Monmouth Police Department

08/24/2026

ROSCO
Kindness Citation MPD-00377

Kindness in Action: Melissa and Her Family

Monmouth Police Officer Smith had the great pleasure of meeting one of their community members, Melissa. Melissa came to the Monmouth Police Department with a small black pug she had found wandering near her home. Recognizing that the little dog was likely someone’s beloved pet, Melissa and her family took the time to make sure he was safe and brought him to us so we could help locate his family.

It didn’t take long for us to discover that the little pug had a name, Rosco, and most importantly a family who was looking for him!

Melissa took the time to stop, help a dog in need, and make sure he was somewhere safe. Due to her actions we were able to reunite Rosco with his family. What could have been a frightening and stressful situation for Rosco and his owners ended with a very happy reunion.

We love the dogs in our community, and we are especially grateful for the people who look out for them. Melissa and her family demonstrated exactly what it means to be a good neighbor: they saw someone, or in this case, somedog, who needed help and they stepped up. Their kindness made a real difference in Rosco’s day and helped bring him safely home to the people who love him.

Officer Smith was proud to recognize Melissa and her family with a Kindness Citation for their compassion, thoughtfulness, and willingness to help a member of our community in need. Thank you, Melissa and family, for keeping Rosco safe and helping us get this happy little guy back where he belonged!

Keep impacting your community one kind act at a time!

08/19/2026

Pupdate: She has been reunited with her owner. 🐶

Do you know this good girl? She was found today at Madrona Park today. If you know her owners, please have them reach out to us. 

08/18/2026

08/13/2026

We are appreciative of our partnership with local agencies and are grateful for the outcome of this case.

MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON IN MONMOUTH S*X ABUSE CASE.

DALLAS (OR) – Chance William Grooms, 25, has been sentenced to serve 75 months (6 years, 3 months) in prison for S*x Abuse in the First Degree arising out of a 2025 incident involving a special needs adult under his care.

Grooms, of Stayton was sentenced after pleading guilty to the single charge before Polk County Circuit Judge Monte S. Campbell. Grooms was sentenced according to Oregon’s Measure 11 mandatory sentencing laws. Consequently, he will not be eligible for any form of early release or sentence reduction. He will also be required to serve a 45-month term of Post-Prison Supervision upon his release and register as a s*x offender. Grooms has no prior criminal history.

The case was investigated by the Monmouth and Stayton Police Departments. It was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Shannon Clausen of the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.

08/11/2026

Pupdate: He is back home safe with his family. 🐶

We are asking folks to be on the lookout for this good boy. He was hit by a car yesterday near Western Oregon University. His owners are looking for him. If you seen him, please reach out to us.

08/07/2026

Pupdate: His owners have been located.

Do you know this good boy? He was found by Southtown Apartments today. If you know his owners, have them call us.

08/04/2026

UPDATE: Due to the heat advisory, worsening air quality, and the potential for high winds, tonight's National Night Out event has been cancelled.

The safety of our community, volunteers, staff, and first responders comes first. Thank you to everyone who helped plan and support this event. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing everyone at National Night Out next year.

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This is not a drill: National Night Out is coming to back to town!

Join your local first responders and neighbors for a relaxed backyard BBQ and community block party celebrating the Monmouth and Independence community.

Bring the whole family for food, drinks, lawn games and a chance to connect with the people who help keep our communities safe.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026
6–8 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church
200 Monmouth-Independence Hwy, Monmouth

One night. Two towns. One block party. We hope to see you there!

07/30/2026

A common misconception is that speeding is an interstate-related issue. Speeding happens, and is dangerous, on all roads. Please watch your speed, Monmouth. Get to your destination safely!

07/28/2026

Pupdate: She has been returned to her owners. 🐶

Do you know this good girl? She was found near Stadium and Jackson. If you know her owners, have them call us.

07/15/2026

We want you to get to your destinations this summer, Monmouth. The speed limit exists to keep you safe. Don’t push the pedal and get to your destination safely.