LOC News
Keynote Speaker Announced for LOC Spring Conference
The LOC is pleased to announce that Marion County Sheriff Nicholas Hunter will deliver the Opening Keynote address, "Policing with Compassion During the Addiction Crisis," for the upcoming Local Government Spring Conference, scheduled for April 25-26 in Klamath Falls.
Sheriff Hunter was appointed as the 41st sheriff of Marion County on June 30, 2023. He began his law enforcement career in November of 2001 by serving in two capacities for the Marion County Sheriff's Office. He started by volunteering as a reserve deputy for the Enforcement Division while also working as a facility security aide for the Marion County Jail.
Throughout his career, Sheriff Hunter has held many positions in a variety of disciplines, which has allowed him to gain experience in nearly all aspects of law enforcement.
Sheriff Hunter holds an Executive Certification from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Willamette University. He has a passion for education and teaching, which he views as a critical component to enhancing partnerships within the community and to also further the development of Sheriff's Office employees. Sheriff Hunter has participated as a national instructor in the field of human performance and de-escalation, while also providing expert testimony through the state courts.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is the only agency in the state operating a Law Enforcement Assisted Deflection (LEAD) program. While maintaining officer discretion, the LEAD program gives police officers and prosecutors a tool to vector a person suffering from addiction towards treatment and recovery and away from incarceration. As Ballot Measure 110 reforms take shape, LEAD programs will become ubiquitous throughout the state and cities will be playing a significant role in making them successful.
For more information on the LOC Spring Conference, including the full agenda and registration information, visit the conference webpage.
Contact: Brie Ligammari, Conference Coordinator - bligammari@orcities.org
Last Updated 3/22/24