President's Message
by Chris Woolcock, OPOA President

I don't know about you, but when I have something like this message to write I procrastinate.  I wait until the newsletter editor sends me an email and asks if I have anything for him.  I then sit down at the computer and write and rewrite several times before I decide to send it in for further editing. 

It's not that I don't have something to say or an opinion to voice, I just do not want to bore you with the usual messages that you read in this type of professional publication.  Did you know that we currently have between 1100 and 1200 members and this publication is for all of us as members.  As I stated in the last newsletter our goal and purpose in the OPOA is to make us all more professional through training and enhancement of our abilities.  Can you help?

We need articles and information for the newsletter.  We want to know about and share those little officer safety things that you come across.  We want you to share your knowledge with the rest of us.  What new scam are they pulling on the street?  What did you find unusual during your last arrest or investigation?  Please don't procrastinate like I do, send us information about what you find. 

Please send your stories and articles to the newsletter editor and share with the rest of us what you know.  This is your newsletter and this is your organization.  We want to keep you informed about what we are doing on the board and share what you are doing on the street, in the jail, in the courtroom and with the clients you supervise.  Our members come from all sectors of Oregon law enforcement and criminal justice agencies so anything of interest is acceptable.

Now, what is the board doing?  Did you know that we operate by donations?  We receive our money from one of those companies who calls you on the phone and asks for a donation.   We also make some donations, did you know that we donated $500.00 to help fund police chaplains that went to minister to the needs of law enforcement personnel in the wake of Katrina?  We also have an annual scholarship for OPOA members or their dependants.  Just look on the website for details to apply. 

Once again, please help us make this newsletter something that is newsworthy.  Send your articles to editor@opoa.info. 

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

By Jennifer Schindell, RN BSN

Forensic Nursing: A Law Enforcement Guide

The forensic nursing role most familiar to law enforcement is that of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). Utilization of SANEs has become the standard of care for sexual assault victims.

A SANE is a registered nurse with extensive training and experience in all facets of the sexual assault examination including: injury identification and documentation, crisis intervention, forensic photography, chain of custody, courtroom testimony, and objective representation of findings.  SANEs are also trained in forensic evidence recognition, collection, and preservation.  As a result, SANEs become experts in the medical, social, and criminal justice aspects of sexual assault.

Nurses in Oregon may earn SANE certification through the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) or through an Oregon State SANE certification procedure created by the Attorney General's Sexual Assault Task Force.  Both of these programs require a significant effort and time commitment.  Oregon SANE certification requirements include a 40-hour didactic training, in addition to mandatory clinical and non-clinical preceptorships.  A SANE certification represents, not only a knowledge level, but also a level of commitment.

Sexual assault exams can be complicated, time-consuming, and challenging.  The victim and the system are best served by a medical representative who is efficient and knowledgeable.  A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner can attend to the unique needs of the sexual assault victim, while simultaneously completing meticulous documentation of injuries and physical evidence.  Careful attention to the needs of the sexual assault victim will facilitate both physical and emotional healing. An accurate, objective, and detailed record of exam findings will be the foundation of any criminal investigation. 

For more information, refer to  Oregon State Attorney General's Sexual Assault Task Force - http://oregonsatf.org/   and  International Association of Forensic Nurses - http://iafn.org/news/sanefacts.html

Jennifer Schindell of Albany, OR. received her RN BSN from UAA (Alaska) and Medcenter One College of Nursing (North Dakota). She is an Oregon State Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator and a Registered Diplomat with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (D-ABMDI). She can be reached at: jschindell@comcast.net.

Dust off your memorabilia!

Public Safety agencies across Oregon will soon be asked to loan memorabilia for temporary display at the new Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The Academy officially opens next July 17 (see story on page 5).

The agency will send out a letter asking fire and law enforcement agencies to dive into the archives. DPSST wants to partner with constituent agencies in telling the Oregon story about public safety through short-term display of photographs, documents, and memorabilia.

DPSST has a secure, insured venue to showcase public safety community's role in creating a safer Oregon.  DPSST will display those contributions on a rotating basis. All materials will be returned to participating agencies.

 Oregon Public Safety Academy

by Mark Sanchez, DPSST

Oregon's commitment to a safer state is taking shape east of Interstate 5, south of Highway 22. The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) formally opens the new Oregon Public Safety Academy July 17, 2006. DPSST has operated on the campus of Western Oregon University in Monmouth since the 1970's.

In the meantime, the $78 million dollar project is racing toward completion ahead of schedule and under budget. When completed, the OPSA will provide a rare “all in one” location for training and certification of 350 students a year in a variety of disciplines: law enforcement, fire, corrections, parole & probation, telecommunications, medical dispatch, private security and polygraph.

There's a campus core among the 12 buildings erected on the 212 acre site. You'll find classrooms, dormitory space for 350 students, plus a cafeteria and skills venues that include three indoor firing ranges. The OPSA is fully enabled for wired and wireless data, voice and video communications.

Another component—City Streets/Scenario Training-offers real time interactive, response situations involving students across a range of public safety disciplines.

Driving skills can be honed on a closed road course covering 1.5 miles in the Emergency Vehicle Operations Center.

Why the move to larger facilities? Oregon lawmakers in 1997 wanted more extensive basic police training. Beginning in 2007 it will run 16 weeks. Currently it lasts 10 weeks, which ranks among the lowest in the country compared with training in other states. Classroom instruction in basic police training will be upgraded. This model will eventually result in more rigorous class work for students in other disciplines. The new Public Safety Academy can handle future expansion which could not be met at existing facilities in Monmouth.

The Oregon State Police and Department of Corrections will have a dedicated presence on the new campus. DPSST will continue to offer advanced career training and regional instruction across the state.

In this issue of the Oregon Peace Officer we will recognize those Oregon peace officers who were recognized by their fellow workers to be eligible for the OPOA Life Saving Award. These awards were presented at the 2005 awards banquet in Canyonville, Oregon.

Deputy Jon Eric Greer

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

On September 15, 2004 Corrections Deputy Greer discovered an inmate had used his own T-shirt to hang himself in an Isolation Cell.  Deputy Greer's decisive action and use of CPR was credited with saving the life of the inmate.

Officer Kimberly Hyde

Lebanon Police Department

On March 26, 2004 while off-duty Officer Kimberly Hyde observed an individual, apparently having a seizure, fall in the water by the roadside. Detective Hyde called for assistance and jumped into the water, she pulled the man's head and upper body out of the water.  The subject was unresponsive, still seizing, and blue in color. With the assistance of responding officers the subject was removed from the water and eventually transported to the hospital where he later recovered.  The timely actions of Officer Hyde were credited with saving the life of the subject.

Deputy Steven L. Shelly

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

On September 15, 2004 Deputy Steven Shelly, working the Clackamas County Courthouse, responded to a citizen's alarm that a female appeared to be suicidal on the Oregon City bridge.

Deputy Shelly went to the bridge, found a distraught and suicidal female sitting on the bridge railing, and physically removed her from her precarious perch on the bridge.  Deputy Shelly's actions were instrumental in saving the life of this woman who admitted contemplating suicide. 

Deputy Cameron Montrose

Deputy Eric Sarmento

Josephine County Sheriff's Office

On June 22, 2004 off duty Deputy Cameron Montrose and Reserve Deputy Eric Sarmento were boating on the Rogue River near Baker Park. They heard yelling for help.  A 16 and a 17 year old male had been separated from their group and caught in the fast moving current and swept downstream. Deputy Montrose spotted the boys. Their faces were purple and they were unable to keep their heads above water. They maneuvered the boat next to the floundering boys and physically pulled the exhausted boys from the water. The decisive and resourceful actions taken by the off duty Deputies were credited with saving the lives of these two teenage boys. 

Officer Quinn Stutheit

Salem Police Department

On May 25, 2005 Officer Quinn Stutheit responded to a single vehicle accident and found the 61 year old driver trapped inside of his burning vehicle.  With the aid of citizens Officer Stutheit extricated and driver and removed him from flaming vehicle which moments later exploded.  The driver was in critical condition, but he was alive due to the immediate action of Officer Stutheit.

Sergeant Craig Allen

 Officer Jeff Martin

Hillsboro Police Department

On September 21, 2004 Officer Jeff Martin and Sergeant Craig Allen responded to a suicide call and found what appeared to be a man hanging inside the garage. The male subject had his hands clutching a nylon strap that was around his neck and attached to the garage ceiling.  Officer Martin lifted the man as Sergeant Allen cut the strap. The man survived. The actions taken by these Officers are credited with saving the life of the suicidal subject. 

Cameron Campbell, Assist. Training Director

Dept. of Public Safety Standards And Training

On November 17, 2004 Cameron Campbell came across a rollover accident involving a pick-up.  A woman in her sixties was hanging upside down by her seatbelt.  She was bleeding extensively and having difficulty breathing. Emergency assistance was 45 minutes away. Director Campbell enlisted the help of a truck driver who, using his truck,  prevented the pick-up from rolling over any further.  Director Campbell was then able to safely free the trapped woman from the vehicle.  These actions  as well as providing medical assistance for both of the female occupants of the vehicle until medical personnel arrived 30 minutes later is credited with saving the woman's life.

Sergeant Darren Fletchall

Officer Mandi Nicholson

Officer Jeremy Shaw

Beaverton Police Department

On March 8,2005 Sergeant Fletchall, and Officers Mandi Nicholson, and Jeremy Shaw were dispatched to check the welfare of a resident. Upon searching they found the female apparently dead on the bathroom floor. Sgt Fletchall touched the body and she momentarily revived. The 3 officers coordinated their efforts performing CPR for the next 10 minutes until Fire Rescue personnel arrived and took over.  Tthe woman would not have survived if the officers had not intervened and performed CPR.

Officer Tim Taaca

Gresham Police Department

On October 13, 2004 Officer Taaca was dispatched to a fire related call.  Gresham Fire Fighters had been told that 3 children were inside.  Officer Taaca assisted a firefighter in recovering a 12 year old female. He took quick and decisive action administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, thus allowed the Fire Fighters rescue the other 2 children.  All 3 children were successfully rescued and transported to the hospital where they recovered. 

Officer Barry Ozeroff

Gresham Police Department

On June 14, 2005 Officer Ozeroff, on a call regarding a possible homicide/ suicide, found a suspect who had stabbed himself in the abdomen trying to cut his throat with the same knife. Officer Ozeroff grabbed the suspect's arms and wrestled the knife from him.  The suspect was then contained so that responding paramedics could treat his life threatening injuries.  The suspect survived and was later found guilty of murder.