Admittedly, I am not happy about having so much contact with law enforcement (there are a lot of…read moreissues in my area), but I have to say that my experiences with the Salem Police Department have been exceptional. As a former prosecutor, I do know what to look for when it comes to judging experiences with the police, and it isn't just contact with the officer. Response time, investigations, quality of report writing, handling of matters, follow-up, and many other factors have to be taken into consideration. In my experience, Salem PD has excelled in all of those areas. I've lived in many major cities and I've lived in a few suburban areas. The police department here in Salem most definitely ranks at the top of my list for dependability, trustworthiness, and helpfulness. I want to note that Officer Orso is, hands down, the best officer that I have seen in my career, where I have had contact with thousands of officers. I watched him interview my client, who was a victim of a sexual assault. Orso was patient, kind, compassionate, and most importantly, he did not engage in any victim-blaming tactics that people use, generally without realizing it. I watched the interview with the victim, and found myself wishing that all officers who make contact with victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence could approach it in the same way that Orso did. Truly, he has set an incredibly high standard that all officers should live up to. Thank you, Officer Orso.

They pulled me over for some nonsense reason because they were randomly checking peoples license…read moreplates to see if vehicles had insurance. My insurance had lapsed because things have been tough, as I'm out of work due to a workplace injury. They don't care they towed me anyway and it's costing me 2 weeks worth of pay to get insurance and get it out! Leaving me with nothing but extended hardship. Salem cops are not friendly, they do not care, they are only after your money and freedom.

Stopped in to switched my CHL from Washington to Marion county since we moved…read more I arrived early for my appointment and the woman took my paperwork early and started running my background check. . Sometimes in Sheriff's offices some of the staff can be standoffish and rude. The woman helping me and the other staff were very nice. Finger prints and picture were taken and I had my new license in hand in under 10 minutes. All in all, a great experience.

Easy in, easy out…read more Nobody really wants to go the DMV, unless you're a teen getting your first license. And that she was - having just passed the driving test at an offsite location in Wilsonville, the daughter and I went to the nearest DMV to get her license. It turned out the Sherwood branch was a zoo, packed with people, a bit surprising for a Tuesday. Once we made our way to the Info booth, we learned that despite having her photo ID / permit, they still needed her birth certificate (again) and supporting documents. So we left empty handed and headed home. Once in Salem, we grabbed what we needed and headed to our local office. I was a bit nervous to see the lines, but was quickly relieved to see a mere fraction of the people in the last branch. She was quickly assigned a number, with only two people ahead, and just like that - there's a new independent teen driver sharing the roadway. Don't fret, if anything, she's overly cautious! Yes, obligatory photo snapped in front of the DMV sign with her temporary license, but no permission to share. I don't know whether to cry tears of joy or sadness now that she can come and go in her own car.

They were efficient, friendly and quick. We had a few things to do and we were out of there in one…read morehour. What a great experience.

This place is old and falling apart. Outside stairs are rusty and unsafe looking. We were there to…read morevisit, and I am in a power chair, so you are supposed to ring a bell to notify staff you are there. When I reached up to press the bell, it fell off the wall and just dangled there, broken. The phones in the visitor area were largely out of order as well.

No, I didn't go to the slammer. I did however go to the OSP Car Show to benefit the children of…read moreincarcerated inmates. The Show has been going on over 42 years now and proceeds go to fund inmates children to go to a two week summer camp with other kids whose parents are incarcerated. The inmates look forward to this every year and entry is $45.00 (they have to do a background check) and you get notification you are in about 1-2 months before the show. They provide you with an orange shirt which is your to keep, have a great raffle with some pretty cool prizes with some actuallybeing made by the inmates. They also feed you breakfast and lunch (pizza) as you are in there for the duration (about 8 hours). If into classic cars, worth looking into the most unique car show in the state.

In Salem for my birthday roadtrip, and wanted to do local things. I was told that the Capitol…read morebuilding was closed while under construction, but I could try to get a tour of the Supreme Court building instead. It's the oldest structure on the Mall, and looks great for its age. The experience did not disappoint! After going through security, I approached the beautiful staircase. Hanging glass sculptures of feathers went up each side, leading to glass wings on the third landing. I peeked into the law library and that's when the education began. Emily, the Lawyer/Librarian who gave me a most excellent behind the scenes tour, made it quite memorable. From the architecture to an intricately carved donated wooden chest, to the women and men making a difference in Oregon's politics, I learned so much. Seeing the handwritten notes inside the Courtroom drawers was a highlight. This visit absolutely made up for missing the tower tour at the Capital Building. I can go back when construction is finished.

I'm visiting Oregon and bought a shellfish license. I set up a user name and password and paid my…read morefees. The state was good about taking my money, but there was no correspondence to my license. I went to the website, and my user name and password don't work now. If I get stopped, I'll just show my bank account statement showing the money was taken.

I don't have any issues with them per se, but I think they could at least do one thing better: Make…read morefishing licenses good 12 months from the date of purchase instead of just from Jan - Dec. If I don't remember to buy one in January (or February, at the latest) I feel too ripped off to go in and get one because I know I'm not getting a full 12 months. So you lost revenue right there, but your answer to the lack of revenue stream is to increase prices. Huh. How's that working out for you?

Super friendly and helpful!…read more I wandered in here within my first 20 minutes in Salem, lost as could be, and the awesome lady handed me maps, gave me pointers on where to look for good rentals, and even customized a map for me when I told her the things I was looking for. A great ambassador for the city of Salem. Hooray!