Office of the Sheriff

The Office of Sheriff is a constitutional office for the State of Oregon and is the only elected law enforcement position in the state or in the country for that matter. It has been important over the years that the Sheriff is elected and thus accountable directly to the people.

Sheriff Gautney was sworn into office on December 31, 2015 after the retirement of Sheriff Jim Hensley. Sheriff Gautney served as the Undersheriff of Crook County from January 3, 2011 until becoming Sheriff. He started his career with Crook County Sheriff’s Office in April 1985 and worked as a Criminal Patrol Deputy and later promoted to Criminal Patrol Sergeant. After more than 9 years with the Crook County Sheriff, Sheriff Gautney was hired by the Bend Police Department in July 1994.

While employed by the City of Bend Police, Sheriff Gautney served as a Patrolman, Criminal Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Criminal Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, and his last assignment with Bend Police was as Task Force Commander of the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, where he was assigned for 3 ½ years.

Sheriff Gautney returned to Crook County Sheriff’s Office on January 3, 2011, after serving 16 ½ years with the Bend Police.

Sheriff Gautney has an Associate Degree from Central Oregon Community College and a Police Executive Certificate through Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training. Sheriff Gautney is a 2007 graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

Sheriff Gautney is a long-time resident of Crook County. He is married to his wife Audrey and they have four children, one of which is a detective with the Redmond Police Department, and nine grand-children to keep them busy .