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Two Minutes with Sheriff Garrett

Dear Readers,

You are busy and I know many issues demand your attention.

This article is the first in a series of two-minute explanations of my legislative priorities this season.

I thank you for your time and your continued support of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

~ Sheriff Pat Garrett

HB 3194 - Justice Reinvestment Grants Pay for

Expanded Washington County Jail Services

House Bill 3194 passed in 2013 with a goal of flat-lining growth in Oregon prison populations and reducing recidivism. The bill established the Justice Reinvestment Grant Program to award funds to counties to provide intensive supervision, sanctions, and wrap-around services to help offenders successfully transition from custody and not end up back in prison. Grant funded programs are proven to reduce crime, and include addiction treatment and mental health programs, community re-entry support, and prevention programs.

While Justice Reinvestment Grant funds principally support programs through Washington County Community Corrections, your Washington County Jail is applying HB 3194 grant funds to break new ground to prepare inmates for success as they rejoin the community. In addition to our jail's existing robust inmate programs, we are now providing three forms of transitional support to help them secure jobs, find suitable housing, and identify community support groups. It is uncommon for a jail to provide these services, and especially for them to continue after inmates are released from custody.

Thanks to HB 3194 funding, the Washington County Jail has success from 2014:

45 inmates received employment assistance; 58% are employed so far
40 inmates obtained replacement Social Security cards to enable employment
261 inmates reinstated or applied for health insurance
Qualifying inmates received help registering for community college
We are improving clean and sober housing options

While the early numbers are small, more inmates in this program are successfully re-entering the community. They have access to continue medications and physical or mental health care from the time of release. None have committed new crimes. In addition, as the state prison population is declining, we are avoiding the need to build a new and costly minimum-security prison in Oregon.

For all these reasons, together with Oregon Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, I support continued appropriations under the HB 3194 funding agreement, while we keep a watchful eye on this population and crime in Washington County. So far, it's working. It makes good sense for Washington County and for Oregon.

What Do You Know About Your Washington County Jail?

Questions?

Honorable Service

Clearly, we are proud of our troops at all levels in the Sheriff's Office. We work hard, train hard, and we encourage each other to follow our core values. For these reasons, it is especially meaningful when other agencies recognize their honorable service. Here are just three recent awards.

In December 2014, the Oregon State Sheriff's Association recognized two Washington County Sheriff's Office employees at their annual awards banquet in December. Administrative Specialist Jim Rodgers (left) was awarded as Support Staff of the Year, and Deputy Rex Medlen, (right, with his son) was named Deputy of the Year.

Another great story involves one of our new hires, Deputy Brad King, who received Missouri's highest public safety award several weeks ago. He flew back to his home state to accept a Medal of Valor Lifesaving Award for his part in a courageous rescue of a woman trapped in a burning car in 2013. He proudly wore his new Washington County Sheriff's Office uniform to the ceremony. Deputy King's is a story you will not believe.

Honorable Service Means Upholding Our Core Values:

Do Your Best,

Do the Right Thing, and

Treat Others the Way You Want to be Treated

Disaster Preparedness . . . in Tiny Bites, Part 2

Designed for procrastinators, these tiny bites make preparing for an emergency simple!

Step 2 - Add an Item to Your Grocery List Each Week

Buy and store bottled water

Buy one extra gallon a week. You need 1 gallon per person per day. Store at least 3 days worth for your family and pets. Affordable and easy.

Buy extra canned goods on sale

Even 2 cans a week is enough to start.

Extra credit:

Buy a manual can opener for your kit.

Drones - Know Before You Fly

Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Sales of small unmanned aircraft spiked over the holidays, so the odds are increasing that someone in your household or neighborhood has one. In case there is a drone in your future, our Remotely Operated Vehicle Team has some tips to keep everyone safe.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governs the use of the National Air Space and classifies small unmanned aircraft as Model Aircraft if they are used in a hobby or recreational manner. That type of use does not require FAA approval, but you must follow safety guidelines to fly in a safe manner and with good judgment.

DO --

Fly a model aircraft or UAS for personal enjoyment
Take lessons and learn to fly safely
Fly your aircraft within your line of sight
Fly a model aircraft or UAS at the local model aircraft club or a site away from populated areas
When flying within 5 miles of an airport, contact the airport or control tower

DO NOT --

Fly in the presence of spectators until the aircraft is successfully flight-tested and proven airworthy
Fly near manned aircraft
Fly more than 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL)
Fly an aircraft weighing more than 55 lbs unless it is certified by an aero-modeling community-based organization
Fly model aircraft for payment or any commercial purposes

This advice is based on the latest guidelines published by the FAA. We want you to keep it safe and keep it legal.

Please use common sense and avoid any temptation to use your UAS to snoop on people or violate their privacy (more on that later).

Check out this YouTube video on safe operations of UAS and model aircraft.

Power Line Safety for Motorists

What You Learn Can Save a Life

When heavy rains soak the ground, our roads are blocked by fallen trees and downed power lines. If your vehicle crashes into a utility pole or a downed tree gets entangled in lines, always assume there is a power line down and it is energized and extremely dangerous. If possible, stay in your vehicle. Do not open the door. The safest course of action is to call 911 and remain in the vehicle until help arrives.

Only get out of your vehicle if fire, smoke, or other hazards make staying in the vehicle unsafe. If you must exit the vehicle, remain calm. Look around to determine the safest exit point, being sure to look up and around your vehicle for power lines or other hazards. Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Open the door, but do not step outside. Turn to face the doorway and jump free of the vehicle, keeping your feet together and your arms and hands close to your body. Continue jumping until you are safely away from danger.

If you witness a collision involving a utility pole, stay away from the vehicle. Do not touch any of the passengers in the vehicle, and avoid touching any nearby fences or wires. The safest course of action is to call 911 to report the crash involving power lines and wait for help to arrive.

Roads Flooding Along Your Route?

Check out WC Roads Report.

How long has it been since you read it?
Oregon Driver Manual 2015

How Can You Join Your Sheriff's Office?

COME WORK WITH US!

Apply by Friday, February 13, 2015

If you are considering a law enforcement career or maybe you just enjoy

learning about your Sheriff's Office, check out our Behind the Badge Blog. It tells the story of our most recent reserve recruits who are training now!

Continue to follow Behind the Badge on Facebook or Twitter.

ATTEND A FREE SELF-DEFENSE CLASS

Power Curve Registration is OPEN NOW

This free two-day course is designed to empower women with tools to maintain personal safety and to successfully confront and survive potentially dangerous situations. Classes are held in downtown Hillsboro. Class size is limited. You can register online now for the next two-day course: Tuesday and Thursday, March 10 and 12. Visit our Power Curve website for more details.

YOUTH CAN JOIN OUR SEARCH AND RESCUE EXPLORER POST

This year's team just completed annual cold weather training on Mt. Hood and practiced their rescue skills. Of course, there was some pretty intense fun along the way.

If you are age 14-21 and looking for a volunteer opportunity that will change your life, join the Sheriff's Explorer Post. Two Information nights are coming up soon for new applicants and their parents. Join us on Monday, March 16 (evening) or Saturday, April 4 (morning).

Information night is held at our Hillsboro Headquarters. Visit our Search and Rescue website for more details.

Drug Bust Near Beaverton

Tip Leads to Arrest for Multiple Crimes

Earlier this month, at about 1:00 pm, a concerned citizen reported suspicious circumstances in a neighborhood near Beaverton. The person saw a driver pull up to a house, talk to someone in a van, walk into the garage with a backpack, and quickly drive away. A responding deputy pulled up as the van was leaving the house; she subsequently stopped the van for having defective lighting.

During the stop, deputies developed reasonable suspicion to believe drugs may be in the van and requested a drug K9 respond to the scene. The dog alerted on the van so deputies began to search inside. They discovered a scale and clean plastic bags (commonly used when delivering drugs), weapons, and an array of property identifiable as stolen during a rash of nearby burglaries one day earlier.

A later search of the driver led to a concealed pouch filled with multiple controlled substances. The suspect was charged with multiple drug crimes related to Meth, Hydrocodone, Morphine, and Marijuana, Theft I, Theft II by Receiving (for possessing stolen property), and Theft III of additional stolen property. He was also cited for no insurance and defective lighting.

This case is a great example of suspicious activity to report to police.

See Something? Say Something!

Community News

Burglaries in Aloha - One Crime Solves Another?

On January 23 at 2:30 in the afternoon, deputies responded to a reported home burglary in progress on SW Naples Drive in Aloha. The caller came home to find a computer and television sitting near the open back sliding door. Deputies searched for the suspects, including a K9 track, but were not successful. THEN . . .

The next day, January 24, a deputy responded to a home burglary on SW Augusta. During her investigation, she learned the identity of the Naples Drive burglars. Deputies searched intensively for the suspects without success initially, but they shared information with others on patrol. AND THEN . . .

The same day, just after the search ended on SW Augusta, a K9 deputy was driving through a restaurant parking lot on SW TV Highway near the Sunset Esplanade in Hillsboro. Low and behold, he located the burglars' vehicle and the suspects nearby. They admitted to the crimes. Interestingly, these guys were familiar to the K9 deputy because he dealt with them several weeks earlier on a Heroin case.

Good communication and police work by all involved. Suspects arrested and charged with Burglary I.

Gun Shots at Apartment Complex - Near Beaverton

On January 21, deputies responded when a woman reported a possible gunshot at her apartment complex. Her family was going about their evening, when they suddenly heard a loud BOOM and then saw debris blow up out of the floor. Deputies saw the gaping hole in the floor and went to visit the neighbor down below. The resident was upset and had been drinking. She was fiddling with her shotgun when it went off. Fortunately, no one was injured. The woman was charged with Recklessly Endangering Another Person.

Observant Neighbor Reports Trespass - Near Hillsboro

On January 22, at 8:00 pm, deputies responded to a report of a person inside a vacant home on SW Cornelius Pass Road. Deputies contacted the property owner and confirmed the house was supposed to be vacant. The suspect was arrested for Trespassing, and the property was secured without damage or further crimes. This is a great example of reporting suspicious activity and perhaps avoiding more serious crime in your neighborhood.

Investigating All Possibilities

On February 10 at 11:21 am, deputies responded to a rape on SW Rosedale Road in Hillsboro. A woman reported that the victim ran into her workplace. She was hysterical and said she had been beaten and raped nearby. The woman was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. She was able to positively identify her attacker. That same day, deputies detained him. The suspect claimed the events were consensual. He denied ever hurting or striking the woman. At this point, a deputy at the hospital reported that the victim admitted to being a prostitute and the suspect didn't pay her. The investigation is ongoing.

Tow Truckers Talk

On January 20 at 3:00 pm, a large flatbed tow truck was stolen from the parking lot at SW 205th and Baseline Road, east of Hillsboro. The keys had been left in the ignition, along with valuable equipment. Initially, the truck was unable to be found in Washington County, but it turned up on police radar again on January 23 when it was used in a Salem robbery.

Well, tow companies know how to network and they cover a lot of miles, so it was only a matter of time before a "tow brother" gave the owner a call. Just two days later, on January 25, at about 11:00 am, deputies were dispatched to SW Heritage Court in Aloha to recover the stolen truck. Sheriff's Crime Scene Technicians collected evidence and the case continues to be under investigation. If you know anything about this theft, please call non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111.

More Sheriff's Office Media Releases

01/31/2015 - Deputies Arrest Man after DUII Marijuana Crash

01/30/2015 - Man Arrested in Cornelius Head-On Crash

01/23/2015 - Deputies Arrest Man After Rollover DUII Crash

01/22/2015 - Vehicle Strikes and Kills Woman in Crosswalk
01/19/2015 - Bull Terrorizes Cornelius Residents
01/15/2015 - Deputies Capture Fugitive with Stolen Handgun

Ask Your Question

Where Have Deputies Been Working?

Find Out Through Crime Reports Online

This link to Crime Reports automatically opens with a view of all

requests for police service (except traffic) in unincorporated Washington County during the last 30 days.

Click on this link.
Enter your address to view your area.
If you live in Banks, Cornelius or Gaston, type your city in this format: "Cornelius, OR".
Click on map markers to view call details.
Use the Advanced Search to change time periods, add traffic data, etc.

Keep in mind, these are requests for police service, not confirmed crimes.

Visit the Sheriff's Community Calendar for seasonal celebrations, FREE Training, and safety events.

Dumb Crook Club

Deputies responded at 2:00 am when a neighbor in a rural area reported a suspicious truck. The driver was lurking around houses and barns, and looking around with a flashlight.

As the deputy arrives, he saw a truck that matched the description pull out from behind a shop and the deputy follows. The driver breaks a couple traffic laws and the deputy turns on the overhead lights, but the suspect does not pull over. He eventually stops at a highway intersection when he sees a second patrol car arriving from the opposite direction.

The crook's truck is loaded with all kinds of metal, the ignition on his truck is punched (started without a key), and hammers, a large pipe wrench, and other tools and wires are all over inside the cab. Evidence inside ties him to the property he visited.

What were you doing down that road? I had a flat tire so I pulled over to check it out. Deputies released him because that clearly explained why he was .7 miles down a country road scanning barns and outbuildings with a flashlight. Not really. They charged him with Criminal Mischief, Trespass II, Felon in Possession of Restricted Weapons, and Hauling Metal With No Records. He was later indicted for Burglary for entering the shop.

This Month's "Most Wanted"

The following people are wanted for committing crimes. Do not approach them. If you see them or have information to share with law enforcement, please call the Sheriff's 24-Hour Records Office at (503) 846-2700 or non-emergency dispatch at (503) 629-0111.

For more details on the crimes they committed or their physical description, click on any photo to visit:

www.sheriffsmostwanted.com

Washington County Sheriff's Office, Hillsboro, Oregon
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