Hillsboro Police Chief Jim Coleman Reflects on HPD's Growth in the Last Year & "Vision" for the Future
Over the course of the last year, the police department has engaged in a deliberate effort to increase accessibility to our activities, programs, and public safety messaging. I am pleased to report that 2023 saw a level of engagement with our information platforms and community events that eclipsed even our most optimistic expectations.
Social Media Visits Over the Previous Year
- Facebook - 99% increase
- Instagram - 228% increase
Not only was there a realization of higher traffic on our social media sites, but there were also incidents of larger than expected turnouts to department-hosted events like National Night Out and the Great Pumpkin Hunt. At the same time, we garnered important attention to new programs, such as Fix-A-Fine, which partners with local businesses to provide discounted repair and parts prices on automobile equipment that is key to safe vehicle operation.
Hillsboro Police Department’s accessibility push has been a success up to this point because all corners of the agency have bought into the course set by our Community Engagement and Public Information teams. Their focus on both quality of content and creativity has driven the impressive results. They have also provided a strong platform from which to introduce a further evolution of HPD’s commitment to community.
LEARN ABOUT the addition of HPD's new Vision statement to its Mission and Core Values, as well as the launch of a new venue for sharing statistical and analytical data with our community.
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It's Worth a Look Back at Some Highlights
 Accomplishments & Noteworthy Items
- 77,200+ Calls for Service
- 8,400+ Traffic Stops
- 177 K-9 Deployments/Tracks
- 26,800+ Police Reports processed
- 237 Emergency Services provided to survivors of domestic violence
There was a case resolution to the unprovoked attack on HPD Lieutenant Neil Potter in August of 2022 just a few feet from the West Police Precinct property. The suspect in this matter pled guilty to one count of Assault II and one count of Assault on a Public Safety Officer and was sentenced to 70 months in prison; no early release, no programs (Measure 11).
The Evidence Unit became part of the Washington County Major Crimes Team (MCT). As part of the MCT, the Unit is subject to additional callouts for non-HPD major crimes incidents in the County for the purpose of crime scene processing and analysis.
10 vacated campsite cleanups, likely saving the City $5,000 in contracted cleanup costs.
HPD launched Fix-A-Fine, giving officers the ability to issue vouchers to community members for vehicle equipment defects they come across, whether or not a citation is involved.
HPD received its first two all-electric vehicles; two Ford F150s. One is assigned to the Fleet Coordinator and is outfitted as a mobile repair vehicle. The second is assigned to our Code Compliance Unit.
Hillsboro Police and Area Service Providers Spend a Day Learning From Each Other
Hillsboro Police officers meet people daily in need of services - food, clothing, hygiene items, and shelter/housing. Some even need assistance acquiring official identification, which being without, can be a barrier to many services, including housing and employment.
Providing these services takes a collective effort, and knowing who does what, when and any limitations can be critical in providing greater efficiency in getting people connected and hopefully ensuring more successful outcomes for them.
Providers who joined Hillsboro Police for this day of learning include Washington County, Community Action, Project Homeless Connect, Open Door Housing Works and Greater Good. Safe Place for Youth was unable to attend.
Alice's Bucket List is a Little Lighter These Days
Alice has long been interested in law enforcement and was curious about what police officers do on a daily basis. So, she applied for a ride along, and joined Sergeant Jodi Sackville on the road.
The night included traffic stops, an arrest for Hit and Run, transporting some supplies to officers at a vehicle crash, and the location of over 60 ecstasy pills during a theft investigation.
Before heading home, Alice got to meet K-9 Rocket and watch him run an obstacle course.
Sergeant Sackville said they had a fun night, but she had to eventually take Alice home because there was a lot of paper (aka, reports) to complete before the end of her shift because of all they did; which is the other thing that officers do...write reports!
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How Well Do You Know Oregon's Cell Phone Law?
Two things most people can’t live without are their vehicle and their cell phone. They’re staples of everyday life, but distracted driving crashes, most a direct result of the use of cell phones behind the wheel, continue to plague our roadways.
In 2020, distracted driving claimed 3,142 lives in the United States.
So when can you use a cell phone while driving? Let’s take a quick quiz.
Can you pick up your cell phone and use it while controlling a motor vehicle if:
(A) You’re stopped at a stoplight.
(B) You’re checking the map.
(C) You’re changing songs.
(D) You’re ordering takeout.
(E) You’re answering an urgent work text.
(F) You’re holding it up to talk to someone on speakerphone.
(G) None of the above.
The correct answer is G. Many folks are under the mistaken impression they can use their phone for everything as long as they aren’t talking on it up to their ear or texting, and even more think stopping for a red light allows them to pick up and check their phones.
Despite some initial confusion and unexpected loopholes, Oregon’s cell phone law is now pretty clear - you cannot even hold a cell phone in your hand while operating a motor vehicle. This includes being stopped at a stoplight; unless you’re pulled over or parked totally off the roadway, your phone cannot be in your hand.
The bottom line is distracted driving is dangerous for everyone on the road, and we can all do our part by putting down our phones and giving our full attention to the responsibilities which come with driving a car.
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Thank You to Those Who Donated So Generously to Our Collection of Warm Items for Unhoused Members of the Hillsboro Community
Benefiting Kids & Families Who Spent the Holidays in Local Pediatric Centers, Children's Hospitals & Ronald McDonald Houses
Community members filled eight heaping bins of toys and other gifts - Thank you!
Hillsboro Police Elves Teamed Up with Others in the Community to Make Sure These Special Packages Arrived in Time for Christmas
 Shop with a Cop
A Partnership Between Hillsboro Police, The Salvation Army, Target Esplanade and the Washington County Family Justice Center
 Celebrating Hanukkah
Menorah Lighting at Jerry Willey Plaza
    
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