Learn how we prioritize community-centered policing through training and jurisdiction assignments.
Beat assignments
The 726 square miles of Washington County are mapped out into 14 geographic patrol “beats” or service areas to best assist our communities best. Each beat has a lieutenant, sergeant, and deputies specifically assigned and responsible for problem-solving and strategic planning for that area.
Assigned together, deputies and the beat sergeant understand area residents’ needs and tailor service locally for community engagement and accountability. Beat sergeants and deputies regularly connect and collaborate with the community – through events, schools, community groups, local business associations or community meetings, and educational public safety presentations. Lieutenants are responsible for sectors or a collection of beats in similar geographic areas. Working from this view point, the collective needs of an area are quickly identified, and a lieutenant helps leverage available assistance.
You can find out who serves your neighborhood by visiting our interactive map. Any non-emergency concerns or questions can be directed to those listed on this map who are responsible for your area.
Community policing
We are stronger together. More than ever before, public safety is a shared responsibility. Cultivating relationships with the communities we serve allows us to connect, better assess needs and provide proactive crime prevention education. Connectivity is key to building trust and maintaining healthy relationships and is a dedicated responsibility of ours. Community Outreach Specialists work alongside our uniformed deputies to build relationships within our community and provide ongoing public safety education.
Learn more about our community policing efforts.
Expert training
We are proud to provide the best possible training for our deputies to protect and serve the communities of Washington County honorably. Our goal is to implement a comprehensive training program that prepares deputies for real-life scenarios. Our training program prepares recruits to be a part of a very uniquely talented team.
- Recruit deputies undergo an internal nine-week pre-academy training program at PSTC where they learn many fundamental skills needed to begin their career in law enforcement.
- Pre-academy prepares and transitions our employees to attend the required 16-week state police academy in Salem, Oregon at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST).
- After completing both academies, each recruit participates in a 17-week Field Training and Evaluation Program where field training deputies instruct, mentor, and evaluate the recruit's skills as a deputy sheriff.
- Training doesn't end after certification; staff continuously train throughout their entire careers. Our deputies receive some of the best ongoing training in the country through mandatory in-service, annual re-certifications, promotion, and specialized team assignment instructions.
Public Safety Training Center
Completed in 2019, our state-of-the-art Public Safety Training Center (PSTC) consists of a combination of simulation, physical, and educational training that helps produce well-rounded deputies. Our decision to create this facility stems from our desire to cultivate skilled, well-rounded deputies to serve the community of Washington County.
Our recruits learn from seasoned deputies who have completed an Adult Learning Theory development course and are passionate about teaching and building a highly experienced and qualified force. Our PSTC’s combination of simulation, physical, and mindset training provides our deputies the tools they need to protect and serve Washington County. Keeping our community safe is our top priority, and it starts at the Public Safety Training Center.