CONTACTING HAPPY VALLEY POLICE
There are several ways to connect with local law enforcement depending on the nature of the event. Learn more below.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, SUCH AS A CRIME IN PROGRESS OR SOMEONE IS HURT OR IN PRESSING DANGER, CALL OR TEXT 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY.
Important tips to keep in mind when calling 9-1-1
Please remain calm and listen to what you are being asked. Emergency dispatchers know you are calling for a serious reason or are in an endangered situation and that you are anxious for immediate help. The questions you will be asked are extremely important to get the right help to you as soon as possible.
When you call from your cell phone in Clackamas, Multnomah, or Washington Counties, you will get a recording. After you are connected to 9-1-1 you will be required to say “Help,” or press “1” to talk to a dispatcher.
The recording filter is designed to limit the amount of false cell phone calls received at 9-1-1 centers. Prior to this filter, almost 40% of calls by C-COM from cell phones were accidental dials, primarily when phone buttons were accidentally pressed in pockets and purses.
Your cell phone is not linked to an address. Some cell phones do not identify their location for latitude/longitude, or give inaccurate locations. Also, there is no guarantee that your cell call is going to the correct 9-1-1 center, especially if you are calling within the metro area. This makes knowing your locations very important, so your dispatcher knows where to transfer your call for the quickest help.
FOR CRIMES WITHOUT THREAT TO IMMEDIATE HARM OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR CRIMES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED, CALL THE NON-EMERGENCY REPORT LINE AT 503-655-8211.
Important tips to keep in mind when calling non-emergency
Calls to this line are answered by dispatch around the clock. Calling this number will ensure that your call is answered promptly, prioritized, and an officer will respond as soon as possible. If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Non-emergency calls may include reporting:
- A crime that is NOT in progress or having just occurred
- A stolen vehicle (not in progress)
- Non-injury/non-blocking accident
- Residential burglary (not in progress)
- Dead animals/animal carcass
- Loud music or party complaints
- Police or Fire information request
Online Crime Reporting
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Online Crime Reporting System makes it easier and more convenient to file a police report without leaving home, but not every crime can be reported using this system. This system only allows you to complete a no-suspect, non-injury crime report.
Incidents that can be reported using the Online Crime Reporting System
- Vandalism
- Theft from Vehicle
- Bicycle Theft
- Hit & Run to Property or Vehicle (non-injury)
- Lost Property
- Supplemental Report
Social media and law enforcement
When it comes to issues of safety and urgency in the community, the best thing you can do is speak up. Social media can be a great tool for communicating and learning about recent happenings, but it isn’t always the most efficient and it should not be used to make a formal report. Unfortunately, platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor can only go so far to alert us as law enforcement professionals about issues you may be experiencing. Due to finicky algorithms and inconsistencies, even if you’ve tagged the City of Happy Valley or Happy Valley Police Department in a post, it’s not guaranteed that deputies will be notified in a timely manner or be able to connect with you. The same goes for private messages left on a social media page. Our deputies and Community Service Officer are not always able to review messages right away.
Like the saying goes, if you see something, say something. If you witness something that poses a safety threat, please contact law enforcement directly before you take it to social media. This ensures the Happy Valley Police Department has the best opportunity to gather all the pertinent information and respond as quickly as possible.
With this in mind, if you want to stay in the know about Happy Valley Police Department events, happenings, and recent law enforcement news, please follow us on Facebook at @HappyValleyPolice Department.