Malheur County Sheriff

Malheur County Sheriff Andrew P. Bentz

The purpose of the Malheur County Sheriff's Office is to provide community service. This includes crime prevention, deterrence, apprehension and detention of offenders, recovery and return of property, the safe movement of traffic and public service. Peace, in a free society, depends on voluntary compliance with the law.

Malheur County is one of the largest counties in Oregon. We are experiencing a growth in our population that only adds to the animated diversity that makes it such an appealing place to live and raise a family. As Malheur County continues to grow, the enduring partnership of citizens and law enforcement becomes of greater importance.

With this partnership in mind, we are excited to include the Internet in our continuing effort toward using the best and most up-to-date methods available for communicating with our community. We invite you to explore the site and make known your thoughts and ideas on improving our newest endeavor.

Mission Statement

Malheur County Undersheriff Brian Wolfe

To provide public safety services to our community with a professional, courteous, wll trained staff who consistenly does the right thing at the right time for the right reason.

Differences between offices and departments

What are the differences between sheriff's offices and other law enforcement agencies?

To understand the differences, one must look at the definitions of each term - department and office. The sheriff holds an office, while other top administrators are appointed to administer departments.

Department: One of the major divisions of a branch of government. Generally, a branch or division of government subordinate to that government's administration.

Office: A right and correspondent duty to exercise a public trust. A public charge or employment. Elected public office.

In Oregon, the office of sheriff is a constitutional office having exclusive powers, authority and responsibility. The sheriff is not appointed by a government body, but is elected by the people and is responsible to the people and not subordinate to county administrators or other elected officials. The sheriff is the only law enforcement position that is selected directly by and accountable to the citizens.

Sheriff

Business Manager Kim Smith

The office of sheriff is the oldest known law enforcement agency within the Common Law System. Sheriffs of England can trace 1,000 years of history. Like many functions of government, the office of sheriff was formed because of the need to maintain order in a developing society and to provide protection for the community.

Through the years, particularly in the West, we have had many legendary sheriffs, such as Bart Masterson, Wild Bill Hickock and Pat Garrett.

In 1841, the killing of a wealthy pioneer brought about William Johnson being chosen as Oregon's first sheriff. In May 1842, Oregon took the first steps toward a formalized government and Joseph Meek was names Sheriff of Oregon. In 1845, the provisional government approved the election of sheriffs in each of Oregon's five counties.

Malheur County named Henry C. Murray as its first sheriff in 1887. Andrew P. Bentz became Malheur County's 15th sheriff in January 1997.

Civil Clerk Bobbie Kurth

Sheriffs and their deputies provide public safety service by mandate or tradition.

Today's sheriffs are responsible for protecting human life, the public peace and order, the protection of the rights of individuals and their property, the prevention of crime and the enforcement of laws without discrimination.

Over the years, the law enforcement profession has become very sophisticated as citizens have come to rely on us for more and more intervention and protection. The types of crimes and the criminals have become more complex and the system has become overburdened attempting to meet the need in traditional ways.

Today, more than ever, sheriffs need the support of citizens to maintain the livability and safety of our communities.

*Reprinted from Oregon Sheriff

Civil Division

The Malheur County Sheriff's Office provides service of civil papers to the public. These services include, but are not limited to, serving of summons, garnishment, restraining orders, etc.

MALHEUR COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CIVIL FEES LIST

 WRIT OF GARNISHMENT

Fee................................................................................................................................$25.00

We need a minimum of the original and 2 certified copies, plus one extra for each additional defendant.

SUMMONS, COMPLAINT

Fee................................................................................................................................$36.00

We need the original summons and a copy of the summons and complaint for each service.

SUBPOENA

Fee................................................................................................................................$36.00

We need the original and 1 copy for each service.

CITATION or ORDERS

Fee................................................................................................................................$36.00

We need the original and 1 certified copy for each service.

SMALL CLAIMS

Fee................................................................................................................................$36.00

We need the original notice of claim, and a copy of the notice of claim, small claim, and defendant's answer for each service.

*** $36.00 fee includes service for up to two people on the same case, at the same address. If there are more than two people to be served at the same address each service is $20.00 each person.

*** There is a $40.00 mileage fee for service of papers that involve an excess of 75 miles round trip.

*** ADDITIONAL $5.00 FOR NOTARIZED PAPER. Out of state service papers usually require notarized proof of service.

If you have any questions regarding the fees of our office, please feel free to call us at

Call (541) 473-5126 for details regarding the papers you need served or write to us at 151 B Street West, Vale, OR 97918.

Concealed handgun licenses

The application for a concealed handgun license is available at the sheriff's office or by mail. to obtain a license from the Malheur County Sheriff's Office, the applicant must live in Malheur County or show a justifiable need to carry a concealed handgun in Malheur County and have completed verifiable handgun safety training. A complete criminal background check will be done. The sheriff's office has a list of certified instructors in handgun safety. There are additional requirements for out-of-state residents applying for a concealed handgun license.

• Cost for first-time applicants is $65.

Please contact the Malheur County Sheriff's Office for further information.