Opinion ID: 1404439
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: subconstitutional analysis

Text: Before reaching defendant's state and federal constitutional claims, we first examine whether the deputy sheriff acted lawfully under proper authorization by a politically accountable lawmaker. [4] Article VI, section 8, of the Oregon Constitution provides that every county sheriff shall perform such duties, as may be prescribed by law. [5] ORS 206.010 provides that the sheriff is the conservator of the peace of the county. That statute sets forth the general duties that a sheriff shall perform. [6] As used in the Oregon Vehicle Code, [7] police officer includes a sheriff or a deputy sheriff, ORS 801.395, except where the context of a statute requires otherwise. ORS 801.100. Various provisions of the Oregon Vehicle Code vest a police officer with certain authority to enforce its provisions. [8] In attempting to enforce Oregon traffic laws, a police officer shall be in uniform or shall conspicuously display an official identification card showing the officer's lawful authority. ORS 810.400. The authority of a police officer to direct, control or regulate traffic at or near the scene of an accident and to require a person operating a motor vehicle to stop is established by certain provisions of the Oregon Vehicle Code. ORS 811.540 [9] requires a person operating a motor vehicle to bring his or her vehicle to a stop if given a visual or audible signal to do so by a police officer who is in uniform and prominently displaying the police officer's badge of office. A driver of a motor vehicle is required by ORS 801.510 [10] to stop, even though otherwise prohibited by Oregon statute, [11] if directed to do so by a police officer. A driver of a motor vehicle is required by ORS 811.535 [12] to obey any lawful order, signal or direction of a police officer who has lawful authority to direct, control or regulate traffic. Deputy Sheriff Achziger, who was wearing his uniform with a badge displayed on it, therefore, was authorized by a politically accountable lawmaker to stop defendant and advise defendant of the accident ahead and the need to detour through Dufur. [13]