Our staff coordinates a variety of programs geared towards enhanced safety. We work hard to provide unique and comprehensive opportunities to promote community and law enforcement partnerships. By working together and organizing these very specific programs, we can further our efforts and goals to build trust, be accountable, provide excellent service and be the safest major urban county in Oregon.
We invite you to explore these programs, and email [email protected] for more information or to get involved.
Elder Safe
The Elder Safe program helps victims aged 65 and older after a crime is reported to police and continues to help them through the criminal justice system.
Based at the Sheriff’s Office, Elder Safe collaborates with the District Attorney’s Office, Adult Protective Services (APS), Disability, Aging & Veteran Services (DAVS) and city police departments to coordinate services.
Volunteer victim advocates provide crime victims with emotional support and information relating to the criminal justice system and their case. Assistance tailored to the unique circumstance of each victim may include personal support, court advocacy, or help filling out forms. Find more victim services related to elder abuse.
- Types of elder abuse
- Financial abuse - the illegal or improper use of an elder's funds, property or assets. This can include forgery, fraud, unexplained transfers of an elders' assets and the unexplained disappearance of funds or valuable possessions.
- Emotional or psychological abuse - the infliction of anguish, pain or distress.
- Physical abuse - the use of force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment. This includes inappropriate restraint or any unwanted touch.
- Sexual abuse - non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person.
- Neglect - the refusal or failure of a caregiver to fulfill his or her caregiving responsibilities.
- Reporting Elder Abuse
To confidentially report suspected elder abuse or neglect, call:
- Adult Protective Services in Washington County at 971-673-5200
- If you suspect a crime, call your local police through the Washington County non-emergency number at 503-629-0111.
- For more information, call Elder Safe at 503-846-6048.
- Presentations on scams and elder abuse
Elder Safe speakers can discuss elder abuse, financial exploitation, and elder abuse prevention, with your community group. To arrange for a speaker call 503-846-6048.
- Volunteer Opportunities
Elder Safe relies on volunteers to help with victims' assistance. Requirements include an interest in older adults and the criminal justice system. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of four hours each month for a minimum of 1 year. There is an extensive training requirement for new Elder Safe volunteers. For more information, call Elder Safe at 503-846-6048
Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver is a Sheriff’s Office sponsored program focused on our loved ones who may be prone to wander. Participants wear a plastic bracelet containing a waterproof radio transmitter with a frequency uniquely assigned to them and their geographical area. This frequency assists our staff and Search and Rescue Team when responding to action in the event a participant goes missing.
When caregivers discover and report the missing individual through 911, trained deputies respond to search for the missing person using this Project Lifesaver radio-frequency tracking equipment.
Project Lifesaver is a voluntary program. To qualify, the client must:
- Live in Washington County
- Diagnosed by a certified physician as having Alzheimer's Disease, other dementia condition, autism, Down's Syndrome, or other similar disorders
- Be known to wander away from caregivers
To participate, caregivers must agree to assume the following responsibilities:
- Test the client's radio transmitter battery daily
- Check the condition of the bracelet daily
- Maintain a monthly log sheet provided by the Project Lifesaver Team
- Notify the Project Lifesaver Team promptly if there are any problems with the equipment
- Most importantly, call 911 immediately if a client goes missing!
For more information or to sign up for Project Lifesaver at the Washington County Sheriff's Office, please contact 503-846-6048.
Project lifesaver donations
Donations are used to supply bracelets and support for those in need of this program but without the financial resources to participate. To find out how you or your organization can be involved in our sponsorship program, please call 503-846-6048.
Donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to the Sheriff's Office Foundation.
Help me home
Created in-house, Help Me Home is our voluntary enrollment program for anyone who may become lost and, due to a medical condition, may have difficulty communicating with others. Once registered, the individual’s photo and relevant information are stored in a database managed by the Sheriff’s Office. All Washington County law has access to this information while on patrol.
Deputies can quickly search for a match in the Help Me Home database if they come across someone unable to communicate. This allows officers to return lost individuals to their caregivers quickly. It also allows caregivers to call 911 to report a missing person and all law enforcement personnel throughout Washington County can quickly access the picture and relevant information that was provided upon enrollment.
To register for this program, please complete the Help Me Home Registration form below.
If you have any questions, contact us at 503-846-6048, or by email [email protected]
Safety Academies
As part of our effort to promote safety, we strive to create every opportunity to connect and engage with all members of our community. We host two unique, in-depth opportunities for both adults and children to share safety information and demonstrate how we work to keep our community safe.
- Community Academy
The WCSO Community Academy is geared towards Washington County adults interested in learning more about our vital roles within the public safety system. This program is great for students, community leaders, potential recruits, and anyone wanting to learn more about law enforcement in America today.
The series is hosted in 6 weekday evening sessions involving specialized team demonstrations, division overviews, and exclusive facility tours. Community members are invited to join us for these interactive presentations with ample amounts of time for Q&A, conversations, and activities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Adults, 18 and older
- Willingness and ability to pass a thorough background check
- No history of felony or violent misdemeanor arrest
- Must not have been lodged in any jail in the past 10 years, and never in the Washington County Jail
Questions? Email [email protected]
- Kids Safety Academy
This program is specifically designed for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students who are at a very influential age, beginning to explore their independence by staying home alone, cooking for themselves, experiencing peer pressure, and internet risk exposure. Our goal is to enable them to make good choices by understanding safety risks while learning about law enforcement in a fun and unique way.
During this week-long academy, students participate in 6 hours of safety courses and law enforcement team demonstrations. Our staff, along with county partners, teach participants about relevant safety information centered around their growing independence.
Safety Topics Explored:
- Bike & Pedestrian Safety
- Fire Safety
- Personal & Home Safety
- Internet Safety
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Use of 911 & being a good witness
- Leadership & CORE Values
Check back for registration information as plans for future sessions develop.
Power Curve – Women’s Self-Defense
Our Defensive Tactics instructors design and teach this free, hands-on class to empower women with tools to maintain personal safety and to successfully confront and survive potentially dangerous situations. A focus on situational awareness and physical self-defense techniques provide options to reduce the risk of abuse and sexual attack. This is an introduction to self-defense techniques and is not intended for ongoing training.
Upcoming class schedule
Power Curve is offered in two different forms; one all-day Saturday class or two evening classes. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to offer private classes at this time.
- Saturday, December 7th, 8:00am-4:00pm
Registration
- Power Curve classes are limited to the first 30 registrants and will open 30 days prior to the class date. If there is a class with open registration, you will find the link above next to the class date and time.
- Qualifications
- Due to the mature content of this course, all participants must be at least 14 years of age (those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
- No criminal history of felony or violent misdemeanor crimes
- Location
Washington County Public Safety Training Center
600 SW Walnut St., Hillsboro.
Parking is available onsite.- Preparation
- Plan to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and athletic-style shoes for ease of practicing the physical techniques you will learn. Do not wear skirts, sandals, flip flops, crocs, or clog-like shoes.
- Only bring necessary personal items.
- Water bottles are encouraged.
If you have any questions, please contact Lucy Bailey.
Location
Sheriff's Office Headquarters and Jail
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123