the position of Sheriff were an
appointed, rather than elected position.
After
he spoke, Sheriff Staton received a thundering applause. Commissioner Diane
McKeel, Mayor Jim Knight from Troutdale,
Mayor Mark Hardie from Maywood Park , Undersheriff David Hepp from Washington County,
and several citizens spoke to the Charter Review Committee and adamantly
reiterated the same concerns expressed by Sheriff Staton, essentially, the need
to maintain the integrity of the county charter as it currently stands. Commissioner
McKeel acknowledged that in the past, many problems were due to personality
conflicts and that it was time to give our new Sheriff an opportunity to
address the challenges under his purview.
The
Charter Review Committee meets every 6 years to examine the county charter and
suggest changes. Many of the changes
presented to the committee this year would require changes to state laws affecting
not only Multnomah County but also counties statewide. County Attorney Agnes
Sowle discussed the significance of the outcome of the hearing noting,
"The Charter Review
Committee is studying a series of important issues about the position of
Sheriff, and authority over county jails, said County Attorney Agnes Sowle. This hearing will play a direct role in deciding whether Charter amendments
regarding those issues should be placed before voters next November."
On
March 25th at 5:15pm, at the Multnomah Building, the Charter Review
Committee will reconvene to discuss the provisions of the charter and what they
learned from the March 11th meeting. It is not clear at this time if
the Charter Review Committee will be
prepared to present their findings, but the meeting is open to the public and
there will be an opportunity for public comment. The final report, including those
items that will be referred to voters,
must be presented to the Board of Commissioners by July 29th, 2010.
For
information regarding the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office please visit our
Sheriff's Updates webpage.
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MCSO 2009 Awards Nominations
MCSO is seeking nominations for
its time honored tradition, the 2009 Awards Ceremony. If you know anyone you would like to nominate for
an award, please view the qualifications HERE and fill out this FORM. The ceremony is open to the public and will be held Wednesday June 2, 2010.
More information to follow.
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Concealed Handgun License: A Processed
Designed to Uphold Rights and Keep People Safe
Obtaining
a concealed handgun license in Oregon has very strict obligatory state requirements,
which are spelled out by statute in ORS 166.291 to ORS 166.297.
Any resident of Multnomah County who wishes to
obtain a license must do so through the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. A concealed handgun license holder must be at
least 21 years of age and must demonstrate competence through certification at a
firearm safety class or military documentation.
In addition, a concealed handgun license holder must be a citizen of the
United States or a legal resident who has lived in Multnomah County for at
least 6 months with proof of intention of becoming a citizen.
The
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is responsible for performing an extensive background
check on all applicants. Concealed
handgun license holders are not allowed to have:
- felony
convictions, or any misdemeanor convictions in the preceding four years,
including any domestic violence convictions
- mental
hospital commitments, restraining orders,
stalking orders, protection orders
- a
court order prohibiting ownership of a firearm
- any
requirement to register as a sex offender
-
dishonorable
discharge from the US armed forces
The
Sheriff's Office may deny a concealed handgun license if the sheriff has
reasonable grounds to believe the applicant has been or is reasonably likely to
be a danger to self or others, or to the community at large, as a result of the
applicant's mental or psychological state or as demonstrated by the applicant's
past pattern of behavior involving unlawful violence or threats of unlawful
violence. Obtaining a concealed handgun
license in Multnomah County, requires proper identification, a completed
application (by appointment), and a payment of $65 ($50 for renewal). The
Sheriff's Office has 45 days to review the application. A concealed handgun
license is valid for 4 years (unless otherwise revoked).
Concealed
handgun license holders must maintain standards of behavior and are subject to
revocation if they have been involved in a crime or have exhibited behavior-causing
review. Checks and balances in the criminal justice
system ensure Sheriff's Office notification when terms are violated. Of the approximately 14,000 concealed handgun
license holders in Multnomah County, each year less than 1% have had their
license revoked.
Having
a concealed handgun license from Multnomah County means the holder can carry a
concealed handgun in Oregon. However, it
does not authorize the ability to carry a firearm on many private and public
properties including government facilities. Also, having a concealed handgun license
does not mean that the holder has a handgun necessarily - only that he or she
is licensed to carry a firearm out of sight upon or near their person.
Those
interested may contact the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office for more
information HERE.
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TRAFFIC SAFETY CORNER FOR MARCH 2010
Spring has sprung upon us....
With the weather getting
better it's time to get active.
Here are a few tips for two of our favorite non-motorized activities.
WALKING
Visibility is the name of the
game. When out on foot, wear color
contrasting, bright, or reflective clothing to stand out from the background of
the area you are in. Some clothing and
footwear intended for outdoor activities with built-in reflective areas.
In the early morning or late
evening light, and especially in the dark, every person walking in you
party, should wear or carry something that illuminates. Flashlights, flashing LED beacon (THINK "rear bike light"), or self illuminating
non-toxic chemical lights whether in stick, necklace, or bracelet form (kids
love 'em) are perfect. The award for creativity on
this topic is an urban hiker I recently saw who had rigged up battery operated
flashing holiday lights to his day pack.
Stay on the sidewalk where
possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk
on the side of the road opposite (facing into) oncoming traffic, as close to
the curb as possible. When encountering
a cross street, it's always a good practice (especially if you have children
with you) to come to a complete stop, look both directions, and then cross. Holding to this practice helps to avoid a
lapse of attention if you are jogging,
speed walking, or otherwise focused on your movements.
Be aware of and
alert to your surroundings. Not just for
environmental hazards (trip hazards, trees, cars, etc.), but also for hazards
of the four and two legged variety. At
the very least, carry a cell phone with you.
While we are on the topic of
hazards, take extra care with your MP3
player's headphones or ear buds in.
While they can distract from the doldrums of routine activities, they
also can cut into a substantial portion of your situational awareness and
hearing. If you regularly use your MP3
while out walking, you may want to consider purchasing weather resistant "exercise" ear
bud or headphones that have limited upper volume limits, but also allow you to hear
ambient noises.
If you feel compelled to talk
on your cell phone or Bluetooth while walking, keep in mind a recent study that
noted an uptick in the number of "walking while talking" injury incidents
comparable with DUICP (Driving Under the Influence of a Cell Phone) traffic
crashes. While not as dramatic as a traffic
crash, these incidents ranged from running into fixed objects, sprained ankles
from stepping off unseen curbs, stepping out into traffic, and the like.
BIKES
Here's some info regarding human
powered bicycles....
Type,Size, and Required Equipment
Before we get to the bike let's talk helmets. Get a well constructed helmet certified for safety by a reputable source. Not only is it required equipment for riders
under 16 years of age, it's a good practice to get into and will save your
brain in a crash.
Remember, if you crash on a
bike it's literally like crashing into a brick wall at the speed you were
going. While 15 mph (slow bike speed)
doesn't seem that fast, you'll be
hitting that wall at almost 22 feet per second.
Now while your brain can withstand sloshing around at that speed, it
cannot survive the sudden stop that a well fitted and constructed bicycling
helmet is designed to prevent. The skin
you lose due to road rash will grow back, your brain won't.
Now to the bike....
The type of bike is largely
dependent on your preferences and what you plan to do with it. The more common types by function are
generally utility, mountain, touring, and cruiser. Most reputable
bicycle shops will try to "fit" you to a bike type that suits your needs and
allow you to "test ride" the different models to see what suits you best.
Regardless of what type you
choose, controllability is the key. When
trying out a new bike for size, you should be able to stand with both feet flat
on the ground and without the center bar touching you. Likewise, when fully seated on the bike and
with your hands on the handlebars, your knees should not rise substantially
above the flat plane of the center bar.
Your knees or legs should not bump into your arms or hands while you are peddling.
While not all bicycles are
equipped with these items, here is a short list of vital attached equipment to
consider:
- Brakes (friction,
disc, anti-lock, coaster, etc)
- If equipped with
gears, easy to use / access gear shifts
- Reflectors
(front, rear, wheel, and pedal)
Add On Equipment From "no spill" latte holders
to mileage computers, you name it, you can probably find it for you bike. Some highly suggested items if you intend to
go more than just a few blocks from home:
-
Front bicycle
light that doubles as a reflector (LED or incandescent)
- Rear bicycle
light that doubles as a reflector (LED or incandescent)
- Small, detachable
"bike accessory" or "seat" bag to carry
- Bicycle multi
tool
- Extra tire tube /
flat repair kit
- Other stuff that
may fall out of your pockets like cell phones, keys, etc.
- Small bicycle
pump or quick air accessory
IF YOU INTEND ON
STOPPING SOMEWHERE (like for a good latte), A GOOD QUALITY BIKE LOCK OR BIKE
CHAIN/LOCK COMBINATION TO MAKE SURE YOUR BIKE IS STILL THERE WHEN YOU GET BACK
While there are many
accessories that enhance ride-ability like fenders/mudguards, cargo
racks, and after market seats, hold off on buying these items until you are
familiar with your bicycle's handling characteristics and confident in your
abilities.
On a final note about add
ons, it is tempting to add things like navigational aids, bike computers, and
that ever handy Latte holder, but remember that just like a car, things you add
to your bicycle that are within your reach will affect your ability to focus
your full attention on the task at hand-- SAFE RIDING!
TIME TO RIDE!
As discussed in the WALKING
section, visibility is the name of the game.
Wear color contrasting, bright, or reflective clothing to stand out from
the background of the area you are in and use lights even in the daytime.
As a responsible bicycle
rider, remember that almost all of the rules of the road also apply to
you. Like a motorized vehicle, you have
to stop at stop signs, signal your turns, yield where you are supposed to, not
operate under the influence of intoxicants, and so forth and so on. In turn, motorized vehicle operators are
supposed to treat you no differently than any another motorized vehicle.
In general, ride in the direction
of (e.g. with) traffic and to the outermost right portion of the roadway, stay in your
designated bike lane if one is present, and DO NOT dart in and out or traffic
and the sidewalk to get around congested areas.
Safety takes
precedence over pride. In some traffic
conditions it is safer to get off your bike and walk it, obeying pedestrian
controls rather than attempting to ride the street. Contrary to what some advocacy groups demand,
DO NOT challenge a motorized vehicle when they intrude on what would be your
right of way. While standing your ground
is a noble cause, YOU WILL LOSE ANY ENCOUNTER WITH A LARGER AND MUCH HEAVIER
MOTORIZED VEHICLE.
Remember that riding
defensively is the way to stay alive and safe.
Keep "your head on swivel" and be extra aware of your surroundings for
all hazards. Vehicle operators may not
see you, pedestrians may not hear you coming.Keep an eye out for animals and
pets. Riding extra cautiously and
courteously pays big dividends by avoiding the Emergency Room.
For more information on
bicycling safety, this link from the Oregon Department of Transportation has
some excellent information.
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Help! Our Sheriff is Under Arrest!
The
Sheriff and CD Moore will be arrested on April 8th at 10:00am to
help raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy (Jerry's Kids). Help us get our Sheriff and Chief Deputy out of jail while helping a good cause.
For more information click HERE
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MCSO Support Group Supports our Community's Events
This
January, the SOS Group made a donation to the MCSO Team participating in the recent
Polar Plunge event benefiting Oregon Special Olympics.
When employees purchase items from their Online
Store or send Muffin Grams to friends and colleagues, their money goes directly
to supporting MCSO members in need. Other events like The Oregon Special
Olympics Polar Plunge and Torch Run, the Holiday Party for the Transitional
School children, the Holiday Stocking Party for the patients at the Gateway
Rehabilitation Center, filling Deployment Boxes for our employees on active
military duty, the American Jail Association (AJA) Convention, and the Annual
Holiday Party for MCSO Families past and present also benefit from the MCSO
Support Group.
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Warrant Strike Team Updates
Performance Measures for February 2010
Warrant Service Attempts 130
Warrant Arrests 16
Non-Multnomah County Warrant Arrests 6
Warrants Served 22
Warrant Attempts and Arrests 146
Additional Information:
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Strike
Team members along with an MSCO K9 unit and several Gresham PD Officers
arrested Elizabeth Mendoza-Nicholas in Gresham. A viewer's tip eventually led
us to the arrest of Mendoza-Nicholas.
KPTV video link from Mendoza-Nicholas' "most wanted" segment
- Strike
Team members arrested Jennifer Stiles in Gresham for a total of five warrants. Four of the warrants
were from MCSO and the last was from Clackamas Co. The charges included;
possession of a forged instrument I x4, theft I, theft II, and theft III x3.
This was a no bail warrant and Stiles is currently in custody at MCIJ.
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Strike
Team members arrested Daniel Pollard in SE Portland for a total of three warrants. The warrants were
issued by MCSO, Marion Co. and Washington Co. All three warrants were issued
for failure to register as a sex
offender. This was a no bail warrant and Pollard is currently in custody at
the Washington Co. jail.
- Strike
Team members arrested Bruce Conrad in SE Portland for charges of sex abuse I x4. Conrad's bail was set
at $1,000,000 and he is currently in custody at MCIJ.
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Strike
Team members arrested Dayton Frey in SW Portland for several domestic violence related charges
including; strangulation x3, coercion x4, assault IV, unlawful use of a weapon,
menacing, reckless endangering and pointing a firearm at another. Frey's bail
was set at $150,000 and he is currently in custody at MCIJ.
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Have you taken the OATH yet? Do it HERE.
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The date for the 2010 Tip-A-Cop has been set for
Saturday, April 17! We are really
excited for this event and hope you share our enthusiasm.
The Red Robin and Special Olympics, Inc event will expand from 12 states to
40 this year! This means that law enforcement and
athletes from all over the country will benefit from this incredible
partnership.
Grab your favorite Red Robin Burger and help support the Special Olympics on April 17th at the Mall 205 location. Click HERE for directions
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Outstanding WarrantsHave You Seen Me? If so, do not confront me.
Winklebleck is considered armed and dangerous.
White male, 42 years old, 5'8" tall, 200 pounds with brown
eyes and reddish/brown hair.
Winklebleck is associated with a green GMC Sonoma pickup truck license #
289-EPF.
A warrant has been issued by MCSO for; Robbery I x2
Kidnapping I x2
Attempted rape I x2
UUMV
Unlawful use of a weapon x2
Criminal impersonation of a police officer x2
Attempted assault II
Assault IV x2
Strangulation
Winklebleck has another warrant issued by the Oregon State Parole
Board for a parole violation (on parole
for sodomy I).
Winklebleck has a third warrant issued by Clackamas County
for sex abuse III. Bail is set at $1,072,500 for the MCSO
warrant, $100,000 for the Clackamas County warrant and no bail for the PV.
Randy Hicks
White male, 23 years old, 6' tall, 175 pounds with black hair and
brown eyes.
A warrant has been issued by MCSO for identity theft x7 and
conspiracy to commit identity theft x 7.
Hicks has another warrant issued by
Clackamas County for attempt to elude
(police) by vehicle, reckless driving and reckless endangering.
Hicks has a
third warrant issued by the Oregon State Parole Board for a parole violation (on parole for assault).
Bail is set at $70,000 for the MCSO warrant,
$12,500 for the Clackamas County warrant and no bail for the PV.
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Chia Pet Bandit
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FBI Asks for Public's Help in Identifying "Chia Pet
Bandit"
Reward of up to $5,000
Offered
The FBI is asking for the
public's assistance in identifying and locating the "Chia Pet
Bandit," who is believed responsible for three bank robberies in the
metro area in less than a month. Agents nicknamed him the Chia Pet Bandit
because his hair can be spiky like the plant growth on the popular toy. In
addition, the Oregon Financial Institutions Security Task Force (FIST) is
offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of this serial robber.
In each case, the man walked
into the bank, demanded cash and left on foot. Witnesses describe him as a
white man, 30-40 years old, 175-180 pounds, thin build with sunken cheeks.
Investigators believe he is
responsible for the following robberies:
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February 18, 2010 - Bank of America, 8315 SE Sunnyside Road,
Clackamas
- February 25, 2010 - Chase Bank, 1875 Blankenship Road, West Linn
- March 11, 2010 - US Bank, 7755 SW Nyberg Road, Tualatin
FIST is a cooperative effort made
up of representatives from banks, savings and loans, and credit unions, as
well as representatives from local, state, and federal law enforcement
agencies. The purpose of FIST is to help reduce crimes.
The FBI is working with the
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, the West Linn Police Department, and the
Tualatin Police Department to indentify this serial bank robber.
Anyone with
information is asked to contact one of those police agencies or the FBI 24
hours a day at (503) 224-4181.
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