The Office of Sheriff is a constitutional office for the State of Oregon and is the only elected law enforcement position in the state or in the country for that matter. It has been important over the years that the Sheriff is elected and thus accountable directly to the people.

The Sheriff answers only to the people and is not directed by any other body, elected or appointed person. Being answerable only to the voters provides for integrity in enforcing the law by not having a boss that might dictate otherwise. Additionally the current Sheriff, Sheriff Jim Hensley, has an open door policy to the public and will see you if you drop by and he is available or you can make an appointment to insure he will be in when you can come by. The Sheriff is interested in your opinions and observations and holds several Town Hall Meetings at two different times each year in outlying areas just to meet and hear from the citizens where it is easy for them to attend.