Harney sheriff: Law enforcement ‘will not be intimidated’

Harney County Sheriff issued a statement Monday evening, reporting on attempts to intimidate federal workers and others and offering tips and advice on “prudent safety measures” to take at home on in vehicles due to the ongoing refuge occupation.

Here’s his statement, in full:

“When those who are now occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge first came to town several months ago, we started to see an up-tick in the number of vandalism, harassment and intimidation reports.

“In recent days, they issued a “call to action,” which resulted in the arrival of numerous outside militia members. They claim to be here in peace, but we continue to see behavior by some that is concerning.

“There are continual reports of law enforcement officers and community members being followed home; of people sitting in cars outside their homes, observing their movements and those of their families; and of people following them and their families as they move around the community. While not direct physical threats, these activities are clearly designed to try to intimidate.

“Specifically, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, which manages the refuge, has told me that while their employees are physically safe, this is clearly a distressful situation for all involved.

“As this issue has developed over the past week, employees and their loved ones have reported a number of uncomfortable incidences in which unknown individuals from outsideour community have driven past slowly or idled in front of their homes, observing the residents and their activities.

“In addition, self-identified militia members have attempted to engage employees and family members in debates about their status as Federal employees.Many of these confrontations are taking place as their employees are grocery shopping, running errands with their families and trying to lead their day-to day lives.

“Let me be clear: the law enforcement agencies – those that are local as well as the sheriff’s deputies from around the state, the Oregon State Police troopers and the FBI agents – will not be intimidated from doing their jobs.

“Everyone on the law enforcement side is working together to bring a peaceful resolution to this situation, and the behavior of these folks from outside of our community only serves to escalate the situation unnecessarily.

“The people on the refuge – and those who they have called to our community – obviously have no consideration for the wishes or needs of the people of Harney County. If they did, they, too, would work to bring this situation to a peaceful close.

“If you have concerns about harassment or what you believe to be intimidating tactics being used by outsiders, please call 541-573-3162. This line is not monitored 24 hours a day. If you feel your security is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.”

What should I report?

Unusual Activity or Situations, to include:

Vehicle observed in an odd location or at unusual times.
Unfamiliar vehicles frequently traveling through neighborhoods.
Recent vandalism to vehicles, property, or buildings.
Other out-of-the ordinary situations for the area where you live.
Unfamiliar people who are asking questions a facility’s or building’s purpose, operations, or security procedures or those who are scrutinizing personnel, shift changes, or facility procedures.

What information should I try to have when I report something?

When reporting suspicious activity, it is helpful to give the most accurate description possible, including:

Brief description of the activity
Date, time and location of the activity
Physical identifiers of anyone you observed
Descriptions of vehicles, including license plates
Information about where people involved in suspicious activities may have gone
Your name and contact information (optional)

Prudent safety measures to take at home:

Lock your doors. Turn on home alarms on if applicable.
Keep your curtains / blinds closed.
Have lighting on inside and outside your home during low light conditions. Don’t open the door for unknown people.
If unwanted people are on your property, call 911.
Be alert to unusual vehicles parked near your residence or those who are repeatedly driving by.

Prudent safety measures when you are in your vehicle:

Be alert to suspicious occupied vehicles parked near your residence or location prior to leaving.
If you suspect a suspicious person or vehicle is following you, return to your residence, lock the doors and call 911.
Be aware of vehicles following you.
If you suspect you are being followed, call 911 and drive toward the nearest law enforcement agency.
If confronted in your vehicle, do not roll down the windows or unlock the doors. Attempt to drive toward your nearest law enforcement agency and/or call 911.
Take alternating routes to and from your residence.