New OSP Commander in Coos Bay, June 26

Lieutenant Steve Mitchell, age 40, takes over as Coos Bay Area Commander following the transfer of Lieutenant Steve Smartt to the OSP La Grande Area Command office. Lieutenant Mitchell started his career in 1997 and worked as a patrol trooper and sergeant at OSP offices in Klamath Falls, Roseburg, and Central Point. In 2010, he transferred to the OSP Office of Professional Standards for about a year before being promoted to lieutenant at the Oregon State University office where he worked for three years before transferring to the Coos Bay office.  The Coos Bay Area Command office oversees Patrol, Fish & Wildlife and Criminal division operations at two offices (Coos Bay and Gold Beach) supporting public safety services in Coos, Curry, and western Douglas counties. The two offices have a combined total staff of 21 sworn officers and two non-sworn employees.  Patrol troopers working out of the Coos Bay office have primary responsibility for patrolling approximately 242 miles of state highways in Coos and western Douglas counties. Fish & Wildlife Division troopers have primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with the laws and regulations that protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources and habitats within 1,800 square miles of Coos and western Douglas counties. One detective supports local law enforcement in the three counties with major criminal investigations and on interagency teams, while also providing criminal investigative services on state property and at state institutions.  Patrol troopers working out of the Gold Beach office have primary responsibility for patrolling approximately 100 miles of state highways. Fish & Wildlife Division troopers have primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with the laws and regulations that protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources and habitats within nearly 2,000 square miles of Curry County.