The Communications Unit connects, engages and empowers employees, residents, communities, and journalists in Multnomah County and beyond. The Communications team works around the clock to provide accurate, time-sensitive information necessary for the public to make informed decisions. The team publishes agency news to increase community engagement, works professionally and effectively with the media, and furthers transparency by facilitating public records requests. The Communications Unit supports internal communication to ensure an informed workforce. The Unit operates with equity as a guiding value, ensuring messaging, in its various forms, is accessible to all.
Press releases distributed by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office are sent to members of the media and public via the FlashAlert Newswire & Messenger system. To subscribe to the email list and receive press releases, please visit this website and enter your email address in the box under “Subscribe.”
Public notices may contain information, special announcements, legal proceedings, or requests issued by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Motor vehicle selection and unbiased enforcement standard operating procedure
MCSO is committed to delivering services in a professional, fair, and respectful manner. The goal of this Office’s public safety mission is to earn legitimacy through public trust, which is accomplished via thoughtful field-to-facility practices that further community safety. Learn more.
A 47-year-old driver faces multiple criminal citations after losing control of her SUV during an illegal pass and crashing into a Pleasant Valley home's nursery. Although the crash caused significant structural damage, no serious injuries were reported, as the mother had removed her child from the room just minutes before the crash.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit is issuing a safety advisory for community members utilizing the Sandy River between Oxbow Regional Park and Dabney State Recreation Area.
Following a powerful storm cycle in December 2025, the river’s path has naturally shifted, creating new and potentially significant hazards for recreational users.
Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) have arrested a 30-year-old man following a pursuit and crash on Interstate 205.
This incident began around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, after the driver of a white BMW SUV nearly hit a patrol deputy’s SUV near Southeast Grand Avenue and Southeast Harrison Street in Portland. Several other drivers had to quickly break to avoid being hit by the BMW.
MCSO is issuing a safety warning to community members as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid to upper 80s this Sunday.
Out of roughly 6,000 law enforcement officers statewide, fewer than 200 hold Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) certification.
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Patrol Sergeant Chad Stevens holds an even rarer distinction as one of only a few DRE instructors in Oregon.
DREs help identify impairment from substances such as inhalants and hallucinogens supporting safer roads and stronger Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) investigations. Their work is vital, as impaired drivers are a leading cause of death for law enforcement officers.
Oregon Public Records Law (ORS192) provides individuals, organizations, agencies and businesses the ability to access written documents and materials.
It is our policy to respond to public record requests in an orderly, consistent and reasonable manner in accordance with the Oregon Public Records Law.
In order to request access to these documents and materials, the request must include the following:
Please be advised that there may be a fee to cover staff time researching and retrieving the documents.
