[7] In August 2023, Morrisey-O'Donnel issued a directive clarifying that the county jail would only book suspects accused of felony and misdemeanor offenses, not those violating city ordinances.
[8] In late July 2024, when Portland Police made the first arrest under a policy restricting times and places where homeless residents could camp on public property, the sheriff's office declined to book the suspect pursuant to this directive.
[8] After criticism from Mayor Wheeler, Morrisey-O'Donnel defended the policy arguing that the corrections system should be used for individuals who pose a genuine danger to the public.
[9] On August 20, 2024, Morrisey-O'Donnel agreed to begin booking people accused of violating the ordinance for a 120 day trial period while evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of the new approach.
[11] She cites her father's near-death experience during an armed robbery as a primary reason for her choice to become a law enforcement officer.