Does Gaston Have Its Own Police Department or Is It Served by Washington County?

Learn about Does Gaston have its own police department or is it served by Washington County?

If you’re wondering, “Does Gaston have its own police department or is it served by Washington County?”, here’s the short version: Gaston does not operate its own municipal police department. Day-to-day law enforcement in the city is provided primarily by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). Nearby rural areas that cross into Yamhill County are handled by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), and Oregon State Police (OSP) assists on state highways like OR-47.

This guide explains how policing works in and around Gaston, who to call, and what to expect.

Quick Answer

Gaston does not have its own police department. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office patrols the city and responds to 911 calls. Parts of the surrounding area that fall in Yamhill County are served by the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office. Oregon State Police covers traffic issues on Highway 47 and assists as needed.

What Does Gaston have its own police department or is it served by Washington County? Means

  • No city police force: You’ll see sheriff’s deputies—not “Gaston Police”—handling patrols, traffic stops, and investigations.
  • Primary responder: Inside the city, WCSO is your main law enforcement agency.
  • County line matters: South and west of town, some addresses fall in Yamhill County, where YCSO responds.
  • Highway coverage: OSP often handles incidents on OR-47, the main road through Gaston.
  • 911 dispatch: Calls are routed through WCCCA (Washington County Consolidated Communications Agency) and sent to the right agency.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • Moving to town: New residents want to know who responds to emergencies and non-emergencies.
  • Business and events: Wineries, tasting rooms, and venues near Gaston often coordinate with the sheriff for large events or traffic control.
  • Outdoor plans: Visitors to Henry Hagg Lake (about 10 minutes east) want to know who handles lake safety and summer crowds.
  • Commuting and daily life: Locals driving OR-47 to Forest Grove (10–12 minutes north) or Hillsboro (20–25 minutes northeast) want clarity on traffic enforcement.

What to Expect

  • Response and patrols: Expect WCSO deputies in marked sheriff vehicles around town. On busy summer weekends, you’ll also see marine patrol at Hagg Lake.
  • Traffic enforcement: Speed limits tighten through downtown Gaston and near Gaston Junior/Senior High School on OR-47. Enforcement increases during school hours and harvest season.
  • Coverage areas:
    • Inside Gaston city limits: Washington County Sheriff’s Office
    • Nearby rural Yamhill addresses: Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office
    • Highway 47: Oregon State Police, with support from WCSO/YCSO
  • Distances to help centers:
    • Forest Grove: ~7 miles (10–12 minutes)
    • Hillsboro (county facilities): ~15–18 miles (20–25 minutes)
    • Portland: ~30 miles (45–60 minutes, traffic-dependent)
    • Henry Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley Park: ~5 miles east (about 10 minutes)

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • For emergencies: Call 911.
  • Non-emergency numbers (save these):
    • Washington County (WCCCA dispatch): 503-629-0111
    • Yamhill County (YCOM dispatch): 503-434-6500
  • If you’re on OR-47: Safely pull well off the roadway for incidents; expect OSP or a sheriff’s deputy.
  • Hagg Lake safety: Wear life jackets, watch posted hours, and expect increased patrols on warm weekends and holidays.
  • Planning an event: Contact WCSO in advance for guidance on traffic, crowd management, and permits.
  • New to town: Check your address to confirm whether you’re in Washington or Yamhill County—it determines your primary law enforcement agency.

Best Local Resources

  • Washington County Sheriff’s Office: co.washington.or.us/sheriff
  • Washington County 911/Dispatch (WCCCA) Non-Emergency: 503-629-0111 • wccca.com
  • Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office: co.yamhill.or.us/sheriff
  • Yamhill Communications Agency (YCOM) Non-Emergency: 503-434-6500 • ycom911.org
  • Oregon State Police: oregon.gov/osp
  • City of Gaston (city services and contacts): Search “City of Gaston Oregon” for current site and hours

Frequently Asked Questions About Does Gaston have its own police department or is it served by Washington County?

  • Who responds if I call 911 in Gaston?

    • Inside city limits, WCSO is dispatched. If your address is in Yamhill County, YCSO responds. Dispatchers route your call to the correct agency.

  • Who patrols Henry Hagg Lake?

    • Washington County Sheriff’s Office, including Marine Patrol, with seasonal increases on warm weekends and holidays.

  • How far is Gaston from Portland?

    • About 30 miles west. Plan on 45–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

  • Where do I go for concealed handgun licensing or fingerprinting?

    • Washington County residents use WCSO services in Hillsboro (appointment usually required). Check the WCSO website for current procedures.

  • Is Gaston family-friendly and safe?

    • It’s a small, close-knit community. Expect school-zone speed enforcement and regular sheriff patrols, especially along OR-47.

Summary

  • Gaston does not have a city police department.
  • Washington County Sheriff’s Office serves the city; Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office handles nearby rural Yamhill addresses.
  • Oregon State Police assists on Highway 47.
  • For emergencies, dial 911; for non-emergencies, use 503-629-0111 (Washington County) or 503-434-6500 (Yamhill County).
  • Living in Gaston: Commute times to Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Portland
  • Henry Hagg Lake: Parking, fees, and what to know before you go
  • Wine country near Gaston: Tasting room tips and designated driver options