ABOUT
Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell is the the first woman to serve as second-in-command of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
Prior to being promoted to undersheriff, she led the Law Enforcement Division where she was responsible for all public safety operations, community engagement, river patrol, and search and rescue missions. MCSO serves unincorporated Multnomah County and the contract cities of Maywood Park, Wood Village, Fairview, and Troutdale. Undersheriff Morrisey O’Donnell has helped the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office develop more positive, community-engaged, effective strategies to understand and address the unique public safety needs of our area. She is deeply dedicated to building trust through open, honest public safety engagement and community service.
Nicole is a native Oregonian and University of Portland Criminal Justice graduate. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys running, golf, and spending free time volunteering with Special Olympics Oregon. She lives in Portland with her husband Bobby.
MISSION & PRIORITIES
REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE
Preventing gun violence in all forms, including group violence, domestic violence, self-harm, and criminal acts involving a firearm must be one of our top priorities. This begins by enforcing laws aimed at keeping guns out of dangerous hands, especially those who have been barred by our courts from possessing a firearm. We must invest in community-driven interventions and support services, thorough investigative efforts, information sharing with system partners, and be a leader in developing collaborative efforts to break the cycle of violence. As Sheriff, I will pursue comprehensive, collaborative, and evidence-based approaches to preventing gun violence in our community.
“Under Nicole’s command, MCSO had its largest seizure of illegal guns in history. She will be ready to lead on day one to combat gun violence.”
-Multnomah County Deputy Sheriffs Association
PROVIDE SAFETY & RESOURCES FOR OUR HOMELESS NEIGHBORS
We will never solve homelessness by punishing attempts to survive. At the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Homeless Outreach and Programs Engagement team that I lead employs a compassionate, outreach-first approach to connect people experiencing homelessness with the services and resources they need for housing and health. Understanding that each person may be experiencing a variety of barriers to permanent housing, this team strives to meet people where they are and connect each individual with appropriate services based on their specific needs. As Sheriff, I will continue to prioritize a collaborative approach to helping those who are unhoused while also understanding and addressing the mental health and substance abuse system failures which have undermined community safety and the safe use of our public spaces.
“Nicole called me to find resources for a family facing eviction. She knew helping them find a safe place to live was the right thing to do and the best way to preserve community safety. As Sheriff, Nicole will work to make our communities safer for everyone.”
-Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda CDC
IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION
SAFETY
Traffic and pedestrian fatalities are up to the highest we’ve seen in over 30 years, and many folks in our community don’t feel safe riding public transportation. That’s why transportation is a critical piece of my dedication to overall community safety. Whether you’re riding TriMet, walking or rolling across the street, driving your kids to school, or riding your bike, everyone in our community deserves to be safe.
As Sheriff, I will reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by increasing enforcement in high speed, high crash areas with a focus on dangerous driving behavior and I will continue working with TriMet and community stakeholders to ensure all community members feel safe and welcome on public transportation.
“Nicole is highly engaged and demonstrates a cutting edge understanding of public health and trauma-informed responses to transit and street safety.”
-The Street Trust Action Fund
SUPPORT A TRAUMA-INFORMED RESPONSE TO OUR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS
We have a public health crisis in our community we must come together to solve. Law enforcement cannot be a one-stop solution to the behavioral health crisis while serving the broader needs and values of our community. Alternative dispatch and intervention by trained social service responders have an important role to play in a comprehensive community safety plan. As Sheriff, I will work with our county health partners to develop an integrated law enforcement approach that supports a more efficient, holistic response to individuals in our community experiencing a mental health crisis.
BUILD COMMUNITY TRUST
As Sheriff, I will work to ensure everyone feels safe and, most importantly, is protected in practice and not only in word, whoever they are or wherever they live. Law enforcement officials must be able to honestly and credibly engage in open discussions about systemic racism including failures in both actions and communication, and we must commit to improving transparency and accountability as we work to build trust with all communities we serve. I am committed to engaging in these difficult conversations because I believe I am entrusted with a duty to serve and represent all community members.
"Nicole shares our values and believes that building trust and relationships is the key to building communities where we all feel safe to raise our families and live our lives. She's the Sheriff we need during this time of transition."
-Roy Pittman
FAIR ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Our corrections system must not only provide a safe environment to serve the needs of community safety but also uphold the humanity of the people under its supervision. The act of being held accountable can be a critical inflection point for changing behavior, but it must leave all of us more confident in the fair administration of justice. I started my career in corrections and I have seen firsthand the benefit of collaborating with social service providers and behavioral health professionals to promote a safe and productive environment for those living and working in our jails. I support a corrections system that promotes a process where justice-involved individuals accept responsibility for their actions while also working toward repairing the harm they have created in the community.
Before we ask police to uphold our laws, we must hold law enforcement itself accountable for upholding our values, serving with honor and treating everyone with the fundamental respect our Constitution and our community demand.
ENDORSEMENTS
The backbone of Nicole’s campaign are the community leaders, elected officials, organizations and individuals supporting her run for Multnomah County Sheriff. These are the people who share her values and vision for making Multnomah County a safe place for everyone to live and work. Ready to join Team Nicole?
Former Governor of Oregon
Former Governor of Oregon
Multnomah County Chair "Nicole is a proven leader and trusted champion for justice. She is the best choice for Sheriff."
CEO of Hacienda CDC “I have had the opportunity to work with Nicole, and her approach to public safety is rooted in collaborating with community partners. That's the kind of leadership we need in law enforcement.”
President of Somali American Council of Oregon "Nicole has the experience, understanding and the compassion necessary to serve all communities in Multnomah County."
Multnomah County Sheriff "Nicole is one of the most capable public safety professionals I’ve worked with. She will be a great sheriff.”
Oregon State Senator "This is an easy choice. Nicole is one of the few dual certified law enforcement professionals, making her the most qualified candidate. I’m excited to support a smart and compassionate woman to lead the state’s largest Sheriff’s Office."
Retired, Peninsula Wrestling Club Coach and North Portland Icon "Nicole shares our values and believes that building trust and relationships is the key to building communities where we all feel safe to raise our families and live our lives. She's the Sheriff we need during this time of transition.”
District Attorney Multnomah County (Retired) "Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell is an excellent choice for Sheriff. While I was District Attorney we worked on many projects and I saw that she possesses the combination of ability, integrity and compassion needed in public safety today."
Former Counsel to Oregon’s U.S. Attorney on Community Engagement and Strategic Enforcement "I worked with Nicole Morrisey O'Donnell in my former role with the U.S. Attorney. Her unique understanding of our community’s challenges sets her apart. As Sheriff, she will serve with compassion, integrity and transparency."
Former United States Attorney for Oregon “Nicole understands that justice requires public safety measured with respect and collaboration with the community -- and people across Multnomah County.”
Oregon State Senator "Our new sheriff needs to be ready to lead on day one; Nicole is that person."
Pediatrician & Former Multnomah County Health Officer “While Multnomah County Health Officer, I worked with Nicole on the hardest problems we face. She listens, decides, acts then is willing to change course if needed. That is what we need.”
CEO, and former Reserve Police Commander at Portland Police Bureau “Nicole has the experience of Undersheriff and wants the Sheriff's Office to do their part making Multnomah County safer, reducing the homeless population, and serving our community.”
Clackamas County Sheriff “Compassion, transparency, accountability, and the qualifications to serve as Sheriff. These qualities and more make Nicole the best choice for Multnomah County Sheriff.”
Mayor of Maywood Park "I strongly support Nicole for Multnomah County Sheriff. She is informed, responsive and engaged with our community."
Washington County Sheriff "Nicole has the leadership skills and the vast experience needed to be the best sheriff during these important times."
Oregon State Representative
Hood River County Sheriff “Nicole is a proven leader that understands the value of relationships and working together to accomplish mutual goals.”
Former Multnomah County Sheriff
Mayor of Wood Village “With a heart for service, an command level experience with corrections and law enforcement, Undersheriff Morrisey O'Donnell is the right leader to bring us through these troubling times.”
Educator “Nicole is smart and brave and deeply human. She’s willing to speak truth to power when people are locked into divided and entrenched positions. This city needs brave and ethical leaders in law enforcement, and I can’t imagine anyone willing to work harder for these changes than Nicole.”
Community Member
President & CEO, TITAN Freight Systems; Board Member, Word is Bond; Board Member, Shelter Now “Her extensive resume, strong leadership, focus on reform and accountability to the office and the people of our county is the type of sheriff we need at this critical time. I trust Nicole to ensure every voice in our county is considered and matters. Please join me in supporting Nicole to be our next Multnomah County Sheriff.”
Chairman, Pendleton Woolen Mills “Nicole's experience and her ability to articulate on behalf of the people of Portland is exceptional. We are fortunate to have leaders like Nicole who are willing to step forward to represent Multnomah County.”
Yamhill County Sheriff "Nicole’s approach to public safety starts with collaboration. She works to build partnership and trust by acknowledging we all have a role to play in making our communities safer. She is an effective leader who will serve Multnomah County well as your next Sheriff."
Owner at Stark Investments
Sports Medicine “We are pleased that Nicole is exceptionally qualified and experienced to be the next Multnomah County Sheriff and would love to see her be the first woman Sheriff in Multnomah County.”
Director of Finance and Human Resources, Columbia River Fire and Rescue “I’ve known Nicole since childhood. She has always been dependable, honest, and driven toward excellence. I am so proud to call her a friend and excited to soon call her Sheriff.”
Mayor of Troutdale “Undersheriff Morrisey O'Donnell, in my opinion, is the most qualified for the job.”
Attorney and business owner "Best person for the job."
Realtor & Former Special Olympics Oregon Employee "Nicole is a kind, empathetic, compassionate and funny person. During her time volunteering for Special Olympics Oregon, I was able to witness this first-hand as she connected with our athletes. She is a fierce advocate for our community!"
Attorney at Law “She is a 21st Century LEO; smart, has the requisite experience, training, and understand how Multnomah County's corrections staff and road deputies should act dealing with citizens."
Owners of Harnish Properties "The pressing issues of Multnomah County seep into all surrounding counties. There are regional issues and we need Nicole to provide the leadership to keep us all safe and healthy."
Retired Captain, Asotin County Sheriff's Office “Skilled leader with the experience and knowledge to facilitate positive change for the community.”
Attorney
Attorney “I believe Nicole will foster change for the better, build relationships and trust based on experience and knowledge and bring Portland back to what it used to be.”
Retired Community Member "Nicole is a consensus builder made possible by her understanding of the problem, knowledge, and hard work."
Teacher “She is committed to bringing back the safe neighborhoods for which Portland is known.”
MEDIA
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