WCSO 2021 Annual Report - Flipbook - Page 22
INVESTIGATIONS
OVERVIEW
Public safety is complex work, and incidents often require more research, additional follow-up, or a closer
look at details. Deputy responsibilities include conducting their investigations whenever appropriate, allowing
detectives to investigate felonies almost exclusively. This
expectation develops deputies’ investigative skills and
maximizes their crime-solving potential for victims in
our community. Sheriff’s Office deputies’ commitment to
problem-solving and conducting professional investigations is a significant reason why Washington County remains the safest major urban County in Oregon*.
Depending on the complexity of an incident, deputies
may conduct and complete follow-up themselves or
work directly with detectives for further investigation.
Working together to solve crime allows for deputies to
continue to respond to calls quickly and for detectives to
conduct in-depth investigations.
20 | WCSOOregon.org
The Investigations Division is organized into three
workgroups: Violent Crimes, Property Crimes, and
Special Investigations. Additionally, the Investigations
Commander has oversight of a specialized inter-agency
investigative team, the Westside Interagency Narcotics
(WIN) team. Additionally, Sheriff’s Office investigators
collaborate with federal law enforcement task forces
such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshal
Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Sheriff’s Office detectives investigate the most serious
or complex criminal cases. These detailed investigations
can last weeks, months, or years depending on the type
and quality of evidence, the identification and location of
suspects, and the cases’ overall complexity.
