The Orange County Sheriff’s Department was sad to announce the passing of Reserve Sergeant Kendall M. Sanders Jr.   After suffering the prolonged and devastating effects caused by H1N1 virus, Ken passed away on October 22nd, 2009.  While in ICU at Kaiser Hospital in Riverside, Ken’s family and closest friends maintained a steady vigil at his bedside as he fought this battle for almost three months.  With permission from the family, and after discussing all options with Ken’s physician and hospital administrators, Ken was removed from all life support measures.

Ken is survived by his wife Karen and sisters Kathy and Karen.

I’ve been a close friend of Ken’s for the better part of 22 years.  He was “best man” at my wedding and he was the brother I never had.  If you ask anyone who knew Ken, you would consistently hear stories of how he went above and beyond to help anyone in need, no matter the problem, no matter the time.  He always seemed to give more than he received yet he never kept score.  He just did it because he felt joy by helping out not only his friends, but others he hardly knew.

Ken was born on August 14th, 1963 in Terre Haute, Indiana. 

·         He was sworn in as Reserve Deputy Level -III on 1-22-92.

·         Promoted to Level-II on 1-26-93.

·         Promoted to Sergeant on 10-14-2002.

Ken’s most recent assignment was Investigations Reserve Unit, where he was assigned to Special Investigations.  Other assignments include:

·         The Special Enforcement Team for the city of San Juan Capistrano.

·         The mounted unit.

Just in the past four years alone Ken donated almost 2,000 hours of his own time.  Over the course of his 18 years of service to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Orange County, Ken has donated thousands more.  All of this was in addition to his regular full time job.

Ken was also a county employee, working at John Wayne Airport, as a “Shop Planner”.  His responsibilities required him to arrange construction projects, locate and hire construction personnel and order the materials required to complete these projects.  At the airport Ken’s affable spirit and winning personality earned him many loyal and steadfast friends.  Several of these friends were at Ken’s side even in his final hours.

Ken was not only a gun owner, he was a gunslinger, who loved horseback riding and visiting Tombstone Arizona.  He also loved Starbuck’s coffee, by the gallon, and good cigars… usually not more than one at a time.

Ken’s love and friendship will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

With Respect,

Dominic Montalbano

This just in from Court Operations:

On October 12, 2009, Sheriff’s Special Officer James (Jim) Wallace of the Court Operations Division received a very special and well deserved honor.  Jim was named “Bailiff of the Year” by the Orange County Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.  Jim received his award at the Newport Beach Pacific Club in front of a packed house of Trial Attorneys, Bench Officers, and other Orange County Law Officials. 

SSO Wallace began his career in Law Enforcement in 1983 as a Reserve Officer with the Orange Police Department.  He performed duties as a Level 1 Reserve Patrol Officer and donated thousands of volunteer hours to the community and police department.   He was hired in 1998 by the Orange County Marshall's Department and began serving as a Court Services Officer.  He later became a Sheriff’s Special Officer when the agency merged with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

SSO Wallace spent the past eight years assigned to Division L73 at the Lamoreaux Justice Center.  He provided Bailiff Services to Judge Gerald Johnston within the Orange County Probate Court.  He performed his duties with distinction and states “it was a privilege to work with Judge Johnston". He was recently re-assigned to Judge Cheryl Leininger in Division L-53 which he enjoys very much. 

In 2005, SSO Wallace received the “Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year Award from the Orange County Victim Witness Program.  He developed a program for frightened youth who were testifying in court against someone who had harmed them.  The program was designed to familiarize the victims with the court process and ease their fears.  Jim states, “One of my goals working in the court is to make the experience a positive one.  I try to let people know that it is a professional process and can be fun.  It shouldn’t be something to fear.”

Court Operations Lieutenant Brad Virgoe was pleased to see SSO Wallace receive his award.  He states, “Jim is a very special person and has a heart as big as the court house.  He does an outstanding job as a bailiff, but it’s the other things that I notice.  He’s always the one to buy the cards and flowers when an associate loses a family member, or organize and collect money when someone is in need.  It happened way too many times last year, but Jim was always there for everyone.”

SSO Wallace was a valuable asset during a recent high profile case that occurred at the Lamoreaux Justice Center.  He had an established rapport with the involved attorneys and maintained contact over a several week period.  He received updates and information that was necessary to the event planning and security of the Justice Center.  Jim’s involvement directly contributed to the safe and efficient handling of the incident.

SSO Wallace has a long history of service and is a proud Air Force and Viet Nam Veteran.  He is married to his wife Ginger, and enjoys every minute of time with his two sons David and Brian, and grandchildren Ryan and Katie.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens congratulates Deputy Kevin Spellerberg, left, and Deputy Coroner Kelly Ralph on their Heroes with Hearts Awards 

Deputy Kevin Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Kelly Ralph of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department were nominated for Heroes with Hearts Awards by Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. volunteers Renee Lutz and Cindy Gosting.

In May of 2009 an elderly woman was found dead in her backyard by her son. Because of the circumstances of the death, family members had many questions about what happened to their mother.

Two TIP volunteers responded to the scene where they worked alongside Deputy Kevin Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Kelly Ralph. According to the TIP volunteers, both Deputy Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Ralph were exceptionally compassionate with the distraught family members. They spent time answering all the family members’ questions and were very available to them throughout the afternoon.

Deputy Coroner Ralph allowed the son of the deceased to be with her when she examined his deceased mother. This was very important to the son.

Family members complimented both the Deputy and the Deputy Coroner on a number of occasions. Following are direct quotes from Renee Lutz and Cindy Gosting, the TIP volunteers who nominated Deputy Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Ralph:

• “Deputy Coroner Ralph has a lovely demeanor and is very kind.”

• “Deputy Spellerberg was very respectful and kind and takes his job very seriously.”

• “I have been on other calls with both of these individuals and they always show caring and compassion.”

For their compassionate care of citizens in crisis, Trauma Intervention Programs of Orange County is pleased to present Deputy Kevin Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Kelly Ralph with the 2009 Heroes with Heart Awards.

For visit the Website of the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc Orange County Chapter click here.

The case of Jamie Marie Meissner made news when her attorney accused the Department of removing video footage he claimed would show his client being the victim of excessive force. The missing footage was due to an error in editing, leaving the view of one camera and appearing in a second camera. When the footage was found it showed no misconduct by jail staff. The jury made it official: no excessive force. 

The Register gave this account:   

Jury clears sheriff’s deputies in excessive force case

October 27th, 2009, 11:44 am · posted by Tony Saavedra, Register investigative reporter

Over the past several years the duties of Sheriff’s Special Officers (SSO's) within the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have expanded significantly. 

SSO's serve in various divisions throughout the department including the CJX, Theo Lacy Facility, James A. Musick Facility, Airport Operations, Court Operations and the Security Bureau. 

The multi-faceted use of SSO's can sometimes create confusion about their official powers and responsibilities as Peace Officers.  

This training bulletin will attempt to clear up some of those misconceptions and serve as a reference to members of the department.

What are Sheriff’s Special Officers?

Sheriff’s Special Officers are duly sworn and appointed Peace Officers.  They derive their authority from California Penal Code sections 830.33, 830.35, and 830.36.  They have the authority to make arrests and utilize force (within the confines of the law and department policy) for the purpose of performing their primary duty. Can Sheriff’s Special Officers carry and utilize handguns, Electronic Control Devices (ECDs/TASERs), batons and Pepper Spray?Yes, within the guidelines and policies of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and all applicable laws.

Can Sheriff’s Special Officers carry concealed weapons off-duty?

Yes.  California Penal Code section 12027 exempts certain peace officers from the requirements of California Penal Code section 12025 which prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons.  The Court of Appeals has ruled that Sheriff’s Special Officers meet the requirements for the exemption and therefore do not need to obtain a CCW permit to carry a concealed weapon off-duty.

Are Sheriff’s Special Officers Peace Officers when they are off-duty?

Yes, the Court of Appeals has ruled that Sheriff’s Special Officers qualify to carry concealed weapons off-duty based on their status as Peace Officers.  That said, Title 6 of the Departments Rules and Regulations states “Special Officers and Deputy Coroners, while off-duty, have no general duties to perform as an employee of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department”.  This does not lessen their off-duty status as peace officers, however it diminishes the expectation for them to act in their official capacity as peace officers while off-duty.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            

DAMON MICALIZZI

            (714) 647-4191

November 5, 2009

DRUG USE IS LIFE ABUSE TO HOST FORUM ADDRESSING MEDICINE ABUSE BY OC TEENS

(ORANGE COUNTY, CA) - A community forum on November 12th brings lawmakers, parents, educators, law enforcement and healthcare professionals together to discuss solutions to the dangerous trend of teens abusing medicine to get high.

The meeting, sponsored by Drug Use Is Life Abuse (DUILA), Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Capistrano Unified School District Office, 33122 Valle Road, in San Juan Capistrano. The goal is to raise awareness about the problems of prescription drug and over-the-counter cough medicine abuse among teens.

Recent studies have spotlighted medicine abuse, including the abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines, as an alarming trend among young people. When used correctly, these drugs are safe and effective. But when abused, these drugs can produce dangerous side effects, including death.

“Through collaborative efforts and united resources, CHPA and CADCA are helping us to educate our community about this dangerous trend,” said Marilyn MacDougall, Executive Director of DUILA. “From parents and educators to law enforcement officials, it is imperative that we come together to learn about medicine abuse so that we can raise awareness about its dangers among our teens.”

The Orange County meeting is one of a series of forums occurring across the country to raise awareness about cough medicine abuse.  For more information including a complete list of participating partners go to www.duila.org.

The Exchange Club of San Clemente recently held their awards luncheon and honored three members of the Department for good work.

Those honored were Deputy Rod Valdez, Senior Volunteer Bill Waibel and Investigative Assistant Karen Huggins. Included are the remarks given when they received their awards.

DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

 Deputy Rod Valdez

Deputy Rod Valdez was hired by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in August of 1986 as a deputy sheriff where he was assigned to the jails. 

In 1994, Rod transferred to the contract city of San Clemente where he has spent the past 15 years. 

He spent three years as a motor officer working traffic in San Clemente, during which time he was struck while on the motorcycle in two separate collisions – neither was his fault, but after the second accident he decided to not tempt fate and returned to driving a black and white patrol vehicle.  More...

Deputy Christensen, left, gives a presentation to the National School Resource Officers Association in 2008.  

The California School Resource Officer's Association has named Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Lance Christensen it's SRO of the year. Earlier this year he was named a runner-up for School Resource Officer of the Year by the National School Resource Officer's Assocation.

Deputy Christensen will receive the state organization honor on Wednesday during the organizaton's annual conference being held this year in San Diego.

His nomination by Tesoro High School said in part:

"Deputy Christensen guides students toward making better, informed choices and he checks in on them often. He works at building long-lasting relationships with students, rather than simply doling out consequences and moving on to the next case. His strong rapport and relationships with students have impacted students to confide in him when otherwise they might not, and either would have made destructive decisions or ignored when their peers have. Deputy Christensen demonstrates the "critical friend" model without asking students to be critical friends. Under this non-judgmental guidance, students are drawn from an inner sense of responsibility regarding their friend's choices as well as their own. This phenomenon has thwarted many negative outcomes."

The CSROA describes itself this way on it's Website:

The CSROA is comprised of dedicated peace officers and educators of California who readily commit their experiences, efforts, and knowledge to achieve the common goal of providing all California schools with a safe and healthy learning environment. Members of the CSROA serve California’s schools statewide, participating in various community-based prevention efforts and convene with a number of committees dedicated to recognizing the potential in today’s youth.

To view the Employee Spotlight feature on Deputy Christensen run on the Blog previously click here.

To learn more about the organization click here.

Deputy Christensen has been featured in the Deparment Blog several times. Click here to see some of his contributions to the Department's mission.

To view his nomination by Tesoro High School click: ChristensenCSROAOfficer2009Nomination2.pdf (115.42 kb)

Project 999, which helps support the survivors of peace officers killed in the line of duty, is one of the Orange County charities that benefit from United Way contributions.

To learn about Project 999 click here.

To learn more about the United Way of Orange County click here.

To view Sheriff Hutchens' Public Service Announcement click the icon below.

Deputy Mark Tonkin, an eight year veteran of the Sheriff-Coroner Department, lost his life in a helicopter crash on Monday night, October 24, 1988, while assigned to DESERT RANGER, a multi-agency cooperative narcotic enforcement program in the state. Mark was one of eight victims aboard a California National Guard UH1H Huey Helicopter which went down and burned in mountainous terrain near El Centro, California.

Other members of the narcotic team on the ill-fated mission were two deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, one each from Riverside County and the Imperial County Sheriff's Departments, and three officers from the California National Guard. Operation DESERT RANGER has, in the past, involved personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs, Border Patrol, San Bernardino County Sheriff and San Diego County Sheriff.

Deputy Tonkin joined the department on August 21, 1981. He was initially assigned to the Main Jail upon completing basic training. He worked a short time as a court bailiff and then assigned to North Patrol. Deputy Tonkin was assigned to the Career Criminal Apprehension Team in January of 1988.

To see the 1988 Department Bulletin that reported his death click: tonkin.pdf (1.23 mb)  

The Orange County Register reported his death this way:

8 officers killed in copter crash
Orange County deputy among group involved in a drug-fighting mission
October 25, 1988

Byline:   James V. Grimaldi; Edward Humes

The Register

An Orange County Sheriff's deputy, three local National Guardsmen and four other law-enforcement officers were killed Monday night when an Army National Guard helicopter from Los Alamitos crashed during a drug-fighting mission near the Mexican border. More...

“Working Together to Save Lives” is the newly completed mural located in the Orange County Coroner Division facility. The mural celebrates the special collaboration between the Department and OneLegacy, the organ and tissue recovery organization serving the seven-county greater Los Angeles area.

Among those at the presentation were Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Chief Deputy Coroner Jacque Brendt, officials of OneLegacy and a couple of special ladies.

The mural captures the first time that Amber Vargas listened to her mother’s heart beat in the chest of the Karen Athey, whose life was saved by the organ donation.  Both Amber and Karen were present.  

The presentation of the mural was covered by both the Orange County Register and KCAL.

Click here to view the Register report.

Click the icon to view the KCAL report.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that the Department faces another $65 million in budget cuts primarily due to the faltering sales tax revenues.   Assistant Sheriff Mike James gave the Board an update on the state of the Department's jails.

Click here to view the Orange County Register story on the presentations.

To view the PowerPoint presented by the Sheriff and Assistant Sheriff James click the icon below. 

Legendary gangster Pretty Boy Floyd was killed in a gun battle with law enforcement 75 years ago today.  The FBI marked the anniversary with a special report on their Website.

Pretty Boy Floyd has a special place in the history of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.  Seventy-five years ago last March he was the subject of the very first radio car bulletin broadcast by the Sheriff's Department. Patrol units were alerted to be on the lookout for Pretty Boy Floyd, reported in the vicinity of Anaheim.

To see a Department Blog item on the 1934 broadcast click here.

The FBI annivesary report said in part:

Law enforcement had been closing in on Floyd over the past two days. Floyd, just 30 years old, had been in trouble with the law for about a dozen years. He’d stolen money, robbed banks, and reportedly killed some ten people. But it was his participation in the so-called Kansas City Massacre—a brazen attack in June 1933 that killed four lawmen, including a Bureau agent—that brought the FBI into the chase.

Floyd had been traveling across the country in the fall of 1934 with another conspirator in the Kansas City attack—Adam Richetti, an ex-sheriff turned bad—and their two girlfriends, when the net tightened. On the wet, foggy evening of October 20, not long after the foursome had crossed into Ohio, Floyd ran their car into a telephone pole. Floyd and Richetti camped out nearby as the women went to have the car repaired. The men were eventually spotted, and law enforcement was called.

For the full FBI report click here.

For the FBI file on Pretty Boy Floyd, which shows some of the effort to locate him in California in March, 1934, click here.

To see a Department Blog story on Lieutenant Mike Mullen's achievement click here. 

To see the Certificate presented by Supervisors Chair Pat Bates click: Mullen Cert.pdf (1.55 mb)

More than four thousand people joined the 21st Annual Walk Against Drugs and 2nd Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo on Saturday in the City of Mission Viejo.

This was the kick-off event for National Red Ribbon Week for Orange County. The event included a rally at Mission Viejo High School Stadium at which Sheriff Sandra Hutchens introduced Jennifer Smart, a young broadcast personality who was featured at the rally. 

The crowd, all wearing red, then walked down La Paz Rd, through the Oso Creek Trail. The one and a half mile walk ended at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center where the community was invited to a fair and Emergency Preparedness Expo.The fair along the Village Green featured music, food, game booths, crafts, inflatables as well as vehicle displays by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Authority. The Expo also featured emergency preparedness booths with informative, interactive displays to educate residents about how to adequately prepare for a large-scale disaster and showcase the resources available during disaster responses.

For more pictures click More...

The number of felonious line-of-duty deaths for law enforcement officers reached 41 in 2008, the lowest number of the decade.  It included three California law enforcement officers.

To see the full report click here.

The FBI report on the statistics gave this information on the slain officers:  

Felonious Deaths

The 41 felonious line-of-duty deaths took place during 38 separate incidents. All 38 incidents have been cleared by arrest or exceptional means. The felonious deaths occurred in 19 states. The number of officers feloniously killed in 2008 decreased by 17 compared with the 2007 figure (58 officers). The five and ten year comparisons also showed decreases in the number of felonious deaths, down 16 from the 2004 number (57 officers) and a decrease of one from the 1999 total (42 officers).

Officer Profiles: Among the officers who were feloniously killed, the average age was 39 years. The victim officers had served in law enforcement for an average of 10 years at the time of the fatal incidents. Thirty-seven of the victim officers were male and four were female. Thirty of the officers were white, nine were black, and one was American Indian/Alaskan Native. Race information was not reported for one of the victims.

Circumstances: Of the 41 officers feloniously killed, nine of the slain officers were involved in arrest situations; eight were performing traffic stops; seven were investigating suspicious persons/circumstances; seven were involved in tactical situations (e.g., high-risk entry); six were ambushed; two were performing investigative duties; one was handling, transporting, or maintaining custody of a prisoner; and one was answering a disturbance call.

Weapons: Offenders used firearms to kill 35 of the 41 victim officers. Of these 35 officers, 25 were slain with handguns, six with rifles, and four with shotguns. Four officers were killed with vehicles that were used as weapons, and two officers died from injuries as a result of a bomb.

Region: Twenty of the felonious deaths occurred in the South, nine in the West, nine in the Midwest, and three in the Northeast.

Suspects: Law enforcement agencies identified 42 alleged assailants in connection with the 41 felonious line-of-duty deaths. Thirty-six of the assailants had prior criminal records, and eleven of the assailants were under judicial supervision at the time of the felonious incidents. Five of the offenders had received a juvenile conviction on a prior criminal charge

A Message from Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens:

Last weekend the Executive Command staff, Division Commanders, and Bureau Commanders gathered at the Irvine Outdoor Education Center for our first Leadership Retreat. Our purpose was to begin the development of our one, three and five-year strategic plans; review and apply, where applicable, highlights of the book Good to Great, by Jim Collins; and discuss feedback from Undersheriff Scott's meetings with Lieutenants, Admin Manager II's, Sergeants and Admin Manager I's. The Leadership Retreat, at no cost to the department, was extremely positive. During these challenging times, our department leadership is unified in our goals and vision for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

One of the most important discussions from Good to Great is the topic of Level 5 Leadership. Level 5 Leaders "want to see the company [or agency] even more successful in the next generation and are comfortable with the idea that most people won't even know that the roots of the success trace back to their efforts." Level 5 leaders want to be able to leave an organization and look back years later and still be proud to have worked there. Finally, Level 5 Leaders are not tolerant of mediocrity. "Good is the enemy of great," writes Jim Collins. Change and reform is difficult, but necessary, to serve out our mission with superior distinction.

Good to Great also serves as an important reminder that the right people are our most important asset. "A" players who are going to put forth "A+" effort are absolutely essential not only to achieving greatness, but establishing greatness for generations to come. Additionally, vigorous and passionate debate in search of the best answers is something we should expect from our management team. However, once debate has ended, we must maintain unity in our decisions, regardless of our narrow, personal interests. More...

The Orange County Sheriff's Department Women’s Team captured 1st place in the 5K Women’s Law Enforcement Division in the 10th Annual Lupus Race for Life run on October 4 at LaMirada Regional Park.

They were well represented by, Denise Herstch, Susie Briggs, Jacquelyn Martinez, Jesicka Contreras and Susan Edwards.  Denise Herstch placed 1st and Susie Briggs placed 2nd in the Law Enforcement Individual 5K competition. More...

The Annual Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in the IRC Briefing Room from 1000-1600 hours on Tuesday October 27, 2009.

As with the past Blood Drives, the Red Cross will be offering a County-Wide drawing and assisting with providing in-house drawings for gas cards, and other prizes.  Also, as in the past, all participants will receive a Donor T-Shirt and coupon to a local restaurant.  If you wish to participate you may register on line at http://www.givelife.org/ Code: OC1 or you can call me to schedule a time.

Walk-In donors with no appointments are welcome too. I thank you in advance for your assistance.

At this Blood Drive we also will be taking advance registration sign-ups for the “4th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive”. Last year we finished in 2nd place behind Riverside Police Department for Donations collected (94 to 107).  With your help again, we will exceed that amount.

When you donate blood, please remember that you must bring Picture Identification.  

Thank you for your time.  

Deputy C.D. Vincent IRC – CJX                

January’s Battle of the Badges: On Wednesday, January 27, 2010 from 7AM to 7PM, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be participating in the 4th Annual “BATTLE of the BADGES” Blood Drive.  

The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will run for two weeks, from Tuesday, January 19th to Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010, as Police and Fire Departments throughout Southern California compete in a friendly competition to see which Badge-Carrying Personnel, Family and Friends can donate the most blood and ultimately save the most lives.  

On September 11, 2009, we received a handwritten letter from a Ms. Emily P. of Mission Viejo. Her letter states:

"Dear Police Officers! My name is Emily P. I am going to second grade. I wanted to say thank you for protecting our homes."

Anna MacKenzie from American Airlines wrote a letter of commendation for the following Airport Operations Division members:

Sergeant Dave Manley, Deputy Lionel Luna, Deputy Scott Vanover, Deputy Richard Leonard, Sheriff's Special Officer Dan Truong and Sheriff's Special Officer Charles Volkel. MacKenzie wrote: "I would like to thank the members of the Airport Operations Division who donated their time to help make Operation Snowflake a success and a lasting memory for our Snowball Express families!

The picnic will now be a yearly event, so we can continue to honor and bring some joy to the surviving spouses and children of our fallen U.S. military personnel. Snowball Express is the charity for the children of our fallen military heroes. We started in 2006 with a simple idea: Provide hope and new memories to the children of our fallen military heroes who died while on active duty since September 11, 2001. As a Nation, we are blessed. We owe it to these children to do something special and nothing is better than meeting someone who is just like you."

CSO Carrie Murray of San Clemente Police Services received a letter of thanks from Alyssa B. for returning her lost camera.

Miss B. said she spent over $1,000 of her babysitting money for her camera and it is one of the most important things in the world to her. She inadvertently left the camera on the beach and was excited to find out CSO Murray found the camera and returned it to her.

Miss B. said, "Your honesty means a huge amount to me and I think that life will reward you for that eventually."

Lieutenant Paul D'Auria of San Clemente Police Services received a phone call from Don H. of Sea Pointe Estates. Mr. H. called to commend Deputy Sherri Gilman for the manner in which she handled a call at his residence last month. Mr. H. said he had arrived home late one evening from a trip out of state. He was exhausted and left his vehicle parked outside, leaving the doors unlocked. The vehicle was ransacked later that evening and Deputy Gilman responded to take the report. Mr. H. said Deputy Gilman was very professional and helpful and feels she is a real asset to the Orange County Sheriff's Department and San Clemente Police Services.

Lynn Woods from the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce recently sent a letter of commendation and appreciation to Sergeant Nancy Gafner of San Clemente Police Services for her work in making the annual Street Fiesta a success. This event attracts over 40,000 people and with Sgt. Gafner organizing and preparing the security for the event, the Fiesta was a safe, family-friendly event for all attendees. Ms. Wood wrote, "I have worked with San Clemente Police Services on many Chamber of Commerce events, however the Fiesta is a major event that needs the strong direction of a law enforcement leader. Sgt. Gafner is that leader and without her direction, this event could not continue to be as successful as it has been since she has coordinated the law enforcement services."

Office Technician Leo Figueroa of Airport Operations Division received a letter of commendation from passenger Terri K., who is a teacher for Odessa High School in Washington. K. wrote: "While returning home with 16 students, one of the student's laptops was left behind. I contacted the Sheriff's Lost and Found and was relieved to find out the laptop was safe. Because of Leo's help, the laptop arrived in perfect condition!"

On September 3, 2009, Kristin Kvesic from the Orange County Food Bank wrote a letter thanking the Airport Operations Division for a recent food donation. Kvesic wrote: "Because of your efforts, we collected over 114 pounds of much needed food for the County Food Bank. We would like to thank Sheriff's Special Officer Sterling Young for delivering the food to us and to all of those who participated in the food drive. Many will benefit from your generosity!"

Investigator Gene Inouye

Economic Crimes Investigator Gene Inouye was interviewed by KUCI's Mari Frank.  He provided information on how the public can avoid being the victims of scam artists and identity theft.  

To hear the interviews click the audio icons below.

Orange County has been selected by the National Institute of Corrections in partnership with Urban Institute as one of four counties in the nation to receive a technical assistance grant. This grant will synchronize the efforts of many different agencies to help the incarcerated become good citizens in the community.  

The grant provides training and technical assistance to the Department to better coordinate the activities of about 60 agencies working to help Orange County Jail inmates successfully transition.

The Department’s “Great Escape Program” for inmates and a Re-Entry Center for those recently released are among the most effective efforts by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to help inmates lead lawful and productive lives in the community and reduce costly recidivism.

Among the agencies that have programs to help inmates adjust to life in the community are Probation, the Orange County Superior Court, the District Attorney, Public Defender, Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Services, and Rancho Santiago Community College. These agencies are currently working together through the Orange County Re-Entry Partnership, established two years ago and led by the Sheriff.

One of the chief ways of accomplishing that goal will be a unified assessment tool, a personalized information sheet that can be used by all agencies to help establish the benefit an individual inmate would likely achieve from the various programs offered.  The assessment tool will help match the inmate to the available programs and filter out the seemingly incorrigible and those who would waste their time and county resources in the program. More...