PNP comment: Josephine County in neighboring Oregon has made the big time. This article was on Yahoo news page 10-17-12. — Editor Liz Bowen

O’BRIEN, Ore. (AP) — There’s no room in the county jail for burglars and thieves. And the sheriff’s department in a vast, rural corner of southwest Oregon has been reduced by budget cuts to three deputies on patrol eight hours a day, five days a week.

But people in this traditionally self-reliant section of timber country aren’t about to raise taxes to put more officers on the road. Instead, some folks in Josephine County, larger than the state of Rhode Island, are taking matters into their own hands — mounting flashing lights on their trucks and strapping pistols to their hips to guard communities themselves. Others have put together a virtual neighborhood watch, using Facebook to share tips and information.

“I believe in standing up for myself rather than waiting for the government to do something for me,” said Sam Nichols, a retired marina manager.

Nichols has organized a posse of about a dozen fed-up residents who have started patrolling the small community of O’Brien, which has about 750 residents.

“We call ourselves the CAC Patrol, Citizens Against Crime,” he said.

Separately, a retired sheriff’s deputy in a community about 10 miles away has started a Facebook page called “To Catch a Thief,” an open group that has nearly 1,200 members who post reports of crimes that aren’t priorities for the county sheriff’s office.

“In a rural community like this, we all know each other, and we’re all related,” said Carol Dickson, who started the group about three months ago and posts regularly.

“People know who’s doing this,” she said of the property crimes around Cave Junction, a town of nearly 2,000 people about 30 miles from the county seat of Grants Pass.

“They are getting tired of it,” Dickson said. “They are speaking up, and they are saying, ‘Enough.’”

Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson says he’s glad for the help but warns that law enforcement is dangerous work.

“They need to really understand there are consequences that can be very costly, physically as well as legally,” he said, explaining that volunteers could get sued or shot if they pull a gun on someone or make a false arrest.

“Most of them haven’t had what I feel is an adequate level of training to do that they do,” he said. “But if they serve as eyes and ears and only report what they see to law enforcement, I think they can keep themselves at a safe level.”

Policing expert Dennis Kenney, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, says neighborhood watch efforts can be positive but turn into problems when volunteers “decide that instead of supplementing law enforcement, they are going to replace law enforcement. Then you cross potentially into vigilantism.”

Kenney said vigilantes tend to get “out of control — especially when people are armed.”

He added that “people drawn to this sort of thing are the kinds of personalities more likely to take it too far.”

Nichols says what his group is doing is “not vigilantism at all.

“If it was, we would have taken care of a couple of problems a long time ago,” he added. “Because we knew who they were, and where they lived.”

Another CAC Patrol member, Glenn Woodbury, an electrical supplies distributor, wears a .45-caliber automatic pistol in a shoulder holster when he goes out. He says he carries the weapon only for protection and that members of the patrol consider it their primary responsibility to gather information, such as a license plate number, that would allow deputies to make an arrest.

Since the patrols started a few months ago, group members have reported a wildfire being set and someone trying to break into an SUV. The police log in the Grants Pass Daily Courier shows five thefts or burglaries in O’Brien from January through July, but none since August.

“These people know they no longer own the night,” Woodbury said of potential criminals.

“They can’t back a pickup up to somebody’s home when you’ve got patrols watching,” he added.

 Read more:

http://news.yahoo.com/armed-posse-patrols-timber-land-sheriffs-place-085323039.html

Here’s the video link from yesterday’s Constitutional Sheriffs event in Grant Pass: http://vimeo.com/50012579

Attached is a petition that folks can sign in support of Sheriff Lopey then mailed to him at his office:  http://www.co.sisqjustice.ca.us/contact.htm

Also, the “Solemn Compacts ~ Statehood and Sovereignty” event will take place in Reno October 7^th thru 9^th…If interested in attending, contact Rae soon:

Special kudos for setting up this excellent event, which propelled informed patriots toward further activism, together, for both constitutions – esp. relating to our constitutional county sheriffs who need our continuous support for standing against administrative tyranny each and every day!

For freedom,

Kevin

County Sheriffs speak out on critical issues

 By Liz Bowen

GRANTS PASS, OREGON – Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson is hosting the 7^th Support Rural America Sheriffs’ Event on Sept. 22^nd at the Josephine County Fairgrounds.

 Using a speakers’ panel, county sheriffs have shared concerns and critical issues with citizens in Northern California during the past year. Now, Oregon Sheriff Gil Gilbertson is bringing the old-fashioned Town Hall type of meeting to his county.

The event will be held at the Pavilion at the fairgrounds in Grants Pass. Time is 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are accepted to help pay for the cost of the building.

As sheriffs of rural counties, these law enforcement officers find a common theme is affecting economies and livelihoods of their constituents with devastating results: An increase in health, safety and welfare problems.

All 12 of the sheriffs involved in Support Rural America Events believe the Constitution is the law of the land. They are pro-government, but are finding abuses by specific agencies or bureaucrats are causing economic and safety problems.

For Sheriff Gilbertson road closures in the Public lands without coordination, with him, is a major issue. For several years, local gold miners have complained of harassment by federal agents filing complaints, with the Regional Office of the U.S. Forest Service, to no avail.

“Road access is critical to our publics’ health and safety,” said Sheriff Gilbertson. “I assert my lawful authority to use any road I deem essential.”

A case in point was when the sheriff tried to use keys from both the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to open a gate in the heat of a search and rescue operation. The keys did not open the gate. When contacted, the Forest Service refused to open the gate.

“It’s a cold, callous disregard for the health and safety of this community,” explains a still frustrated sheriff.

“I am simply asking the federal agencies to follow their own rules and regulations,” said Sheriff Gilbertson.

Other sheriffs have spoken during the last six Support Rural America Events with the same type of frustrations. Northern California sheriffs shared instances where the Forest Service is also drastically reducing the availability of use in the Public’s land, especially in the reduction of roads through the new Travel Management Plans.

Yet, all of these sheriffs cite that illegal marijuana-growing cartels are actively using the Public lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Sheriff Gilbertson said the sheriffs are responsible for law enforcement operations, including crime response, fire suppression, emergency medical response and even assistance to federal agents.

“I am willing to work with both the USFS and the BLM in the preservation of our natural resources, but will not abrogate the Sheriffs’ authority or responsibilities.”

Five additional sheriffs will participate on Sept. 22^nd including Oregon’s Grant County Sheriff Glenn E. Palmer. From California, Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey, Trinity County Bruce Haney, Del Norte County Dean Wilson and Modoc County Mike Poindexter will address their issues.

Solutions are a major topic and several have been brought forth. One is “coordination and consistency.” This is a mandate for government agencies to contact and meet government-to-government with county commissioners, local districts and the elected sheriff. Unfortunately, federal agencies have ignored the coordination process and are dragging their feet. But Support Rural America sheriffs are demanding compliance.

An exciting additional solution will be discussed at the Sept. 22^nd meeting in Grants Pass. Citizens are invited to attend. Questions will be taken at the end of the speakers’ panel. For more information, go to the website: Support Rural America.com or contact organizers Liz Bowen at 530-467-3515 or Erin Ryan at 530-515-7135.

Support Rural America

Sheriffs’ Event

Hosted by

Josephine County Sheriff

Gil Gilbertson

Sept. 22, 2012

Time: 1 to 4 p.m.

Josephine Co. Fairgrounds

1451 Fairgrounds Road

Grants Pass, Oregon

Panel of Sheriffs will speak on the Constitution and critical issues affecting their counties from Washington to Northern California.

Admission is FREE

Donations will be accepted to pay for the rental of the building.

See you there !

 Mission:

Identify issues affective local citizens, local governments, local economies and sheriffs.

Coordinate support from citizens and sheriffs in neighboring counties.

Find practical solutions utilizing the Constitution as the law of the land.

It is time to stand up for our Sheriffs!

See you there !

For more info go to:

www.SupportRuralAmerica.com

or call

Liz Bowen at 530-467-3515

By TIFFANY REVELLE

Updated:   08/21/2012 12:07:53 AM PDT

Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman welcomed the crowd of about 100 at 10 a.m. at the Redwoods Empire Fairgrounds.

A standing ovation occured many times throughout the three hours.

Oregon’s Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson.

Tehama County Sheriff Dave Hencratt.

Del Norte County Sheriff Dean Wilson.

Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey.

 Photos by Liz Bowen

From Ron Glynn in Wolf Creek, Oregon:

Dear fellow citizens of Josephine County:

I had the privilege to attend the Constitutional Sheriffs’ last event in Crescent City, California on July 14, 2012. It was extremely informative and encouraging to hear from 6 county sheriffs. I was extremely impressed by quality and character of these men. I highly encourage you to attend this upcoming event in Grants Pass next month.

SUPPORT RURAL AMERICA

Co-sponsored by:
National Constitutionals Sheriffs Association, LLC

(NCSA)

Presents

SOLUTIONS FOR RURAL AMERICA

Hosted By:

Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson

Saturday, September 22, 2012

1 to 4 p.m. 

 Josephine County Fairgrounds

1451 Fairgrounds Rd., Grants Pass, Oregon

Admission is FREE…Donations accepted!

Panel of Constitutional Sheriffs discussing critical issues and solutions regarding property rights, water rights, mining, public land access and Federal and State Jurisdiction.
Q & A to follow…

For information contact: Liz Bowen 530-467-3515,
Erin Ryan 530-515-7135,

Rae Copitka or Loma Wharton 541-637-5366

www.SupportRuralAmerica.com

PNP comment: Budget losses are hitting Josephine Co. in Oregon. If there is NO money, few services can be provided. — Editor Liz Bowen

http://jocosheriff.us/news/432-schedule-for-reduction-of-sheriffs-office-services

Published on Friday, 25 May 2012 09:11

Starting today, May 25th, in anticipation of a looming $7.5 million dollar budget shortfall, many Sheriff’s Office divisions and services will be reducing or ceasing operations.

The drastic decrease in the fiscal year 2012-13 budget, and subsequent years’ budgets, is a result of the federal government’s decision to terminate federal timber payments, commonly known as Oregon & California (O&C) funds.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE OFFICIAL SCHEDULE FOR REDUCTION OF SERVICES:

FRIDAY, MAY 25TH, 4 P.M. – MAJOR CRIMES UNIT CLOSES

As of 4 p.m. today, the sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit will cease operations. Current, open criminal cases have been referred to the District Attorney’s Office, but there will be no further investigative follow-up done by sheriff’s detectives.

FRIDAY, MAY 25TH, 11 P.M. – RECORDS DIVISION CLOSES

The Records Division, which fields non-emergency phone calls and completes many state-required functions, will close. Non-emergency reports may be submitted by citizens online at www.jocosheriff.us/report, but the reports will simply be logged for information. There will not be any deputy follow-up or investigation.

TUESDAY, MAY 29TH – CIVIL DIVISION HOURS REDUCED

As of May 29th, the Civil Division will be reducing its hours to Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, JUNE 1ST – PATROL, K9, RESERVE UNIT AND VOLUNTEER UNIT SERVICES REDUCED

PATROL
Patrol services will decrease from 20 hours a day, 7 days a week to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. The total number of patrol personnel will decrease from 24.5 to 6. Of the remaining six, one is a sergeant and three are contracted by other entities.

Contract deputies’ primary responsibilities are to those entities that pay their salaries â€- namely, the City of Cave Junction, the Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon State Marine Board. Therefore, their availability to respond to areas outside their contracts will be extremely limited.

Considering the quantity of high priority calls that this office receives, it is clear that patrol will only be able to respond to life threatening incidents.

Sheriff’s deputies will respond to life threatening calls only during patrol hours of operation, which are not being publicized for safety reasons. There are no funds available for call outs, so sheriff’s deputies will not be available to respond after hours.

If you call 911 after hours, and it is a life threatening situation, Oregon State Police will provide a limited response that involves eliminating the current threat.

Sheriff’s patrol deputies will be spread thin, and their response, even in life threatening situations, may be delayed.

As such, the Sheriff’s Office regretfully advises that, if you know you are in a potentially volatile situation (for example, you are a protected person in a restraining order that you believe the respondent may violate), you may want to consider relocating to an area with adequate law enforcement services.

Friday, May 25, 2012

7 p.m.

EWEB Training Room 500 E. 4th Ave.

Open to public. Admission is Free

Grant County Sheriff Glenn E. Palmer

Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson

will speak on issues plaguing rural county sheriffs.

Be sure to attend.

GRANTS PASS, Ore. –  A failed levy vote in an Oregon county is taking a toll: government workers facing dismissal, a pending prisoner release, and crimes such as misdemeanor domestic assault and shoplifting likely to go unprosecuted.

A day after Josephine County voters resoundingly turned thumbs down on a levy to plug a $12 million budget gap, the sheriff and district attorney began handing out pink slips Wednesday, cutting staff to levels probably not seen since the region was settled during the 1850s Gold Rush.

“We’re going to wreck the train here and see how we can put it back in the future,” Stephen Campbell, district attorney for the Southern Oregon county, told The Associated Press.

The sizeable budget gap was left by the expiration of a federal safety net for timber-reliant counties such as Josephine.

As a result of the cutbacks, the routine areas of law enforcement — drunken drivers, domestic abuse, shoplifting and car wrecks — will likely be where people see the loss of sheriff’s patrols and prosecutors first.

Losing four of his nine prosecutors, Campbell is working out a list of which crimes he will be able to prosecute, and which he will not. Most misdemeanors will not be prosecuted. That includes minor assaults, such as from domestic disputes, and minor thefts. Domestic abuse rises to a felony if it is done in front of the kids. Resisting arrest will still be prosecuted, as will some drunken driving. But reckless driving, menacing, driving while suspended, probably not. Even some felonies won’t go to court.

“The list is pretty long,” Campbell said. “I have been telling the budget committee for years now that I can’t carry out my mandate as it is. There is a segment of cases that are declared violations, which we don’t prosecute, that are prosecuted in most counties of the state. That has already been happening. This is even worse.”

With a population of 83,000, Josephine County is in the heart of Oregon timber country. It grew up first on gold, then on timber, which reached a peak in the 1980s, then collapsed with logging cutbacks on national forests in the 1990s to protect the northern spotted owl and salmon from extinction. The logging cutbacks reduced revenues for Josephine and other timber counties in the West. Many still see a return to logging as their best hope.

In 2000, Congress enacted a law that set up a safety net for timber-reliant counties like Josephine. That law expired last year. A one-year extension has a chance to pass Congress, but even if it does, it will only provide $4 million to Josephine County, not enough to make up for the loss of the levy.

With its failed vote on Tuesday, Josephine County was the first to try to compensate for the loss of the federal timber subsidies by raising property taxes. Neighboring Curry County is considering asking voters to approve a sales tax in the fall.

Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson handed out pink slips Wednesday to 70 deputies and civilian personnel, leaving him with just 28 after June 1. That will require releasing about 90 inmates from the jail in the coming weeks, leaving 30 people behind bars. Those being held are considered the greatest risk to the community.

There will be no more detectives, no more road deputies, and just one dispatcher. Contract deputies will still patrol the city of Cave Junction, federal lands and the Rogue River during the day, because they are funded by outside revenues. Gilbertson will be the only county lawman on call around the clock. For backup, he can call on the contract deputies during business hours, but otherwise will have to wait for a state trooper, which could take more than a half hour.

The Illinois Valley Safehouse Alliance logs about five incidents a week where sheriff’s deputies are called to a domestic disturbance, and gets about 40 victims a month, said Grace Auzenne, a domestic violence advocate for the organization. With no one but the sheriff himself to call around the clock, no jail space to hold offenders, and no prosecution, the problem is sure to escalate, she said.

“All in all it’s not looking good for rural areas,” she said.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/17/ore-county-cutting-law-enforcement-to-bare-bones/#ixzz1v9ayAXb2