The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to the protection of victims and the preservation of their rights. We ascribe to the concepts developed under the auspices of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), which advocate for the “seven critical needs of victims [that] law enforcement must address”:
SAFETY
People who become victims of crime are generally at higher risk of being re-victimized. Deputies in the Enforcement and Corrections Divisions seek to protect victims from intimidation and educate them as to how to decrease their likelihood of re-victimization, thereby helping community members feel safer and more secure. We work with neighborhood groups to build strong Neighborhood Watch organizations and to develop strategies to prevent them from being victimized the first time.
SUPPORT
Deputies work to ensure that victims receive current and accurate referral information about victim service professionals whose role is to provide ongoing support and assistance. We provide referral to the Oregon Department of Justice Crime Victims’ Services Division and the local, Columbia County Victim Assistance. Columbia County Victim Assistance online advocate service intake request LINK Coordinator. Victims and survivors of family violence, sexual assault, child abuse--and for persons facing other crises may also contact SAFE of Columbia County for additional support.
Oregon Victims Services Resources
VISOR
VISOR is a free program administered through the Oregon Department of Corrections Victim Services Unit partnering with Oregon Law Enforcement Agencies. VISOR is a FREE service that provides Oregonians with information and resources.
REGISTRATION AND NOTIFICATIONS: VISOR is an opt-in, voluntary service. It is not automatic. If you want to be notified of status changes, you will need to register with one or more contact methods.
Options to register for notifications:
∙ Visit www.VISOR.oregon.gov
∙ Call 888-749-8080 for assistance
When you register, you will have the option to build your personal portal page. This allows you to control which notifications you receive, when you receive them, and how you receive them. You will have the option to enter black-out dates for times you don’t want to receive notifications (anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, etc.).
NOTIFICATIONS:
Some of the status changes you will be notified of include, but are not limited to: 30 days prior to release, release, death, transfer, escape, hearings, and emergency notices.
INFORMATION
As first responders, our deputies provide victims with information about their rights and the resources available to them -- as well as future points of contact within the criminal justice process. If a case moves forward, we work with Victim's Assistance to assist in keeping victims apprised of the status of the investigation and prosecution. Our corrections staff works with VISOR (VICTIM INFORMATION SYSTEM IN OREGON) to ensure that crime victims are notified if and when their perpetrator is released from jail. VISOR is an anonymous service that monitors offenders in the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections, Oregon Youth Authority and all county jails. It also provides probation and parole information. Anyone can call the service at 1-855-691-6246 (available 24 hours a day) to inquire about the current status of an offender or register to receive immediate notification if an offender is released, transferred, escapes, dies, or if there is other important probation and parole information. Link to VISOR.
VISOR is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is available in English and Spanish. A live operator is also available to provide assistance to anyone calling the toll-free number for any reason.
ACCESS
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office contracts with a language interpretation service to ensure that every crime victim in the county has access to the latest and best information available. We ensure that information is readily available in languages that represent the community’s composition. And also aim to attend to the special needs and circumstances of differently-abled victims, such as people with developmental or physical disability, diminished competency, or mental illness, by helping them to participate fully in the investigative process and access applicable
CONTINUITY
The Sheriff’s Office seeks to collaborate with victim service providers at the state and county level, as well as with other criminal justice professionals and victim’s rights experts to ensure that victims receive consistent information and support throughout their involvement with the justice system. One major source of that continuity is the VISOR online service. VISOR is an on-line resource that allows you to search for information regarding an offender's current custody status. It is provided by the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) and Oregon Department of Justice (ORDOJ) in cooperation with the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association (OSSA) and the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). You may also register to be notified automatically when an offender is released, transferred, escapes, dies or has a change in parole or probation status.
CCSO is committed to empowering victims by encouraging them to ask questions, as well as listening to their concerns. We Invite victims and victim advocates to assist us in policymaking in order to ensure that policies and protocols effectively guide enforcement and corrections team members in meeting victims’ needs.
JUSTICE
The Sheriff is committed to directly improve victims’ sense of safety and well being, ensuring that deputies conduct thorough investigations, and follow-ups, and do their part to hold offenders accountable. The Sheriff works with Restorative Justice principles dedicated to restoring the harm perpetrators cause to victims, while working to ensure offenders are held responsible for what they have done.
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
Oregon Victims' Rights Guide
Columbia County Victim Assistance - (503) 366-3914 Advocate Intake Email
Oregon Department of Justice
SAFE of Columbia County - Crisis Line (866) 397-6161
VISOR (VICTIM INFORMATION SYSTEM IN OREGON ) 1-855-691-6246 (available 24 hours a day)