Clackamas County has reaffirmed its confidence in law enforcement leadership, as Sheriff Angela Brandenburg took the oath of office for a second term on January 2. Presiding Judge Michael C. Wetzel administered this oath at the Clackamas County Courthouse. Reflecting on her re-election, Brandenburg shared her thoughts citing, "It is truly an honor as Sheriff to serve the people of Clackamas County, and I am deeply grateful for the continued trust they have placed in me," according to Clackamas County Sheriff's Office announcement.
During her first term, Sheriff Brandenburg played a key role in passing the Public Safety Local Option Levy, which saw over 53% voter approval and enabled the funding of several initiatives, including mental health and medical jail beds, a body-worn camera program, and the addition of 29 new positions to the Sheriff's Office. A notable spike in recruitment saw the Sheriff’s Office hire 79 employees in 2024, surpassing the previous year's tally. Despite challenges in attracting new talent to law enforcement nationwide, innovative strategies have kept the hiring standards uncompromised.
Jail reform under Sheriff Brandenburg’s guidance has manifested in several cutting-edge programs. The initiatives include Medication Assisted Treatment for opioid use disorders and Rapid Forensic Evaluation Assessments aimed at cutting down custody time for those awaiting mental competency evaluations. These efforts not only provided targeted support to the incarcerated but also led to the Clackamas County Jail receiving accolades and accreditations from prominent bodies such as the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.
Brandenburg hasn't shied away from embracing analytics and strategic planning. She spearheaded the creation of a Strategic Analysis Unit and oversaw the roll-out of a new Strategic Business Plan, which has enabled a data-driven approach to setting and tracking goals. Transparent in her dealings, she even welcomed an independent audit of the Sheriff's Office's finances, which won public praise and stood as a testament to governmental accountability. "We’ve achieved incredible accomplishments over the past four years, thanks to the dedication of our team and the support of the communities we serve. I look forward to building on our accomplishments together, and making Clackamas County even safer," she emphasized in her recent statement.
With the sights set on the future, Sheriff Brandenburg's commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility appears to resonate with Clackamas County residents, who seem willing to walk alongside her down this journey of law enforcement evolution. Details of reported crimes, call activity, and budget information now readily accessible on the Sheriff's Office website stand as evidence of her promise to maintain an open dialogue with the community she serves.
