ABOUT
Proven Leadership.
Real Results.
Safer Communities.
As Sheriff of Multnomah County, Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell brings nearly 30 years of experience, delivering real results and strengthening community safety through accountability, partnership, and service.
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell was elected in 2022 as the 41st Sheriff of Multnomah County and the first woman to serve in this role. She is one of only two sheriffs in the history of the organization to hold dual certification in both corrections and law enforcement, bringing extensive experience and a comprehensive understanding of public safety.
She leads the largest Sheriff’s Office in the State of Oregon, providing law enforcement services to all of unincorporated Multnomah County and the contract cities of Fairview, Maywood Park, Troutdale, and Wood Village. She also provides services countywide, including Transit Police, civil process, marine patrol covering more than 110 miles of waterways, and search and rescue operations. She leads a corrections system that is essential to ensuring community safety balancing accountability with a continuum of services to promote lasting change.
Since taking office, Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell has delivered measurable results. Gun violence has dropped dramatically, property crime has declined, and after a decade of increases, person crime is now trending downward. These outcomes reflect a clear and consistent focus on public safety and accountability.
These outcomes have not happened by chance. They are the result of focused leadership, prioritizing visible presence, strengthening partnerships, investing in a strong workforce, and ensuring the Sheriff’s Office is accountable, transparent, and engaged with our community.Guided by her commitment to Serve, Engage, and Lead, she continues to move the Sheriff’s Office forward with purpose.
Nicole is a native Oregonian and a graduate of the University of Portland with a degree in Criminal Justice. Outside of her work as Sheriff, she enjoys running, golf, and spending time with family. She lives in Portland with her husband, Bob, and is proud to be part of the community she serves.
Mission & Priorities
Reduce Crime and Strengthen Community Safety
Reducing crime and improving safety across our community remains my top priority. This includes focusing on violent crime, addressing repeat offenders, and increasing visible presence through proactive and responsive law enforcement.
During my first term as Sheriff, gun violence has dropped dramatically, property crime has declined, and after a decade of increases, person crime is now trending downward.
Strong collaboration with local partners and community organizations is essential to developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. I will support victims and survivors with compassion and ensure they have access to the resources and information needed to navigate the justice system. Through partnership and a consistent focus on results, we will continue to drive safer outcomes for our community.
Ensure a Safe, Effective, and Accountable Corrections System
The corrections system is central to public safety. This work includes daily jail management and a continuum of services that support behavioral health, education, job readiness, and reentry to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes. By balancing accountability with opportunities for change, we can strengthen public safety and improve outcomes for both individuals and our community.
During my first term as Sheriff, I prioritized accountability and transparency in our corrections system through regular audits and assessments, including additional reviews with national experts. We have implemented a significant number of recommendations that strengthened services and improved conditions within our facilities.
I will continue this work by ensuring we remain transparent, responsive, and committed to continuous progress.
Support a Trauma Informed Response to Our Behavioral Health Crisis
Our community continues to face a behavioral health crisis that requires a coordinated and thoughtful response. Law enforcement cannot be the only solution. A trauma-informed approach means ensuring the right response for each situation, while maintaining public safety and accountability. This work is critical both in our community and within our corrections system, where many individuals are experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
During my first term as Sheriff, I strengthened partnerships with corrections health providers and led the effort to have skilled Sheriff’s Office personnel facilitate the treatment readiness program, reducing costs and improving continuity of services as individuals transition back into our community.
I will continue to expand access to services within our jails, and support more integrated approaches that improve outcomes and reduce justice involvement.
Ensure Accountability, Transparency, and Public Trust
Maintaining accountability, transparency, and professional standards is critical to effective public safety. I will continue to share information, report on outcomes, and listen to community concerns, while holding our organization to the highest standards of professionalism and continuous progress.
During my first term as Sheriff, I launched the Corrections Recommendations Project, a public-facing dashboard that provides clear transparency into more than 400 recommendations identified through audits and assessments in our Corrections Division, and tracks our progress in implementing each area.
Through this work, I will continue to strengthen trust and reinforce confidence in the services we provide.
Strengthen Community Partnerships and Engagement
Strong partnerships are essential to effective public safety. I will continue to build and strengthen relationships with community members, service providers, and partner agencies to better understand the changing needs of our community and align efforts around shared priorities.
This work starts with listening and learning. By engaging directly with community members and valuing every voice, we can ensure our services are responsive, equitable, and reflective of the people we serve.
Through collaboration and coordination with our partners, we can address complex challenges more effectively and develop shared solutions that improve safety outcomes.
As Sheriff, I will continue to prioritize community engagement events and clear communication through multiple platforms so the public remains informed, engaged, and confident in the work we do.
Sustain Core Public Safety Funding and a Strong Workforce
Public safety depends on both the people who serve and the resources that support them. Recruiting, retaining, and supporting a highly trained workforce of sworn deputies and civilian professionals is essential. This includes investing in training, leadership development, and wellness, while addressing staffing challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability.
During my first term as Sheriff, I successfully advocated for and secured critical investments in our Human Resources Unit to create a more efficient and responsive hiring process. These efforts resulted in hiring over 50% more employees in 2025 than in 2024.
This includes investing in our Human Resources Unit to improve hiring, reduce vacancies, and support a more efficient and responsive system. Maintaining critical funding for core public safety services ensures we can continue to meet the needs of our community. This also includes investing in modern tools, technology, and systems that improve efficiency, support accountability, and allow our members to focus on the work that matters most.
ENDORSEMENTS
The backbone of Nicole’s campaign are the community leaders, elected officials, organizations and individuals supporting her run for Multnomah County Sheriff. These are the people who share her values and vision for making Multnomah County a safe place for everyone to live and work. Ready to join Team Nicole?
Former Governor of Oregon
Former Governor of Oregon
Multnomah County Chair "Nicole is a proven leader and trusted champion for justice. She is the best choice for Sheriff."
CEO of Hacienda CDC “I have had the opportunity to work with Nicole, and her approach to public safety is rooted in collaborating with community partners. That's the kind of leadership we need in law enforcement.”
President of Somali American Council of Oregon "Nicole has the experience, understanding and the compassion necessary to serve all communities in Multnomah County."
Multnomah County Sheriff "Nicole is one of the most capable public safety professionals I’ve worked with. She will be a great sheriff.”
Oregon State Senator "This is an easy choice. Nicole is one of the few dual certified law enforcement professionals, making her the most qualified candidate. I’m excited to support a smart and compassionate woman to lead the state’s largest Sheriff’s Office."
Retired, Peninsula Wrestling Club Coach and North Portland Icon "Nicole shares our values and believes that building trust and relationships is the key to building communities where we all feel safe to raise our families and live our lives. She's the Sheriff we need during this time of transition.”
District Attorney Multnomah County (Retired) "Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell is an excellent choice for Sheriff. While I was District Attorney we worked on many projects and I saw that she possesses the combination of ability, integrity and compassion needed in public safety today."
Former Counsel to Oregon’s U.S. Attorney on Community Engagement and Strategic Enforcement "I worked with Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell in my former role with the U.S. Attorney. Her unique understanding of our community’s challenges sets her apart. As Sheriff, she will serve with compassion, integrity and transparency."
Former United States Attorney for Oregon “Nicole understands that justice requires public safety measured with respect and collaboration with the community -- and people across Multnomah County.”
Oregon State Senator "Our new sheriff needs to be ready to lead on day one; Nicole is that person."
Pediatrician & Former Multnomah County Health Officer “While Multnomah County Health Officer, I worked with Nicole on the hardest problems we face. She listens, decides, acts then is willing to change course if needed. That is what we need.”
CEO, and former Reserve Police Commander at Portland Police Bureau “Nicole has the experience of Undersheriff and wants the Sheriff's Office to do their part making Multnomah County safer, reducing the homeless population, and serving our community.”
Clackamas County Sheriff “Compassion, transparency, accountability, and the qualifications to serve as Sheriff. These qualities and more make Nicole the best choice for Multnomah County Sheriff.”
Mayor of Maywood Park "I strongly support Nicole for Multnomah County Sheriff. She is informed, responsive and engaged with our community."
Washington County Sheriff "Nicole has the leadership skills and the vast experience needed to be the best sheriff during these important times."
Oregon State Representative
Hood River County Sheriff “Nicole is a proven leader that understands the value of relationships and working together to accomplish mutual goals.”
Former Multnomah County Sheriff
Mayor of Wood Village “With a heart for service, an command level experience with corrections and law enforcement, Undersheriff Morrisey O'Donnell is the right leader to bring us through these troubling times.”
Educator “Nicole is smart and brave and deeply human. She’s willing to speak truth to power when people are locked into divided and entrenched positions. This city needs brave and ethical leaders in law enforcement, and I can’t imagine anyone willing to work harder for these changes than Nicole.”
Community Member
President & CEO, TITAN Freight Systems; Board Member, Word is Bond; Board Member, Shelter Now “Her extensive resume, strong leadership, focus on reform and accountability to the office and the people of our county is the type of sheriff we need at this critical time. I trust Nicole to ensure every voice in our county is considered and matters. Please join me in supporting Nicole to be our next Multnomah County Sheriff.”
Chairman, Pendleton Woolen Mills “Nicole's experience and her ability to articulate on behalf of the people of Portland is exceptional. We are fortunate to have leaders like Nicole who are willing to step forward to represent Multnomah County.”
Yamhill County Sheriff "Nicole’s approach to public safety starts with collaboration. She works to build partnership and trust by acknowledging we all have a role to play in making our communities safer. She is an effective leader who will serve Multnomah County well as your next Sheriff."
Owner at Stark Investments
Sports Medicine “We are pleased that Nicole is exceptionally qualified and experienced to be the next Multnomah County Sheriff and would love to see her be the first woman Sheriff in Multnomah County.”
Director of Finance and Human Resources, Columbia River Fire and Rescue “I’ve known Nicole since childhood. She has always been dependable, honest, and driven toward excellence. I am so proud to call her a friend and excited to soon call her Sheriff.”
Mayor of Troutdale “Undersheriff Morrisey O'Donnell, in my opinion, is the most qualified for the job.”
Attorney and business owner "Best person for the job."
Realtor & Former Special Olympics Oregon Employee "Nicole is a kind, empathetic, compassionate and funny person. During her time volunteering for Special Olympics Oregon, I was able to witness this first-hand as she connected with our athletes. She is a fierce advocate for our community!"
Attorney at Law “She is a 21st Century LEO; smart, has the requisite experience, training, and understand how Multnomah County's corrections staff and road deputies should act dealing with citizens."
Owners of Harnish Properties "The pressing issues of Multnomah County seep into all surrounding counties. There are regional issues and we need Nicole to provide the leadership to keep us all safe and healthy."
Retired Captain, Asotin County Sheriff's Office “Skilled leader with the experience and knowledge to facilitate positive change for the community.”
Attorney
Attorney “I believe Nicole will foster change for the better, build relationships and trust based on experience and knowledge and bring Portland back to what it used to be.”
Retired Community Member "Nicole is a consensus builder made possible by her understanding of the problem, knowledge, and hard work."
Teacher “She is committed to bringing back the safe neighborhoods for which Portland is known.”
IN THE MEDIA
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell Reports 50% Increase in Hiring; Applauds County Investments
"Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell credited the success to county budget investments and modernized hiring practices during a briefing to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday March 17, 2026. In 2025, MCSO hired 114 employees. This marks the first time since 2022 that new hires exceeded separations.
This positive update comes at a time when Multnomah County’s public safety system is seeing increased demands. As law enforcement agencies throughout the county increase their public safety initiatives, jail bookings have increased.
In February 2026, MCSO processed 1,721 standard jail bookings, up 22% from February 2025. "
MCSO Leads Multi-Agency Initiative to Increase Public Safety Along TriMet Transit Corridors
"As part of ongoing efforts to increase public safety in North Portland and along transit corridors, TriMet’s Transit Police Division, led by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, coordinated a high-visibility enforcement mission.
High-visibility enforcement, whether through uniformed presence, foot and bicycle patrols, or a strong presence at major events – deters potential crime and increases safety for neighbors as well as TriMet riders and staff.
The effort resulted in the arrest of 16 people along the northern boundaries of the MAX Yellow Line.
The five-hour mission, held on February 12, 2026, targeted livability issues and criminal activity to promote a safer environment."
MCSO Celebrates 29 Adults in Custody Graduating Reentry Skills Program in 2025
“IN2WORK and MCSO are focused on preparing people to reenter our community with skills that translate into purpose,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “When we equip adults in custody with life skills, we are strengthening our communities, working to reduce recidivism, and creating pathways to stability, while supporting public safety.”
“IN2WORK is an opportunity to help transform lives, and create opportunities for our graduates,” said Eddie Climber, district manager for Aramark’s western region.
Suspected Impaired Driver Crashes Into MCSO Patrol SUV During DUII Memorial Mission
"The crash occurred during a DUII patrol mission conducted in honor of two MCSO reserve deputies who were killed in 1993 by an impaired driver. At approximately 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, a vehicle hit the deputy’s patrol SUV at Northeast 162nd Avenue and Northeast Fremont Street in Portland.
Fortunately, the crash did not injure the deputy or the passenger.
The crash happened several hours into a high‑visibility DUII patrol mission conducted in partnership with Oregon State Police, Gresham Police, and TriMet Transit Police."
Show your support for Nicole - below you'll find resources to share across social media.
