Nick Hunter
Sheriff Nick Hunter was appointed Sheriff on June 30, 2023, and was elected on November 5, 2024.
Sheriff Hunter was hired by Marion County as a Reserve and separately as a Facility Security Aide in November 2001. In May 2002, he promoted to a position of temporary deputy in the Jail. In March 2004, Sheriff Hunter was hired as a Reserve by the City of Independence and later became a full-time 
Police Officer in December 2004. In August 2008, he returned to Marion County after being hired as an Enforcement Deputy. Four years later he was promoted to Sergeant in September 2012, and then to Lieutenant in July 2015. Sheriff Hunter spent thirteen years as a member of Marion County SWAT, serving in the role of SWAT Commander for seven years.
His favorite part of the office is the people. When he left his previous agency, returning to MCSO, he said he was returning to family. When asked what advice he would give to a candidate applying to be on his team. Sheriff Hunter said be confident, be prepared, and be professional. Listen more than you talk, but don’t be afraid to ask questions. Own your actions and be ready to join the best public safety team in the state, where we are dedicated to a safer Marion County.
In his spare time, Sheriff Hunter enjoys home remodeling and projects, and spending time with his wife Samantha, who is his rock.
Undersheriff Jeremy Landers
Undersheriff Landers started with MCSO in Oct. 2004 as an enforcement deputy. Before coming to the Sheriff’s Office, he worked for a printing company where he learned about the importance of delivering great customer service. His favorite part of the office is its focus on being involved in the community and the commitment to professionalism, as well as being part of a team you are proud of. When asked what advice he would give to a candidate applying to be in his team, Undersheriff Landers encourages taking time to learn about the Sheriff’s Office including the mission, vision, and values and thinking carefully about how you can help deliver exceptional service to our community. Undersheriff Landers enjoys spending time with his family outdoors.
Contact the Sheriff at Sheriff@co.marion.or.us or 503-588-5094
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The Operations Division serves as the central hub of the Sheriff’s Office, overseeing critical administrative and support functions. Our team is primarily composed of Professional Staff and is responsible for managing the annual budget, office-wide contracts and grants, purchasing, the Civil and Records Units, Concealed Handgun Licensing, hiring, payroll, Judicial Security, the Cadet team, and volunteer coordination. We carry out these responsibilities with a commitment to excellence, ensuring that all operations run smoothly and efficiently in support of the Sheriff’s Office mission.
Commander Matt Wilkinson
Commander Matt Wilkinson has been with MCSO for over 20 years. Before officially joining MCSO in June 2003, Cmdr. Wilkinson volunteered with Search and Rescue in 1992. Some of his favorite memories include working a variety of assignments across the county's 1,200 square miles, including Marine and Forest Patrol, patrolling both rural and urban areas, serving as a detective, working in Traffic Safety, and serving on SWAT. He has especially enjoyed the teamwork and camaraderie within the MCSO family and how everyone supports each other during difficult times. When asked what advice he would give to someone applying to join his team, Cmdr. Wilkinson said it takes a person whose life's purpose is serving others, and who has courage, integrity, and the ability to listen and communicate effectively. In his free time, Cmdr. Wilkinson enjoys attending sporting events, boating on Detroit Lake, and spending time with his wife of 27 years, their four daughters, and granddaughter.
The Marion County Jail's primary mission is to ensure the safe and secure operation of our correctional facilities while meeting or exceeding state and federal standards. We are committed to safeguarding community safety and prioritizing the health and well-being of those in our custody. Our efforts are carried out through diligent and professional correctional practices, along with programs designed to support rehabilitation and reintegration. We take great pride in upholding the foundational values of our office: Humility, Diligence, Courage, and Professionalism, as we serve the citizens of Marion County. Deputies and staff are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Commander Jacob Ramsey
Commander Jacob Ramsey has been with MCSO since June 1998. Before coming to MCSO, Cmdr. Ramsey served 4 years in the United States Marine Corp. His most memorable assignment with the County is serving as a work crew leader. He was able to work with adults in custody on projects that enhanced the quality of life for the citizens of Marion County. When asked what advice he would give to a candidate applying to be in his team, Cmdr. Ramsey said a career in the Marion County jail is filled with challenges and can be difficult at times. However, it is rewarding and has allowed him to provide for his family and provide a valuable service to the community. In his free time, Cmdr. Ramsey enjoys hunting and fishing.
The Enforcement Division’s primary mission is to provide consistent response and follow through on cases and calls for service in order to help enhance our community’s livability. We carry out these efforts through patrol functions, Search & Rescue, SWAT, K-9, Reserves, criminal investigations, traffic safety, contracts with local cities, schools, the National Forest Service, and the State Marine Board. We strive to demonstrate our Office's vision of creating a safer Marion County through Partnership, Service, and Trust.
Deputies and supervisors are available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Commander Jason Bernards
Commander Bernards started with MCSO in May of 1999 as a cadet. He was hired in 2001 as a temp hire with the Judicial Security Unit and then full time in 2007. Prior to his promotion, he was a K9 handler for 11 years and served on the SWAT Team as a handler for 9 years. He was also a firearms instructor for 18 years. His favorite part of the office is the people he works with and the opportunity to serve and give back to the community he grew up in. When asked what advice he would give to a candidate applying to be on his team, Cmdr. Bernards said he looks for people who have a high moral and ethical compass, are great communicators, and have a team first attitude. Cmdr. Bernards is married, and he and his wife have two teenage children. In his past time, he enjoys coaching high school varsity football for Cascade High School.
The Community Corrections Division uses Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) and Community Policing to supervise clients, focusing on methods like Effective Practices in Community Supervision (EPICS), cognitive behavioral interventions, and motivational interviewing. The Division collaborates with other agencies and community partners to manage high-risk clients and provide specialized caseloads for areas like sex offenders, domestic violence, and drug-endangered children. The Division’s vision is to reduce recidivism through evidence-based practices, community collaboration, and justice partnerships.
Commander Mike Hartford
Commander Mike Hartford began his law enforcement career with the Washington State Department of Corrections in 2000. In 2003, he moved to Oregon and joined the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. In 2005, he accepted a position in Community Corrections with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, where he has served for the past two decades. Throughout his tenure, Commander Hartford has valued the alignment between the Office’s mission and his own professional principles.
When asked what advice he would offer to candidates seeking to join his team, Commander Hartford emphasizes the importance of doing the work, treating people with kindness, and maintaining a balance between accountability and compassion—values he believes are essential to effective community supervision and public safety.
He is an avid University of Oregon sports fan and a proud season ticket holder. Go Ducks!
