On June 3rd the City Council voted to enter into a contract partnership with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) to provide law enforcement services in North Plains. Some of the common questions regarding the partnership are summarized below.
NPPD Partnership with Washington County : FAQs
Expectations for law enforcement service continue to evolve and the challenges are not insignificant. North Plains is a comfortable, yet growing community. Residents deserve a sustainable plan that safeguards the live-ability and safety that they currently enjoy.
State law directs that the Chief and his officers will become deputies of the Sheriff’s Office. Their pay, benefits and seniority are protected.
NPPD staff will spend a number of weeks becoming familiar with Washington County systems and procedures. Upon completion of this orientation, the chief and officers will return to service within the city. WCSO will assign a supervisor and dedicated deputies to work within the city during the period of transition and orientation. Expect to see a combination of familiar and new law enforcement faces within the city throughout the summer.
No.
However, unprecedented growth is upon us. As are challenges related to staffing, training, police administration, evidence storage and records management. Over time our ability to provide both effective and fiscally responsible services will diminish.
Yes, Chief Baker was an active participant in the decision making process and fully supports the partnership with WCSO.
The city will still have a police chief. Though now an employee of the Sheriff’s Office, the chief will continue to report to the City Manager and present to the City Council, insuring the needs of the city are being met.
Uniforms will not significantly change in appearance. They will remain black and all of the patches will indicate “Police” not “Deputy.” Over time, the shoulder patches may change to more accurately represent the partnership – though they will always state “City of North Plains Police”
No. The partnership leverages the economies of scale and administrative support that already exist within the Sheriff’s Office, saving the City money.
Staffing levels will be consistent with what the city has now. However, the partnership will actually increase coverage within the city. This results from an agreement for WCSO to backfill shifts that would normally be vacant during officer training, leave or vacations.
Current practices will not change:
Nearby WCSO deputies will immediately respond to any priority calls.
Minor, non-emergent calls may be held for the next scheduled shift.
It is a three year contract with an option to renew.
July 1st, 2019.
As discussed above, in question #2, expect to see both NPPD Officers and WCSO Deputies working within the city as the partnership takes shape.
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