New-look security at Deschutes County Fair as Sheriff’s Office takes on new role

(Update: Adding information and video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregonians visiting next week's Deschutes County Fair can expect the same fun and entertainment as always, but security will have a new, yet familiar face.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will be heading up security for the first time next week at the fair, according to Sgt. Jayson Janes. It's a role formerly overseen by the Redmond Police Department, and a change worked out between the two agencies earlier this year.

Janes said the decision was made because the fair is a county event, on county land.

"We have it staffed pretty well," Janes said Tuesday. "We will be patrolling the area, and we will also have a booth set up, along with a command center in the Event Center."

Janes said the changes are not a result of last week's incident in Jefferson County.

“It sounds bad to say this, but it doesn’t really change anything," Janes stated. "Our goal for is for the public safety.” 

Geoff Hinds, the director for the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, is in his third year heading the fair. He told NewsChannel 21 Tuesday that safety is the top priority.

“We recognize that this is a huge event, it’s the largest county fair in the entire state, and it’s the largest event of its type on this side of the Cascades," Hinds said. "We take that very seriously. We take our fun very seriously, but the first step is making sure that we are safe and responsible to the community, and each and every person that joins us during the five days of fun.” 

The Deschutes County Fair runs August 3-7.