About Caprice
Caprice was born and raised in Eugene by Louis and Donna Kay Hembree. They instilled the values and work ethic that led her to a lifetime of service to her country, her community, and her family. Now a local law enforcement leader, Caprice began her career by serving in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1999. Caprice served as an Aviation Ordnanceman, earning an Aviation Warfare Designation, and making history as the first female certified to run the brig on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.
After her distinguished tenure in the Navy, Caprice transitioned to the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where she served from December 1999 to December 2003. Caprice moved to Washington County in 2004, where she joined the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in the Jail Division.
Throughout her nearly 20 years with the Office, Caprice has been given increased responsibility and leadership positions based on her exceptional performance. She has served as commander for the Jail and Patrol Divisions, graduated from both the state’s law enforcement academies, earned certifications in police and corrections, and served 17 years in the Jail Division at every uniformed rank. In 2023, Caprice became Undersheriff and was unanimously appointed Washington County’s first female Sheriff, taking office on December 1, 2023.
Despite her career in public safety, Caprice took on the true battle of her life in 2017 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now a survivor, Caprice has been recognized as a Susan G. Komen honoree and speaks openly about her experience with the goal of helping others.
Caprice graduated from North Eugene High School in Eugene and has an honors degree in criminal justice from Western Oregon University. She and her husband David, a public school teacher, love calling Washington County home and raising their kids here. Caprice and David love participating in and coaching their daughters in youth athletics. In large part due to Caprice’s military experience and David’s athletic connections, they share a passion for traveling far and wide to connect with their very diverse group of friends across the world. Any day spent with their extended family is their best day.
Awards & Recognition
Awarded Jail Commander of the Year in 2021 by the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA)
FBI National Academy Graduate, 2022
Emerge Oregon Graduate, 2022
DPSST Police Basic Certification, 2023
DPSST Corrections Executive Certification, 2023