Can someone call 911 who does not speak English?
Yes, your 911 center subscribes to a language translation service providing access to interpreters who speak more than 140 languages and are available 24 hours a day.
Can you still dial 911 from a phone if existing service has been shut off?
All phones are capable of dialing 911 even without service as long as there is battery power to the phone.
If I call 911 and then change my mind, should I just hang up?
You should never hang up after dialing 911. Even if you decide after dialing that your call is not an emergency or you mis-dialed, you should stay on the phone and explain to the dispatcher what happened. Dispatchers are trained to call back on all 911 hang ups.
If contact is not established with the caller to verify that there is not an emergency, an officer will be sent to the callers location.
Why do 911 dispatchers ask so many questions instead of just sending help?
The dispatchers are trained to ask questions pertaining to what you are reporting in order to help the dispatcher determine what type of units will respond and how they will respond.
Does Hood River County have a leash law?
No, however it does have a “Dog at Large” ordinance. County Code 6.08.050 defines “Dog at Large” to mean a dog off or outside of the premises of the owner, not restrained by a rope line, leash, chain, or other similar means, or not under the immediate control and command of an owner. If a dog is not restrained by a tether of some kind, is not at heel or not a working dog in the field, that dog shall be deemed “at Large”.
What can I do about a barking dog in my neighborhood?
Barking complaints are one of the more frequent complaints we receive. While a barking dog can be a deterrent to would-be intruders; it can be frustrating to live near a nuisance barking dog. We always recommend making an effort to courteously advise your neighbor of your concerns as they may be unaware of their pet's behavior.
It is a violation in Hood River County to be the owner or keeper of a dog that disturbs any person by frequent or prolonged noises. Barking violations are subject to fines.
If the problem cannot be resolved between neighbors, an officer will discuss the problem with the dog owner/keeper. If the problem continues, residents can file a formal complaint. A formal complaint is your written and signed statement explaining the alleged violation that you witnessed. If the animal owner pleads not guilty and requests a hearing, you will notified and must appear in court as the witness to give your testimony.
How do I get a dog License?
Dog licenses must be obtained by mail. If you are applying for a new license, complete the dog license application form, include a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate and appropriate fee. If you are renewing a license, include your renewal notice, with new Rabies Vaccination Certificate (if required) and appropriate fee. Send check or money order made payable to Hood River County, to Dog License Program, 309 State Street, Hood River, OR. 97031.
You may also obtain a dog license at participating veterinary clinics (all Hood River area veterinary clinics are animal control license vendors.)
I have a permit in another Oregon county and I just moved here. What do I need to do?
Call 541-387-7035 to schedule an appointment.
What do I need to bring with me when I apply?
Please bring your driver’s license showing residency in Hood River County, either your US passport or your US State-issued birth certificate, your handgun safety class certificate, and the fee of $115 for new applicants or $75 for renewals.
When can I come in and apply?
Please call 541-387-7035 to make an appointment
How do I evict a tenant?
If you have given your landlord’s notice to vacate and the time to vacate has expired and they have not moved out you will need to contact the Circuit Court for a packet of eviction papers. The Circuit Court is located on the third floor of the Courthouse at 309 State Street, Hood River, OR. Be aware that the Sheriff’s Office does not serve the landlords notice, as it is not a court document.
How long will it take for my civil papers to be served, and if they are unable to be served, will I get my fee back?
All papers are attempted as soon as possible. Our office does not have any one deputy dedicated to serving papers but all of the deputies attempt to serve papers when not busy with other duties. Attempts will be made until the papers are served or it is determined that they cannot be served. In that case you will not receive a refund since the fee is for processing and attempting to serve. In either case, a proof of service form or a Not Found return will be filed with the court the papers were issued out of and you will receive a copy in the mail.
What do I do if my child’s custodial parent refuses to give me my court ordered visitation?
Contact the court. Law enforcement cannot enforce visitation orders.
Can reports be made on-line?
All person crimes and felonies must be investigated by a deputy or detective. Misdemeanor thefts and other similar type crimes can be reported on-line by accessing the Hood River Sheriff's Office online report system.
What are detectives responsibilities?
Detectives investigate felonies and misdemeanor crimes. They investigate all sex abuse allegations, child abuse reports and all major crimes including homicides and felony assaults. Investigators are also responsible for all aspects of evidence preservation, submitting evidence to the crime lab, dissemination of evidence to the District Attorney’s Office. They also register sex offenders, as well as maintaining the patrol video systems.
Do I need a permit to park at trailheads and recreation areas in National Forest’s?
Yes, many of the day use areas in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area and Mt. Hood National Forest require the purchase of a NW Forest Pass. More information about passes and sites they are required can be found at the USDA Forest Service website.
Is my vehicle safe in the forest?
Generally, yes. Unfortunately there have been times when criminals have targeted trailheads. Thieves look for quick and easy victims. In order to protect yourself from potential theft, remove valuables from the car or hide things you can’t take with you, out of view. Ensure that your vehicle is locked.
What do I need to know while I’m enjoying Hood River County’s forested areas?
Hood River County’s two national forest’s are broad and diverse in their environment and hazards. Many of the areas are void of cellular communications and extremely remote. Climate can change rapidly and it’s not uncommon to find snow on trail systems into June or July. Many of the areas are shared use, accommodating not only hiking and camping but mountain bikers.
What should I do to prepare for a visit?
Even if you’re visiting for the day, always let someone know your itinerary, including location and how long you plan to be gone. Bring appropriate clothing and plan for a potential change in climate. When day hiking, plan for the worst and bring enough supplies to stay overnight. Equip yourself with a GPS, cell phone, plenty of water and proper maps - see the USDA Forest Service website for maps of the area.
Do I need a permit to take Forest Products out of National Forest’s?
Yes, permits can be obtained from the Mt. Hood National Forest or Columbia Gorge National Scenic area offices. Examples of forest products include: firewood, beargrass, christmas trees, wildflowers, cones, tree boughs, mushrooms, moss and rocks.
How can I get a permit to carry a concealed handgun?
How can I see where crime is happening in Hood River County?
How Do I get My Dog Licensed?
Please find information and the application for licensing your dog on our Animal Control page.
How do I report a crime?
If you situation is urgent, please call 911. If it is not urgent, but you wish to speak to a deputy, please call 541-386-2711. If you wish, you can also file a police report online or Report a Concern.
How can I find out of my friend is in jail?
NORCOR has a website which displays incarcerated individuals. Please visit the NORCOR website for more information.
How much will it cost to bail someone out of jail?
All release details can be answered by contacting NORCOR at 541-298-1576
What are the visiting hours at the jail?
Please consult the NORCOR website for exact times and days that visiting is allowed.
Do paddlers need an aquatic invasive species prevention permit?
Yes, at the direction of the 2009 Oregon Legislature, operators of canoes, kayaks, drift boats and other manually powered boats 10 feet or longer must carry an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention permit when paddling. The AIS permit is $5.00 per year if purchased from the Oregon State Marine Board. Other agencies are authorized to sell the AIS permits but a $2 surcharge may apply. One permit per boat when boat is in use. Permit is transferrable to other watercraft.
Does my child need to wear a life jacket at all times?
Children 12 and under must wear an appropriately sized life jacket while underway. If anchored or inside closed cabin or tethered they are not required to be worn.
How do I know if I need to title and register my boat?
Sailboats 12 feet or longer and all motorboats must have a title and registeration in Oregon. Motorboats include any type of boat (i.e. personal watercraft, canoe, inflatable boat, rowboat, etc.) with any type of motor (gasoline, diesel, electric). Boats falling under this requirement must be currently registered when operated, moored, or stored on state waters. Failure to have a certificate of number and registration can result in a fine.
Where do I display my OR Number and Decals?
An OR number is assigned to each boat by the State Marine Board and is on the Certificate of Number. This number must be applied or painted on each side of the forward half of the boat. On a flared bow the number should be placed on some part of the forward half of the boat where it can be easily read by approaching vessels. The number and letters must be a minimum of 3 inches in height, vertical (not slanted), plain (not script or varying in thickness) and any border outline or shadowing must be disregarded in determining the height or color contrast. The number colors should be in contrast with the boat hull’s color, making it easier to read at a distance. No other number or letters can be displayed nearby if they will interfere with the identification of the vessel and its state number.
How long is my noise permit good for?
The times will be specified on the approved application.
Is the permit only good one time or can it be used again?
It can be used again for recurring events. The Sheriff’s Office staff will explain how to indicate that preference on the application.
If I have a ATV operating permit issued by my state is it good in Oregon?
It will be honored in the State of Oregon if the state honors an Oregon ATV operating permit.
Is hands-on training required for kids from other states?
Oregon, like other states, has a "know before you go" stance on laws and rules. Non-Oregonian youth under 16 are required to have a state-issued ATV training card, an endorsed Oregon ATV Safety Education Card.
What is Minimum age for motorcycle riders?
Current law has no minimum age for quad riders, but does have a minimum age of 7 for Class III motorcycles.
What does "no contact" mean?
When the Court or Parole Board imposes this condition, it means you cannot have any contact whatsoever with the listed person. That means no person-to-person contact, such as meeting the person, no telephone contact which includes leaving messages, no texting, e-mailing or letter writing. In addition, you are not allowed to contact the person through a third-party, such as a friend or relative. The no-contact condition is strictly enforced. If there are any questions regarding this condition, please talk it over with your Parole/Probation Officer.
What is a special condition of supervision?
The Court imposes "general conditions" of supervision on everyone placed on probation. It is not unusual for the Court to also impose "special conditions". These are one or more conditions specific to the crime committed. Examples of special conditions are drug treatment for a drug possession conviction and a "no contact" order, between probationer and victim, in a domestic violence case.
What is bench probation?
Bench probation, sometimes also called "court probation" is an unsupervised probation. This means that, although the special conditions imposed by the Court are still in effect and you have to abide by them, you do not have to report to a Parole/Probation Officer. When you are on bench probation, all special conditions, including the payment of court fees, need to be completed no later than 90 days prior to the end of the probation period.
VERY IMPORTANT! When you are on probation, especially bench probation, it is essential that you notify the Court of any change of address. That way, if the Court needs to contact you, there will be no problems. However, if the Court does not have your current address, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
What is post-prison supervision?
Parole and post-prison supervision are typically community supervision that follows a period of incarceration in a state prison. Post-prison supervision and parole are often used synonymously, but post-prison supervision is the correct term for convictions that have occurred on or after November 1, 1989. In either case, a Probation and Parole Officer monitors conditions imposed by the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision. One may also be placed on post-prison supervision following revocation of felony probation and a period of incarceration in a local jail.
When will I be allowed to have contact with a victim?
If you have been convicted of a domestic violence crime, and you and your victim desire to have contact, you will first be required to complete at least twelve weeks of treatment and have the recommendation of your treatment provider. If you violate the conditions of your supervision, or are convicted of a re-assault against your victim, you will not be granted permission for contact in the foreseeable future.
How do I become a Reserve Deputy?
When there is an opening you must complete an application and return it to hood river county administration office. Openings are posted in the Hood River News and the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office web page.
What are some of the responsibilities of a Reserve Deputy?
Assist full-time deputies on patrol, enforce traffic laws and investigate crimes, provide security at special events, OHV and search and rescue.
What are the minimum requirements to be a Reserve Deputy?
Applicant must be at least twenty-one years of age, possess a High School or equivalency, a valid driver’s license, be a U.S. citizen and have a clean criminal history.
Can I find out if my friend was arrested last night?
Arrestees are usually lodged at NORCOR, which posts the person’s name, picture, and charges. Please see NORCOR website.
How can I get a copy of my criminal history?
The Oregon State Police is the agency tasked with keeping and disseminating criminal histories. Please refer to their website.
How long does it take to get a report?
The report must be approved and cleared for release prior to actually being released. That can take between 2-4 business days usually.
Do I need a snow park permit for Oregon?
You must have a valid Sno-Park permit displayed in the windshield of your vehicle if you park in designated winter recreation areas (Sno-Parks) between November 1 and April 30. Your Oregon snow park permit is also good in Idaho and California, but not in Washington.
Is a driver’s license required?
A person must carry on them a valid driver’s license or Snowmobile safety certificate issued by the DMV.
Is Insurance required in Oregon?
Oregon statutes do not require that snowmobiles be insured, only that they be registered and have a current license. Other states may require snowmobile insurance.
Is there a speed limit for snowmobiles?
You cannot operate a snowmobile at a rate of speed greater than reasonable and proper under the existing conditions.
Can my friend get my car out for me?
No, we only release the vehicle to the registered owner.
How much does it costs to get my vehicle out of impound?
The fee is $100 (exact cash or money order). The tow company assess their own fee.
When can I pay my fee?
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm at the County Courthouse, 309 State St, Hood River