HAPPY VALLEY POLICE
ABOUT HAPPY VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT
Happy Valley Police Department is dedicated to preserving the cherished small-town atmosphere that defines our community. In our commitment to maintaining a close-knit feel, we encourage and value the active participation of residents as integral partners in the communication and resolution of concerns related to crime.
As your Happy Valley Police Department, we understand that our town’s unique charm lies in the strong sense of community that binds us together. We believe in fostering an environment where residents feel empowered to voice their concerns and actively contribute to the safety and well-being of our beloved community.
We invite all residents to become active partners in our crime prevention efforts. Your input is not only valued, but essential in helping us address and resolve issues promptly. We firmly believe that an engaged and vigilant community is the foundation of a safe and secure Happy Valley.
As we work tirelessly to uphold the peace and security of our town, we emphasize the significance of open communication between law enforcement and residents. By fostering a strong partnership, we can collectively create an environment where everyone feels heard, safe, and invested in the continued prosperity of Happy Valley.
Services Provided by Happy Valley Police
- Emergency Response 24/7/365
- 911 Dispatch Services
- Police Patrols
- Major Crimes Investigation
- Crime Prevention
- Drug Enforcement
- School Programs
- Community Policing
- Traffic Enforcement
- A Detective
- A Chief of Police
- Dedicated Patrol Cars
Contracted with Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Police Services in Happy Valley are offered through a contract with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Deputies are employees of the CCSO, but specifically assigned to Happy Valley. Through this partnership and annual contract, the City is able to maintain local control and identity for its police and save money by taking advantage of the service functions which a larger law enforcement agency, such as the CCSO, can provide.
Funding for these police services is covered entirely by a special Public Safety Levy which is voted on by residents every five years. This funding covers vital services including dedicated police patrols, crime prevention, proactive traffic enforcement, and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies when someone calls for help. Learn more about this at our dedicated page.
Lt. Sheldon has a strong history in law enforcement, starting his career in 1998 as a cadet with the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office while attending college. He would go on to join the Army’s Military Police Corps and was deployed in various capacities throughout Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He also has experience through his work with the Idaho National Guard, where he mobilized for Hurricane Katrina. Before accepting a role with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Lt. Sheldon was employed with the Lincoln City Police Department where he was recognized as “DUI Enforcement Officer of the Year.”
As a CCSO Patrol Deputy, Lt. Sheldon served in the contract cities of Wilsonville, Damascus, and Estacada where he manned a traffic car for Clackamas County and the City of Damascus. As a deputy and Sergeant, he also served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and Clackamas County Peace Officers’ Association shop steward for six years. He is also a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor and Drug Recognition Expert.
Sheldon has also served as a Patrol Sergeant for CCSO and its contract city Wilsonville, and as an FTO Sergeant and Motor Sergeant. As a Detective Sergeant, he served on the Domestic Violence and Enhanced Response Team (DVERT), and Adult Sex Crimes Unit and Child Abuse Team. Following his promotion to Lieutenant, he served as the Director of A Safe Place Family Justice Center, where he supervised the Adult Sex Crimes Unit and DVERT.
Lt. Sheldon took the reins as Happy Valley Police Chief at the end of June 2021, following the retirement of HVPD Chief Scott Anderson. He aims to address public safety issues and continue making Happy Valley a safe community as it grows and changes. With a strong background in traffic safety, Lt. Sheldon says he is making this a priority and working closely with deputies to address concerns expressed by community members regarding this topic.
Lt. Sheldon possesses a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and holds Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisory Certificates from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). He has also completed the Oregon DPSST Supervisory Leadership Academy, The International Public Safety Leadership and Ethics Institute Course, and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) Command Course.