The Morrow County Sheriff's Office is headquartered in Heppner, Oregon. There are presently substations in both the cities of Boardman and Irrigon. Morrow County Sheriffs Office provides police services to some 12,000 residents of Morrow County, which covers an area of approximately 2,065 square miles.
The uniform patrol division is responsible for responding to all calls for police service. This includes both criminal and noncriminal calls. Uniformed deputies conduct the initial investigation, including gathering scientific evidence and following up as necessary. Deputies routinely enforce traffic laws, investigate traffic collisions, conduct prisoner transports, provide court security and serve criminal subpoenas and civil process. Deputies travel over 300,000 miles per year and respond to more than 2,500 calls for police service
The Civil Department is responsible for processing and effecting the service of civil process documents, such as wage garnishments, eviction notices, restraining orders, etc. They also serve civil and criminal subpoenas and are responsible for the Court ordered sale of real and personal property.
Morrow County operates a 24 hour dispatch center that dispatches 911 calls for fire, police and medical emergencies. Communication staff consists of a Sergeant, Corporal and eight Deputies. In 2006, the Sheriff's Office received over 42,396 administration calls and 3,627 911 calls, resulting in over 12,858 calls for service.
The Sheriffs Office patrol division field strength is augmented by "Reserve Deputies." These deputies are sworn volunteers who have successfully completed a selection process and serve without compensation. Reserve deputies receive training and primarily accompany and assist regular patrol deputies, enhancing officer safety while reducing operating costs. Reserve deputies also assist with Search and Rescue and marine activities.
The Sheriff's Office is responsible for investigation and enforcement of County "nuisance" and zoning ordinance violations which occur in the unincorporated areas of Morrow County. These enforcement activities are primarily focused on the clean up of accumulations of garbage, junk and debris, and the removal of abandoned (derelict) vehicles.
Morrow County participates in a multi-agency narcotics task force: Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team, known by the acronym BENT. The task force primarily conducts investigations relative to narcotics manufacturing in Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Much of the operating cost of the task force is generated through dedicated funding from the agencies involved.
The Sheriff's Office provides contract law enforcement services and code enforcement to the cities of Heppner and Irrigon.
The Sheriff's Office provides marine patrol services in the Columbia River and the Willow Creek Reservoir. They conduct boat safety checks and boater education courses, enforce marine statutes and issue citations. They also provide rescue services for those in need.
The Sheriff's Office has had K-9 (canines) since 1994. The dogs working with trained Deputies assist with drug searches and education, as well as search and rescue operations. Canine deputies provide valuable assistance to a variety of law enforcement functions within the Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff’s Office maintains a Search & Rescue unit managed by supervisors of the Sheriff's Office which consists of regular members and volunteers. They are responsible for searching for, rescuing and recovering any person lost, injured or killed in rural areas of Morrow County. The primary mission of Search & Rescue is to enhance the expedient and safe recovery of lost persons. Supervisors, members and volunteers must have extensive training and must be certified in Search & Rescue to participate.
Sheriff Kenneth W. Matlack was elected Sheriff of Morrow County in November 2004. Sheriff Matlack is a former member of the Oregon State Police and served in law enforcement as a Patrol Officer, Detective, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant, Assistant Station Commander and Outpost Commander.
325 Willow View Drive
P.O. Box l59 Heppner, OR 97836
Business Phone: (541) 676-5317
For emergencies, dial: 911