
Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter brings a fresh perspective to law enforcement, blending years of field experience with a deep passion for community engagement. While many see policing as just law enforcement, for Nick, it's much more. His focus on *community policing* is clear—he believes that the safety of Marion County is a collective effort, one where law enforcement and the community must work hand in hand. As he puts it, "Public safety is the community. It's the community and law enforcement working together." His journey from aspiring medical professional to Marion County’s top cop has been marked by a commitment to solving local issues, such as addiction, homelessness, and community violence, through proactive community involvement and legislative advocacy.
A Career Driven by Community Policing
Hunter’s journey to becoming sheriff wasn’t the traditional one. Growing up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, in a family of medical professionals, he initially pursued a career in medicine. But a single ride-along with a Salem Police Department sergeant changed the course of his life. “It took all of about two minutes of riding with [Sergeant Mike Basket], and I said, ‘This is what I want to do,’” Hunter recalls.
Since that moment, Hunter has dedicated his life to law enforcement, but he’s never lost sight of what brought him into the field in the first place: the desire to serve and protect his community. He sees law enforcement as more than just policing—it's a partnership with the people of Marion County. “Public safety is the community. It’s the community and law enforcement working together,” Hunter emphasizes. This philosophy is at the heart of his approach to community policing, where collaboration with the public is essential for effective crime prevention and resolution.
Hunter’s responsibilities as sheriff are wide-ranging. Overseeing four divisions and managing a $94 million budget, his role is akin to that of a city manager or mayor, ensuring that every part of the Sheriff’s Office works in unison to address the community's needs. But for Hunter, the most important part of his job is maintaining open lines of communication with the people he serves, fostering trust, and encouraging residents to actively participate in keeping their communities safe.
Tackling the Homeless Crisis and the Drug Epidemic
One of the greatest challenges facing Marion County—and many other parts of Oregon—is the interconnected crises of homelessness and addiction. For Hunter, these issues are not just public safety concerns but deep-rooted social problems that demand comprehensive, long-term solutions.

"The addiction crisis, theft, and then community violence... they all sort of intermingle," he says. Hunter sees a direct link between the rise in property crime, violence, and the increasing number of individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness. But addressing these problems requires more than just enforcement—it demands compassionate, data-driven strategies that focus on getting people the help they need.
Hunter has been a vocal advocate for increased mental health services and treatment facilities. “To get someone into treatment... we’ve got to be able to get those folks into stability,” he explains. Without a foundation of stability, efforts to treat addiction or mental illness are often ineffective. That’s why Hunter believes that local governments and law enforcement must push for legislative changes that will provide better resources for mental health care, addiction treatment, and affordable housing.

The sheriff is also working to connect those struggling with addiction to resources through programs like the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, which focuses on diverting low-level offenders away from jail and into treatment programs. These initiatives aim to break the cycle of addiction and homelessness that fuels much of the criminal activity in the county.
The Role of Community in Law Enforcement

Community involvement is a central pillar in Hunter’s vision for public safety. From participating in local neighborhood meetings to encouraging residents to report suspicious activity via tools like Ring cameras and the Nextdoor app, Hunter wants Marion County residents to feel empowered to take an active role in their own safety.
"If you share that piece of information, you may solve 15 theft cases for your neighbors in your community," Hunter notes. Small actions, such as reporting minor incidents, can often have a significant impact, helping law enforcement to connect the dots in larger investigations. For Hunter, community policing isn't just about visibility; it's about fostering a relationship where citizens and deputies work side by side.
Recruiting and retaining quality officers to support these community efforts is another challenge Hunter is keenly aware of. The changing landscape of law enforcement means that fewer people are looking to join the field as a lifelong career. But for Hunter, quality trumps quantity. “I will not sacrifice quality for quantity. Absolutely not. That’s not what the citizens of Marion County deserve,” he asserts.
His approach to recruitment focuses on finding candidates who are not only qualified but are also committed to the mission of community policing. He encourages those with a passion for serving their community to consider law enforcement, offering opportunities for career growth within the Sheriff's Office.
Legislative Advocacy and Long-Term Solutions
Hunter’s vision for a safer Marion County doesn’t stop at the county line. He recognizes that many of the issues facing law enforcement, such as addiction and homelessness, require statewide and even national solutions. That’s why he’s actively involved in advocating for legislative changes that would provide better mental health services, treatment facilities, and resources for those in need.

“We need folks to get involved that want to come, give a personal story, talk about your personal journey, and give that information back to the legislature because that has tremendous value,” Hunter says. He believes that by sharing real stories from the community, they can push for meaningful changes at the state level that will have a lasting impact on public safety.
One of the areas where Hunter sees a critical need for legislative action is in the creation of secure residential treatment facilities (SRTFs), where individuals struggling with mental illness or addiction can receive long-term care. These facilities would provide a stable environment where people can get the treatment they need before reintegrating into society. Without them, law enforcement is often left to deal with the symptoms of much larger systemic issues.

The Future of Marion County’s Public Safety
Nick Hunter’s leadership as Marion County Sheriff is defined by his proactive, community-first approach to law enforcement. His focus on building relationships, addressing the root causes of crime, and advocating for long-term solutions makes him not only a sheriff but also a community leader.
From addressing the challenges posed by homelessness and addiction to emphasizing the importance of recruiting quality law enforcement officers, Hunter is working to ensure that Marion County remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. His message is clear: public safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together, law enforcement and the community can create lasting, positive change.
Want to hear the full conversation with Sheriff Nick Hunter?
👉 [https://youtu.be/VyNQ_V4GHJU] and dive deeper into his thoughts on community policing, mental health, and the future of public safety in Marion County.
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