Gil and Flo Mulhere saw their oldest son Timothy, a Marine, off to war in Iraq in February 2003 and they understandably feared for his safety.

They soon found out that their 17-year old son Kevin was also in danger. He was found dead of a drug overdose the day after his brother went to war.

Teens face all kinds of dangers in school, on the road and even at home and Department personnel are pitching in to help parents protect their teens. 

More than 200 parents and teens last Thursday attended a program at Tesoro High School in unincorporated Rancho Santa Margarita. It was titled “Is Your Teen At Risk, what every parent needs to know.”

The turnout at Tesoro was the fourth put on by the Department in cooperation with local schools. Two earlier presentations were put on in Rancho Santa Margarita and a another at Capistrano Valley High School. The next is planned for the Columbus Tustin Activities Center in Tustin on February 26.

Lt. William Griffin helped organized the program and moderated the speakers. He told the audience that he and his wife have two boys in high school, one a senior and the other a freshman.

“Nothing is more important that protecting your children,” Lt. Griffin told the audience. More...

The Register's Gordon Dillow writes:

Again and again I've watched the grainy videotape of a man being subdued by Orange County jail deputies with handcuffs and Taser jolts and a knee in his back and a hood over his head. And yes, it is hard and brutal and unpleasant to watch.

But it also shows an aspect of police work that is often necessary. And despite what some money-chasing lawyers and naive journalists try to tell you, as long as there are drunken and childish and deranged and violent people in the world, it always will be.

At issue here is a 24-minute videotape of deputies at the jail in Santa Ana trying to control a 24-year-old man named Matthew Fleuret. The tape was all over the news last week, being touted by Fleuret's lawyers – they have filed a $47 million civil rights lawsuit against the county – as evidence of deputies running amok and savaging a man for no reason.

But that's not what I see on the tape.

Read the whole thing right here.

Acting Sheriff Anderson yesterday addressed the Board of Supervisors. We'll have video posted this afternoon.  Additionally, AOCDS (Deputy Sheriffs' Union) sent a letter out to their members, which is posted below the Acting Sheriff's remarks. Here's what the Acting Sheriff had to say.:

Thank you Mr. Chairman and members of the Board for allowing me to address you this morning.

My name is Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson, Acting as Sheriff of the County of Orange.

Retired Sheriff Michael Carona had twice addressed this honorable Board last year on the matter of the 3%@50 retirement for the current public safety members and those who retired after July 27th of 2002 from the Sheriff’s Department. I listened to Retired Sheriff Carona’s presentations before this Board and have since had the opportunity to read over his notes and PowerPoint presentation. Since members of this Board were present during those presentations, for the sake of brevity I will not repeat previous comments that were made.

I want to begin by stating that as a resident of Orange County that I, as I am sure the over three-million residents of our community, truly appreciate this Board’s efforts to be fiscally responsible in the management of our all too scarce tax-dollars. I am going on record today to say that I applaud this Board’s efforts in seeking ways to reduce the unfunded liability related to the 3%@50 retirement plan for public safety member employees of the County. More...

Twenty Orange County Sheriff’s Explorers spent the weekend of January 18, 19, & 20, 2008 in Chandler, Arizona competing in the 2008 Law Enforcement Explorer Tactical Competition.  Post Coordinator Deputy Gary M. Smith (Community Services Division) and Post Advisors Deputy Joe Mauga (South Division), Supervisor Karen Daly (Lake Forest Division), Deputy Maria Mendoza (West Division) and Deputy Bart Epley (North Division), accompanied the Explorers on their journey.  More...

From Johnny Leroy Ortega’s obituary:

45, of Chino Hills, CA, passed away peacefully in his home on January 21, 2008, of cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, and brother. Johnny was born September, 1, 1962 to Edward and Katy Ortega.

Johnny’s dream was to pursue a career in law enforcement. After graduating form the OCSD Academy in 1983, he was assigned to the jails, patrol, and gang enforcement. He was then promoted to investigator in 1994, where he worked for the remainder of his career on Oct. 12, 2001.

Because of his terminal disease, Johnny was forced to retire on July 12, 2004. He battled cancer for 6 years, and the strength he possessed has given his family the inspiration to overcome any obstacles that come their way.

Being a cop was more than a job to Johnny. It was a passion. His other passions were spending time with is wife and coaching his 3 daughters in softball and soccer. He will always be remembered for his dedication to his family, God, work, and coaching.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Rebecca; his daughters, Yayo, Breezy, and Peanut; his grand-dogs, Suzi and Yogi; his brothers, Edward, Marcos, and Steven, and his sisters, Carmen and Helen.

Acting Sheriff Anderson spoke at Investigator Ortega's memorial this morning. Here's how Chief Anderson remembers him:More...

ORANGE COUNTY OPERATIONAL AREA
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE # 3

Date: January 27, 2008
Time: 0900

ALL CANYON VOLUNTARY EVACUATION ORDERS REMAIN IN PLACE, EL
MODENA SHELTER CLOSED AND EOC DEACTIVATED.

The National Weather Service Flash Flood Watch has been extended to 8 pm tonight. The
voluntary evacuation orders for Modjeska, Silverado, Williams, and Harding Canyons will
remain in place through the duration of the Flash Flood Watch.

The Red Cross Shelter at El Modena High School at 3920 East Spring Street in Orange will be
closing at 9 am.

The County of Orange will be closing the Emergency Operations Center at 10 am and move to
duty officer status to continue to monitor the situation as it progresses.

Any canyon resident who requires shelter or for storm related information should contact the
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch Center at (714) 647-7000.

ORANGE COUNTY OPERATIONAL AREA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  PRESS RELEASE # 2  Date:  1/25/08

  Time:  1700 hrs
 
FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT AND VOLUNTARY RESIDENT AND MANDATORY LARGE ANIMAL  EVACUATION ORDER FOR MODJESKA, HARDING, AND WILLIAMS CANYONS FOR 1200 NOON ON SATURDAY 1/26/08.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Orange County indicating that flash flooding is likely between Midnight Saturday night until Sunday morning. 
Total storm precipitation amounts of 2-4 inches is possible at the coast and 4 to 8 inches on south and southwest facing mountain slopes.   The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Authority, and County Executive Officer have issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents of Modjeska, Harding, Silverado and Williams Canyons to go into effect at 1200, Saturday, 1/26/08. 
A mandatory evacuation order for special needs residents (disabled or impaired, special medical needs, etc.) and large animals (horses, livestock, etc.) to go into effect at 1200, Saturday, 1/26/08. The US Geological Survey has advised that flash flood level rain is capable of producing catastrophic debris flows that can completely destroy homes and roads.  Debris flows can occur without any notice. 
Do not delay evacuating until the rain becomes severe.  Evacuation routes can quickly become impassable due to mud and debris or flooding. If you live on or near recently burned slopes, please take immediate action to protect life and property and continue to monitor local media sources for additional information. 
If your property has been identified as being at moderate to high risk to life in the State BAER report, evacuate immediately. The Orange County Fairgrounds (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa) can accept large animals from residents.  Residents must call ahead to (714) 708-1588 to inform OC Fairgrounds that they are coming and to receive directions about which gate to enter.  Residents are expected to bring any necessary supplies for their large animals.
A shelter at El Modena High School, located at 3920 East Spring Street in Orange will be opening at 4pm, Saturday 1/26/08. Please be advised that mandatory evacuations of the canyons may be ordered if the National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning.  A Flash Flood Warning means that flash-flooding and debris flows are imminent or occurring.  Be aware that Sheriff’s Deputies will NOT be making door-to-door notifications during a flash flood warning. 
They will utilize a Public Address system as they evacuate themselves from the canyons.  If residents have any questions, they can call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch Center at 714-647-7000.

In light of the recent challenges our department has faced in the last two weeks I have been asked many times what will change and what will remain within the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Certainly, there are many individuals both inside and outside our organization who have their own opinions on what should be modified. Many are well-meaning while others are not.

While aspects of our operation may change over the next few months due to leadership transitions and priorities, one thing that I am certain will not change is our commitment to the residents we serve. For twenty-one years I have had the opportunity to stand side-by-side with many of you. Over that time we have endured many challenges and opportunities, all the while keeping a level head and a clear focus on our mission. Today we stand together with the knowledge that we’ve worked to create one of the safest places in the nation to live, work and play.

As your Acting Sheriff I will continue to fight for resources at the county, state and federal levels to ensure that you have the tools necessary to fulfill your duties each and every day. I will also continue to challenge you all to be risk-takers and visionaries who push the envelope in the pursuit of cutting-edge law enforcement tools and methods so we can stay ahead of the criminals. And I will continue to use every opportunity to focus the media and the community on the men and women of our department who are the true heroes in our community.

Our department is 119 years old and throughout the years we have shared a rich history of excellence, professionalism and caring. In its humble beginnings, our department consisted of a sheriff and two deputies. We’ve grown to more than 4,000 employees. We will continue to move forward as a team.

Every new leader will create change. But such change should be respectful of the overall mission of the organization. The next few months will bring many new opportunities but I know each of you will continue to be the heroes our county depends on each and every day. I sincerely meant what I said to the Board of Supervisors last week, “the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department are its heart and the institution is greater than any one individual.”

From the news release:

Due to the approaching rain storm, the National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for Orange County indicating a forecast of heavy rain this Saturday night and Sunday.  Total storm precipitation amounts of 2 inches are possible at the coast and 4 to 6 inches on south and southwest facing mountain slopes.  This heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding and debris flows especially in recently burned areas.

To read more, click here.

Ten members of the Department are shedding pounds for good health and to show in the Battle of the Badges that our Department can out shed the Santa Ana Police Department any day of the week.

The Department’s team weighed in at 2,577 pounds, compared to the Santa Ana team’s 2,553 pounds. Some of those weighing in wore body armor, gun belts and carried their side arms loaded.  They are to wear the same gear when they weigh in through to the end of the contest in 10 weeks. The goal is to lose ten percent of their body weight in the first 10 weeks. Most of those participating plan to continue on to lose weight after the competition.

Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson cheered on the Department team at the ceremonial weigh in on Wednesday at the Lindora Medical Clinic in Tustin.

“We are going to be winners by being the biggest losers,” he said.

The Battle of the Badges, sponsored by the nonprofit Lean for Life Foundation, and utilizing the Lindora Medical Clinics’ 10-week weight loss program. 

Deputy Coroner Maureen Albrecht
Sgt. Matt Barr, Rancho Santa Margarita
Lt. Toni Bland, Professional Standards Division
Sgt. Jerry Brittain, Theo Lacy
Sgt. Doug Ellithorpe, San Juan Capistrano
Sgt. Paul Fuzzard, Theo Lacy
Deputy Darren Johns, North Court
Deputy Mark Kelley, South Operations
Deputy Sheryl Parent, Transportation
Sgt. Tim Rushing, Musick More...

A memorial service was held yesterday for Robert Joseph Bollong Sr., father, son, brother and retired OCSD Sergeant. He was remembered by many friends and family. The family asked Acting Sheriff Anderson to say a few words. I've reprinted them below. Click on the Sergeant's picture to view the memorial booklet.

Acting Sheriff Anderson's remarks:

In preparing to speak today, I took some time to sit and review Bob’s personnel file. I had the privilege to have worked numerous shifts with Bob as his area partner in South patrol while working vacation relief and overtime in the City of San Juan Capistrano. More...

Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson today announced that a comparison of FBI crime statistics shows that the jurisdictions served by the Department had a lower crime rate of than any other jurisdiction in Orange County with a population of more than 100,000. 

The comparison was based on the latest crime statistics released by the FBI, for the year 2006. The figures come from Part I crimes, which include homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, grand larceny and auto theft.

The FBI figures led Congressional Quarterly to determine that for cities with populations of more than 75,000, Mission Viejo was the most crime free city in the country. The Orange County Register used the same FBI figures to calculate that Rancho Santa Margarita was the safest city in the nation for municipalities with populations between 20,000 and 100,000.

The FBI figures show that in the Sheriff’s jurisdiction crime decreased by 4.22 percent in all categories 2006 compared to 2005. Violent crime decreased by 7.62 percent and property crime decreased by 3.85 percent. As the population of the Department’s jurisdiction increased, the number of crimes decreased.

Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson said he was pleased with the assessments.

“Once again the FBI crime statistics show what I already knew, that the men and women of the Department with our contract partners, community leaders and business owners working together is a successful recipe in making Orange County one of the safest communities in America.”

Some of the FBI crime statistics follow: 

More...

The events of this week have no doubt left you with many questions and concerns. While I have had the opportunity to speak to the Board of Supervisors, the media, and many of our contract partners to offer reassurances to the public, I have not had the same opportunity to speak with many of you. Maintaining the public’s trust in the great work you do has been essential, especially in light of the media’s favorite question: “What does the future of the Sheriff’s Department look like?”

I don’t have a crystal ball, but the answer is easy. Unless our mission statement changes, we are not going to stop providing professional, responsive, and caring law enforcement services to the residents and businesses of Orange County. The future of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is not about one single person. The future is about the over 4000 men and women who, in the midst of all of our challenges, continue to mount success after success.

As I have reiterated over the last three days, we continue to provide law enforcement services to some of the safest cities in the nation, our Forensics Science Services Division remains one of the best and most nationally recognized, and we continue to professionally operate one of the safest mega-jails in the country. Certainly we have had our challenges, but our mission remains constant and the county can rest assured of our steadfast commitment.

The next few months will be a time of great transition, and it is my goal to keep you all up to date and informed as to what is occurring both within the department and throughout the county. I sincerely appreciate your patience and professionalism as we move forward, and I know that each of you will continue to protect the county in your usual extraordinary fashion.

To the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff's Department: 

I have been blessed to have worked for over 32 years in all phases of law enforcement and have such wonderful memories.  I have worked with the best and the brightest in the field and I hold each of you close to my heart.  You are all warriors in a world that combats evil every day both within our communities and globally.  I pray for your safety and success and, most important, that you may return home safely to your families each day.  I have received an overwhelming outpour of phone calls from those individuals I have worked with over my career and it is their love, friendship and camaraderie that I take with me.  Management level changes can be difficult to understand but decisions have to be made.  I respect and support those decisions and the people that make them and I ask all of you to be strong and to support those in leadership roles as the department transitions and moves forward.   

My list of accomplishments is long and I am proud of each endeavor.  Now it is time for me to move on to other endeavors and concentrate on this new life of retirement with my family.  I know it will be difficult for me to sit idle so I can tell you all that I will remain involved whenever asked and wherever I can assist.   

May God bless each of you and keep you safe.

There's been plenty of media coverage of Acting Sheriff Anderson's first day in his new role.  Here's just one of the reports from Daybreak OC's Nancy Aziz.

Here's the transcript:

Good morning Mr. Chairman and members of the Board of Supervisors, thank you for your time.

My name is Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson, and as of today I am Acting as Sheriff-Coroner of the County of Orange. I am humbled that I am in the position to lead the fourth largest Sheriff’s Department in the nation. I realized that the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department are its heart and the institution is greater than any one individual.

Thank you for allowing me to speak to you while at the same time assuring the three-million residents of Orange County that the state of the Sheriff’s Department in its ability to provide public safety remains unwavering.

I want to reassure this Board and the residents of Orange County that the business of public safety will continue uninterrupted. My first priority is the continuity of the day to day operations of the Sheriff’s Department, insuring the safety of the public. As I speak, there are thousands of Sheriff’s Department employees at work directly or in a supportive role protecting our community.

Today the Sheriff’s Department will:

• Field over 200 patrol cars on the streets
• Provide for the care and custody of over 5,000 inmates incarcerated in our jails
• Process 96 DNA samples; conduct forensic exams on another 360 pieces of evidence, and receive an additional 210 pieces of evidence for exam
• Care for 36 new deceased through the Coroners office and perform 6 autopsies
• Answer and respond to 390 emergency 911 calls and answer and respond to an additional 1,800+ non 911 calls for service

I humbly submit to this Board and the residents of Orange County that my qualifications include 24 years of experience in law enforcement having began my career as a military police officer, and for the past 21 years I have worked my way up through the ranks of the Sheriff’s Department.

• I have worked in all of the county’s jails and patrolled the streets of 11 different cities and communities.
• As a deputy I taught anti-drug classes in our elementary schools and as a Lieutenant was the co-director of an FBI drug intelligence unit.
• Prior to becoming an Assistant Sheriff I oversaw the county’s largest patrol operations command providing services to a population of over one-half million residents.

I have a good working relationship with many of the law enforcement representatives at the local, state and federal levels. Only yesterday I spoke with District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and we pledged to continue to work together ensuring public safety in our County.

There are many important public safety matters and programs currently underway and those matters will continue forward including the Forensics lab and DNA advancements, establishment of an Office of Independent Review, and connectivity with CopLink.

I want to assure this Board and the public that as the Acting Sheriff I will steer the Sheriff’s Department until the Board of Supervisors completes a selection process to appoint a Sheriff. The Department is ready to support this Board in its selection process.

Again, thank you for your time and I am available for any questions you may have of me.

Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson, 47, is a law enforcement professional with twenty-four years of experience including a twenty-one year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and represents the department as the Sheriff’s Operations Commander, with police services responsibility for:

All patrol functions serving twelve (12) contract cities and the county’s unincorporated areas which combined services over 750,000 residents, this is a population that is greater than twice the size of the largest city in the county. 

1. Aliso Viejo                    7.   Mission Viejo
2. Dana Point                    8.   Rancho Santa Margarita
3. Lake Forest                   9.   San Clemente
4. Laguna Hills                 10.   San Juan Capistrano
5. Laguna Niguel              11.   Stanton
6. Laguna Woods             12.   Villa Park 

• Three (3) county harbors - patrolling 47 miles of Pacific coastline
• Airport Division (John Wayne Airport and the Sheriff’s helicopters)
• Orange County Transit Authority
• Sheriff’s Transportation/Fleet Bureau
• County Security Bureau
• Specialty Details:
  1. SWAT
  2. K-9 Unit
  3. Mounted Enforcement
  4. Hostage Negotiators Team
  5. Hazardous Devices “bomb” Team
• Community Services volunteers and Reserve operations

1. Uniformed Patrol
2. Chaplaincy Program
3. Aero Squadron
4. Search & Rescue
5. Bloodhound Team
6. Mounted Unit
7. Harbor Unit
8. Investigations Unit
9. Administrative/Technical Services Units

• Combined, there are over 1,000 personnel assigned to the Sheriff’s Operations Command.

Click here for the whole thing.

For over three decades, I have been proud to serve the residents of Orange County as a law enforcement officer. For the past nine years, as the elected Sheriff of Orange County, I have had the privilege of leading the men and women of what I believe to be one of the finest law enforcement organizations in the country.
 
During my tenure as Sheriff, the Orange County Sheriff's Department has continued to provide outstanding police services to our contract cities---several of which are recognized as among California's safest communities. We continue to implement innovative programs throughout our department such as the highly effective Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program, the Orange County Re-entry Partnership to reduce recidivism, and the Sheriff's Community Coalition Program which provides broad based community feedback to the Sheriff and members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
  
Our Forensics Services Division is a nationally recognized leader, particularly in the field of DNA technology. In addition to managing the 8th largest jail system in America, our Terrorism Early Warning Group, state-of-the art Coroner training facilities and Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy have added important dimensions to our capabilities and effectiveness and serve as models for other law enforcement agencies around the country.
 
Over the past few weeks it has become clear to me that the interests of the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the residents of Orange County would be best served if I am not distracted from my duties while defending the charges recently brought against me by the federal government. As a consequence, I have worked closely with my staff to assure that my departure from the Orange County Sheriff Department will not materially disrupt its operations or the very capable leadership structure that I have been privileged to work with over the years. Undersheriff Galisky, the Assistant Sheriffs and the more than 4000 members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department have responded to this challenge with the level of deep commitment and excellent service which the residents of this county have come to expect and enjoy.
 
With a heavy heart, I therefore announce my retirement as Sheriff, effective today. Although this is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, my family, my staff and my lawyers all believe that this is the right time to take my retirement. This action will permit me to focus on vindicating my name and refuting the false charges which have been made against me and my wife.
 
I have asked Undersheriff JoAnn Galisky to fulfill my duties of Sheriff until a successor is appointed by the Board of Supervisors following a thoughtful candidate search. Undersheriff Galisky respectfully declined due to personal commitments she must attend to. Therefore, in an effort to restructure management and ensure continuity I have returned JoAnn Galisky to the rank of Assistant Sheriff and I thanked Assistant Sheriff Dan Martini for his years of service and released him from his commitments to the organization.

Finally, I have appointed Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson as the second in command and the Chief of Staff.

Assistant Sheriff Anderson has a long and distinguished career in the Orange County Sheriff's Department and is one of our most respected members. I am confident that I leave the Orange County Sheriff's Department knowing that it is in very capable hands.
 
I wish my successor as Sheriff, and the people of this great county the very best. It has been an honor and privilege to serve. I hope that when my current legal circumstances are behind me, I will have another opportunity to serve our community.

*end*

Click here for a list of Sheriff Carona's accomplishments and successes that have benefited our community and our department.

OCSD is the premier law enforcement agency in the nation.  We have the most professional, highly trained, and skilled enforcement officers.  Our cities enjoy the lowest crime rate and safest cities, for that reason we continue to grow and our services continue to be in demand.

• Negotiated contracts with the cities of Aliso Viejo (24.25 positions), Rancho Santa Margarita (28.5 positions), and Laguna Woods, (adding a total of 55 deputy positions)
• Commitment to maintain the Jail deputy rotation to Patrol Program and expand it as staffing permits
• Creation of the Deputy Rotation to Investigator Program to enhance training, service and promotional opportunities, which has since been discontinued at the request of labor organizations.  This is a program we remain interested in.
  • In 2004, 8 deputies were temporarily promoted to Investigator.  Within two years, 6 of them were permanently promoted.  In 2005 an additional 14 deputies were temporarily promoted and continue to work in an investigations assignment.
• Increased patrol positions in the Unincorporated Areas
• Added Motor Units to Villa Park and Laguna Woods
• Created the Research and Development Division to explore new programs, grants, opportunity buys, anticipate, plan and construct capital improvements and infrastructure maintenance
• The Marshal merger in 2000, created alternative work assignments and brought an additional $34 million and 455 additional jobs to the Department, (269 to AOCDS, 186 to OCEA).
• Created the Operations Support Division to enhance dispatch services, respond to Countywide Emergency Operations and focus on implementation of the organizations Homeland Security mission, (now 115 positions strong, 13 to AOCDS and 95 to OCEA).
• Created the Volunteer Services Division, expanding the Explorer program to youth and increasing deputy and department involvement, created the Cadet program, merging Reserve and other volunteers programs to increase oversight, accountability and service to the department and the community.
• Created the Inmate Services Division to increase organizational efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Organized Airport Operations as a separate Division, adding canine patrol, bike patrols, and bomb detection teams, (139 positions, 30 for deputies).              
• Identified the need for, designed and obtained funding to build the Statewide Coroner Training Facility built to incorporate state of the art scenario rooms, investigations observation rooms and utilizing advanced evidence preservation techniques.
• Supported the increase in the number of School Resource Officers.
• Expanded OCTA Security force.

GANG ACTIVITY

·         1999 -  400 identified gangs and 19,965 gang members in OC,

·         2005 – 335 identified gangs, 11,492 identified gang members in OC         

• Between 1995 and 1998, gang homicides countywide averaged 36 per year.  From 1999 to 2004, countywide gang homicides averaged 25 per year.

•  
  • Partnered with the Rancho Santiago Community College District to plan, design and construct the new Regional Training Academy to be completed in mid 2007 with no construction costs to the County or to the Department.
  • New Mobile Pistol Ranges
  • Fully funded through a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, OCSD is using a state of the art roadside breath-testing device.  Significantly increasing the number of DUI arrest/convictions and reducing time during arrestee transport and testing.  We are a world leader in this area, and were recognized with the Governor’s Award for Excellence for the countywide training program.
  • Refurbishment of the department’s firing ranges.
  • Expanded STC training, use of force and cell extraction training.
  • Educational DVD on Muslims and Sikh’s
  • Increased department participation in POSTs Supervisory Leadership Institute.
  • Increased participation and opportunities to attend the Delinquency Control Institute.

•  
  • High powered rifles in patrol and harbor units
  • Less than lethal weaponry in jails and patrol
  • Funded new gear, training and dive equipment for the Harbor Division
  • Sea Doo water crafts provided by Honda to the Harbor Division.
  • 2 new helicopters
  • New transportation buses
  • New Swat Van, Bear vehicle and other tactical equipment

•  
  • Purchased computers and technology equipment for every division and fast tracked the acquisition of software and customized programming to benefit from the use of databases for information storage, analysis and document retrieval.
  • The ELETE system was copyrighted to OCSD and became the first windows based CLETS access program in California. 
  • T-1 lines were added throughout the department to build our infrastructure for future technological advancements. (1999)
  • Laptops for investigative personnel and others to enhance productivity
  • Increased computer access at remote locations
  • Mobile Data Computers in patrol and investigative units
  • Supported implementation of the current Records Management System
  • Supported implementation of the current Computer Automated Dispatch system
  • Supported development of the infrastructure and design of the Department’s website and development of the Department’s intranet for employee services
  • Implemented an electronic distribution system for Forensic and Toxicology reports, as well as photographs via a secure website for access by investigators, DAs and other law enforcement agencies
  • Maintained our commitment to an interoperable 800 Mhz Coordinated Communications System by adding to inventory of emergency radios and aggressively financially supporting enhancements to the system as technology continues to progress.  Our radio system is one of the most advanced in the nation, incorporating the latest in technology and the most widespread participation of municipal, state and federal agencies.
  • Supported the installation of the Dana Point antenna to increase employee safety through enhanced performance.
  • OCSD was one of the first in California to convert our entire photography operation to digital.  All crime scene, evidence examination and case related studio photography is captured digitally.

•  
  • Developed the county response to Terrorism, including:  the Terrorism Working Group (TWG), the Terrorism Early Warning Group (TEWG), the Orange County Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the California Anti-Terrorism Information Center (CATIC, now STATC), the Private Sector Terrorism Response Group (PSTRG), participation in Region I’s HSAC
  • Designed and procured two 55’ state of the art Command and Communication trailers, Samantha I and II for major emergency response and alternate EOCs
  • Terrorist liaison officers through TEWG
  • MIR communication and emergency response system
  • Orange shield full field exercises

JAIL OPERATIONS

•  
  • Protective body armor
  • Musick master plan
  • Hand held video cameras
  • Less than lethal weapon options at all jail facilities
  • Tactical shotguns for outer jail perimeter security
  • Installed additional video systems to protect deputies from false excessive force complaints

•  
  • CDC Partnership for the GPS tracking of sex offenders
  • Formed the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Taskforce with the US Marshall Service
  • Critical Incident Response Teams implemented in all patrol areas
  • Tactical Support Team weapons issued to team members for 24/7 response
  • Additional K-9 units
  • Deployed mobile command post for DUI checkpoints and roving patrols
  • OCSD is recognized as a statewide leader in the area of Prop 69 DNA sampling implementation.  We were the first agency in the state to complete DNA sampling of our entire jail population and the first county in California to develop a comprehensive guidance document with the other stakeholders.  We were the first agency in the state to solve a double homicide using a Prop 69 sample and one of the first to obtain cold hits.
  • OCSD was invited to participate in the NIJ DNA Expansion Program to help evaluate the long-term effectiveness of DNA testing applied to high volume property crimes.
  • Electronic Fingerprint Capture (LiveScans) systems were first introduced to county law enforcement in 2000.  They have eliminated the need for taking inked fingerprints on bookings and allowed rapid identification of subjects booked into custody.  Then next generation system, which include palm prints are currently being installed (March 2006)
  • Added Elder Abuse details
  • Added Computer Crimes detail
  • Added Domestic Violence and EPO enforcement programs
  • Leadership role in the Child Death Review team
  • Fought to defeat Proposition 66 and protect the “3 Strikes Law”
  • Took a leadership role in statewide Amber Alert adoption.
  • Ongoing support of the Joyful Child Foundation
  • Aggressively pursued grant funding for Terrorism prevention related activities
  • Aggressively pursued grant funding for DUI enforcement
  • Fast; fiduciary abuse specialist team
  • Created the 2000 Annual Report
  • Authorized the Commemorative Book to document the Department’s rich history and accomplishments.