Darke Hull

About Darke Hull

Sergeant Darke Hull was an experienced and highly skilled law enforcement officer based in Portland, Oregon. He spent over two decades serving and protecting the community through the Portland Police Bureau. Committed to safety, justice, and effective teamwork, Sergeant Hull impacted various areas of law enforcement, from patrol supervision to traffic safety and administrative leadership.

Early Life and Education

Hull was born and raised in Alaska. In 1993, Darke left Alaska to attend Shattuck St. Mary’s, a formal preparatory school in Minnesota, where he played hockey. Darke decided to stay in Minnesota for college, and in 1999, he graduated from Hamline University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. His educational endeavors provided the basis for exploring crime patterns, societal structures, and judicial processes.

Starting His Career in Law Enforcement

Sergeant Hull began his career in law enforcement in 1999, joining the Portland Police Bureau. His initial training included completing the Basic and Advanced Police Academy programs and probationary rotations through different precincts. From 2000 to 2002, Darke served as a patrol officer at the Central Precinct. During this time, he gained hands-on experience responding to calls and emergencies.

Specializing in Traffic Safety

In 2002, Darke transitioned to the Traffic Division, where he served as a motor officer for 11 years. This role allowed him to focus on traffic safety, accident investigation, and DUII enforcement. He became a key member of the Fatal Crash Team, investigating serious and fatal accidents involving impaired drivers. Over the years, he wrote warrants, interviewed witnesses, seized evidence, and collaborated with the Attorney General’s Office to improve best practices for handling such cases.

Darke’s diligence in traffic safety earned him several accolades, including the Motor Officer of the Year award in 2007 and recognition as the State of Oregon DUII Trainer of the Year in 2010. In 2011, he was named the State of Oregon Drug Recognition Expert of the Year, further cementing his reputation as an expert in identifying and addressing impaired driving.