Chief Greg Graven
With over three decades of law enforcement experience, Chief Greg Graven has served as the head of the Yamhill Police Department since 2013. His career as a dedicated public servant began in Oregon in 1991, and he has been a foundational member of the Yamhill Police Department since 1997. Throughout his more than 35 years in the field, Chief Graven has remained committed to public safety and the principles of community-oriented policing.
Before leading the Yamhill Police Department, Chief Graven developed extensive experience in the field, serving as a Patrol Supervisor and Corporal of Special Investigations. He is a highly decorated professional holding an Executive certificate, supported by over 4,700 hours of specialized DPSST certified training.
Education and Professional Affiliations
Chief Graven holds a strong academic foundation, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Western Oregon State College (now Western Oregon University) and earning an Associate degree in Criminal Justice (graduating Phi Theta Kappa). He is also a graduate of the Oregon Executive Development Institute (OEDI).
His commitment to professional development is reflected in his long-standing memberships with key law enforcement organizations:
- Oregon Peace Officer Association (Member since 2000)
- Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police (Member since 2013)
- International Association of Chiefs of Police (Member since 2014)
Specialized Expertise and Community Impact
Beyond administrative leadership, Chief Graven has served as a detective on the Major Crimes Response Team and the Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team since 1999. His focus on victim advocacy and forensic investigations is evident through his ongoing, long-term commitment to specialized, multi-agency teams, including:
- Sexual Assault Task Force and Response Team, Child Fatality Review Team, Domestic Violence Task Force and Response Team (2009–present)
- Medico-Legal Death Investigator (2011–present)
- Yamhill County Threat Assessment Team, Service Integration Team & Crisis Intervention Team (2014–present)
- Community Health Improvement Plan which includes (Trauma-Informed Care/Community Resiliency, Behavioral Health Suicide Prevention, Strategic Planning Initiative Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Equity Advisory Workgroup, Peer Support Committee (2018–present).
Chief Graven is also a member of the Yamhill County Radio Advisory Committee and Chair of the YCOM Dispatch User Group Committee and sits on the YCOM Budget Committee.
In recognition of his deep involvement in community protection, Chief Graven was honored with an award of recognition for “Champions for Children and Stewards of Children From Darkness to Light” in 2019 and the “Changing Hearts Impact Award” by Juliette’s House in 2025 for his dedication to protecting children and supporting families throughout Yamhill County. Chief Greg Graven continues to lead the Yamhill Police Department with a steadfast focus on community engagement, genuinely enjoying his daily role in serving a community he considers family. As evidenced by his active participation in numerous team meetings and local safety committees, he consistently fosters strong partnerships with community stakeholders, ensuring a collaborative approach to law enforcement and public service in the City
