ASSOCIATION FOR
WOMEN IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

The Mission statement of OAWCJ is to support, empower, and connect women working in the Oregon Criminal Justice system through mentorship, professional development, networking, recruitment, and training opportunities. The OAWCJ is dedicated to fostering leadership, collaboration, and resilience while promoting excellence within the profession.

A Message From the President

Hi! I am April Huey! I am excited to serve as the President of the inaugural Oregon Association for Women in Criminal Justice!

Creating an environment that supports, mentors, and encourages women in law enforcement is a passion of mine! In 2022, I started the Central Oregon Women in Law Enforcement (COWIL) to support, mentor and recruit current and future women in law enforcement. As a single mom, I could not have been successful in my career without the help and support of my fellow department members, friends, and family. I wanted a way to give back and create the supportive environment that I was fortunate to benefit from. I enjoy gardening, weightlifting, and the beautiful moon!

Working with our Executive Board and starting the first Oregon Association for Women in Criminal Justice chapter is another avenue to expand my passion for helping other women in the profession. Please feel free to reach out for any questions, resources, or to share stories of your own career!

Meet Your Executive Board

President

April Huey

I have been in law enforcement for over 25 years! I started my career at the Salem Police Department as a Police Records Specialist. I moved on to the Oregon State Police as a Dispatcher when I moved to Central Oregon. When the OSP Dispatch center started relocating, I was hired at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office as a Jail Technician. After a devastating budget layoff, I found my home at the Redmond Police Department. I have been at Redmond PD for almost 23 years now! I started at Redmond PD as a Community Service Officer. I have since been promoted to: Patrol Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant and now serve as the Administrative Lieutenant. I am a Firearms Instructor and an ORPAT Instructor. I was the first female Sergeant and then first female Lieutenant at the Redmond Police Department. These roles have provided me a great opportunity to learn and share my experience with others!

Vice President

Mary Jayne Sphoon

I’ve been with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for 13 years, and most of that time was spent in detectives working primarily crimes against children. I promoted to sergeant in 2022 and now oversee several teams, including our LEAD program, CARES team, peer support team, domestic violence team, peer mentor team, and mental health crisis response team. On any given day, I’m managing people, solving problems, and trying to remember if I drank my coffee while it was still hot (rare). I’m passionate about supporting women in law enforcement because this job is demanding, it can be isolating, and sometimes it feels like you’re expected to have it all figured out while running on caffeine and sheer willpower. I want to help create more connection, mentorship, and honest conversations. Outside of work, I run Maudie’s Flower Farm in Turner, Oregon with my husband and our two kids because apparently one full-time job wasn’t quite enough! It’s a different kind of busy, but it keeps me grounded and reminds me to slow down… at least occasionally.

Secretary

Ashley Higgins

I’ve been a police officer with the Sutherlin Police Department for the past 10 years. More recently, I’ve taken on additional duties as the city’s Code Compliance Officer, which has given me the opportunity to connect with the community in a different way. I also serve as a Field Training Officer and as an instructor in multiple areas within my agency. I hold an Advanced Certification and a degree in Criminal Justice. I’m committed to building unity among women in law enforcement and strengthening a supportive network. As Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “women belong in all places where decisions are being made,” and I want to help create more opportunities for that to happen. Outside of work, I’m a wife and mom of five kiddos and three crazy dogs, so life is busy, a little chaotic at times, and always full- but that balance is what keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters.

Treasurer

Erica Bahr

I have been in the Criminal Justice world since 2014, when I started my career with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office as a Corrections Deputy. Part of my time with Jefferson County I worked as Court Security and did inmate transports. In 2018 I left Jefferson County and moved to Williston, North Dakota, where I began my career as a Patrol Officer. With Williston being an oil boom town, I gained a lot of experience very quickly, but those -60 degree winters weren't for me! In 2022 I decided I missed Oregon, and lateraled to the McMinnville Police Department where I currently work as a Patrol Officer. Through McMinnville PD, I became part of the Domestic Violence Response Team and found my passion for working Domestic Violence and sex crime cases. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, attending concerts and music festivals, coaching girls Rugby when my work schedule allows, and spending time outdoors with my husband and our dogs, Maggie and Atlas. Being a female in this career field can feel very isolating, and I am so excited to be a part of this association to support other strong women who are out there every day making a difference.

Dir. of Outreach & Engagement

Nicole Whitton

I have served as a corrections deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for just a little over two years now. Currently, I am on the classifications team where I’ve learned collaboration and clear communication are essential. I value building strong working relationships with my coworkers and creating an environment where everyone feels supported, informed, and able to do their best work. My goal in this association is to foster meaningful connections across the criminal justice community, promote professional growth, and advocate for inclusive and equitable practices that support women in the field. Outside of work I still try my best to reflect my commitment to compassion and advocacy. I’m a devoted animal lover and longtime meat hater, balancing the intensity of the job with a sense of humor, good company, and plenty of time with four legged friends.

Dir. of Professional Development
& Training

Amaris Bowles

I didn’t take the traditional path into law enforcement and that’s exactly what makes my journey meaningful. I was a stay at home mom for the majority of 12 years and then I stepped into the medical field in 2018 where I became a CNA at a local hospital. That job really shaped how I connected with and cared for people. I had a passion for law enforcement and decided it’s now or never to start the process. In 2019, I was accepted into the Reserve Academy at Umpqua Community College, hosted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. I began my career in 2022 as a Reserve Officer with the Sutherlin Police Department. While many start young, I came in with a different perspective, life experience, and a strong sense of purpose. In 2024, I was proud to be hired on as a full-time Patrol Officer. Since then, I’ve continued to grow by training in multiple areas and expanding my skill set, including becoming a certified Taser instructor. I’m a wife and mom of three who I am very proud of, and I am married to my high school sweetheart. In my free time, I like to relax with my family and see new places. To other women considering or working in law enforcement, there is no “right” timeline. Whether you start early or later in life, what matters is your dedication, having perseverance, resilience, and willingness to show up fully. Your path may look different, and that’s your strength. There is space for you here, and your perspective matters. I’ll save a seat for you!

ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

Oregon Peace Officers Association

Serving Oregon's Law Enforcement Community Since 1968
OPOA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

ASSOCIATION FOR
WOMEN IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

A Message From the President

Meet Your Executive Board

Visit our socials!

OPOA 4190 Aumsville Highway SE | Salem, OR 97317
Email: business@opoa.info

Join our Email list

OPOA IS A 501(c)3 NON-PROFIT

Oregon Peace Officers Association

Serving Oregon's Law Enforcement Community Since 1968 OPOA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

A Message From the President

Meet Your Executive Board

Visit our socials!

OPOA 4190 Aumsville Highway SE | Salem, OR 97317 Email: business@opoa.info

Join our Email list

OPOA IS A 501(c)3 NON-PROFIT

Serving Oregon's Law Enforcement Community Since 1968
OPOA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

ASSOCIATION FOR
WOMEN IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

OPOA 4190 Aumsville Highway SE | Salem, OR 97317
Email: business@opoa.info