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News & Publications
CIS Connections is dedicated to keeping our members informed and engaged through a variety of resources. Our Real-Time Risk newsletter delivers timely insights on pressing topics, while Member Updates ensure you stay informed with essential information and calls to action. For those with workers' compensation coverage, Safety Shorts offer quick and practical safety tips to enhance workplace well-being. Additionally, our Siren Call publication features articles that resonate with the public safety community, fostering connection and knowledge sharing among our members.
This resource is general information for CIS members. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not create, modify, or interpret CIS coverage. Consult your own city or county attorney about your charter, code, and specific circumstances.
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Training Should Build Readiness — Not Create Injuries
Training is essential for keeping public safety professionals prepared, but it should never come at the cost of preventable injuries. This article explores common causes of training-related injuries, from fatigue and loss of focus to unsafe improvisation, and shares practical strategies to reduce risk. Learn how safety officers, proactive planning, and post-training reviews can help agencies create safer, more effective training environments while maintaining operational read
James Eriksen
6 days ago3 min read
Protecting Confidentiality in Accident and Incident Reviews
When reviewing workplace accidents, incidents, or near misses, it's important to balance safety learning with employee privacy. In this article, we'll explain how safety committees and organizations can share the information needed to identify hazards and prevent future incidents while protecting confidential personal and medical details, fostering trust, compliance, and a stronger safety culture.
Lisa Masters
Aug 313 min read
Why We're Excited About What's Coming Next
The future of the CIS Learning Center is taking shape. Powered by Docebo, the new platform will offer easier navigation, improved search, enhanced reporting, and more powerful administrative tools designed to support learning across your organization. As the phased transition begins in 2027, we're excited to share a preview of the features that will make training more accessible, flexible, and effective for Oregon's cities and counties.
CIS Learning Center
Aug 272 min read
Welcome to the Future of the CIS Learning Center
Big things are ahead for the CIS Learning Center, and we’re excited to bring you along for the journey! As many of you may have read in the Summer 2026 CIS Quarterly Report, we’re preparing for an exciting transition from our current SabaCloud platform to a new learning experience powered by Docebo. The change is necessary because SabaCloud is being retired by Cornerstone, but it also gives us an opportunity to create an even better experience for our members. This blog will
CIS Learning Center
Aug 142 min read
Wildfire Smoke and Heat Illness Prevention: A Critical Reminder for CIS Members
As wildfire season continues across Oregon, public employers play a critical role in protecting employees from wildfire smoke and excessive heat. Learn about Oregon OSHA requirements, key prevention measures, available CIS training resources, and practical steps your organization can take to keep employees safe while maintaining essential public services.
Katie Durfee
Aug 132 min read
Confidentiality and Compliance in Safety Committee Reviews —Guidance for Management and HR
Safety committee reviews are essential for improving workplace safety, but they must be conducted with careful attention to confidentiality and compliance. This article outlines key responsibilities for management and HR, including protecting employee privacy, applying the “minimum necessary” standard, and supporting effective safety discussions while meeting regulatory requirements.
Lisa Masters
Aug 113 min read
To Compliance… and Beyond!
Explore how Oregon OSHA’s SHARP and VPP programs help organizations move beyond basic compliance to build stronger safety cultures. Learn how these voluntary programs reduce injuries, lower costs, and demonstrate a commitment to protecting employees—while supporting CIS’s vision of safer, healthier workplaces.
Dustin Karstetter
Jun 23 min read
CIS Announces 2026 Rates for Property, Liability, Cyber, and 2027 Rates for Employee Benefits
Public entities across Oregon are navigating a challenging environment. Claims are more complex. Healthcare costs continue to climb. Litigation pressures remain high. The CIS Board of Trustees met and approved rates for upcoming PC Trust and Benefits Trusts renewals, maintaining the not-to-exceed rates presented earlier this year during the Annual Report session of the CIS Annual Conference in late February. Those rates reflect current claims experience, regional and national
CIS Member Relations
May 284 min read
Drug Screening and Psychological Screening for Public Safety Professional Staff
Public safety agencies may require pre‑employment drug or psychological screening only when it is job‑related and justified. Oregon law treats drug testing as a constitutional search, generally limited to safety‑sensitive roles. Blanket testing for non‑safety positions is discouraged. Agencies should use objective, role‑based standards, apply them uniformly, and document business necessity.
Jeff Williams
May 263 min read
Let's Keep the Lights On
Streetlight wiring theft is an emerging risk for cities and counties—one that can darken neighborhoods, disrupt services, and create public safety concerns. This Real-Time Risk highlights how these thefts occur and outlines practical, affordable steps members can take to protect critical infrastructure, reduce losses, and keep communities safely lit.
Dustin Karstetter
May 43 min read
Protecting Oregon's Public Employees from Bloodborne Pathogens
Oregon’s public employees face real, everyday risks from bloodborne pathogens—from handling contaminated waste to responding in emergencies. Identifying exposure risks, ensuring vaccinations, delivering meaningful training, and acting fast after incidents are essential steps to keep the people who keep our communities running safe.
Katie Vorderstrasse
Mar 93 min read
Annual Administration Reviews: A Strategic Risk Management Tool for Law Enforcement Agencies
CIS’s new Law Enforcement Annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire helps agencies strengthen internal controls, identify risks, and improve operations between Best Practices Assessments. This annual review supports early detection of vulnerabilities, enhances resilience, and may qualify agencies for premium credits—advancing CIS’s mission to promote safer, more effective law enforcement operations.
Sheila Lorance
Feb 203 min read
Managing the Risk Within: Employee Theft and Crime Coverage
Employee theft can happen anywhere, and its impact is costly. Crime coverage helps protect public funds when internal controls fail. Implement safeguards like segregation and rotation of duties, thorough audits, and clear financial policies. Regularly review insurance and bond coverage to ensure your organization is prepared to manage risk and maintain public trust.
Katie Vorderstrasse
Dec 30, 20255 min read
The Hidden Peril: Safeguarding Against Lithium-Ion Battery Risks
Lithium-ion batteries power our daily devices but can pose serious hazards. Prevent fires and injuries by using approved equipment, charging on non-flammable surfaces, and stopping use if batteries swell or overheat. Supervisors should train staff and plan for emergencies. Awareness and simple precautions keep everyone safe at work and home.
Margaret Ryan
Dec 8, 20253 min read
A Deep Dive — Public Safety Background Investigations
Oregon law requires thorough background checks for law enforcement and fire service personnel—covering criminal history, employment, finances, driving records, and more. Agencies must ensure consistency, document results, and avoid bias. These investigations reduce risk, protect reputation, and support safe, informed hiring decisions. As Gordon Graham says, “Predictable is preventable.”
Jeff Williams
Nov 17, 20256 min read
The Volatile Reality: Navigating the Hazards of Lithium-Ion Battery Use
Lithium-ion batteries power many devices but pose serious fire and safety risks if mishandled. This article outlines safety basics, warning signs, and the US Fire Administration’s “CHARGE” steps to help users stay safely powered up.
Margaret Ryan
Nov 3, 20255 min read
Cybersecurity Webinar, Oregon Statewide MS-ISAC Membership
Discover the tools and resources available through Oregon’s new MS-ISAC membership.
Greg Hardin
Oct 20, 20251 min read
National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day (Sept. 26)
You Are Not Alone: Mental Health, Suicide Awareness and Support
CIS Benefits
Sep 23, 20252 min read
Preventing Skin Cancer for Outdoor Workers
CIS encourages outdoor workers to protect their skin and prevent cancer with sun safety tips, annual screenings, and CIS-covered wellness benefits.
Katie Durfee
Sep 8, 20252 min read
The Critical Hand-Off: How Clear Medical Information from Law Enforcement Helps Prevent Arrestee Health and Suicide Risks
Law enforcement must clearly communicate arrestees’ medical and mental health risks to jail staff to ensure safety, prevent in-custody crises, and reduce liability.
Sheila Lorance
Sep 4, 20256 min read
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