Welcome to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Citizen Patrol volunteer program website. We are based out of Corbett, Oregon (just east of Portland), in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Our band of volunteers are trained citizen-volunteers that act as extra "eyes and ears" for our deputies. The volunteers patrol with a partner to help reduce crime; particularly vehicle break-ins at places like Multnomah Falls. They patrol the Corbett Schools to keep our kids safe. They also assist at numerous community events and are trained to assist police and fire personnel in the event of a disaster or other large-scale emergency. Members have all been vetted via an application process and background check. Monthly trainings insure that our volunteers are professional and proficient. If you're interested in joining, please contact Deputy Kaiser (see contact info on the "About" page) and you can do a ride-along or a training session with the members.
This website is updated approximately 2-3 times per month or as needed.
This website is updated approximately 2-3 times per month or as needed.
WE NEED YOU-- TO JOIN THE CITIZEN PATROL!
The Citizen Patrol (CP) is seeking new members. If you like the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and if you have the desire to keep the community safe, the CP might be the right fit for you! CP members are diverse in how they'd like to serve their community. Some have an interest in neighborhood watch-style patrols or assisting during community events. Others wish to focus on disaster preparedness and community resilience. Whatever your desire, the CP can find a spot for you. Free monthly trainings are offered each month on topics such as: 1st Aid, Disaster Response, Leadership, Traffic Crash Scene Management, Active Threats, Confrontational Simulation and more. If you're interested, you're welcome to attend a monthly training session. The CP has recently expanded into the city of Fairview to assist with motorized patrols in the city parks. Contact Deputy Graziano for more information: joseph.graziano@mcso.us or 503-849-1206.
LATEST UPDATE: 4/30/2019
Deputy Joe "Rocky" Graziano, the Corbett Community Resource Officer, is no longer on the proposed budget cut list for the county. The Corbett citizens were very supportive of this position. Deputy Graziano is glad to be staying and he hopes to continue in this position for another four years, until his retirement in 2023. Of course in the line of law enforcement, retirement is never a "given", but that is his hope. He was extremely appreciative to witness the outpouring of community support. Rocky will also retain oversight of the Citizen Patrol volunteer program. Rocky is excited to begin working on various projects that have been on hold due to the uncertainty of his position.
From 3/11/2019
This is the time of year for tax returns and an increase in mail thefts. Please be sure to check your mail daily so that your mail isn't left for prolonged periods of time in the mailbox.
Info from the U.S. Post Office:
Tax season may not be the favorite time of year for most Americans, but there is one group of people that looks forward to it annually -- mail thieves. Mail theft is a major issue during tax season, since thieves know that personal information delivered to your mailbox may be ripe for the taking. Credit card applications are a jackpot for identity thieves year-round, but at tax time their focus turns to W-2s. W-2s include Social Security numbers, birth dates and salaries, which credit card applications do not.
The information contained in a W-2 offers fraudsters the chance to open credit card, bank or other accounts with the victim's data, as well as to make purchases and even apply for a job. Separately, postal inspectors warn that a stolen W-2 can be used by a thief to file for an refund anticipation loan off a tax return.
Even with some companies offering their employees electronic W-2 forms, the danger remains that personal information stolen from somewhere else can be used to create a fake W-2 under the victim's name.
There are some steps people can take to avoid having their tax information stolen. The primary defense is to simply check the mail each day as soon as possible after it gets delivered . That leaves thieves with little time to snatch mail that contains personal information. In fact, this is a wise strategy any time during the year when you are expecting the delivery of credit cards, checks or similar items.
Meanwhile, if you plan to be on vacation or away from home for a considerable amount of time, consider placing a hold on your mail or renting a post office box. You could also ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up and hold your mail for you.Also, let the issuer know as soon as possible if you do not receive your W-2, credit card mailings or other valuable mail. And, contact your local postmaster or nearest postal inspector if you believe your mail was stolen. Should you move, be sure to update the post office and anyone you do business with.
Informed Delivery® by USPS®Digitally preview your mail and manage your packages scheduled to arrive soon! Informed Delivery allows you to view greyscale images of the exterior, address side of letter-sized mailpieces and track packages in one convenient location.*
informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action
As always i If you see someone suspicious near a mailbox or see them steal mail, call police immediately, then report it to Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455.or to your local police department.
Joshua Applestill has been missing for nearly 3-weeks. He was last seen on Larch Mt.. If you have any information about Josh, please call the non-emergency#, 503-823-3333. Here's a KATU news link: https://katu.com/news/local/family-searches-for-corbett-man-missing-nearly-two-weeks
As mentioned on 11/20/18, numerous bags of human waste have been discarded along the Old Hwy, Curtis and Corbett Hill Rd.. In the past, it appeared that the bags may have contained diapers, however, recently, the bags contained human waste, tissues and sometimes, kitty litter. When bags are "double bagged" with kitty litter, it's usually consistent with the use of small, portable camp toilets. This morning, waste and tissues were strewn along E. Columbia River Hwy. at Crestview for approximately 50 yards. If you seen any suspicious activity regarding this, please call the non-emergency#, 503-823-3333.
2/14/19
In December it was mentioned there would be some deputy staffing reassignments. Those reassignments will no longer occur. Deputy Cortada will remain as the Corbett School Officer. Deputy Joe "Rocky" Graziano will remain as the Corbett Community Resource Officer. Deputy Joe Kaiser has taken over as the Citizen Patrol Coordinator. Chief Deputy Gates will be retiring on 2/19/19.
1/31/19
Regarding yesterday's post below with establishing the Citizen Patrol in Fairview, we currently have three Fairview citizen applicants that have passed an initial "records check". Ideally we'd like to get a couple more applicants to apply so that we can begin the testing and interview process. After passing the records check and the testing, successful candidates will proceed to the background check phase. Please visit the "Apply" page of this website for more details.
1/30/19
Deputy Joe Kaiser has volunteered to take over management of the Citizen Patrol program. He's currently out of town but he'll return on 2/11/19. He'll begin updating this website after his return.
Citizens in Fairview have expressed interest in re-starting their COPP (Citizens on Park Patrol) program. After some meetings and discussions, those members will now be able to apply through this website for consideration as a Fairview team member within the existing Citizen Patrol structure. Citizens have started applying and we hope to have the testing, background check and interview process by next month. Interested persons my apply on the "Apply" page of this website.
The suspicious subject in the stolen Acura (see the posts below on 12/5/18 and 12/10/18) has likely been identified. Another deputy is working on that case.
12/10/18
The stolen silver/gray Acura with the "prowler" (listed below on 12/5) has been located. Only the vehicle was recovered. The suspicious man was not located. The vehicle had been abandoned in Troutdale over the weekend.
12/5/18
A suspicious "prowler" in a stolen vehicle has been lurking around the Corbett and East County areas. Click HERE for an info flyer.
11/20/18
An unknown person is discarding "loaded" diapers in the Corbett and east Troutdale areas. The bags of diapers are typically knotted-shut and discarded along the roadway. This morning, motorists ran over one of these bags near the top of Corbett Hill Rd.. The bags are light blue with a white plastic Walmart bag inside. A possible suspect vehicle has been identified, however if you have any further information or if you continued to see these discarded bags, please contact Deputy Graziano, joseph.graziano@mcso.us or 503-849-1206.
11/13/18
This past weekend a shooting incident occurred in NE Portland. Some of the involved persons had apparent ties to the Corbett area and/or attended Corbett High School in the past. One man received non-life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound and he was treated at an area hospital. Due to the location of the incident, it is currently being investigated by the Portland Police Bureau.
11/8/18
A 30-minute "Wires Down" safety class and a 90 minute "Active Threat/Shooter" presentation will be given at the Corbett Fire Station to the Citizen Patrol volunteers. The public is welcome to attend. The classes will be offered on two different dates/times: Monday 11/19, 6-8 PM AND Thursday 11/29, 9-11 AM. The latter class contains some videos and discussions of real-life violence. For that reason, it's recommended that young children do not attend.
10/29/18
During the past couple of weeks, Corbett has experienced several homeless related issues. Although this is not new to the area, this past week we've had transients or possible transients trespassing, dumping trash, rummaging through private garbage on private property, sleeping in their cars in remote locations and possibly even sleeping in a private building without permission. It was determined that at least one small deer had been poached at a location outside of Corbett. The dead dear was found inside one of the encampments. The photo below shows trash that had been left behind on a private dirt road off Larch Mt. Rd. after transients left the area. A county Code Enforcement Officer received assistance from Vector Control employees in removing two pickup truck loads of garbage from the scene. There is still at least one more truck load that needs to be removed
10/16/18
Click HERE for a link to a podcast featuring Sheriff Reese and several Command Staff members.
10/4/18
After the incident last week with the man mentioned below, several Corbett residents were concerned that only some people received phone calls or alerts about the dangerous wanted subject in the area and others did not. There were similar concerns regarding why some citizens were or were not informed during the Eagle Creek Fire. There are several ways to stay informed. It's apparently a complex system, but Dep. Graziano is working with county Emergency Management to compile the information in an understandable format. For now, it's best to sign up with #1 and #4 below.
1) One of the best ways to get info is by signing up with the "Public Alerts" system at www.publicalerts.org. These alerts are sent directly from the government entities you choose. This system is what most people refer to as "Reverse 911" when it comes to police and fire calls. Local government agencies can send out notices to landline phones only UNLESS the citizen has opted-in to provide their cell phone number. These alerts are sent out in a "geographic radius" and not to individualized residences . The alert system only allows for "pre-canned" messages and NOT messages that are highly specific to the actual incident. For example, if an armed and dangerous person is running through the area, you may get an alert that says to remain inside. You will NOT get an alert that describes the wanted person or the nature of the crime.
2) You can also sign up for alerts from local news organizations at "Flash Alert" at www.flashalert.net.
3) Another system is the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)/ Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS). Click HERE for an information video. This is a federal system (through FEMA) but it's generally not used for localized events or unfolding crime situations. These alerts are ONLY sent to wireless phones. Be aware that if your phone lacks a signal or is in sleep mode, you may receive delayed alerts when your phone does reacquire a signal. The alert is sent to a geographic area and NOT to a phone at a specified address. For example, if you're from Oregon but driving through Kansas, your phone can potentially be alerted about a looming tornado in Kansas. However, using the same example, if you're in Kansas and a tsunami alert goes out along the Oregon coast, you will NOT get that alert despite being an Oregon resident. See the entry below on 9/17/18 for further information. Click HERE for a graphic about IPAWS
4) The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Twitter and Facebook pages.
5) Although very rare, you may also receive a phone call directly from a live police officer for certain situations. For example, if a police agency is involved in a hostage situation or other grave situation, officers will do their best to obtain a phone number for your address via numerous means to alert you to shelter in place, evacuate etc.. Since this is a very tedious method, it's only used in smaller, isolated situations.
9/26/18
The suspect listed below was captured this morning at 8:30 AM, thanks to the tip for a local Corbett woman. Thank you Deb! The man was arrested near Lewis and Clark Park. He was very dirty and tired. He even offered to smile for a photo.
This afternoon, Corbett Fire organized an anti-drinking and driving presentation for Corbett H.S. seniors. It was similar to a live theatrical performance with role players and personnel from the Corbett Fire Department, the Sheriff's Office, the Citizen Patrol and the Medical Examiner's Office. The scene involved two wrecked cars, injured victims and a reenactment of the response at a deadly crash scene.
9/25/18
This morning a man assaulted a Corbett woman in her own home. At this time, it does not appear that the suspect knew the woman. Deputies, K9 officers and a SWAT team searched the area throughout the day but were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Please click HERE for an info flyer.
9/17/18
The Multnomah County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) forwarded informational handouts so that citizens can sign up for an Integrated Public Alerts (IPAWS) warning system to cell phones. Despite what the attached info sheet say, it looks like they'll be doing a nationwide on 10/3/18. The following is from OEM:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will now conduct the planned nationwide test of theEmergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on October 3, 2018. The WEA portion of the test commences at 2:18 p.m. EDT, and the EAS portion follows at 2:20 p.m. EDT. The test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether improvements are needed.October 3 was the previously scheduled back-up date for the test, which was originally set up for this Thursday, September 20. A backup date is always planned in case of widespread severe weather or other significant events on the primary test date. FEMA and the nation’s emergency management community are currently actively involved in various response efforts to severe weather, including Hurricane Florence.For further information on the test, go to:
https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test
INFO FORMS:
2018_ipaws_national_test_fact_sheet.pdf
ipaws_test_fact_sheet_-_oem.pdf
ean_wea_android_medium.jpg
wea_test_graphic_iphone_only_081018_.png
9/4/18
A citizen on NE Corbett Hill Road reported that naked man was knocking on his door at 3AM. The main claimed he had been beaten up and dropped off in the area. Deputies located the man nearby and found that he had rummaged through another neighbors property, where the man found a blanket and sandals. The man (not from the Corbett area) claimed that he had been beaten by known persons, however he refused to give the investigating deputy further details. The man was arrested on a warrant. The man had also failed to report to his probation officer for his ankle monitoring bracelet. In a separate incident, a woman was taken into custody after she was found walking along SE Gordon Creek Rd. at night and behaving oddly. It was likely related to a DUII crash in the area.
8/28/18
This is a week of suspicious vehicles in the Corbett area! In addition to the vehicles listed below, a resident reports that a white vehicle, possibly a Subaru wagon drove down her driveway on Louden Rd.. The vehicle was pulling an empty trailer. It departed after being seen by the homeowner.
8/27/18
A residence was burglarized at the 43000 block of E. Columbia River Hwy.. When the homeowner returned home, she saw an African-American man, associated with a gray, 1999 Lexus SUV (plate 539HPY). The man told the owner that he was looking for gas. After he departed, the homeowner realized that the house door had been kicked in and numerous items were stolen. A deputy found that the SUV was listed as stolen.
In another incident, a homeowner at the 36000 block of SE Gordon Creek Rd. reported that a suspicious man in a nice, white Corvette (plate 474JJL) drove onto the remote property. The man, a white male with grayish hair and a muscular build, apparently told the neighbor a story, yet when he was confronted by owner, the man told a different story. A deputy is still attempting to contact the vehicle's owner.
In a 3rd incident, a black Sedan (plate 347EYS), was parked in front of a house at the 32000 block of E. Columbia River Hwy. The occupant was taking photos of the house.. The homeowner reports that this car in the past, in this area. When the homeowner exited the house to contact the driver, the vehicle sped off quickly.
If you see any of these suspicious vehicles, please do not contact the occupant(s). Instead, call either 911 or the non-emergency number (503-823-3333) at your discretion.
8/14/18
Yesterday afternoon a deputy got into a short pursuit with a young man in a stolen car along I84. The suspect took the Corbett exit and proceeded uphill. He then turned onto Reed Rd. and "bailed" out of the car. Deputies converged on the area and found the suspect walking along the railroad track, along I84, about 30 minutes later. The man was arrested and taken to jail.
From 10/12/17
Click HERE for a slideshow that discusses the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire damage and its hazard impact to our area.
For updates about the Eagle Creek fire with road and trail closure updates, please click HERE
Click HERE for a slideshow that discusses the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire damage and its hazard impact to our area.
For updates about the Eagle Creek fire with road and trail closure updates, please click HERE