Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office

"A safe and thriving community for everyone”

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Mission, Vision & Strategic Goals
About the Sheriff
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The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is committed to creating safe and thriving communities for everyone. The impact of MCSO is immense, providing corrections, civil and public safety services to the most populous county in the state of Oregon. MCSO serves four contract cities: Fairview, Maywood Park, Troutdale and Wood Village, and unincorporated areas, such as Sauvie Island and the Columbia River Gorge, and is responsible for keeping more than 100 miles of waterways safe.

MCSO operates two corrections facilities, is a northwest hub for secure transportation and ensures smooth operations at many county buildings, such as the Central Courthouse located in Downtown Portland.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has evolved to not only meet the needs of our communities but is at the forefront of innovation in public safety work. Core to our mission and values is trust. We value the positive relationships we have with the diverse communities we serve. By treating everyone with dignity and respect, we enhance the safety and wellbeing of all community members. With an annual operating budget of $150 million, we take pride in offering premier programming, exemplary support and the finest public safety services.

Values & Principles

Without exception, employees of this agency will protect the rights of citizens and adhere to the following values and principles:

  • We practice unwavering compassion
  • We serve everyone with dignity and respect
  • We believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people
  • We hold ourselves and each other accountable as we strive for continuous improvement
  • We have the courage to do what is right and just
  • We believe all voices should be heard and valued
  • We are dedicated to an environment of safety, trust, and belonging in which all of our employees can thrive

About the Sheriff

Sheriff Morrisey ODonnell resize

Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell has been dedicated to public safety service since she began her career with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in 1996. Throughout her more than 25 years of service, her desire to learn every aspect of public safety has propelled her through the ranks of deputy, lieutenant, captain, chief deputy, and undersheriff. In addition, she is one of the few Sheriff's Office members who hold dual certification in police and corrections. As Multnomah County’s 41st Sheriff, Nicole is the first woman to hold this highest rank.

Community engagement has been, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of her approach to law enforcement. Over the years, Nicole has helped the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office develop strategies to understand and address the unique public safety needs of our area. She is deeply dedicated to building trust through open, honest community partnership and service.

Nicole’s commitment to community safety stems from an early childhood incident when her father survived a shooting during an armed robbery. Her family’s experience as victims of traumatic gun violence has impressed upon her the importance of victims’ voices. She is accountable to ensuring that the criminal justice system remains aware of their professional, legal, and social responsibilities in responding to the needs of diverse populations. Gun violence remains a serious threat in our community and one of her top priorities to address.

Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell’s priorities include:
• Reducing gun violence through proven strategies for prevention, intervention, and collaboration with system partners and community stakeholders
• Improving safety on our streets by increasing education and enforcement of dangerous driving behavior
• Investing in alternative service models and supports by partnering with service providers, such as mental health and addiction specialists who are focused on outreach efforts, housing, education, job skills, and treatment opportunities
• Focusing on recruiting and retention strategies to promote long-term agency growth and the health and well-being of our employees

Nicole is a life-long Oregonian and University of Portland Criminal Justice graduate. Her post-graduate training includes the Oregon Executive Development Institute and Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association Command College. She holds executive level certification from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys running, golf, spending time with family, and supporting Special Olympics Oregon. She lives in Portland with her husband.