The Department Crime Lab is in the news again, this time due to their helping solve the murder of a elderly couple in their Santa Ana home. The case went unsolved for more than a year when DNA left on a soda can was matched to the defendant, Carlos Martinez, 32, of Santa Ana. Martinez could receive a death sentence if convicted. 

For the full Orange County Register story click here.

The Department's Traffic Safety Programs Unit has opened a new Website dedicated to making our roads a safer place to drive.

Here is what is said about the purpose of the Website:

Why a Web site addressing this specific demographic?  The answer is safety.  Teens, especially 16 year old drivers, have a much higher risk of crashing than other age groups.  As parents we may know this but not understand that there are ways to decrease the risks as our teen drivers gain experience (one of the best ways to decrease crash risk).  Many parents also tell us that they are either un-aware of or don't understand the laws related to provisional driver licenses.  Our goal is to help clear up some of the confusion regarding these and other issues.   

The Website provides information about topics ranging from driving schools to DUI laws.

The Website is the result of a lot of hard work by Retired Deputy Will Funk, who has been helping the Department as a part time Administrative Manager.

To view the Website click here.