Short staffing means slower response times

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

UMATILLA COUNTY – Umatilla County Sheriff Terry Rowan said his office is suffering from personnel shortages that could result in slower response times for patrol deputies.

“I just ask the public to be patient with us as we get through this,” Rowan said.

He said a number of employees are off on what he referred to as “injured reserve” status. Meanwhile new employees are still undergoing training and there are openings that the sheriff is trying to fill as well.

“We continue to be shorthanded and that really amplifies some of the caseload our deputies are handling right now,” he said. “It makes it little difficult for that immediate response.”