Dear Washington County Residents,

I find it interesting to look back at the history of our Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District. The year the ESPD was formed, stock markets around the world crashed on Black Monday, October 14, 1987. You have to wonder at the courage of voters approving such an innovative concept for policing as well as funding it during uncertain financial times. Shortly afterward, economists began predicting a depression similar to the 1930s.

Now, 30 years later, an ESPD replacement levy, Measure 34-272, will be on the May ballot. If passed, renewing the local option levy would maintain current service levels within the District for 5 years by replacing a local option levy expiring June 2018.

This replacement levy will maintain funds for investigating major crimes occurring within the ESPD, including homicide, assault, burglary, and domestic violence. It will also help fund advanced training in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies for deputies to use when working with individuals experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis. Perhaps most importantly, it will maintain the enhanced law enforcement services in the ESPD, even with projected population growth.

Another bit of history is that in the spring of 1988, I was one of the very first ESPD deputies newly hired by your Sheriff's Office. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to begin a career with such an honorable mission. Each time the levy was renewed -- in 1990, 1993, 1997, 2002, 2008, and 2012 -- my responsibilities changed. My appreciation went from being so thankful, to being a part of a team and family, to today . . . being the proud leader of the oldest Sheriff's Office in Oregon.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Pat Garrett

If approved, Measure 34-272 would fund District police services at a fixed tax rate of 68¢ per $1,000 of assessed value, which would be unchanged from the current rate.

A county resident requested clarification on one of the items listed in the news article:

After February 22, 2010, legislation enacted by Congress allows an individual to lawfully possess a firearm within the boundaries of a National Wildlife Refuge in accordance with federal, state and local firearms law. As directed by this law, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will look to the laws of the state and locality in which the refuge unit is located to govern possession of firearms on the refuge.

You're driving along, minding your own business, then . . . BAM!  Another car collides with yours. Do you need to call the police or just exchange information?

Many people believe their mailing address indicates whether or not they live in the ESPD, but this is not the case. For instance, residents living north of Highway 26 have a postal address in "Portland," but they actually live in urban Washington County and receive District services.

Our web application can tell you if you live in the ESPD. It is also a great way to directly contact the supervisor for your area, either by phone or e-mail.

Orange signs and cones on the road mean one thing: "work zone ahead." Our county has many road projects in progress, so remember, orange is your clue to slow down and pay attention!  Please help keep road workers safe by reducing your speed and avoiding distractions. Here are the latest construction hotspots around our county:

• Click on this link and enter an address
   
• For Banks, Cornelius, or Gaston, type the city in this format: "Banks, OR"
   
• Click on map markers to view call details
   
• Use the Filter to change time periods, add traffic data, etc.

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

Believe it or Not!

A Clean Sweep