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Get Involved

The Sheriff’s Office depends on our amazing volunteers to help us provide the best service possible to our community. There are countless ways to get involved as a volunteer at the Sheriff’s Office!

The Sheriff’s Office depends on our amazing volunteers to help us provide the best service possible to our community. Working together, our volunteers' innovation, compassion, and continued dedication equate to an average of 18 full-time positions.

Do you have a passion to help others or a strength that can be utilized to improve public safety? There are countless ways to get involved as a volunteer at the Sheriff’s Office! Please review the minimum qualifications below and apply online. If you have additional questions, please contact our volunteer and intern coordinator, Angella Luethe, by email or call 503-846-2525.

Minimum qualifications

Get Involved

Before you complete the application process, please insure you meet each of the following minimum qualifications:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Able to make a one-year commitment
  • Reliable and able to work two hours per week or more (dependent on position)
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and integrity
  • Able to work effectively with law enforcement and a diverse client base
  • Demonstrated respect for governmental agencies and programs
  • No felony convictions in the last ten years
  • No misdemeanor convictions in the last five years
  • No illegal drug use in the last ten years
  • Not lodged in the Washington County Jail in the last five years

Apply Now

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Volunteer positions

We depend on our volunteers for a wide-range of services within the Sheriff’s Office. See below for some of the positions within our office that are serviced by our vital volunteers. Our needs vary at times and we don’t recruit for all positions at all times.

Administrative Support and Reception

Volunteer at the information desk, as data entry operators, or special project assistants.  

Chaplaincy Programs

Our Volunteer chaplains are active in the Washington County Jail and out in the community. Join the chaplains as they provide spiritual counseling to adults in custody, lead Bible studies, and assist the community in times of crisis.

Public Affairs

Volunteer alongside Public Affairs staff to educate the public on community issues and public safety topics and participate in community events.

Elder Safe

Become aware of the growing elder abuse problem.  You can learn to recognize and report abuse and help these vulnerable victims.  Learn more about the Elder Safe program here.

Internship

Opportunities include Bachelor’s level Criminal Justice internship and a Master’s level Counseling internship.

Jail Programs

If you have an academic background you may be interested in becoming a library assistant or leading one of our classes like employment, GED study, or basic computer skills for adults in our custody.

For additional volunteer opportunities, contact our Program Coordinator Angella Luethe at 503-846-2525.

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Volunteer programs and teams

The Sheriff’s Office sponsors multiple volunteer programs and teams, each responsible for different vital roles within our community, and each equally unique. Explore these opportunities below and join with us to make a difference!

Posse

Posse

Established in 1945, our Sheriff’s Posse has served the Washington County community for over 75 years. This dedicated team is comprised of volunteers who are devoted to the team’s mission of promoting public safety and community involvement while preserving the history and tradition of mounted law enforcement.  

The Posse impacts our community through attendance at local events such as the Washington County Fair, National Night Out, and local parades. The Posse also awards an annual scholarship to a Washington County high school graduate. This team does not have law enforcement authority, but often assists deputies with tasks such as crowd control and parking assistance.

To join this team, volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • US citizen
  • Own a horse and tack
  • Have use of a trailer for transportation of horse and gear
  • Pass a background check by the Sheriff's Office

If you meet the above requirements, are civic minded, enjoy public contact, and find satisfaction in helping those in need, we invite you to apply.  If you have questions or for more information, please email us.

The Posse is entirely self-financed through membership dues, fundraisers, and donations. Click here to donate to the Washington County Sheriff's Posse.

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Search and Rescue

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2024 ENROLLMENT
Applications due Saturday, April 20, 2024

APPLY NOW

Important application dates:

  • Information meetings
    • Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 10 am
    • Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 5 pm
    • Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 7 pm
  • Applications due
    • Saturday, April 20, 2024
  • Interviews and Physical Fitness Test
    • Saturday, May 11, 2024 
    • Sunday, May 12, 2024 
  • Recruit and Parent Information Meeting
    • Monday, June 3, 2024
  • Gear Check, Sexual Harassment, Harassment and Ethics,
    Physical Fitness Evaluation
    • Saturday, June 22, 2024
  • Recruit CPR/AED and Blood Borne Pathogens classes
    • Sunday, June 23, 2024
  • Search and Rescue Training Academy (SARTA)
    • July 10 – 21, 2024

For more information, email [email protected] or call 503-846-6962.

About us

A group picture of Search and Rescue program graduates along with instructors.

The Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue program teaches young men and women important life skills and unique insight into the exciting career fields of Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services. This program is a big commitment for any teenager, but the personal rewards are endless.
 
This program has an outstanding reputation and their skills are often called upon by police agencies throughout the entire state of Oregon. Our members are primarily involved in Search and Rescue missions for lost people, downed aircraft, and evidence in major crimes.

To participate, volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • Between the ages of 14-17
  • Washington County resident
  • Positive community record
  • Good physical health
  • Minimum 2.3 GPA with no failing classes
  • Basic training academy
  • Minimum 2-year commitment as an active member.

Apply Online

Application Process

We accept applications from January through April and add new members in the Spring during our annual recruitment. Because of the immense benefits, there is a high demand to participate. Our application process is thorough, during which you can expect the following:

  • Interview to learn more about you and your goals. 
  • Complete a Statement of Personal History used to conduct a thorough background check.
  • Pass a Physical Fitness and Ability Test to adequately perform the physically demanding work.
  • All applicants will receive notification if they are selected into the program either in writing or by telephone.
  • Attend Parental Information Night, a mandatory meeting for all new members and their parents. Parents and Search and Rescue Advisors exchange information to ensure we effectively care for each new member. 
  • Attend the Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Academy.

What are you waiting for? 

Apply Now

Training

Training is physical, mentally demanding – and EXCITING!

All new members start at our Search and Rescue Academy. Held once a year at the end of June, this 12 day training retreat is a collaborative effort with the Tillamook and Clatsop County Sheriff's Offices. 

After the academy, our members routinely train throughout the year where they continue to learn skills that will last a lifetime, such as:

  • Land Navigation (including GPS)
  • Person Tracking
  • Search Techniques
  • Rope Rescue Techniques
  • Wilderness Survival
  • First Aid and Wilderness Medicine
  • Patient Care and Packaging
  • Communications
  • Helicopter Safety and Rescue
  • Incident Command System (ICS)
  • Traffic and Crowd Control
  • Personal and Professional Ethics
  • Self Defense
  • Firearms Safety
  • Patrol Tactics
  • Officer Survival
  • Traumatic Incident Stress
  • Criminal Law

For more information, email [email protected] or call 503-846-6962.

Reserve Deputy

Deadline to apply for the January 2025 Reserve academy is May 1, 2024.

Reserve Program Q&A Session Information

Reserve group photo

Reserve Deputies are sworn law enforcement officers who assist full-time patrol deputies in their duties, answering emergency calls, rendering aid, making arrests, and testifying in court. Reserve deputies wear the same uniforms, receive the same high-quality training, and use the same equipment as their full-time counterparts.

The majority of a Reserve Deputy’s time is spent with a full-time Deputy on patrol, participating in the DUII Victims Panel, traffic enforcement, focused patrol assignments, and critical incident call outs to assist with crime scene security. Their mission is to supplement the full-time Deputies as needed during emergencies or special operations. Each year, Reserves are also requested to provide security at a variety of special events, such as the Washington County K9 Trials, Tigard Festival of Balloons, Washington County Fair, and many others.

To participate, volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • 21 years of age by graduation from the academy
  • United States Citizen
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid driver's license
  • Successfully pass a physical fitness test
  • Successfully pass a background investigation
  • No felony convictions
  • Successfully complete a medical and psychological evaluation
  • Attend a 350+ hour academy, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with all-day Saturday classes, January to June.
  • Contribute a minimum of 30 volunteer hours per quarter; including community service projects, annual training, and quarterly meetings.

Apply Online 

Application Process

Take the initial steps to begin this journey of a lifetime!

  1. Apply Online
  2. We will provide you information needed to take the written NTN exam
  3. Take reading, writing, and physical fitness tests.  Tests are only offered once each year during the summer.  
  4. Applicants who pass the above tests are invited to interview and begin a rigorous background investigation process.
  5. The background investigation includes checking your employment and personal references, a credit check, criminal history check, and even talking with your past and current neighbors or other associates.  The goal is to get a complete and well-rounded picture of your personal, academic, and professional life.
  6. Candidates who successfully pass the initial tests and the background investigation will be considered to attend the Reserve Academy.

Submit your application today and we'll reach out in May 2024 with the next steps and instructions for testing.

Apply Now!

Training

First-rate classroom training and on-the-job experience are combined to prepare Reserve Deputies to meet the same demanding standards as regular full-time deputies. 

  • Six month Washington County Reserve Academy
  • Field training with full-time deputies
  • Inter-agency Firearms Skills Training (IFAST)
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations Course
  • Tactical communications
  • Crisis intervention
  • Defensive tactics

For more information, email [email protected].

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Advisory Committees and Councils

Have you considered joining a Community Group or an Advisory Board? There are great opportunities to share your insight and make a real difference in helping guide our public safety service.

Image of Sheriff Pat Garrett along with members of the community
Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD) Advisory Committee

The Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District (ESPD) Advisory Committee works with Sheriff Garrett and other executives to review and recommend police services in the ESPD. The committee also advises the Sheriff on strategic goals and the direction for ESPD. Future considerations will be to review other long-range opportunities for enhanced law enforcement and community collaboration.

The ESPD provides enhanced patrol response to over 215,000 residents in the urban areas outside of cities in Washington County, including Bethany, Cedar Mill, Cedar Hills, Aloha, Reedville, Garden Home, Metzger, Rock Creek, Raleigh Hills, Bull Mountain, Bonny Slope, West Slope, Oak Hills, and more. Voters first approved the ESPD in 1987 and all local option levies since. Find out if you live in the ESPD.

If you have a question, email Sharon Gray [email protected] or call 503-846-2506.

2023 Meeting Information

January 4 – Agenda (PDF 189.94 KB)
March 1 – Agenda PDF (PDF 190.9 KB)
May 3 - Agenda (PDF 189.97 KB)

 

2022

Latino Advisory Commission (LAC)

Latinos make up the largest and longest standing ethnic group in Washington County. They continue to be disproportionately overrepresented in policing enforcement, incarceration rates, and referrals to the juvenile justice system. The Advisory Commission was established in 2020 to address these issues and to build trust between the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Latino community.

Establishing an ongoing partnership is an important step in meeting the public safety needs of the entire community.

The Commission meets the first Wednesday of every month virtually from 4:00-5:30 pm. For more information, to provide public comment, or request the Zoom meeting link, please email Joann Hoffman, call 503-846-2762, or visit the Washington County's Community Boards and Commissions web page.

Sheriff’s Office Foundation

The Sheriff's Office Foundation supports public safety throughout Washington County and the Sheriff’s Office by providing funds for programs and/or services, which are not part of the regular budget. To find out more information or to make a donation, visit the Sheriff's Office Foundation Website.

Location

Sheriff's Office Headquarters and Jail

215 SW Adams Ave
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
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