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.

Bad food, closes day room too early, not selective about membership. Staff can be very rude. One…read morestar because I can't give zero. However, it's been over 7 years since my last visit. Will not go back.

Many years ago I had the pleasure of spending the night in Marion County Jail. I was never…read moreofficially "in" jail--just in intake, but that was bad enough. They are highly skilled in mind-fuckery. They move you from room to room for no reason, keep the temp just high enough to not kill, keep information about you from you, and treat you as if you've already been convicted. I'm not sure who sucks more--corrections officers or police officers. And you better not question their authority. If you do, you'll end up all by yourself in a cold room with an extended stay. All this, for a charge that was ultimately dropped. Fuck I hate cops. As for the courthouse, those of us who can, in the courts eyes, afford to hire our own lawyer will waste tons of money because 90% of your court appearances will last no longer than 5 minutes. How much do you think a real lawyer will charge for this? Waste of goddamn time and money. A lawyer once told me that Marion county is the second worst county in Oregon. I believe it.

This morning at 8:05am I was in CoosBay oregon traveling exactly 30th. WHICH IS THE SPEED LIMIT. An…read moreOSP patrol car was weaving in out of cars and pulled behind me. REMIND YOU.. I WAS DOING THE SPEED LIMIT. I was concentrating on what was in front of me and not focusing on what was going on behind me when I hear a loud voice over an intercom telling me " PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GO THE SPEED LIMIT" It startled me to the point he is lucky I didn't cause an accident. I merged over into the right lane and he passed me . THERE WERE TWO CARS IN THE RIGHT LANE ** 2 car lengths BEHIND ** me going less than the speed limits obviously or else they would have been next to me. After a half of a block OSP changed lanes and got in front of me . This when I threw my hands up and pointed to the cars driving slower than me in the right lane . DONT ABUSE YOUR AUTHORITY DUE TO IMPATIENCE. You are NOT above everyone else driving who obeys speed limits. I'm beginning to think Police are the nerdy kids back in highschool who told on everyone and ate lunch with the teachers . No wonder OSP is always hiring. Who would wanna work around men and woman that just must be a real fun time at BBQs. What a joke. I have never had a ticket or been in an accident in my lifetime. I'm a good driver and NEVER have I been told to get over on a surface st. Not have I ever been yelled at over a megaphone from a moving vehicle . Isn't that only a rule on 1-5 and other Oregon freeways? I will never advocate for the Police again. No wonder people have zero respect nowadays for law enforcement. I was unaware until today that Police didn't want anyone to abide by a speed limit in oregon.

Do not respond to illegal fireworks on the beach in Yachats. Telephoned three nights in a row only…read moreto speak with a rude dispatcher who could care less. Police need to enforce the law and do their jobs. It is obvious from the news we are all in danger when they go around acting entitled.

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.

Very helpful with questions by phone but you have to make a phone appointment to complete any tasks…read moreneeded & takes about a month to do so. The old days of just walking in to get help is no longer available

the claims specialist (named Craig) called right on time for my appointment yesterday morning. He…read morewas friendly and after verifying my identity, he explained the application process and then took my disability application and disability report information and put it into the computer. I was impressed how painless this process was. I hope the federal government will end the hiring freeze and FULLY staff each of the field offices so that the public can receive the service they need. I had called their toll-free number 1800-772-1213 and was on hold for over 5 hours. I stayed on the line even AFTER the field offices close at 4pm, and was pleasantly surprised when a rep answered the call at 7:30pm and got my appointment scheduled.

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.