The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office ended its summer hiring drive on a high note, welcoming three new corrections officers to its ranks — a milestone that brings the corrections division to full staffing for the first time in recent memory.
Lucas Givens, Parker Moore, and Elysia Moran joined the JCSO this month after completing their training requirements. Sheriff Pollock's office confirmed the new hires in a statement released last week, describing the additions as "a significant step toward sustaining safe, professional detention operations for Jefferson County."
A Fully Staffed Corrections Division
Jefferson County's corrections facility — which houses pretrial detainees and sentenced individuals serving shorter terms — has operated short-staffed for stretches in recent years, a challenge common to rural jails across Oregon. The arrival of Givens, Moore, and Moran brings the unit up to full complement.
Sheriff Pollock, appointed by county commissioners after the previous sheriff resigned, has made staffing and officer safety central priorities since taking office. The patrol division has historically operated with as few as one deputy on duty for the entire county — an area of roughly 1,781 square miles with a population of about 22,000.
Madras Police Still Looking
While the Sheriff's Office celebrates its milestone, the Madras Police Department is still actively recruiting. MPD has continued to face vacancies that have stretched response times in the city. Department officials are encouraging qualified applicants to apply, noting that law enforcement in a rural community offers a unique combination of community connection and varied call types.
Those interested in joining the Madras Police Department can find application information at the City of Madras website or by contacting the department at Madras City Hall.
What It Means for the County
Together, the Sheriff's Office and MPD form the backbone of law enforcement in Jefferson County. With JCSO corrections fully staffed, administrators hope to reduce mandatory overtime costs and improve officer morale — both factors that have historically contributed to turnover in rural law enforcement.
The Sheriff's Office serves unincorporated Jefferson County, the Warm Springs Reservation (in coordination with tribal police), Metolius, Culver, and other communities outside the Madras city limits. Crooked River Ranch, one of the county's largest residential communities, also falls under JCSO jurisdiction.
Residents with non-emergency concerns for the Sheriff's Office can call the Jefferson County non-emergency line at (541) 475-2201. For emergencies, always dial 911.