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.

"This week I promised to provide the community with an operational plan for my department while I deal with the false allegations I am facing. Here are the parameters of that plan. 

Yesterday was my first opportunity to enter a “not guilty” plea. Today I must look to the near future as I defend myself against the false allegations and also address my responsibilities in the long-term as Sheriff as to what is best for the men and women of my department and the residents of the County of Orange.  During the past week I found myself fighting to clear my name and to prepare my defense.  I am confident that once afforded the opportunity to face my accusers in a court of law I will be vindicated. For thirty-one years I have devoted my life to serving the community. As the Sheriff for the County of Orange I have devoted the last nine years to developing public safety programs and with the men and women of my department, have made the Orange County Sheriff’s Department a leader in the nation in providing public safety.   

I believe in the principles of our justice system that allow me to defend myself against these false allegations.  I am also realistic in understanding how much time I will need to devote to my defense.  In order to do so I must consider the best interests of the community, my department and my family.  

Having met with my command staff, the Undersheriff, and the Assistant Sheriffs and after careful legal research, I have concluded that it is legally possible for me to take a leave of absence. Therefore, effective November 9, 2007 I will be taking a sixty day leave of absence in order to devote my full time and energy towards battling the untrue and baseless charges made against my wife, Debbie and me.  

Undersheriff Jo Ann Galisky will be taking over the day to day operations of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  Undersheriff Galisky has been with the department for 23 years and is recognized as a leader in the law enforcement community.  Undersheriff Galisky’s distinguished career reflects her breadth of knowledge having worked her way up through the ranks.  I know that as Acting-Sheriff, Undersheriff Galisky will enjoy the full confidence of the men and women of the Sheriff's Department, as well as the support of the other members of our Department's Command Staff.  

This was not an easy decision for me to make, given that I know that the charges against me are without merit, and that I am confident that I will be fully exonerated when this matter goes to trial.  In closing, I can say that every decision that I have made as Sheriff of Orange County has always been with two top priorities -- a commitment to the pubic safety of the people we are sworn to protect, and making the best decisions to support the 4,500 employees of the finest law enforcement agency in America.  I want to thank the Undersheriff, the Assistant Sheriff’s and the Department for its ongoing commitment to professionalism and their support during these trying times."

"People have expressed concerns about the effect of the allegations on the ongoing operations of the Sheriff’s Department.  

Public safety remains our highest priority. Consequently, we are formulating a plan to allow the command staff to handle day-to-day operations during those times that I will need to devote my time and attention to exonerating my wife and myself.  

We will be releasing the details of this operational plan in the near term. 

Let me make it clear that I have absolutely no intention of resigning during the pendency of this case."

The mission of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department was conceived in 1889, with the election of Richard T. Harris. Sheriff Harris’s department consisted of two deputies, T.C. Hull and James Buckley. Together, they kept the community safe from horse thieves and other malevolence.  

Over the last 118 years, as Orange County has experienced incredible growth, natural disasters and even economic disasters, the mission of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has remained the same: To provide professional, responsive and caring law enforcement services to the residents, visitors and businesses of Orange County.  In 1889 only two deputies and a sheriff carried out our mission. Today we have more than 4,000 sworn and professional staff, each dedicated to a mission that has remained the same.  

Over the last few days there has been a lot of speculation focused on our organizational structure and leadership and our ability to move the department and our mission forward. Our history should prove that transitions, crisis and natural disasters do not distract us from protecting the public. Additionally, earlier this year, because of tremendous growth in our organization, multiple new construction and facility expansions, and the increasing diversity of our organization, the Undersheriff position was reinstated with the purpose of appointing a designated authority for operational oversight and administrative control.  

Since March 30, 2007, our four assistant sheriffs have reported to Undersheriff Galisky, who serves as my designated authority for operational oversight and administrative control.  

Our community and contract partners can be assured that the events of this week have not impacted our ability to serve them. In fact, the Department of Justice took steps to reassure the public, stating the charges “never called into question the integrity of the rank-and-file Orange County Sheriff’s Department personnel. The FBI is committed to continuing these strong relationships that exist in the form of joint task forces devoted to fighting terrorism, organized criminal enterprises, the exploitation of children, bank robberies, and other criminal activity in Orange County.”  

Regretfully, there continues to be attacks on our department regarding the fire storm surrounding me. Your phone calls, emails, smiles and hugs boost my spirits and I sincerely appreciate your support. 

There is no doubt that these are difficult times for us all, but as we’ve seen throughout our extraordinary history, the professionalism and dedication of those who serve the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is unwavering.  Those we serve should be assured of one thing: We continue to move forward as an organization united in our mission of serving Orange County.

The responses to the 2007 OCSD Employee Survey have been compiled and analyzed.  A total of 1,669 employee surveys were completed.  This means about 48 percent of current employees chose to complete the survey.  While we had hoped to hear from all of our employees, this response rate provides statistically valid results.

The survey results provide some very positive information, 90 percent of Department employees are proud to be members of the OCSD team, and 89 percent agreed the Department is a good place to work.  It also shows that 90 percent of employees agreed the Department is responsive to the needs of the Community, and 89 percent agreed the Department provides good customer service.  Training was also viewed positively, with 87 percent agreeing they had received the training needed to properly perform their work, and 85 percent agreeing that training is effective in updating and improving skills and abilities.

The survey results also provide helpful insight into areas where the Department needs to make improvements.  Across the board, employees from all classifications felt the promotional process needs improvement, primarily at the professional, sergeant and investigator level. The Department’s Management Team continues to review the survey results and is working to develop strategies for making improvements.  Much of the information will be useful in ongoing efforts to address Department issues through Division Commander working groups established last fall.  These working groups are working on issues including Department staffing, the rank structure, organizational communication, and staff development.

None of this, however, could be accomplished without your feedback, which will assist us in creating a better workplace while ensuring that we remain true to our mission to serve the residents and businesses of Orange County.

Thank you for all that you do each and every day.

The results can be found here.

"As I’ve written previously, one of our strategic objectives has been to increase the reach of our Public and Media Relations efforts – going beyond our organization and around the filter of the news media. Our blog has been a tremendous success in this effort. We’re being read in all the right places, here in Southern California, and throughout the country.  

Some of our work, however, goes beyond the space and time constraints of our blog and our bulletin. Try giving an in-depth explanation of DNA or our Inmate Programs Division and how Correctional Programs relates with Governor Schwarzenegger’s prison reforms and proposals in a clear and interesting and entertaining way so readers will come back for more. The fact is, in most instances the knowledge and expertise of the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department deserves more than a few paragraphs.  

On Monday, October 22^nd, John McDonald, former Staff Writer for the Orange County Register will join our team. In his part-time capacity, John will be tasked with writing feature stories for placement in magazines, newspapers and our blog. We already have a list of subjects for him to explore – all with the goal of highlighting your extraordinary service to the residents of Orange County.  

Over the next few months we will continue to innovate and diversify our communication efforts to shine a positive light on your efforts. Thank you for your constant and consistent professionalism, which makes it so easy to get the good word out there."

Fortunately, few in our community will ever have to enter one of our jails. For the most part, such a place remains shrouded in mystery or fictionalized by what one views on the television or the big screen. Every day both sworn and professional staff work together to ensure the safety of inmates and personnel, making us one of the safest mega-jails in the country. Operating a jail is extraordinarily complex, and many will never fully understand or appreciate the challenges involved in safely incarcerating thousands of criminals.  

Such mystery and complexity, however, can be a detriment when trying to shed light on our operation. It is one thing to attempt to describe the linear-style set up of the Men’s Central Jail; it’s quite another to actually see the linear-style design in person. Several times in the past we have invited various journalists to tour our facilities in an attempt to showcase our operation and assist them in writing their stories. This morning, we had the pleasure of hosting a diverse group of individuals in the Central Jail and the IRC.  

Orange County Register reporters Norberto Santana and Amy Taxin requested a tour of the cross-designation process. At the same time, Orange County bloggers Chris Prevatt of the The Liberal OC and “Jubal” and Jon of Red County’s OC Blog toured the IRC and the Men’s Central Jail and received an in-depth look at the cross-designation process.  

While the Register’s Norberto and Amy were here to work on a story they are preparing, the OC bloggers were here, by invitation, because they have written about our jail operations in the past and will most likely do so in the future.  

Such tours may seem like an unnecessary interruption; however, the goal is always to shed light on our operation and showcase the professional and dedicated men and women working in our facilities. The work you do each and every day should not be locked up inside the walls of our jails but shared with the general public where knowledge of our operations is, sadly, extremely limited.  

I take great pleasure showcasing your work, talent, and experience because I know it is the best way to open up our jails to the communities we serve.

The afternoon of July 17th, Supervisor Moorlach and his staff briefed the Undersheriff and me on his legal theories regarding retroactive pension benefits.

He told us this matter was confidential and requested we not discuss this matter. He also asked us to attend closed session on July 24th to discuss the potential impacts to our employees and public safety as well as to discuss possible options, impacts and solutions with county executives and attorneys.

Today, however, he held a press conference where he outlined why he believes retroactive pension benefits are unconstitutional and he will be asking the board of supervisors to approve his legal strategy on July 31. If approved, the board will seek an injunction against further payments on retroactive pension benefits.

While there may be various legal arguments regarding the issues raised, there is no question regarding the original intent of the Board of Supervisors to legally offer employees this retirement package. All employees rely on the county supervisors and their staff to review the legal implications of any and all agreements prior to approval.

As the Sheriff, I have always believed it is extremely important to honor our commitments to our employees.

This is obviously a very complex issue and one that will take time to resolve. However, be assured that we will update you on any new developments.

While it is difficult to make this request, I would ask that you remain patient while this issue is being debated. I also ask that you share your questions, concerns, and feedback with me. Please send me an email or use the feedback button on the blog to share your thoughts. It is my intention to convey your comments to the Board of Supervisors.

Your commitment and dedication to the residents, businesses and visitors of Orange County never ceases to amaze me. I sincerely appreciate your knowledge and expertise, and I know that you will continue to serve Orange County with extraordinary success.

At my request, consultants from the US Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections (NIC) are conducting a review of our jail system -- evaluating intake, records, housing, classification and supervision plans. This outside, independent review will provide a technical assessment of our policies, procedures and practices and represents another example of the available oversight mechanisms of our jail operations.

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Institute is headed by a Director appointed by the U.S. Attorney General. A 16-member Advisory Board, also appointed by the Attorney General, was established by the enabling legislation (Public Law 93-415) to provide policy direction to the Institute.

The NIC provides training, technical assistance, information services, and policy/program development assistance to federal, state, and local corrections agencies. 

They also provide leadership to influence correctional policies, practices, and operations nationwide in areas of emerging interest and concern to correctional executives and practitioners as well as public policymakers.

Tune into KCET’s The News Hour with Jim Lehrer tonight at 6:00 PM to see Jeffery Kaye’s report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Central Jail Complex on the Cross Designation process and the ongoing Immigration & Customs Enforcement successes happening right here in our jail system.

While most of Orange County will enjoy freedom, family, friends and fireworks this 4th of July, it’ll be a typical day for most of our sworn and reserve staff.  

Major events have been planned in many OC cities and our deputies and reserve deputies will be supplementing normal law enforcement measures. Approximately 114 Reserve Deputies have been called upon to provide extra patrols for festivities in places such as Irvine Park, Mile Square Park, Lake Forest, Newport Harbor Patrol, Emerald Bay, Sunset Beach, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and Dana Point Harbor.

Sworn, professional staff and members of our Reserves will also be on hand for the annual 4^th of July Celebration for the Make-a-Wish Foundation in Newport Harbor.  

Such sacrifice isn’t limited to members of our department here in Orange County this 4th of July. Deputy Michael Wigginton, Special Officer John Pham, Forensic Scientist Michelle Stevens, Deputy William Fitzgerald, Deputy Richard D. Moore, Sheriff’s Special Officer Olivia Sanchez, Sheriff’s Special Officer Michael A. Moore, Sheriff’s Special Officer Christopher Carpenter, Deputy Jeffrey Callahan, Deputy Juan D. Lopez and Deputy Dominic Dihn are all on active duty, serving in our military, in defense of the very freedoms we celebrate today.

As you spend time this holiday with family and friends, please remember the many great men and women serving this country and all the extraordinary sacrifices made before them. This unwavering dedication and commitment is our assurance that the 4^th of July will always be a day to celebrate our freedom and independence.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department employs the highest quality law enforcement personnel in the nation. Year after year, Orange County citizens benefit from their skill and dedication.  

Our recruitment statistics, highlighted in the Orange County Grand Jury’s report on the State of Orange County Jails and Programs, underscores the level of difficulty in becoming a Sheriff’s Deputy in the nation’s premier law enforcement agency. The Grand Jury report states, in 2006, 4,414 people applied to the OCSD for a deputy sheriff position, 1,146 passed the written exam, and 118 completed the background process and were hired. Of these 118, 19 were lateral transfers from another law enforcement agency and the rest were sent to the OCSD Academy. Of the 99 sent to the OCSD Academy, 49 graduated.  

We take very seriously our responsibility to hire only the best of the best to serve our residents, businesses and visitors. However, there are those rare occasions when we are notified that one of our employees is the subject of an investigation. As disappointing as such news is to us all, we are committed to doing the right thing and, as an organization, we will work to eliminate criminal behavior wherever it is found.  

The Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times have reported that one of our deputies is the subject of an investigation. 

Contrary to what has been alleged in the newspapers in the past, we hold ourselves accountable. Upon notification of any investigation, we immediately initiate an internal investigation and cooperate with the investigating agency. 

The confidence and support of the communities we serve is never taken lightly. We constantly strive to ensure that the men and women who wear our uniform are of the highest character and integrity.

The Los Angeles times article is here

The Orange County Register article is here

Captain Bob Kelly was one such reserve. Reserve Captain Robert "Bob" Kelly died Wednesday afternoon, June 13, 2007 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Orange after valiantly battling a lengthy illness. Bob was 76 years old and is survived by his children, Russell and Leann. Bob Kelly served our department and the citizens of Orange County for 38 years, from February 1968 until March 2006. He was a dentist who volunteered thousands of hours, primarily with the Aero Squadron. 

A tribute to Captain Kelly has been placed on the Orange County Register website. Here’s a teaser: Bob was also a pilot for 47 years. He belonged to the Flying Dentists and was also their President and held other numerous offices. During those years his flying allowed him to participate in numerous missionary expeditions to underserved areas of Mexico and Central America to provide much needed dental care. Dr. Kelly had also been involved with law enforcement with the Sheriff's Department for 38 years and achieved the rank of Captain in which he commanded the department's Aero Squadron's unit with over 40 members. 

Read the tribute here. Bob Kelly was a great man and a great friend to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the communities we serve and he is an extraordinary example of the men and women who serve in our Community Services Division.

By the way, a few months back, Orange County Register reporter Peggy Lowe wrote a great article on the Sheriff's Aero Squadron. Her story can be found here.

Orange County Jails have been back in the news. Last week, the Orange County Grand Jury released their annual report on the State of Orange County Jails. Highlighted within the report was a list of statistics showcasing the fact that our jails remain among the largest and the safest across the nation.

Great news for us. Bad news for agenda journalism.

This was the bulk of the reporting from the Register: Not a lot of news, so the 30-second review goes like this: Overcrowding? Still high. Overtime costs? Costly. Drug dogs? There's two. The guv's prison reform package: OC gets more inmates.

Not a lot of news? We disagree. Especially with facts such as these in the report:

·         The Orange County Jail System is the 8^th largest jail nationally and the 2^nd largest in California.

·         The Orange County Jail System booked approximately 66,000 new arrestees in 2006.

·         The Orange County jails experienced 19 inmate-on-staff-assaults in 2006, or an average of 1.4 per 100 inmates. The national average is about 2.7 per 100 inmates.

·         The Orange County jails experienced 92 inmate-on-inmate assaults in 2006, or an average of 1.4 per 100 inmates. The national average is 10 per 100 inmates.

·         The Orange County jails’ average for inmate to total sworn-staff 8.8 to 1. The national average is 4.3 to 1.

·         The Orange County jails’ inmate to on-duty staff average is 32 to 1. The national average is approximately 14 to 1.

And, there was this from the Register’s Crime Scene blog: Want to learn more about OC Jail? Well the Orange County Grand Jury did, so they released a report today on the state of the Orange County Jail.

This is mostly benign coverage, except that the Grand Jury didn’t just “want to learn more about OC Jail,” they’re actually required to do so. The role of the Orange County Grand Jury, as written in the California Penal Code, “is to inquire into the conditions and management of …” jails in Orange County. In addition, they must release a report on their findings every year.

Normally, we wouldn’t take offense at such a lack of coverage. However, when comparing the Register’s coverage of the release of information from an authoritative body such as the Orange County Grand Jury with the “release of information” from former and anonymous inmates and their defense lawyers – well, there really is no comparison.

Let’s just say that the information based on research and fact is “Not a lot of news” to those with an agenda.

However, to the men and women of the Sheriff's Department AND the community we serve, this report is further newsworthy, positive reinforcement of the fine work being conducted here on a daily basis.

1999 - Established a Level III Reserve Academy

1999 - Established Intensive Format Basic Recruit Training

1999 – 2004 Theo Lacy expansion

1999 – 2001 Establishment of major Homeland Security measures prior to 9/11

2000 - First county in the state to implement AMBER ALERT – became a statewide model

2000 - Implemented the BEST Choice Program -- Innovative treatment program to reduce recidivism and the number of victims created by substance abuse.

2000 - Implemented Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)

2002 - Developed a Homeland Security strategy for Orange County and submitted it to the President of the United States for use as a model for the nation

2000- Received 100% compliance rating for disaster preparedness from FEMA

2000 - Successfully coordinated Marshall merger

2001 - First in the nation to provide Driving / Force Options simulators in a combined curriculum

2002 - Appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as an advisor on the Emergency Response Senior Advisory Committee for the Director of the Office of Homeland Security. Reappointed by Secretary Ridge in 2004 and reappointed by Secretary Chertoff in 2005.

2003 to Present - Serves as a Board Member for the NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN

2003 - Opened state-of-the-art Katella Training Facility (Shooting Range)

2003 - Female Youth Drunk Driving Program initiated

2003 - Implemented Orange County’s first Joint Terrorism Task Force

2004 - Opened state-of-the-art Coroner’s Facility

2004 - Served as a commissioner on Governor Schwarzenegger’s California Performance Review’s Public Review Commission and as a member of the Governor’s Transition Team.

2004 to Present – Appointed by former Attorney General Ashcroft to the National Institute of Corrections Advisory Board. Also serves as an advisor on the National Amber Alert Task Force.

2004 to 2005 – Appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California State Athletic Commission. (has since resigned)

2005 - Groundbreaking of new Training Academy

Ongoing - Orange County Explorer Post #449 has quadrupled in size since 1999

Ongoing - 800MHz county-wide communications system

Ongoing - DNA and Forensic Sciences Services leads the nation in use of technology, etc.

Safest Cities – Mission Viejo and Lake Forest (as ranked by Morgan Quinto)

The men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department perform extraordinary work each and every day in their service to the residents, businesses and visitors of Orange County – with great results.

This blog will be the place to find information on our successes, challenges, perspectives and objectives. We’ll also use this space to get the facts out, correct the record, and educate and inform the community on issues and topics such as Amber Alert, crime stats and trends, and what we’re doing out in the community. 

This will also be the place where you can compare and contrast your Sheriff’s Department on a local, state and national level.

Over the next few weeks we will continue to make changes and additions to the blog to ensure it’s functional, informational and all encompassing. I hope you’ll share your feedback with us – just click the email link on the top left-hand column of the page.

Some of you may wonder why you can’t post comments directly to the blog. Blame it on the lawyers. Their opinion –intermingled with Latin to impress us- advised on many issues pertaining to the First Amendment, moderating comments, government versus private entities…ad nauseam (just kidding lawyers).

In any event, if you wish to give us feedback, opinions or suggestions – good and bad – please send an email. Who knows, we may even ask your permission to post it.

I hope you enjoy THE OC SHERIFF and I hope you’ll return often.

Inmate Vicki Avila died on June 11, 2006, while in custody at the Central Women's Jail in Santa Ana. Consistent with our current practice and protocol for in-custody deaths, the Orange County District Attorney conducted a thorough investigation. Due to intense media scrutiny, the Orange County Grand Jury, working in their role to provide independent oversight, participated in a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding inmate Vicki Avila's death, including the findings of the District Attorney, the Coroner and pathologist.