Winter 2006
OPOA NEWSLETTER
Vol 32 No 1 ~ Winter 2006
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.
TRAINING & EVENTS
Auto Theft
February 2, 2006, Washington County
The Oregon Peace Officers Association and the National Insurance Crime Bureau will present Auto theft and Vehicle Identification training on February 2, 2006. This training is sponsored in part by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and will be held at their facility, 215 SW Adams Ave., Hillsboro, Oregon. The training runs from 8 AM to 4 PM with a one hour lunch break (lunch is not provided).
The instructor is SSA Dale Gesner of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The registration is $15 for OPOA members and $35 for non-members. The non-member fee also includes OPOA membership for a year.
Child Abuse/Sexual Assault
February 23, 2006, Corvallis P.D.
The OPOA Child Abuse/Sex Crimes sub-chapter, in cooperation with the OPOA is presenting a day-long training in Recognition and Investigation of Child Abuse in the Field. The training is sponsored in part by Corvallis Police Department and will held at their facility at 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis, Oregon. The class is appropriate for patrol officers responding to child abuse calls and as a refresher for experienced child abuse investigators.
Presenters will be Dr. Carol Chervenak and Craig Stoelk. Detective Stoelk is a 28 year veteran with Salem Police Department and has been assigned to homicide and sex crimes for over 19 years. He brings years of experience and the background of thousands of cases to the training classroom. Dr. Carol Chervenak is director of the Victim Assessment Center in Linn County and serves as advisor to several policy making organizations dealing with child abuse and child welfare.
During the morning session Dr. Chervenak will address the medical aspects of child abuse, physical injuries, and other indicators of physical and sexual abuse. In the afternoon session Detective Stoelk will cover issues of first responders and the initial investigation of serious physical abuse.
The training fee is $15 for OPOA members and $35 for non-members. For registration information visit Events, or contact Mark Posler, President, Child Abuse/Sex Crimes subchapter 541-754-1797
Property Room Management
March 1-2, 2006, Portland, Oregon
The Oregon Association of Property & Evidence Officers is sponsoring a Property Room Management training seminar on March 1 and 2. The class will be presented by International Association for Property and Evidence, Incorporated, at the Sheridan Portland Airport Hotel, 8235 NE Airport Way, Portland.
The Oregon Association of Property and Evidence Officers is an OPOA subchapter striving to promote professionalism in the property & evidence function within Oregon through the cooperation and sharing of information. This training costs $275 for OAPE subchapter members, and $325 for non-members. Hotel rooms are available at the Sheridan at $93.00 a night if reserved before February 7. (hotel reservations: 503-281-2500)
The topics include property room automation, accountability, liability, inventories, audits, bio-hazards, currency handling and more. For specific information and registration information visit www.iape.org or call 1-800-449-4273.
Crime Analysis Applications
March 20-24, 2006, Beaverton, Oregon
Beaverton Police Department will host Crime Analysis Application Training by Alpha Group during the week of March 20. The instructor is Steven Gottlieb principal trainer for Alpha Group and author of “Crime Analysis: From First report to Final Arrest.” The 36 hours of training costs $525 per person and is only available to law enforcement personnel.
For more information about the class visit www.alphagroupcenter.com. For information about registration, scheduling and location contact Sgt. Michael Janin, Beaverton Police Department (503) 526-2279.
Airport Emergency Interdiction
March 20 and 21, Portland Airport
HSS International will be presenting a two day workshop on Airport Interdiction. It is training of combined classroom and hands-on exercises. Attendees will review airfield operations, past airport security breaches and terrorist incidents, security force deployments, and active shooter rapid-response tactics, as well as other topics.
The course is open to law enforcement officers who may respond to airport calls, active shooters, or terrorists.
The tuition is $299.00 or $279.00 if registered by February 20. The location is Portland International Airport, Portland, OR. For course information visit www.hssinternational.com or call Port of Portland Police, Sgt. J Wallis (503) 460-4249.
The Trauma of Law Enforcement
March 20-23, Eugene, Oregon
COPS, or Concerns Of Police Survivors will host a 21 hour training in Eugene Oregon at the Valley River Inn, 1000 Valley River Way, Eugene, OR. COPS workshops and events help police officers, their families, and co-workers deal with the eventually (or reality) of the trauma of serious injury or death on the job.
The content of the sessions extend into personal relationships, dealing with bureaucracy, and how to provide support that only close friends and co-workers can give. The same seminars are given across the country by COPS chapters in 40 or more states. Seating is limited.
The cost of the training is funded by a Department of Justice Grant. Attendance is free. Registration is handled by application. To request an application call COPS (573) 346-4911, at the national office in Camdenton, MO.
Child Abuse Summit
April 19-21, Clackamas Oregon
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office presents the 7th annual Child Abuse Summit & Family Violence Conference, at the Red Lion Hotel in Portland, Oregon.
The Summit is a two and half day multi-disciplinary conference targeted for professionals working in the area of investigations, interviewing, assessment, prosecution and treatment of child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.
Local and national experts present over 35 sessions, including Victor Vieth; Kent Hymel, MD; Phylip Peltier; Kris Henning, PhD; Susan Reichert, MD; Robert Farley, MS; Cory Jewell Jensen; Naomi Haines Griffith, MA, MSW; Joshua Marquis, DA; Sarah Buel; Carol Chervenak, MD; Geraldine Crisci, MSW; Judge Douglas Van Dyk; and Deborah Davis, LCSW.
Attendance at the summit requires advance registration. The fee is $375 at the door. $330 during advanced registration. Five or more from the same agency receive a discounted price: $300 each. For information visit www.co.clackamas.or.us/sheriff or contact Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Joan Oakley at (503) 655.8329.
SPECIAL INTEREST
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.
AWARD WINNING PEOPLE
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.
