JOSEPHINE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DETECTIVE AND K-9 DIVISIONS

Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has not had any personnel assigned to the Detective Division since July of 2012. The Office has not had a K-9 Division since the end of 2015. This was largely due to the reduction of federal funding, that for decades was the primary funding stream to support the special divisions of the Sheriff’s Office.

The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is happy to announce both the Detective and K-9 Divisions have been reactivated as of October 4^th, 2021. 

The Detective Division is now staffed with a Detective Sergeant and a Detective.  They will both be joining the Josephine County Major Crimes Team, which the Sheriff’s Office has not been a part of since 2012.  Being there are only two; cases will be assigned based on severity of the crime and complexity of the investigations.

The K-9 Division is staffed with one Deputy Handler and K-9 “Gibbs” (photo attached).  Gibbs is a different kind of K-9.  He is not an “apprehension, tracker, or narcotics detection dog”.  For two years, the Sheriff’s Office has wanted a “compassion/therapy” dog. This type of program is rare in law enforcement.  Gibbs’ mission is to bring joy and smiles to those suffering from tragedy, victimization, trauma and/or depression. Gibbs also treats Sheriff’s Office employees as they see and deal with situations routinely that the average citizen may never see or go through. 

Gibbs was donated by a Josephine County family to the Sheriff’s Office. He has nearly 2 years of formal training by the organization “Canine Angels Service Teams” located in Grants Pass, OR.  Gibbs is almost 2 years old and is a Yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever cross.  Gibbs actively patrols Josephine County with his Handler 40 hours a week, looking for opportunities to brighten someone’s day.

If you wish to support the K-9 Division, donations can be made to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Fund and all donations are tax deductible.  Donations can be made to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office by check or money order and can be dropped off or mailed to 1901 NE F Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526.