Oregon State Police (OSP) had its budget hearings in front of the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety during the week of March 13. The agency, led by Superintendent Travis Hampton, highlighted its work in all 36 counties including enhanced efforts in rural areas where troopers take on more traditional policing duties in addition to highway patrol.
Josephine County-based Trooper Tawyna Henderson spoke of one Sunday night recently during a snow storm that two troopers were called from their home to assist with a crash on Interstate 5. At the same time, a 9-1-1 call came in of a suicide in progress – but they could not respond. Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is limited to 10 patrol hours per day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A similar situation once existed in Polk County. Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope, AOC first vice-president, was on hand to thank the state police for their assistance during those tough times prior to passing an operating levy, which has brought Polk County sheriff patrol back to 24 hour, seven day a week coverage.
“Our elected county leaders and law enforcement throughout the state are privileged to have a strong working relationship with OSP,” said Pope in his testimony. “Counties who are facing fiscal distress due to declining timber revenue over the past few years have seen troopers in those areas step up to fill gaps where local law enforcement are unable.
Pope noted that state troopers and local law enforcement in Oregon remain near the bottom compared to other states of per capita officers to population despite increased population in the state over the last several years.
“AOC is very concerned about further cuts to OSP detectives who work on interagency drug teams around the state and also the closure of the Pendleton crime lab,” added Pope.
Contributed by: Patrick Sieng | AOC Public Safety Policy Manager