Special Teams and Units
Patrol K9s are trained to track for suspects who have fled from crime scenes and missing/endangered individuals. They are also trained to conduct building and area searches for criminal suspects, protect the handler and to hold violent offenders from escaping. We have one narcotics detection K9 assigned to the Marion County Jail.
If you would like to request a K9 demonstration for your event, contact us at 503-588-7981 or
crimeprevention@co.marion.or.us.
A qualified K9 costs nearly $12,500, and they are purchased through donations.
If you are interested in donating to the K9 Unit, bring cash or check to our downtown Salem location (100 High St NE, Salem, OR 97301) or mail cash or check to PO Box 14500, Salem, OR 97309 (Attn. K9 Unit). The check can be made out to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, and include K9 in the memo.
The Role of Detectives
The Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) is a specialized division made up of detectives who are responsible for investigating serious felony crimes involving individuals. These include offenses such as homicides, felony assaults, sexual assaults, child abuse (both physical and sexual), robberies, and crimes against vulnerable populations such as the elderly.
Detectives in the CIU receive advanced training in various investigative disciplines. These may include:
- Computer Forensics – analyzing digital evidence from electronic devices.
- Crime Scene Processing – securing and examining crime scenes to collect physical evidence.
- Forensic Evidence Handling – managing biological, trace, and physical evidence in coordination with forensic laboratories.
- Crimes Against Children – specializing in sensitive investigations involving minors.
- Elder Abuse Investigations – focusing on crimes targeting older adults.
- Homicide Investigation – managing complex investigations related to suspicious deaths and murders.
At major crime scenes, detectives play a critical role in managing the investigation. Their responsibilities typically include:
- Identifying, collecting, and preserving all forms of physical and digital evidence.
- Conducting interviews with witnesses and victims.
- Performing interrogations of potential suspects.
- Analyzing case details to develop leads and identify suspects.
Detectives work closely with other law enforcement units, forensic specialists, and prosecutors to build strong cases that can lead to successful prosecutions. Their work is vital in uncovering the truth, bringing offenders to justice, and ensuring public safety.
There are several rules and regulations to follow while boating in Oregon. More information is found at the Oregon State Marine Board. You can have your boat inspected for free by a Marion County Deputy or Volunteer at Mongold State Park, Kane's Marina and Detroit Lake Marina, or you can call Deputy Corey Larned at 503-983-3080, to help insure a safer boating season for you, your family, and others.
See you on the lake!
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team members are chosen from cooperating law enforcement agencies throughout the county and are always on call to respond. Their mission is to bring a peaceful resolution to any potentially violent situation where loss of life or extreme property damage may be a factor. SWAT members are handpicked after demonstrating proficiency in a variety of tests including strength and agility, climbing, weapons use, and marksmanship. After selection, rigorous ongoing training continues to ensure individual skills are always current and members remain in top-notch condition. Members of the team are cross-trained within each unit to better utilize their skills and fill in a position if a member is injured or not available.
SWAT is composed of two specialized units: the Tactical Negotiation Team (TNT) and the Tactical Team. TNT members are trained in proven communication and de-escalation techniques designed to defuse situations and prevent hostile or deadly actions from escalating. These techniques, developed and tested by professional communication specialists, are highly effective and serve as the SWAT commander's first line of response before considering the use of physical force. While the Tactical Team is always present and ready to act when needed, the TNT remains compassionately engaged throughout, doing everything possible to peacefully resolve the situation through communication.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Team was formed in 2023. UAS, more commonly know as "drones", are used in a variety of missions including Search and Rescue Operations, Tactical Operations, and Crime and Crash Scene Investigations. This team is comprised of six team members holding CFR Title 14 Part 107 Remote Pilot Certifications. The UAS Team provides an additional tool to aid in locating subjects, provide increased safety to the community and deputies, mapping and documenting crime scenes. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems policy is available upon request through the submission of a public records request per ORS 192.345.
We have multiple Search and Rescue teams with many volunteers. View more info on SAR Teams.
