New deputies on duty this summer

Despite disruptions associated with the coronavirus pandemic, Sisters remains on course to have a dedicated force of one lieutenant and three deputies through its new contract with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Consistency of staffing was a critical component of the agreement — as close an approximation to having its own police force as Sisters can realistically afford to come.

Sisters City Manager Cory Misley told The Nugget that Sgt. William Bailey, who serves as the sheriff’s office public information officer, will likely act in the lieutenant’s role on an interim basis for six months as the sheriff’s office navigates changed circumstances due to the pandemic. New deputies will likely be in service by August. The contract allowed for some flexibility in timeline to allow for recruitment of the deputies.

With three deputies, there will be a coverage gap of approximately four to five hours. There will continue to be a 24-hour west-county patrol deputy on duty, and Black Butte Ranch Police and Oregon State Police are available for emergency backup.

The Sisters contingent will have distinct markings on its patrol cars, and the City and the sheriff’s office are still working on the details.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

• Email: editor@nuggetnews.com
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