On Dec. 8, Benton County announced that Sheriff Scott Jackson will retire on February 1, 2021.
Jackson began his career at the Sheriff’s Office in 1995 as a part-time, on-call Deputy, and was promoted to a full-time position within a few months. He was sworn-in as Sheriff on July 1, 2013. Since that time, Benton County voters have elected him to the position in 2014 and 2018.
According to the Benton County press release, Jackson “holds dual certifications in corrections and police through the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) and has held multiple positions within the Sheriff’s Office including Deputy, Corporal, Sergeant, Training/Policy Sergeant, Lieutenant (Jail Commander), and in 2008 was promoted to Undersheriff where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.“
Prior to becoming a member of the Sheriff’s Office, Jackson served in the U.S. Army. He then served in the Army Reserves and the Oregon National Guard.
As Sheriff, Jackson has participated in and/or sponsored the Annual Mounted Posse Special Needs Ride Event, the Annual Public Safety Chili Cook-Off, the Annual Marys Peak Clean-up, and the Annual Drug Take-Back Event.
Jackson made many advancements during his time as Sheriff, including installing in-car computers, collecting stop data, implementing the use of body cams, improving “use of force” reporting, upgrading in-car cameras, improving the sharing of data with neighboring counties, upgrading radio communication to allow shared frequencies between counties, and rebuilding tactical teams to handle high-risk situations. He is also credited with creating programs involving drones, traffic crash reconstruction, and search and rescue.
In his announcement, Jackson said, “I know we have highly capable and skilled individuals in the office that will continue to move the office forward as the true premier agency.”
The county charter reads that the Board of Commissioners is required to vote in a replacement to fulfill the approximately two years remaining of Jackson’s term, which ends January of 2023.
By Sally K Lehman
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