May is Mental Health Awareness Month

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In partnership with Washington County Mental Health, the Sheriff's Office has a unique program that offers compassionate care to those in crisis – a rapid response from a skilled deputy and immediate intervention with an experienced clinician.

The Mental Health Response Team (MHRT) is comprised of a master’s level clinician from Lifeworks NW and a law enforcement officer who ride together and offer a collaborative approach by providing intervention efforts to individuals experiencing mental health needs or crisis intervention when responding to calls.

Part of the assistance given to those experiencing increased mental health symptoms or emotional distress is connecting them to safety net services for ongoing help. Utilizing MHRT not only delivers crisis care, it also ensures the safety of responders, the community, and the person experiencing mental health and/or crisis needs.

Thanks to the support of municipal partners, MHRT expanded its services to a multi-agency team. In 2021, two partnering agencies joined on a full-time basis, Beaverton and Hillsboro Police Departments. MHRT also includes a team comprised of Tigard, Tualatin, and Sherwood police departments.

MHRT’s collaborative approach brings needed clinical services to those in crisis, where hospital and jail diversion are utilized when appropriate and alternative support systems are engaged. 

Introducing Our New K9 Team Members

We are thrilled to announce the newest additions to our K9 team! Please join us in welcoming Deputy Boyers and our newest recruit, K9 Blake. We are especially excited about K9 Blake, as he will become the first drug-detection dog assigned to our jail.

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and drug-free environment, K9 Blake will play a crucial role in detecting and deterring illegal substances within our facility. His specialized training and keen sense of smell will enable us to enhance our security measures and ensure the welfare of everyone in our care.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome and wishing them great success in their new roles.

Stay tuned for more updates on the outstanding work of our K9 team!

WCSO K9 Trials THIS Weekend!

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Washington County K9 Trials – just a few days away!

Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM at Hillsboro Stadium for a fun-filled day of exciting K9 competitions, safety and vendor fairs, and a K9 meet-and-greet.

If you can't attend the event in-person, tune in to the livestream.

Learn more about this FREE, fun, family friendly event.

Following Corrections Week last week, we want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation for the remarkable work of our dedicated jail team. As Washington County's only jail, our staff works tirelessly around the clock to ensure the safety and security of our community.

From the early morning hours to late at night, these professionals demonstrate unwavering dedication and professionalism. Their steadfast commitment ensures that our facility operates efficiently and with the highest levels of safety and care.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to this exceptional team for their continued service and support. Your daily efforts do not go unnoticed and we are grateful for all that you do. Keep up the fantastic work and know that you make a real difference in our community.

Check out the Sheriff's Office 2023 Annual Report!

Our annual report is now accessible, giving you an in-depth look into the outstanding work carried out by our devoted team.

Explore the various initiatives, programs, and activities that have defined our unwavering dedication to serving and safeguarding our community.

Don't miss the chance to discover how we're making a difference in our community.

Access our annual report today!

Join us in honoring and expressing our deepest gratitude to the hardworking patrol deputies during this National Police Week and every week.

From the first light of dawn to the stillness of night, these dedicated individuals tirelessly safeguard our community, ensuring our safety and security around the clock. Their unwavering commitment to service, protection, and building positive relationships with our community does not go unnoticed.

Thank you to our patrol deputies for your constant dedication and sacrifices. We truly appreciate everything you do to keep our community safe!

Four People Arrested in

Undercover Child Predator Sting

On April 4, 2024, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office conducted a child predator sting where investigators used multiple dating applications, social media sites, and other online platforms to pose as underage boys and girls.

The people contacted the profiles online and offered to meet a person they believed to be a child for sex. When individuals arrived to meet the child, they were instead contacted by law enforcement and arrested.

The Sheriff’s Office regularly conducts undercover operations, both full-scale stings and day-to-day chats, targeting child predators.

The Sheriff’s Office receives thousands of child abuse reports each year, and these proactive missions are designed to identify and contact people before they victimize an actual child.

Parents are encouraged to help their children be safe online and to be aware of the websites and mobile applications their kids are using. The Sheriff’s Office provides online safety education for parents and community organizations upon request.

Read the full media release here.

Bike riding season is upon us! Not only is it great exercise, it can also make for a fun and healthy family activity.

Learning to ride a bike properly and safely is always best when seeing it in action, so make sure to be a “roll model” for any kids or other adults and practice proper bike riding techniques when you are out!

Here are some tips to keep you and your kids safe as you get out on the roads:

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Adjust your bicycle to fit your height and check tires and brakes before you ride.
• Use hand signals to alert other vehicles which direction you are traveling.
• Wear neon, bright-colored, or reflective clothing and use lights.

Learn more about bike safety.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office had a busy April meeting with a lot of families and individuals from the communities we serve! We enjoy being able to interact with everyone in a positive and fun environment and are looking forward to a summer filled with opportunities to connect!  

In the past month, we have presented to Scout troops, hosted a blood drive, attended a variety of school career fairs, attended cultural celebrations, and held an Open House for those interested in a career in law enforcement. All these events are important and have allowed us to meet great people within our community!  

If you are interested in an event or educational opportunity with the Sheriff’s Office, let us know! We would love to join you, whether it is for a small presentation or your National Night Out celebrations! You can email us at publicaffairs@washingtoncountyor.gov.  

Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community.

Currently, there are multiple ways to build your career at WCSO. Meet with our Recruitment Team to learn more about your perfect opportunity.

Visit Washington County Jobs for more information and to apply today.