Clackamas County

Clackamas County is located in the northwestern part of Oregon, directly south of Multnomah County and the Portland metropolitan area. Established on July 5, 1843, it is one of the original four counties created by the Provisional Government of Oregon, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. Clackamas County Seat is Oregon City, which holds historical significance as the first incorporated city west of the Rocky Mountains and the terminus of the Oregon Trail.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services across Clackamas County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office manages Clackamas County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community policing and operates specialized units such as search and rescue, marine patrol, and a SWAT team. Notable programs include the Neighborhood Livability Project, which addresses community concerns about livability and safety.

Police Departments

In addition to Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Clackamas County. These include the Lake Oswego Police Department, Milwaukie Police Department, and West Linn Police Department, among others. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits. The agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, often coordinating through joint task forces and mutual aid agreements to ensure full coverage and response throughout Clackamas County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Law enforcement in Clackamas County is primarily provided by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2223 Kaen Road, Oregon City, OR 97045, with a phone number of. The Sheriff's Office website at www.clackamas.us/sheriff provides access to various public safety resources. Clackamas County operates Clackamas County Jail at the same Kaen Road location, housing adult inmates for both pre-trial detention and sentenced misdemeanants.

• Inmate lookup services are available online through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can search for current inmates by name, booking number, or other identifiers.
• Requests for arrest records, police reports, and booking information can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments, typically requiring a written request form and payment of copying fees.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the online inmate roster or by specific public records request.
• Processing times vary but agencies must acknowledge requests within a reasonable timeframe and provide records or cite exemptions.
• The Sheriff's Office also maintains records of warrants, registered sex offenders, and concealed handgun licenses, many of which are searchable online.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Clackamas County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks in Oregon can be conducted through the Oregon State Police, which provides criminal history reports for a fee. The Oregon Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking full criminal background information, so that Clackamas County residents have access to necessary public safety data.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Clackamas County are maintained by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to procedures outlined by the Oregon Public Records Law. A Clackamas County arrest record typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency. Requests for records can be made in person or through the Sheriff's Office website.

Jail & Inmate Records

Clackamas County Jail, located in Oregon City, is the primary detention facility for Clackamas County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information from arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines for visitors. In Oregon, the bond or bail process allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail is provided by the jail staff.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Clackamas County are taken and retained by Clackamas County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Oregon does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or they are acquitted. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification purposes.

Clackamas County's trial court system operates under the Oregon Judicial Department as part of the Fourth Judicial District. Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon City, OR 97045, handles all felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and custody, probate and estate matters, guardianships, adoptions, and appeals from lower courts. The court's main phone number is. Oregon Justice Courts handle small claims cases up to $10,000, landlord-tenant disputes, traffic violations, and misdemeanor criminal matters.

• There is no fee to search cases online, though detailed documents may require in-person requests or certified copies with associated fees.
• Fees for certified copies typically range from $5 to $25 depending on the document type and number of pages.
• The court provides self-help resources and forms for pro se litigants, including family law packets and small claims guidance.

Clackamas County Clerk's Office, located at 1710 Red Soils Court, Suite 100, Oregon City, OR 97045, is the official repository for land records and maintains documents affecting real property ownership and interests. The office can be reached at and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Document images can be viewed and printed for a nominal per-page fee.
• Recording fees are established by Oregon statute and vary by document type, with standard documents typically costing $63 for the first page and $5 for each additional page as of 2024.
• Certified copies are available for $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.

Vital records for Clackamas County, Oregon, are managed both at Clackamas County and state level. Birth and death certificates occurring in Clackamas County can be requested through Clackamas County Vital Records Office, which is part of the Public Health Division located at 1710 Red Soils Court, Suite 200, Oregon City, OR 97045. Birth certificates cost $25 for the first certified copy and $25 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Death certificates follow the same fee structure at $25 per certified copy.

• Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 2-4 weeks, while in-person requests at Clackamas County office can often be processed the same day if all requirements are met.
• Eligible requestors include the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders.
• The marriage license fee is $60 and there is no waiting period in Oregon, with licenses valid for 60 days from issuance.
• Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $25.
• Online ordering for birth and death certificates is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com for an additional service fee, offering expedited processing and delivery options.

Business records and licensing in Clackamas County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Clackamas County Clerk's Office at 1710 Red Soils Court, Suite 200, Oregon City, OR 97045, handles assumed business name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations and business name filings at Clackamas County level.

• This database includes entity name, registration number, status, registered agent, principal address, and filing history.
• Clackamas County Business & Community Services Department provides economic development resources and business assistance.

Elections in Clackamas County are administered by Clackamas County Clerk's Office, Elections Division, located at 1710 Red Soils Court, Suite 200, Oregon City, OR 97045. The Elections Office can be reached at and maintains a full website at https://www.clackamas.us/elections with voter information, election results, and candidate filing details. Oregon conducts all elections entirely by mail, with no traditional polling places.

• Oregon has same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register and vote until 8:00 PM on Election Day.
• The state's Motor Voter law automatically registers eligible citizens when they obtain or renew a driver's license unless they opt out.
• These records can be requested under Oregon Public Records Law, ORS 192.311-192.478.
• Since Oregon uses universal mail-in voting, all registered voters automatically receive a ballot approximately 18-20 days before Election Day.
• The Elections Office provides ballot tracking through the BallotTrax system, allowing voters to track their ballot from mailing through counting.

Clackamas County's economy is diverse and strong, benefiting from its proximity to Portland while maintaining its own distinct economic identity. With a labor force exceeding 230,000 workers, Clackamas County is a major employment center in the Portland metropolitan area. The median household income is approximately $85,000, significantly above the national average, reflecting Clackamas County's relatively prosperous economy.

Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail/VitalChek | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Full Online Access | Overall Score: 9/10, Clackamas County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online portals for property, courts, jail rosters, and elections.

Explore public records for 23 cities and communities in Clackamas County, Oregon.