The 32nd Annual Orange County Cop Bowl is scheduled for this weekend, right across from Department headquarters.

For the flyer click: OC Cop Bowl.pdf (424.59 kb)

The team includes 10 members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

For information on the team and the Cop Bowl click here.

State Senator Bob Huff toured the Central Jail Complex last week and observed educational programs put on at the jail in partnership with the Department and the Rancho Santiago Community College District.

State Senator Huff and Inmate Programs Director Sharron Gibson Casler observe class at Men's Central Jail

On the two hour long inspection State Senator Huff met with the staff from the Sheriff’s Department and Santiago Canyon College. He was briefed on the collaboration between the Sheriff’s Department Correctional Programs Unit, Re-Entry Unit, and the College.

Upon returning to the briefing room at the IRC the Senator was debriefed and both the Sheriff’s Department and the College answered any questions he had.

Left to Right: Dominic Mejico – Manager, Inmate Re-entry Unit; Bridget Mack – Manager, Correctional Programs Unit; Jim Kennedy –  Dean of Instruction and Student Services, Orange Education Center, Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD); Jose Vargas – Vice President, Continuing Education, Orange Education Center, RSCCD; Senator Bob Huff; Captain Tim Board, Central Jail Complex; Sergeant Werner Hartman, Intake Release Center; Deputy Michael Winger, Inmate Services Division; Director Sharron Gibson Casler, Inmates Services Division 

For information on State Senator Bob Huff click here.

For more information on Rancho Santiago Community College District click here.

Information Bulletin 

California Emergency Management AgencyLaw Enforcement

Paul Walters, Acting Chief

FLU VIRUS – H1N1 (Swine Flu)

By Robert Gerber, Deputy Chief

April 29, 2009

                                                               Dr. Michael Osterholm

PREFACE

This document is an updated version of a previously issued bulletin from the Law Enforcement Branch titled “Preparedness Planning Considerations for Pandemic Flu Virus” dated March 13, 2006.  The bulletin can be located and downloaded on the Cal EMA website: www.oes.ca.gov.  While the current virus of concern is different from the “bird flu” virus, many of the precautions and law enforcement considerations remain the same.  This update will include many of the previous bulletin’s planning considerations in addition to new emerging information and preparedness measures regarding the H1N1 influenza virus.  Finally, this bulletin is provided to initiate discussion and foster preparedness at all levels of government. It is not intended to generate undue alarm and apprehension.

BACKGROUND

In recent weeks there has occurred an outbreak of the swine flu or H1N1 virus.  This is a new strain of influenza that was first detected in Mexico and is currently spreading around the world including cases here in California.  Confirmed cases in Mexico have resulted in over one hundred deaths while other global incidents do not appear to be as fatal.   Nonetheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its “pandemic alert” to level 4.  A level 4 warning officially means that the WHO considers that there is “sustained human to human transmission” enough to cause community level outbreaks. Levels 5 and 6 represent “widespread human infection.” The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated its emergency operations center to coordinate the agency’s emergency response.

 At the time of this bulletin H1N1 human cases in California have risen to 13.  The State Department of Public Health has activated its operations center and is working closely with State Emergency Medical Services Authority.  The California Emergency Management Agency has activated its State and Regional Operations Centers in support of the Department of Public Health.  On March 28, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a State of Emergency to bolster the state’s response to the H1N1 virus (see reference internet sites below to view the Governor’s proclamation in detail). Communities throughout California have begun to study the potential impacts of the H1N1 flu outbreak and have initiated plans and procedures to mitigate the effects of a deadly and disruptive flu pandemic should it arise.  The occurrence and spread of the flu virus throughout California will present unique challenges and demand extraordinary effort by law enforcement agencies and personnel.  Therefore, law enforcement agencies, at all levels of government, are strongly encouraged to engage in flu preparedness planning activities in coordination and cooperation with their respective health departments, emergency medical services, emergency management agencies, fire services, and other pertinent organizations. This updated bulletin has been prepared to assist law enforcement agencies in recognizing the severity and need to prepare for a flu pandemic (whatever virus strain it may be), offer key considerations, and provide notable internet sites for further research and reference.  

KEY LAW ENFORCEMENT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

 Public safety agencies in California have extensive experience preparing and responding to a variety of emergencies.  Often these events rise to the level of presidential disaster declarations.  Furthermore, the advent of domestic terrorism has presented additional preparedness challenges to confront.  However, the reality of a major pandemic flu outbreak spreading across our nation and state will present extraordinary circumstances that may be unfamiliar to the law enforcement discipline.  As you review the list below consider your agency’s level of service you can provide to your community with the additional responsibilities and missions brought on by a pandemic flu environment.  More...

Basic Academy Class 189 graduation was held on Monday at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Facility.  Among the new law enforcement officers was Navy Petty Officer Second Class Daniel Alcala.

Petty Officer Alcala is the first to graduate from the academy as part of a new military initiative to help those on active duty transition to civilian life.  He served as the Class Sergeant and missed being ranked as the class’s top performing graduate by just half a point.

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

He wore his Navy uniform throughout the training and at the graduation ceremony. The Sheriff’s Academy had graduated some military members in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Those were primarily Marines who served as Military Police at Orange County military bases and used their academy training for military duty .  Petty Officer Alcala, assigned to the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, has plans to leave the Navy and he is now qualified to serve as a deputy or police officer anywhere in California.  Four other graduates were military veterans.  They all served with the Marines.

There were four Sheriff’s Deputies among the 13 graduates: Phong Bui, Rodney Cash, Humberto Nava and Dustin Womack.

Academy Commander Lieutenant Jeff Bardzik had a few words for the graduates. He said in part, “This basic training academy is rooted in law enforcement tradition, principles and the fundamentals of hard work, discipline and integrity.  This program includes instruction in the law, community relations, officer safety, physical fitness, cultural diversity, ethical decision-making and much more. “

He gave a special thanks to former Senior Tactical Sergeant Jon Briggs, who is leaving the academy after 3 ½ years, including six-months working with Class 189.  He is now Lieutenant Jon Briggs, awaiting a new assignment. More...

The Department has received numerous letters in recent weeks commending our staff. Here is a sampling:

Lieutenant T. Gallivan received a letter from Mayor James Rheins of Villa Park. The letter commended Investigators Kris Kiltz and Pam Colver for their outstanding investigation during a burglary in his city. Mayor Rheins wrote, "Investigators Kiltz and Colver followed several leads, contacted witnesses and suspected involved parties, ultimately leading to the arrests of two adult suspects. It is important to me that the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Lt. Tom Gallivan, Investigators Kiltz and Colver and all the other participants in this investigation know how much we appreciate their sense of duty and commitment to the assistance of our city."

Detective Lewis of the Huntington Beach Police Department wrote a letter of appreciation for Deputy Rick Johnson and his K9 partner Rex (aka "The Wonder Dog"). Detective Lewis conveyed, "I worked with Deputy Johnson and his K-9 while we searched for evidence in a home invasion robbery in our city. His K-9 located a gun hidden in the bushes approximately 300 yards away from the scene and the victim's wallet in another set of bushes another 100 yards from that. It was awesome to watch the dog work. In a second incident, Johnson and Rex responded to a residential burglary in progress and helped officers search the area for the suspect. Deputy Johnson is always a pleasure to work with. He is professional and personable."

On March 25, 2009, Deputy District Attorney Peter Finnerty of the Orange County District Attorney's office sent a commendation for Senior Forensic Scientist Jennifer Harmon. Peter thanked Jennifer for her aid during a difficult, alcohol-related case involving multiple felony counts. Two men were drinking alcohol during an afternoon and evening, when one of the men stabbed the other after an argument. The blood alcohol levels presented by the defense expert (a Harvard-trained medical doctor) were challenged and became a core issue in the case. With very short notice, Jennifer was able to provide testimony and expertise that countered and balanced apparent mistakes by the defense expert. Jennifer answered questions in an honest and straightforward manner and displayed an air of professionalism that gave enormous credibility with the jury. Peter commended Jennifer as a true professional and a huge asset to the OCSD Crime Lab.

On April 7th Sheriff Hutchens received a letter of commendation from Mr. Don Martin for Deputy Steven Armand. The letter stated in part: "We want to thank you and your department for your assistance in recovering our lost dinghy on April 5th. Deputy Armand was our point of contact and he was most helpful and courteous. He went out of his way to assist us and we are deeply appreciative."

Sheriff's Special Officer Charlie Volkel of the Airport Operations Division received a commendation from Lieutenant Kanehailua of the Honolulu Police. Lt. Kanehailua and his family were returning home from their vacation and his young daughter lost a scarf from Disneyland that she had purchased with her own money. Officer Volkel was able to locate the scarf at the airport and shipped the scarf back to the family. Lt. Kanehailua wrote: "I would like to thank Officer Volkel for going out of his way to locate and send us my daughter's scarf. She purchased it with her own money and wore it the whole time we were on vacation. My daughter will make sure she is more careful in the future."

Lieutenant Michael Mullen of the Airport Operations Division received a commendation from Debbie Simpson, Team Manager of the Trauma Intervention Program. On March 21, 2009, a deceased male was located in a parking structure at the airport. Even though the brother and sister of the deceased were at the scene, it was determined that it might be best if Lt. Mullen and TIP volunteers made the death notification to his wife and 7 and 10 year old children. Debbie Simpson wrote: "Lt. Mullen provided the death notification, using both professionalism and sensitivity. Throughout his contact with the family members, he offered solace and emotional support. He stayed with the family until he was satisfied that he had provided all that he could. TIP volunteers also noted the professionalism and support given by Deputy Cecil Sellers and Sheriff's Special Officer Jamie Lim at the scene. We always appreciate the professional and caring way the Sheriff's Department members conduct themselves in some of the worst situations families encounter."

Sima Nassiri received a letter from Investigative Analyst Teresa Arnold, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of Santa Ana. The letter commended Tina Winterburn for her outstanding help on the CLETS system. Teresa Arnold wrote, "I'm writing to you to commend your team member Tina Winterburn. I would like to extend my thanks to your employee for all the help over the last few weeks. When I needed CLETS information from her, I always got it sooner than I expected. Her hospitality was performed with encouragement and warmth before my CLETS audit. She was endlessly patient in explaining the CLETS paperwork. Her ability to reach out and put herself in someone else's shoes is a wonderful reflection of your organization."

On Saturday, April 18th the California Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving honored 15 sheriff’s departments throughout the state as well as 128 police departments, California Highway Patrol and the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.   The awards were given at the 2009 MADD California Law Enforcement and Community Recognition Dinner in Sacramento.   Sergeants Jerry Brittain and Tom Behrens attended on behalf of the Department.

Deputy Paul Villeneuve and Sergeant Jerry Brittain

The four deputies who received awards for their DUI efforts were: 

·         Deputy Paul Villeneuve (Traffic Bureau)

·         Deputy John Barbour (Rancho Santa Margarita)

·         Deputy Paul McHugh (San Clemente)

·         Deputy Cary Buechler (Mission Viejo)

To see the commendation for Deputies Barbour, McHugh and Buechler click: madd awards profiles 042509Scan001 (4).pdf (67.77 kb)

To see the commendation for Deputy Villeneuve, click: madd awards profiles 042509Scan001 (3).pdf (91.50 kb)

To see U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein's letter to the award winners click: senator feinstein Scan001 (2).pdf (121.54 kb)

April 27, 2009

Statement of Sheriff Sandra Hutchens

The sentencing ends a difficult chapter in the history of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. We must continue to take this Department from its place as one of the most professional, ethical and effective law enforcement agencies to being the best in the country. The Department has made many changes in the last 18 months that will help create new traditions of excellence and honor.

Photos by Audio Visual Specialist Robert Smith

Recent statements by a prosecutor about a “code of silence” as part of a “thin blue line” are an affront to all in law enforcement.

In my 30 years in law enforcement I have never heard a prosecutor make such an irresponsible claim.

The remarks came after a mistrial was declared in the case of Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Hibbs, prosecuted for assaulting an arrestee with an electronic control devise, a Taser.  It was a criminal case developed by deputies and Investigators in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and turned over to the District Attorney for prosecution.

As soon as it came to my attention that misconduct may have taken place in connection with the Hibbs case, I ordered a review of the trial transcripts and other documents available to the Sheriff’s Department. We will look for any evidence to support the allegation that a deputy, or a few deputies, attempted to cover up for their colleague.   If it is determined that such misconduct took place, we will take action that is in the best interest of the public we serve.  If we find no misconduct took place, our employees will be exonerated.

When I took office in June 2008, I inherited a Department that had just been publically criticized by a special grand jury investigating the death of inmate John Chamberlain.  The Grand Jury and the District Attorney decided not to bring any criminal charges against any members of the Sheriff’s Department in connection with the Chamberlain case.  At the time I became Sheriff, all of the Department personnel accused of wrongdoing in connection with the Chamberlain case had either left the Department or they had already been placed on administrative leave by Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson.  None of the individuals named by the Grand Jury for misconduct during the Chamberlain case remain employed by the Department. 

I found no support in my Department for those culpable in the Chamberlain case.  I found a great deal of support for me to take the action necessary to hold our deputies and civilian employees accountable for their actions, to commend excellence and to discipline the malicious and substandard performers.

Staff changes, enhanced supervisory procedures, and accountability measures have been implemented to ensure that any culture of complacency that may have existed is extinguished.

Any evidence of Department personnel covering up for each other will be treated as a violation of Department regulations and if facts warrant, a criminal act. 

Even clear evidence that a couple of deputies covered up for each other would not rise to the level to be classified as a “code of silence.”  I’m not sure what the “thin blue line” remark was meant to convey. 

A “code of silence” can only flourish in an institution that encourages it. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department as it exists today only encourages its members to be truthful and forthcoming.  Any conduct that is not truthful and forthcoming will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.  If criminal conduct is discovered it will be turned over to the district attorney.

The members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will do their jobs to the best of their ability.

The overwhelming majority of the 4,000 men and woman who work in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have exhibited that they excel at their jobs and perform their duty with honor and integrity. The communities we serve know this.

When Department employees are unsuccessful because of a lack of competence or malicious conduct, their failure and their fate will be the Sheriff’s responsibility.

This material based on a report by Sergeant Kenneth Burmood at the  Central Jail Complex.

On Friday, April 17, at approximately 2035 hours, Deputies Gallivan and Zeigler were escorting medical staff in Disciplinary Isolation for the evening medical check. As they entered Disciplinary Isolation, Deputy Gallivan looked into a cell and saw an inmate hanging from a noose that had been made from a jail-issued bed sheet. The sheet was securely attached to the ceiling air vent. The inmate's feet were on top of the toilet seat and he was suspended by the noose around his neck.  Though his feet were on the toilet seat, his body was leaning forward, causing the noose to tighten around his neck and cut off oxygen flow.  

Deputy Gallivan requested assistance via his hand-held radio, reporting a possible suicide attempt. Deputies Larson, Cortes, Yoshimoto, Diganci and two members of the medical staff, along with Sergeants Burmood and Wagner, responded to the call for help. Deputy Gallivan unlocked the cell door and attempted to open it, but the inmate had secured the door closed by tying a bed sheet from the door to the seat. Deputy Gallivan was able to force the door open. Deputies Gallivan and Zeigler entered the cell.  Deputy Gallivan lifted the inmate while Deputy Zeigler removed the noose from around his neck. At that time other deputies, medical staff and both sergeants arrived on scene. Deputy Yoshimoto checked for a pulse, but there was none. The inmate was unresponsive and was carried out of his cell and placed on the floor. Deputy Larson checked for a pulse and determined he now had one. The inmate started to breathe. Medical staff put an oxygen mask in place and began a medical assessment. The inmate was placed in a wheelchair and taken to the dispensary. Paramedics were called and transported the inmate to Western Medical Center, Santa Ana.

There had been a previous Disciplinary Isolation completed at 2020 hours by Deputy Gallivan. At that time, the inmate who later attempted to hang himself did not appear to need any medical attention and appeared to be fine. 

The inmate appeared to have no injuries from the incident but he was sent to Western Medical Center for precautionary reasons.  Sgt. Burmood interviewed the inmate and he stated he did not remember the incident.  All personnel did an excellent job.

"I advised the Watch Commander, Lt. Gavin of the incident."

Lieutenant Mike Gavin later said: “Great job by the Central Men’s Jail staff.  Their quick action definitely saved the life of this inmate.”  

The 2009 Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Competition was held in the City of El Centro, California from April 16 through April 19, 2009.  The Orange County Sheriff’s Department was represented by ten Explorers from Post 449:

Lt. Lex Ogan                       Cpl. Evelyn Gomez

Lt. Jake Montes                Sgt. Garrett Eggert

Sgt. Jake Harper               Sgt. Grant Lattimore

Exp. Magali Garcia           Cpl. Travis Boenker

Cpl. Danielle Balszak       Exp. Yazmin Marin

The Explorers were accompanied and supervised by Dep. Bill Simandl, Dep. Rick Fassel and Dep. Sherri Gilman.  All Explorers were mature and professional, which made supervision easy.

The Competition was comprised of more than 100 Explorers and 30 Advisors from 19 different agencies from throughout the Southwestern United States.  The competition events included: 914A Response, Search Warrant Service, Active Shooter, DUI Stop, Tubular Assault, Felony Stop, Tactical Air-soft, Volleyball, Marijuana Field Raid, Pistol Range, 5k Run, Male/Female Obstacle Course, Bicycle Course, Tug-a-war and Fire Arms Training Simulator. Station 18  brought home the following trophies:

Team trophies were for:

1st Place 914A Response

1st Place Tubular Assault

3rd Place Active Shooter

4th Place Fire Arms Training Simulator

4th Place Pistol Range4th Place Marijuana Field Raid 

Individual trophies went to:

2nd Place Male Explorer 5k, Jake Harper

5th Place Female Explorer 5k, Yasmin Marin

1st Place Female Advisor 5k Deputy Sheri Gilman

Explorer Post 449 would like to give special thanks to the following:  

Marilyn McDougal and the Sheriff’s Advisory Committee for paying for the Explorer’s Hotel Rooms

Deputy Christopher Ledbetter, Deputy Michael Perez for their assistance with training.

Karen Giudice, Kathy Panque, Cherlyn Bullington, Patty Reichardt and Cadet Alex Wong for their assistance in preparation for this event.

Steve Connolly, Executive Director of the Orange County Office of Independent Review talked to Mari Frank at KUCI about his role in overseeing the way in which the Sheriff's Department handles complaints against the Department and its members.  

 

The Orange County Register reported in today's paper the weight loss competition between 10 of the Department's Deputies and police officers from Santa Ana and Anaheim Police Departments.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Officers, deputies to skinny up in battle of the bulge

Law enforcement personnel aim to lose 10% of body weight in 10 weeks.

By THERESA CISNEROS
The Orange County Register

IRVINE – Sworn deputies and officers took to the scales this morning to kick off a friendly weight-loss competition that pits law enforcement personnel against one another in a battle of the bulge.

Battle of the Badges II is aimed at helping members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the Santa Ana and Anaheim police departments shed 10 percent of their body weight within 10 weeks through diet, exercise and counseling.

The contest, sponsored by Lindora Medical Clinic's Lean for Life Foundation, began today with a weigh-in ceremony in the parking lot outside the Irvine clinic.

"It is a stressful job and that does add to the challenge, but I am glad you are all here today," Sheriff Sandra Hutchens told the crowd from the stage.

To read the full story and see a slide show of pictures click here.

The American Red CrossInvites you to join their efforts on saving lives.Blood DriveWednesday May 6, 20097:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Please sign up to donate blood today!

To make your appointment please visit: http://www.givelife.org  

Type in the Sponsor Code: OC1(OR)

 E-mail at cdvincent@ocsd.org or call Deputy Curtis Vincent at 647-6063 to sign up IRC – BRIEFING ROOM 

***FREE T-shirt******

In-house raffle for Gas Cards and other Prizes

***FIRST 30 DONORS TO PRE-REGISTER WILL RECEIVE A $1.00 SCRATCHER FROM CALIF. LOTTERY***

With Parent Permission children as young as 16 years old may donate

MUST BRING PICTURE IDENTIFICATION

The graduates are Lieutenant Adam Powell, Sergeant Daniel Elsner and Sergeant Gary Strachan.   

From the Police Officer Standards and Training Website:

Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute  

The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.

The curriculum takes students through an analysis of management (planning, organizing, directing, etc.) and leadership (inspiring, challenging, developing, etc.) and how each discipline compliments the other. The course progresses from self-evaluation, to interpersonal evaluation, to organizational relationships.

During the program, a typical successful student develops the ability to:

Correlate the relationship between personal and organizational principles and values

Exercise greater leadership in personal and professional activities

Increase personal influence with individuals and groups to accomplish organizational goals

Analyze issues from multiple perspectives

Develop increased self-confidence and confidence in the ability of others

Provide support and development for peers and subordinates

Recognize and address areas for personal improvement

Effectively integrate management skills and leadership qualities

A typical successful student is willing to learn, open to new ideas, and able to engage in deep self-examination of values and beliefs. The program is not a "how-to" course and should not be viewed as a fix for problem individuals. The curriculum provides a forum for personal growth and development of qualities necessary for effective public safety leadership.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors called Lieutenant Steve Bernardi “America’s Top Cop.”  

Lieutenant Steve Bernardi has been honored by President George W. Bush and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Orange County Board of Supervisors, who referred to him as America’s Top Cop.

Since 20032, Lieutenant Bernardi has served as Chief of Police Services for the City of Mission Viejo, a city recognized by FBI statistics showing it is America’s safest city, with a population of more than 75,000.  

Lt. Bernardi is retiring this month after a law enforcement career that began when he joined the South Passadena Police Department as a cadet in 1972.  In 1975 he became a Police Officer for South Pasadena.  In 1977 he joined the San Clemente Police Department and worked his way through the ranks as an officer, detective, sergeant, and lieutenant. 

In 1993, the San Clemente Police Department became part of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and became Steve’s new home.   He was promoted to Lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Department in 2003, and shortly thereafter he was assigned as the Chief of Police Services for the City of Mission Viejo.

Lieutenant Bernardi has served as the Chief of Police Services for the City of Mission Viejo for over 6 years and through his outstanding leadership he has been instrumental in helping Mission Viejo become the safest city of its size in the nation.   As Mission Viejo Chief of Police Services Lieutenant Bernardi commanded six sergeants, four investigators, 47 deputies, 6 community service officers, 2 crime prevention specialists, one investigative aide and two cadets. 

Earlier this month the Orange County Register published a story on Lieutenant Bernardi’s retirement.

To read the story click here.

Since 2002 there has been a 16% decrease in Part I crimes. 

Since 1999 the city has had a steady decrease in traffic collisions and injury traffic collisions. Traffic collisions have decreased 46% and total collisions have decreased 26%.

Community feedback questionnaires reflect that 98% of respondents rate Mission Viejo Police Services as good to excellent with 60% as excellent.  A recent City community survey revealed that over 90% of city residents are happy with Mission Viejo Police Services and feel safe living in the city. 

Mission Viejo’s per capita costs are cheapest of all OC cities 75,000.  Lt. Steve Bernardi resides with his wife of 31 years Nancy and their 18 year old son Jamie.  In his spare time, Steve enjoys biking, camping and vacationing in Yosemite.   

Last year, the City of Mission Viejo adopted this resolution to honor Lieutenant Bernardi: More...

Sheriff Hutchens,

I hope that you will receive this email personally. My name is Ed Tracey and I am a Captain with the Oakland Police Department. I just want to take a minute to thank you and your department for your support at the services for our fallen officers. I know that you all spent your own time and money to be there. Some of your officers rode their motorcycles for hours to attend the funeral. Please convey my deepest appreciation to the fine men and women of the Orange County Sheriffs Office. Tell them to stay safe everyday. Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,

Ed Tracey
Support Operations Division
Oakland PD

Fifth grader Shane DuCharme was on his way to Foothill Ranch Elementary School in Lake Forest one day last year when he found an envelope with a large amount of money inside.

There are some who would have kept the money but Shane is a good boy and he strongly believes in doing what is right. He took the envelope to school and turned it in to his teacher, who in turn called the Sheriff's Department where it was logged as found property. Nobody claimed the money and there was no clue as to who had lost it. After 90 days the money was due to be returned to Shane.

Eric Keating, Shane DuCharme and Lieutenant Don Barnes with Shane's new Apple 

Lieutenant Don Barnes, Chief of Lake Forest Police Services, was so impressed with the Shane's honesty that he put together a little ceremony to turn the money over to Shane. Lieutenant Barnes asked Shane what he planned to do with the money and he was quick to respond: He wanted an Apple laptop computer.

Well, Shane had found a good deal of money, but not enough for an Apple computer. Lieutenant Barnes wanted to help the youngster get the Apple computer he deserved so he called Eric Keating, a personal friend and Vice President of Services for Sarcom, an Irvine company that provides computer services to firms nationwide.

Sarcom had an Apple Computer just like the one young Shane wanted, and was so impressed with Shane's honesty and character that Sarcom was willing to significantly discount the computer.

Marilyn MacDougall, Director of Community Programs, heard about Shane and his story. Marilyn shared the story with Michael Sweig of the Sheriff’s Advisory Council, who made a personal donation to help Shane bridge the gap and purchase the Apple laptop he dreamed of. “My Dad was so excited he said that he would like to trade laptops because he has an HP,” Shane said in a thank you letter to Mr. Sweig. “I said, ‘No Way.’” The ever-enterprising Shane went to the Medal of Valor Luncheon last week to deliver his Thank You letter to Mr. Sweig. Jim DuCharme, Shane's father, told Lieutenant Barnes that Shane was so impressed with the ceremony and the stories of heroism that he now talks of wanting to become a Sheriff's Deputy when he grows up. His interests? SWAT, of course.

Congratulation's to Shane, and to his parents Tina and Jim, for his integrity and honesty. You made us proud.

To see Shane's Thank You letter to Michael Sweig click: Shane1 Letter.pdf (88.11 kb)

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Man who was on BMX bike arrested after bank robbed
Orange-haired man reported to have hopped into luxury car after fleeing on bike.

By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ
The Orange County Register

LADERA RANCH – A man seen riding away on a BMX bike was taken into custody Wednesday on suspicion of robbing a Wells Fargo branch with a pellet gun, authorities said.

30-year-old Christian Corah was arrested, after he was seen leaving the bank on a bicycle, and after a witness later saw him climbing into a BMW 6 series car, said Lt. Ted Boyne of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. He was taken into custody less than a mile away from the bank after being stopped by a deputy on a motorcycle.

For the full story click here. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation today released new statistics on bank robberies. To view the report click here.  

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S PATROL CHAPLAINS-A MINISTRY OF PRESENCE

By Rich Atkinson, Assistant Chief Senior Chaplain 

The tragic events in Oakland and Pittsburg, PA this year have left a deep scar on the hearts of those serving within these Police Departments, the citizens of these two communities, and the entire public safety community as a whole. The tremendous loss is felt by us all. These horrific events, like many other critically stressful incidents encountered by law enforcement personnel each day comes with excruciating grief. This deep pain, if left to heal without God’s direct intervention, will leave a festering wound which could have a perilous impact on many of our public safety brothers and sisters for years to come. The chaplaincy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department exists so that the first responders and staff of our agency have a trained and confidential member of the clergy to share the normal emotions that result in the aftermath of critical incidents that our co-workers deal with each day.

Patrol chaplains stand ready to work side-by-side with deputies and investigators to provide comfort to the victimized residents you meet each day. Whether it is during a ride-along with patrol deputies, or through a phone call-out from field personnel via  dispatch, ministers are available to respond to any type of law enforcement related crisis or incident 24/7. 

Additionally, no member of the OCSD family should ever feel alone during difficult times. Your Patrol Chaplains are also here to provide no cost, confidential, professional level, spiritual counseling and care to the members of our Department. Through this ministry of presence, the impact of the infectious stressors we all experience can be minimized to make sure that unexpressed concerns do not take a lifelong or life-changing toll on the members of our Department or their families. 

To speak confidentially with a Patrol Chaplain please feel free to personally reach out to one of our many trained and ordained clergy, or contact us by leaving a message on our password protected voicemail at (949) 361-8387.   

Your OCSD Chaplains are proud to serve the members of our Department and stand ready to assist you in caring for the residents of Orange County or being a safe confidant for our co-workers who may need an encouraging word. 

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and Assistant Sheriff Mike James briefed the Board of Supervisors on April 7 about the state of the Department Jails.

To view the video see below: