Union County, OR. — Official Release: As your Sheriff, I must address some critical details regarding our community’s drug problems and the current status of the Drug Task Force. As you are all aware, our country, state, and now, more than ever, our very own Union County, have been inundated by the drug epidemic. This crisis has led to an increase in illicit drugs within our community and a tragic rise in overdose deaths.
I made a commitment to all of you to actively combat the drugs that relentlessly enter our community. Your Sheriff’s Office has been contributing to the Union County Drug Task Force since its inception, even during periods when the La Grande Police Department and the Oregon State Police have not. The Sheriff’s Office has remained steadfast in its commitment to disrupting, disorganizing, and dismantling drug dealers and users who continually undermine our community’s quality of life. My commitment to you and our community has not wavered.
For approximately the last ten years, the Drug Task Force has been solely staffed by Union County Sheriff’s Deputies. The La Grande Police Department removed its detectives and has not contributed to the Task Force since that time. I have formally requested assistance from the La Grande City Council, and City Manager to provide personnel to sustain the Drug Task Force for the last two years. Unfortunately, they have opted for other priorities rather than contributing to the Drug Task Force and leveraging its capabilities for the benefit of our communities. This situation has made it impossible for the Sheriff’s Office to consistently staff these detective roles due to personnel shortages and the need for county patrol coverage. Consequently, I have been forced to remove my detectives from the Drug Task Force.
The Union County Drug Task Force Detectives handled around an average of 75 to 80 percent of their call load within the city limits of La Grande. There is no question that the majority of drug activity occurs within the City of La Grande’s jurisdiction. I find it inexcusable that the City of La Grande can dedicate no personnel to combat such an obvious problem within their community. I have heard reasons such as city officers are overworked, the department is understaffed, or we just don’t have the funding. Valid reasons in the beginning, but not long term.
The Drug Task Force is not solely about the enforcement of drug-related laws. Its members consistently conducted drug presentations for local partners and spoke at schools about the dangers of drugs. They also assisted with major crime investigations and supported city patrol officers and other detectives with their investigations. Often, they were at the forefront of solving crimes due to the valuable network of information at their disposal. Another major reason the Drug Task Force is needed is that patrol deputies and officers often are busy with calls for service and do not have the time to dedicate to drug investigations. This poses a problem when drug investigations can be complex and lengthy. For all these reasons, I am passionate about the critical need for a Drug Task Force in our community but I continue to receive zero assistance.
Since the introduction of fentanyl into our communities, the overdose rate has skyrocketed, increasing by upward of 300 percent. Let me be clear: individuals who overdose are either saved by Narcan or they die. Most overdoses go unreported, meaning the actual number of overdoses in this community is likely much higher. Our law enforcement and medical personnel are responding to overdose calls for service at an alarming rate. We have lost too many husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters to stand by and do nothing about the dealers pushing fentanyl in our community when we possess the ability to address this issue in partnership with all law enforcement agencies. I feel very strong in my abilities to build partnerships for the benefit of Union County. However, I am at a loss for an answer when it comes to the Drug Task Force.
I have promised complete transparency with you, the citizens, which is why I am writing this letter today. I want you all to know that I have diligently sought support and assistance to maintain a Drug Task Force in our community and to keep illicit drug dealers in check and in jail, where they belong. At this time my multiple requests for assistance have fallen on deaf ears. The La Grande City Council members and the City Administrator have just flat ignored my requests for help.
At this time I have no other option but to discontinue the Union County Drug Task Force. Consequences of this decision will result in higher drug trafficking, overdoses and crime within the city limits of La Grande. My deputies will continue to provide the highest level of service possible to you but please understand we cannot continue to fight this problem alone with no assistance from the city.
If you are as troubled reading this as I am writing it please feel free to reach out to the City of La Grande and voice your concerns. Let them know we need help to make this a priority.
Your Sheriff,
Cody Bowen
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