On Friday, I toured our jail and met with Sheriff Jason Myers to discuss some of the pressing public safety issues facing our first responders in Marion County.

Sheriff Myers told me that one of the biggest challenges right now is that part of northeast Salem and Four Corners east of I-5 and North of Highway 22 are areas that are growing rapidly but are not incorporated into the city of Salem.  As a result, the Sheriff’s office is responsible for all 911 calls in these areas. If these areas were a city, combined they would be one of the largest cities in Marion County.  That is a lot of 911 calls! 

Unfortunately, the demand in this area is pulling public safety resources from the rural parts of Marion County. This is a problem for our rural communities and is putting pressure on our Sheriff’s deputies.  It is something we need to address.