Before Radios, Police Had Call Boxes

Local law enforcement leaders are discussing where to go with future radio communications.  The talks focus on the potential transition from analog radios to a digital system. Planning for the future is important work, and sometimes it is good perspective to remember where we started!

The first police call box was installed in Albany, New York in 1877, about a year after Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.  Call boxes were often located on street corners.  Police used them to call into a "dispatch center" and get information about pending calls from the public for their help.

How did they know when to call in?  Lights were placed at strategic locations throughout town, often at the top of buildings.  Upon seeing an illuminated light, the officer would locate a call box and call in for information.  Later, the phones were used by police as well as the public.

The first successful one-way police radio was 

Modern handheld radios have come a long way from the bulky and often fragile units of just a few years ago.  They are designed and engineered to meet a wide variety of public safety requirements.

Over the next few years, we will take another leap toward increasing inter-operability and public safety.  Then one day, probably in less than 20 years, deputies will be laughing at the "outdated" equipment we thought was the "bee's knees!"

Grand Jury Inspection of the Washington County Jail

Report Now Available

In December 2014, a Grand Jury was convened to inspect the conditions and management of the correctional institutions in Washington County.  Of the four, the Washington County Jail is the only facility under the direction of the Sheriff.  The other three facilities inspected are the Washington County Community Corrections Center (a work release center) Coffee Creek Corrections Facility (a prison) and Harkins House (a juvenile detention facility).  This inspection is required by state law (ORS 132.440).  

The Grand Jury's final report is now available for public review online.  Here is an excerpt of their comments about our jail:

 - Comments from Grand Jury Final Report

We are very proud of the findings, and we thank the jury for the many hours invested in this important process.

Traffic-related incidents are the second leading cause of police officer deaths, and this is one factor we can work to control. 

One positive trend is that 18% fewer officers were struck and killed while roadside last year.  

Please always help keep emergency personnel and others safe by following the Move Over Law. 

The recent arrest of a man for downloading child pornography at a coffee shop continues to make headlines.  His case was remarkable because he was downloading the photos on free WiFi in public.  On January 12, another man was arrested in Clackamas County because he attempted to have a store employee transfer data that included child pornography.  

Even though both men have prior convictions, investigators will tell you they are not typical offenders. Most offenders are adult men who view child pornography in the comfort of their own home, hiding a double life from family and friends.

Some might think, "What's the harm? They are adults making choices to access free pictures that are available to anyone via the Internet."  I suspect the thrill would end for most if they had to imagine their daughter or son's face in those images. Can you imagine if photos were posted to the Internet of your child being raped or abused?  Police will also tell you there is no way to remove them, and each time they are downloaded, traded or viewed, that child is sexually exploited again.

Join me this year in finding a way to speak out for the protection of our children.  If you know or suspect someone is downloading child porn, alert authorities.  Encouraging Child Sex Abuse is a felony crime, designed to hold suspects accountable.  Viewing child pornography is not protected by the First Amendment.

The best way to report this crime is to call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111, or to report it online to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cybertipline where you can remain anonymous.  

Your tips will reach a powerful network of investigators and computer forensics examiners, including those working in your Sheriff's Special Investigations and Child Abuse units.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Pat Garrett

Related Media Information:

12/27/14 - Sex Offender Arrested for Child Pornography 

01/12/14 - Man Arrested for Child Pornography (Clackamas County)
 

Do you know a great kid who is ready to serve our community while learning teamwork and leadership skills that will last a lifetime?

Your Sheriff's Office Explorer Post #877 is the primary Search and Rescue team for Washington County. Explorers are young men and women, ages 14 to 20 years, who have gone through extensive and challenging training.

Learn more by visiting our Search and Rescue web site and attend one of two informational meetings for applicants and their parents.  

You are invited to attend on either of these dates at the Sheriff's Office in Hillsboro:

• March 16, 2015 at 6:30 pm in the second floor training room
• April 4, 2015 at 10:00 am in the second floor training room