Oregon State Police
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| Oregon State Police |
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| Established | 1931 |
| Jurisdiction | State of Oregon. |
| Superintendent-in-Chief | Timothy F. McLain |
| Website | official web site |
The Oregon State Police (OSP) is the main state law enforcement agency of the U.S. state of Oregon. They have been charged to enforce all of Oregon's criminal laws and to help local law enforcement agencies with their duties. They differ from other state agencies such as the Florida Highway Patrol in that their primary focus is not limited to highway and traffic enforcement, and is the only Law Enforcement agency in the United States that monitors the security of the state lottery. Oregon State Police often respond to incidents in rural areas not covered by another law enforcement agency's jurisdiction.
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[edit] History
The Oregon State Police began operating on August 1, 1931. The organization was designed by a committee appointed by Governor Julius L. Meier,[1] who made a survey of some of the most successful state law enforcement agencies across North America, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the New Jersey State Police, the Texas Rangers, the Pennsylvania State Police, and others. They took on the responsibilities that were previously handled by the State Highway Commission, the Fish and Game Commission, the Secretary of State, the Prohibition Commissioner, and the State Fire Marshal. OSP's first Superintendent (head) was Charles Pray, State Parole Officer and a former Department of Justice Agent. Mr. Pray set up four OSP districts in the state and thirty-one patrol stations. He began his duties on June 7, 1931, about two months before the State Police began operating. Harold Maison, formerly with the State Traffic Division, was appointed as Chief Clerk and was stationed at General Headquarters in Salem. He was charged with setting up and maintaining a system of reports and records for the OSP.
Captain George Alexander was placed in charge of the Bureau of Identification and Investigation and charged with the investigational activities of the Department. On January 1, 1932, he was appointed Deputy Superintendent, a served a position he held until his installment as Warden of the State Penitentiary in 1938.
Charles McClees, previously with the State Game Commission, was appointed as captain and placed in charge of game and commercial fish enforcement.
[edit] Services
Criminal Investigation Division
- This divisions primary duty is to assist other law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Oregon with Criminal Justice Investigations. Within the Criminal Investigation Division there are sub-divisions, those are Major Crimes Section; Drug Enforcement Section; and Arson/Explosives Section; Investigative Reports Section. Over all there are more than 40 local, county, and federal agencies that participate in this division.[2]
Fish and Wildlife
- The Fish and Wildlife division primarily enforces laws and ordnances surrounding wildlife. They also enforce traffic code and laws. [3]
[edit] Recent changes
In 1993, the Oregon Legislature approved legislation that included the previously autonomous organizations of the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office, Law Enforcement Data System, Oregon Emergency Management, and the Oregon Boxing and Wrestling Commission within the Department of State Police.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Governor Julius L. Meier Governor's Message, 1935
- ^ Criminal Investigations Division.
- ^ Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services Division.
[edit] External links
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