COVID-19 Updates
From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has made meaningful changes in order to keep the staff and community safe in our interactions while continuing to provide Superior Public Safety and Service. Please review some of the changes we have made to keep everyone safe and some resources that may help to answer some common questions related to COVID-19 and your Sheriff’s Office.
Protect yourself, your family, and your co-workers
Wash your hands often
Avoid close contact
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
Cover coughs and sneezes
Clean and disinfect
Monitor Your Health Daily
FAQ
- How has COVID-19 affected my ability to get Law Enforcement assistance or report a crime?
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While the current COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes to virtually every aspect of our daily lives, the Deschutes County Patrol Division continues to respond to calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency, 24-hours per day to the over 3000 square miles that make up Deschutes County.
The impact of the pandemic on our operations has been limited, and virtually unnoticeable to most citizens. The only significant change, which has been well accepted by our customers, is the ability to use our On-Line Reporting form . This form allows citizens to quickly and easily report minor crimes or accidents, provide crime tips, and request increased patrols or vacation checks on our website with a follow-up call from one of our deputies. No need to make a trip and visit one of our offices.
- How do I get a Civil Paper served?
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Our Civil Unit has made small but needed changes to maintain our service to our community with regard to Civil Paper Process Service. We are now accepting civil papers for service via mail or via our drop box in front of the Sheriff’s Office. The following are the steps to take to request a civil paper be served.
- Complete the Service Request Form located on our website; copies are provided at the drop box location if needed.
- Attach a check or money order (made out to DCSO) for the correct service fee, see our service fee schedule on our website; standard fee is $45.00 for us to serve two people at one address. Exceptions may apply to your case, so please check the fee schedule or contact the civil unit with questions. We do accept credit card payments over the phone, there is a $1 fee for this service. Just make a note to contact you for credit card payment.
- Provide a complete set of documents that you would like us to serve with the case number on all necessary pages.
- Is the Sheriff’s Office processing evictions?
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At this time, the Sheriff’s Office can only serve or execute eviction documents that are filed based on for-cause terminations. We cannot process any eviction documents for non-payment. It is important to contact the civil unit if you have filed eviction documents that are for-cause terminations on the date you filed the documents. Service times on these documents are mandated by statute and must happen within a very short time frame.
- Complete the Service Request Form located on our website; copies are provided at the drop box location if needed.
- Attach a check or money order (made out to DCSO) for the correct service fee, see our service fee schedule on our website; standard fee is $45.00 for one to two people at one address. Exceptions may apply to your case and whether this is the Writ of Execution stage, so please check the fee schedule or contact the civil unit with questions. We do accept credit card payments over the phone, there is a $1 fee for this service. Just make a note to contact you for credit card payment.
- Provide a complete set of documents that you would like us to serve with the case number on all necessary pages.
- How has COVID-19 affected the function of the Deschutes County Adult Jail?
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The following precautionary measures have been instituted at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail to prevent the spread and infection of the COVID-19 virus. The jail has carefully made decisions to ensure a balance between the resources available, individual interests and the best interest of all staff and inmates to maintain safety and security of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s County Jail during this unprecedented time of a community health emergency.
Strict Prohibition on Intakes at Deschutes County Adult Jail. Law enforcement personnel have been directed to issue criminal citations in lieu of jail custody on appropriate misdemeanor charges if possible. This helps maintain a lower population in the jail providing for enhanced social distancing and helps prevent infection of other inmates and jail staff.
Intake Screening Expansion. As a precautionary measure jail staff conduct a brief medical assessment, including a temperature check, along with our other intake assessments prior to an arrestee being brought into our intake and booking area inside the jail itself.
Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). The CDC and Deschutes County Public Health encourages all local law enforcement agencies to wear agency-issued masks and gloves if they encounter subjects exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus. As a result, to prevent the potential spread of illness, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail requires staff to equip themselves with proper PPE.
Staff Messaging. A simple and consistent message has been sent to staff: Stay at home if you are sick. Do not to enter the facility if you have symptoms of COVID-19, and you are expected to leave the facility as soon as possible if you develop symptoms while on duty.
- Are the incarcerated/detained persons being protected?
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The following precautionary measures have been instituted at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail to prevent the spread and infection of the COVID-19 virus. The jail has carefully made decisions to ensure a balance between the resources available, individual interests and the best interest of all staff and inmates to maintain safety and security of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s County Jail during this unprecedented time of a community health emergency.
Increased Cleaning Procedures within the Jail. The CDC and WHO maintain that some of the easiest and most effective precautions we can take are to clean our hands often, avoid touching our face and to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. The Jail has instituted a focused cleaning process to ensure all surfaces within the jail are continually cleaned multiple times a day. Those surfaces touched repeatedly such as booking, medical, kitchen, exit and entrance doors, and work areas are a focus in our preparedness to prevent a spread of the virus. Soap and cleaning products to disinfect their living areas are provided at no cost to all inmates.
Inmate Communication and Education. The Deschutes County Adult Jail has communicated clearly and frequently to incarcerated/detained persons about changes to their daily routine and how they can contribute to risk reduction in light of COVID-19 in the community. The jail has posted announcements and information bulletins in the jail about the importance of handwashing, COVID-19 Fact Sheets (English and Spanish versions), how to stop the spread of COVID-19 (English and Spanish versions), and symptoms of COVID-19 (English and Spanish versions).
- Can I visit an incarcerated/detained person or come to the Deschutes County Adult Jail?
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The following precautionary measures have been instituted at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Adult Jail to prevent the spread and infection of the COVID-19 virus. The jail has carefully made decisions to ensure a balance between the resources available, individual interests and the best interest of all staff and inmates to maintain safety and security of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s County Jail during this unprecedented time of a community health emergency.
All Visitation from the Public in the Lobby is Suspended. Public can still use video visitation and visit from home. Anyone with questions to the Sheriff’s Office website on video visitation. This does not affect attorney visiting—they will occur as normal (see contact attorney visiting closure).
Limited Access of Jail Lobby. Front lobby is locked requiring individuals to push the button and be answered or by calling the number on the door.
Additional Resources
