Gilbertson: Sheriff“s office expanding volunteer numbers, duties
From our weekly issue dated January 20, 2010
Sheriff Gil Gilbertson (IVN file photo
Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson discussed his department“s increased use of volunteers and several other issues during the Wednesday, Jan. 13 meeting of the Cave Junction chapter of the 9/12 Project.
More than 40 people attended the meeting at the RCC Kerby Belt Bldg.
Gilbertson addressed long-term funding for the Josephine County Sheriff“s Office (JCSO), and said that the task ultimately is up to the board of county commissioners.
“I“m not going to ask you folks for a penny,“ Gilbertson said. “It“s not my job as sheriff to ask you for money.“
Selma resident Mark Seligman, who has publicly stated that he plans to run against incumbent Commissioner Dave Toler, asked Gilbertson about the sustainability of the JCSO staffing increase currently being implemented.
Seligman quoted a recent newspaper article, in which Undersheriff Don Fasching said that a property tax levy may eventually become necessary.
The sheriff said that since Seligman plans to run for commissioner, the would-be challenger should come up with a funding plan. The sheriff then invited members of the public to examine his budget.
“We“re not hiding anything,“ Gilbertson said.
When asked about the possibility of deputizing volunteers, he stated that they need to have the proper training before he can do so. Otherwise, Gilbertson said, JCSO and the county could face potential legal liability.
Despite that, the sheriff said that he has been expanding the duties of current JCSO volunteers.
“Right now, we have more volunteers than we“ve ever had,“ he said.
Gilbertson said that he soon will have a group of volunteers examining cold cases. They also will track cases, keep victims informed and follow up with them regarding the status of those cases, he said.
Due to the increased staffing, Gilbertson said that his office will be “focusing on quality,“ especially as it pertains to investigations.
Also mentioned by Gilbertson was the rash of business burglaries that has plagued Cave Junction in the past several months.
He said he has been talking with business owners throughout the city about the situation.
A group of citizen volunteers used to patrol Cave Junction before Gilbertson took office in January 2007. Gilbertson said that he sometimes accompanied that group, and that its efforts to deter crime were successful.
“We chased away the guys who committed the crime,“ he said.
Gilbertson said that he has challenged the Cave Junction business community to reinstate the patrols, to no avail.
All JCSO volunteers must go through a criminal background check, Gilbertson said. They are not allowed to confront suspects, but can serve as witnesses.
“That really works,“ Gilbertson said, adding that anyone interested in volunteering can phone his office at (541) 474-5123.
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