About the Sheriff
Sheriff Chuck E. Atkins
Sheriff Atkins is a 40-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. He started his career as a patrol deputy before becoming a K9 handler. He worked with his K9 partner, Titan, for more than eight years, resulting in more than 300 captures. Chuck was promoted through the ranks, from sergeant and commander to assistant chief of the enforcement branch. He served as the Gang Task Force sergeant and SWAT/Special Operations commander. Sheriff Atkins is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
Undersheriff Mike Cooke
Mike Cooke is a 30-year law enforcement veteran who started his career in the San Francisco Bay area. He joined the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in 1994. He has served as a street cop, patrol sergeant, precinct commander and, commander of the Clark-Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force. Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Concordia University in Portland and a Master of Criminal Justice from Boston University.
Chief Criminal Deputy John Chapman
John Chapman is a 36-year law enforcement veteran who worked as a deputy sheriff in Southern California before joining the Vancouver Police Department in 1994. His experience includes patrol operations, gang investigations, SWAT and managing the Digital Evidence Cybercrime Unit. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Concordia University in Portland and a Master of Public Affairs from Washington State University Vancouver. As chief criminal deputy, he oversees the Sheriff’s Office enforcement operations, including patrol and investigations.
Chief Corrections Deputy Ric Bishop
Ric Bishop is a 35-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office with extensive experience in jail management. He is a well-known expert witness, speaker and consultant on the topic of risk identification and mitigation in local jails. Ric has an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Clark College, is a graduate of the National Institute of Corrections Executive Excellence program, and holds Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission certifications through the Executive Level. As chief corrections deputy, he oversees all jail operations.
Chief Civil Deputy Steve Shea
Steve Shea is a 33-year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. He has experience in patrol operations and as supervisor of various areas, including the traffic unit, training, marine enforcement and case/records management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Washington University in Cheney and a master's degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego. Steve was selected to attend the FBI National Academy’s executive management school. As chief civil deputy, Steve oversees all civil functions of the Sheriff’s Office, including records and property and evidence management.