12/2/21, 11:03 AM
PRESS RELEASE
“DPSST MUST IMPROVE TO BUILD PUBLIC TRUST & ACCOUNTABILITY”
Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s DPSST AUDIT focused only on allegations of “ongoing police misconduct” and the need for improved Accountability and Public Trust. However, DPSST also certifies/licenses correction officers, parole and probation officers, regulatory specialists (OLCC), telecommunicators (9-1-1), emergency medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security, PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS (emphasis added), fire service professionals and polygraph examiners in the State of Oregon.
Secretary Fagan’s Audit missed an opportunity to shine a bright light on the Private Investigators Division.
DPSST In 2020, was weaponized by the Crooked River Ranch Association and used to do their bidding against Ranch Matters News Service and John Stevens’ private investigators license.
The DPSST Investigator failed to conduct any professional investigation, while at the same time demanding answers to questions about undisclosed allegations that were later dismissed as “FALSE/UNFOUNDED.”
Supposedly, DPSST sets and enforces standards-shouldn’t they follow the same standards?
Teaching Constitutional Rights, ones due process rights, should be a key aspect of DPSST’s role and when they fail to abide by their own standards and rules they need to be held to a higher standard.
In our particular case, it took assistance from Governor Kate Brown’s Office, Senator Lynn Findley and the Oregon Department of Justice via an ORDER against DPSST last April.
DPSST wields a lot of unchecked power over many professional careers and reputations. There needs to be greater oversight, as well as, transparency and Accountability to improve Public Trust.
We reached out to Ms. Carla Axtman from the Secretary of State’s Office for a comment. Will update accordingly.
Secretary of State’s MEDIA RELEASE Attached
Ranch Matters Staff
