Executive Order 20-12 Enforcement Questions

(Updated March 25, 2020)

We have been getting questions about the Governor's Executive Order "Stay Home, Save Lives". Below are answers to some frequently asked questions, which will hopefully clear up confusion our citizens and visitors may be experiencing. Thanks to Oregon State Police for putting this information together for all law enforcement in Oregon. #StayHomeSaveLives

Is this martial law?

No, not even close. There are no curfews and citizen movements are not restricted under the Governor’s Executive Order. While details are offered in the order relating to social distancing, specific business closures and non-essential social gatherings, citizen movements are generally unrestricted.

Do I need documentation from my employer deeming me essential?

No. The Governor’s Executive Order closes certain businesses, outlined in section (2). These businesses reflect operations that would make preventing close contact difficult or impossible due to the nature of the business. Officers are not asking or looking for any type of special paperwork from your employer.

Do I need a special placard on my car when going to work or if I drive for work?

No. There is no special documentation or placards for citizens going to work or permitted activities.

Will I be pulled over for driving on the highway?

Not for violation of the Governor’s Executive Order, which specifically outlines efforts to avoid large gatherings - not restrict the movement of citizens. If, however, you are committing a traffic violation or crime that would be enforced independent of the order, you may be stopped, like any other day.

Are the state lines closed and are there roadblocks?

No, traffic is moving freely within Oregon and our border states. There are no roadblocks or restrictions of vehicle movement. Washington State is operating under a similar executive order from their Governor, so Oregonians should be aware of these provisions when traveling in their state.

If my business is closed, can I still go to work if my employer makes me? Won’t I be arrested?

While the order prohibits the public from congregating at a closed business, the employer may still have work to do on site. As long as employees are not conducting business that is prohibited by the Executive Order, it is okay to still be at the work site. No “passes” or paperwork is required.

Are rest areas open?

Yes.

Are police arresting or ticketing people in public or in violation of the Governor’s Executive Order?

Citizens that violate the Governor’s Order in an Emergency Declaration could be arrested or cited, which is a C Misdemeanor - the lowest level of criminal conduct designation. All Oregon law enforcement are united on the premise that police action is extremely undesirable and we hope to educate citizens if congregating in violation of the Governor’s Order. Citation or arrest would be an extreme last resort if a citizen failed to comply with the lawful direction of a police officer.

What about my kids that may congregate in a place without my permission, like a skate park?

Police know our children don’t often take their parent’s advice and may ignore direction when away. Like adults found to be congregating in a location, officers will likely approach the youths and educate them on the order. Citations and arrest are extremely unlikely, reserved for only the most extreme circumstances.

Can I still go hiking and fishing?

Yes. Oregonians can still recreate outdoors, if their recreational activity involves non-contact with others and they can maintain appropriate social distancing - which is defined as 6 feet or more from others. Citizens should be aware most campgrounds and boat ramps are closed, so should research their plans before recreating.

Should I call 911 if I see people congregating?

No. The level of this violation is not for reporting police, fire, or medical emergencies through 911. Citizens may choose to self-educate their fellow Oregonians or, if a large gathering is noted, they may call their respective police agency’s non-emergency number. In Yamhill County, the non-emergency numbers are:

• Yamhill Communications Agency (YCOM) at 503/434-6500 or
• Newberg-Dundee dispatch center for Newberg/East Yamhill County at 503/538-8321

Concealed Handgun License Temporary Renewals Available by Email

(Updated March 24, 2020)

In response to the Oregon State of Emergency declaration, the following temporary modifications to renewal Concealed Handgun License (CHL) applications have been made:

• Renewal CHL applications may be submitted via email to sheriffrecords@co.yamhill.or.us.
• The following documents must be attached to the email:
  • A completed Yamhill County Concealed Handgun License Application. This form is fillable and during this period, may be signed electronically.
  • Picture of your current CHL, issued by Yamhill County Sheriff's Office.
  • Picture of your proof of residency (see form for acceptable documents).
  • Copy of your required Proof of Citizenship (see form for acceptable documents).
  • Head shot (shoulders and above) with a plain background.

Once you have submitted all required documentation, call our office at 503/434-7506 during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) to provide your payment information (debit/credit card only).

We will then issue a temporary CHL, provided your current CHL is not expired or if it expired within the last 30 days from submission of renewal application. 

If you do not have ability to complete the process electronically, please call our office and we will mail an application to you, along with instructions about proceeding.

New and Transfer CHLs are not able to be processed in this manner, due to the legal requirement for fingerprinting by our Office.

We appreciate your patience and as work to offer those services we can during the COVID-19 situation.

Sheriff Tim Svenson

Correctional Facility Visitation Additional Modifications Effective March 19, 2020

(Updated March 18, 2020)

In addition to the modifications made on March 13, 2020, in response to the Oregon State of Emergency declaration, the following additional changes to visitations at Yamhill County Correctional Facility (YCCF) have been implemented in order to prevent the introduction of the virus to the facility:

• All on-site social visitation for inmates has been suspended effective 03/19/2020 until further notice.
• For attorneys who do not wish to enter the facility, you may contact the main YCCF office at 503-434-7507 to coordinate phone communications with clients.

YCSO staff are working with our inmate phone provider to provide one to two free 15 minute calls per inmate per week, in light of the on-site social visitation suspension. We will be providing further information on this arrangement once it is finalized.

Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office continues to follow OHA's guidance on long-term care facilities and law enforcement recommendations. These changes are to protect our staff, the public, and inmates who interact with YCSO employees. This situation is fluid and we will continue to update you as changes to protocol are made.

Sheriff Tim Svenson

Business Office Accessibility Effective Monday, March 16, 2020

(Updated March 13, 2020)

Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office will be implementing temporary changes in protocol and the services we offer to the public due to the COVID-19 virus situation. These changes are being implemented to protect our staff, the public, and inmates who interact with YCSO corrections employees.

Effective Monday, March 16th, the main business office of the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office will remain staffed but closed to the public. This includes Dog Control licensing. Specifically:

• Items emailed to the Sheriff’s Office or mailed through the postal service will be processed normally.
• In addition, items placed in our secure drop box, located in our exterior lobby, will also continue to be processed.
• Concealed Handgun License processing and fingerprinting services will be suspended until further notice.

Patrol Deputies are being instructed to answer calls for service via telephone if possible but will continue to respond in person to emergency situations and those wishing personal contact.

We will continue to work closely with public health officials and our public safety partners to monitor the situation and will adjust protocol as needed to fulfill our mission to the citizens of Yamhill County.

Sheriff Tim Svenson

Correctional Facility Visitation Modifications Effective Friday, March 13, 2020

(Updated March 13, 2020)

Following the State of Emergency issued in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Oregon, the following changes to visitations at Yamhill County Correctional Facility (YCCF) have been implemented in order to prevent the introduction of the virus to the facility:

• Visitors having respiratory illness or a fever > 100.4°F will not be allowed into the facility.
• We have suspended all non-essential, non-attorney, non-personal (i.e., program services) visitation – Provoking Hope, Veteran Services, etc. – for the next 30 days.
• We have suspended all contact attorney visitation for the next 30 days. We will allow contact evaluations but will not accommodate attorney contact visitation. Non-contact attorney visits will continue as per usual practice.

In addition to these visitation changes, we have suspended both our Work Release and Work Crew programs for 30 days. Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office is following OHA's guidance on long-term care facilities and law enforcement recommendations. These changes are to protect our staff, the public, and inmates who interact with YCSO employees. This situation is fluid and we will continue to update you as changes to protocol are made.

Sheriff Tim Svenson

2020 Citizens' Academy Cancelled

(Updated March 6, 2020)

It is with regret that Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office announces the cancellation of the 2020 Citizens’ Academy.

We have enjoyed the last three years of the Academy and are excited about the interest received from the community about future offerings. And we will be back! However, we are currently without an appropriate space to provide training based on the topics and scenarios that are covered. Without this space, we did not feel that we could create the proper environment to best show the citizens of Yamhill County the variety of programs, protocols, and procedures included in the comprehensive program. We remain committed to providing avenues that promote understanding between the community we serve and our office through education and interaction.

We are deeply sorry that we are not going to offer the academy this spring, and appreciate your interest and understanding. Keep an eye on our Citizens' Academy page for information on our 2021 Academy.

Sheriff Tim Svenson

Interested in Working With Us?

(Updated January 5, 2020)

We do not have any open recruitments at this time. We do expect to open a new recruitment this spring, so keep watching this space for the information on deadlines, testing and application requirements, and positions.

Want a little more information on what we're looking for? Want to know our likes and dislikes? You can always find information about what we're looking for in our staff and what our hiring process looks like by checking out our Join The Team page.
  

Online Crime Reporting Tool Now Available

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office now has an online Crime Reporting Tool available for individuals to initiate reports of non-emergency/not-in-progress crimes. Note: If this is an EMERGENCY or a CRIME IN PROGRESS, do not file your report online. Call 911.

If you have been a victim of one of the Online Reportable Crimes, you may submit the your information through our Online Crime Reporting Tool. Please do not make your report in two places. To reduce confusion, individuals who file a report online should not also call the non-emergency line and file the same report. If you submit an online report and do not receive a response within five (5) business days, please contact Yamhill County Sheriff's Office at 503/434-7506 to inquire about its status.

  **If the crime you are wanting to report occurred within the city limits of Newberg, Dundee, Carlton, Yamhill, or McMinnville, please contact that police department instead of submitting this form to Yamhill County Sheriff's Office as we do not have primary jurisdiction in these cities.**

Dog Control: Lost and Found Dogs

Has your dog gotten out and you can't find her? Have you found a dog and don't know who the owner is? Or can't get in touch with the owner? Check our out Lost and Found Dogs information page for information on how to notify your local law enforcement agency.
  

News and Updates

Did you know that you can keep up with your Yamhill County Sheriff's Office on Facebook and through the FlashAlert Newswire system? You can also sign up to receive notifications from YCSO through the FlashAlert system. Just follow the instructions on the FlashAlert page to sign up via email or download the app on your smartphone.

Mission Statement It is the Mission of the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office to provide our citizens with high quality law enforcement services, in an ethical and fiscally responsible manner.   To this end we will provide the highest quality of law enforcement services and will hold ourselves accountable to community and national professional standards. We recognize that our most valuable resource is our people and will strive to create a positive working atmosphere where creativity and participation abound. We will serve the people of this community striving for excellence in all that we do. We will not settle for mediocrity or second best. We are one of Oregon's Finest.