Trespass Letter of Consent Program
The Corvallis Police Department operates a Trespass Letter of Consent program (TLC) to allow property owners to help police enforce laws on their property.
A Trespass Letter of Consent (TLC) is a specifically worded, legal document which allows a police officer to take enforcement action, on your behalf, without contacting you first.
Police officers do not have the authority to go onto private property and remove individuals or request them to leave without the consent of the property owner. If an officer observes someone on private property, when the business is closed, or a problem is reported by someone who does not have the authority to sign a trespass complaint, CPD must then contact the person who is legally responsible for the property. A Trespass Letter of Consent gives Corvallis Police officers permission to act on the property owner’s/manager’s behalf, in trespass situations.
This page answer some common questions about the Trespass Letter of Consent program. Please review this information in detail. Click here to submit a Trespass Letter of Consent application online.
Q: How can having a Trespass Letter of Consent on File help me?
A: Normally, officers can't go onto private property without your permission. With a TLC on file for your address, officers who observe trespassers on private property can then immediately address the problem, rather than be delayed in acting or be unable to take action at all.
Q: How do I put a TLC letter on file?
A: If a Trespass Letter of Consent would be helpful to you, please apply using the online form. The original submission will be retained by CPD. While TLCs do not expire, we may re-verify your information as needed. An email will be sent to each participant requesting updated information.
Q: What else do I need to do?
A: In addition to filing a TLC letter, your property must be posted with “No Trespassing” signs. These signs should not include any language directed at loitering, as there is no law that can be enforced regarding loitering at this time.
Q: What happens after I file my TLC letter?
A: Once your letter is on file, should an officer respond to your property, that officer will be notified by dispatch if there is a TLC filed on the property. Once the letter has been confirmed, the officer will be able to take the appropriate action.
Q: What happens if someone is arrested on my property?
A: If CPD arrests someone on your property, you may be subpoenaed to a court hearing, and you may be required to testify and state that you had completed a TLC and given the Corvallis Police Department permission to act as an agent for the purpose of enforcing trespassing issues.
Q: What is the law regarding trespassing in Corvallis?
A: Criminal Trespass is a crime if the person enters or remains unlawfully in or upon a premises when such premises is not open to the public, or the person fails to leave premises that are open to the public after being lawfully directed to do so by the person responsible for that location.
Q: What happens if I change my mind or sell my property?
A: You may revoke your Trespass Letter of Consent at any time. Simply notify us of your wishes by emailing CommunityLivability@corvallisoregon.gov and your TLC letter will be removed from the records. Although TLC letters have no expiration date, if the status of the property changes in any way, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible and arrange for your trespass letter to be updated.
