Sheriff says the Clark County Sheriff’s Office will not be changing how it enforces the law

Clark County Sheriff John Horch issued a statement Friday on his department’s Facebook page addressing questions he has received regarding this week’s revelation of a city of Vancouver memorandum that restricts Vancouver police from making arrests or issuing citations on a number of misdemeanor crimes.

Horch wanted to reassure residents that in the areas covered by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office there was no such directive.

Dear community members,

You may have seen news headlines this week about the City Attorney for the City of Vancouver directing changes to the enforcement of misdemeanor crimes within city limits. I’ve received numerous calls, texts, emails, and media inquiries asking whether the Clark County Sheriff’s Office is also changing how we enforce the law.

My answer is no.

I was elected to keep the people of Clark County safe, and that commitment has not changed. Our deputies will continue to respond to calls for service and take appropriate enforcement action when there is probable cause that a crime has been committed. Depending on the circumstances and the law, that may mean making an arrest, issuing a citation, or taking other action as deputies deem necessary. Decisions about whether criminal charges are ultimately filed remain the responsibility of the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

I want our community to know that our mission remains the same: to protect the people of Clark County, uphold the law with fairness and integrity, and continue providing the level of service you expect and deserve.

Thank you for your continued trust.

Sheriff John Horch