Sheriff's Corner

Hello from your Sheriff! A round of new scams has hit our phones, sometimes multiple times a day via text message. You may receive text messages claiming to be from WSDOT and stating that you have outstanding traffic tickets and face legal action if you do not pay. The texts contain a false WSDOT link to enter your financial information. Please do not click on any link provided as this is a confirmed scam. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will never send official notice of outstanding tickets or request financial information via text message.

The Sheriff’s Office recently replaced our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software. Our previous CAD software was no longer supported by the vendor and was set to cease function by the end of June. The new CAD software includes the SmartCAD application for our Dispatch workstations, and the SmartCOP application for the deputies’ vehicle laptops. Both programs come with updated features to include a robust mapping tool. The new map allows for improved tracking and visualization of calls within the County and includes an option to view satellite imagery for better location information.

The new CAD software is remarkably different from our previous program, and I appreciate your patience as my dispatch officers get used to the new functionality and processes. One major difference with the new CAD is the way that call history is generated. Our call history is what is given to The Wahkiakum County Eagle for the weekly Sheriff’s Report. For the first week of SmartCAD, we had some technical difficulties providing a full week of call information which resulted in the smaller Sheriff’s Report in last week’s newspaper. I apologize for this lapse in information and since then I have found a workable solution to ensure that you continue to receive the Sheriff’s Report. The Wahkiakum County Eagle is an important part of our local heritage, and I am committed to supporting our great newspaper.

Stay safe Wahkiakum County!