Dear Department Personnel:

This afternoon, prior to their final vote on the 2009-10 budget, I addressed the Board of Supervisors to again express my concerns on the recommended budget for the Sheriff-Coroner Department. We cannot absorb a $30.7 million dollar budget cut without it having an impact on public safety services.

Over the last year, we eliminated 67 vacant positions in the department and cut 150 extra help positions. We reduced overtime usage by 18 percent, cutting 6,000 hours of overtime from each two-week pay period as compared to the previous year. We eliminated hospital security for outside agency arrestees, we limited annual leave pay-downs, ended gunshot residue testing, reduced helicopter flight time, and we closed 360 jail beds at the James A. Musick Facility.

We’ve also deferred equipment purchases, reduced the utilization of take-home vehicles, and deferred capital projects. Unfortunately, these reductions do not close the budget gap we’re facing. This is why I asked the board for $7 million to fund us for the next six months, while we continue to move forward with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a deal to house their detainees.

The board voted unanimously for the budget that the CEO’s office recommended, which means that we must begin the process of laying off and/or eliminating a total of 30-50 positions. I shared with the board that I do not have the option of not staffing a jail or a patrol car so we would have to look at investigators, dispatchers, Forensic Scientists and crime lab services. These positions have a direct impact on our contract cities, our unincorporated communities, and the entire county.

Each member of this department is important to us and integral to our operation and we will do our best to find positions for those affected as we move forward to ensure we are working within the limitations of our budget.

Sincerely,

Sandra Hutchens
Sheriff-Coroner

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens will have a statement for the Department later today on the action by the Board of Supervisors.

Sheriff to lay off up to 50 employees

une 23rd, 2009, 1:37 pm

posted by Jennifer Muir

Despite last minute pleas from Sheriff Sandra Hutchens that proposed budget cuts could cripple the quality of law enforcement, county supervisors reaffirmed their decision to shrink her department’s budget by $28 million today.

Up to 50 sheriff’s department employees will be laid off  from across the department because of the cuts, Hutchens said. At least one floor of the Women’s Central Jail will be shuttered, response times will increase and investigations will move along at a slower clip, Hutchens said.

“I can not absorb $30 million in cuts without the public feeling this,” she said.

Supervisors heard from the sheriff one final time before adopting the final budget for next year — a spending plan that’s $1.2 billion smaller than this year as a staggering economy continues to slam tax revenues. The county’s general fund budget now hovers at $700 million, after supervisors shaved some $55 million from services — the majority coming from public safety.

Hutchens asked supervisors today for about $7 million to keep her department afloat for six months while she negotiates a deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house federal detainees, which she believes could bring in up to $18 million a year. And she was hoping to avoid layoffs and deeper program cuts until that money starts flowing in.

Supervisors acknowledged the sheriff presented a “compelling argument,” they weren’t willing to gamble that the ICE deal would come to fruition.

“When you have something firm, come back,” Supervisor Bill Campbell told the sheriff.

Check back with ocregister.com  for a full budget story. 

Financial/Administrative Services Director Jane Reyes discussed the Department's budget challenges with KUCI's Mari Frank.

To hear the inteview click the icon 

Earlier this week Board of Supervisors Chair Pat Bates wrote a commentary piece in the Orange County Register saying that the county budget crisis will force massive cuts in the Sheriff's Department.  Sheriff Sandra Hutches wrote a reply, published today in the Orange County Register's Opinon section, spelling out the measures the Department has taken to reduce costs and a plan for bringing federal revenue to the county to help keep public safety services at the level needed in Orange County.

Here is the rebuttal as it was published.

Reader Rebuttal: county budget
Reader Rebuttal to Chairwoman Pat Bates' column, "Delaying pain would hurt
more," Orange Grove, June 16, 2009
By SANDRA HUTCHENS
Orange County sheriff


The Orange County Board of Supervisors has taken many fiscally prudent steps
to address the growing budget challenges we have faced over the last year. I
commend them for their leadership. I would like to share some of what the
Sheriff's Department has done to address our budget shortfalls because,
while we still face a deficit, I am proud to say that we are poised to
finish this fiscal year about $20 million under budget.

Chairwoman Pat Bates' column in the Register ["Delaying pain would hurt
more," Orange Grove, June 16]states, "The Sheriff's Department is faced with
making $45 million in reductions." Our actual reductions add up to about $53
million when you include the $7.4 million in cuts that we are making and not
asking the county to restore. These cuts included eliminating hospital
security for outside agencies' arrestees, reducing maintenance of our
facilities, deferring equipment purchases, reduced helicopter flight time
and a reduction of 38 positions.

While we appreciate the board's restoration of $25 million, a number of
options have been suggested to close the $20 million gap that remains,
including eliminating vacant positions, reducing administrative nonsworn
staff, managing overtime, reducing vehicles and reducing overhead for our
contract cities - all of which we are already implementing.

Over the past year, we eliminated 67 vacant positions and cut 150 extra help
positions. We reduced overtime by 18 percent, cutting 6,000 hours of
overtime from each two-week pay period as compared with the previous year.
Additionally, we have closed 360 jail beds at the James A. Musick Facility
and, as we introduce the correctional services assistant (a civilian
classification) into our jails, we will further reduce the cost of managing
our jails.

The use of professional (nonsworn) staff is essential to our operation and
in most instances contributes a substantial cost saving when compared to
staffing the same position with a uniformed deputy. When you dial 911, your
call is answered by a nonsworn employee. The dispatcher who sends a deputy
to your aid is also nonsworn. Nonsworn personnel respond to crime scenes to
gather evidence, they staff the crime lab and the coroner's office, and they
analyze crime reports and manage the offices so our sworn personnel can be
out in our communities.

Administrative management represents 1.7 percent of our workforce. With the
addition of law enforcement management (captains and lieutenants) it's 3.5
percent - still lower than other county agencies.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that we utilize a variety of
volunteers to augment the great work of our deputies and civilian personnel.
Last year, our reserve deputies and professional service responders
performed work that would have cost the county $7 million.

I have proposed to the board that we take advantage of a recent decline in
our inmate population to enter into an agreement with Immigration and
Customs Enforcement to house ICE detainees for a fee. Revenue generated
would help us avoid significant cuts to our core services. On Tuesday, I
plan to again ask the Board to reconsider my request for $7 million to see
us through finalization of our agreement with ICE. As sheriff, it is my duty
to maintain public safety, and we cannot absorb cuts of this magnitude
without a significant impact on the superior quality of life we enjoy in
Orange County.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens pleaded with County Supervisors to provide $7.2 million in funding to stave off drastic public safety cuts while the Department secures a $20 million contract to house federal inmates.  The federal contract revenue would allow the Department to maintain public safety services basically at current levels.

Supervisors balked at the plan saying that it was too risky for them to support. 

Sheriff Hutchens answered that the alternative is forcing her to impose "draconian" cuts on public safety. Cuts will result in the closing of the Women's Jail, portions of the Musick Facility and reduction in investigations and patrol services. Sheriff Hutchens is attempting to obtain a sufficent federal commitment before the Supervisors take their formal vote on June 23. She will ask them again to reconsider the public safety cuts.  

The Orange County Register story on the hearing said this of the Sheriff's remark:

Hutchens says residents across the county, even in cities that have their own police departments, will feel the impact of the cuts. The department offers countywide services that could be affected, such as jails, crime scene services, air support and response to major traffic accidents.

"I view the cuts we may have to make today as pretty draconian," Hutchens said after the hearing. "The public will feel the impact."

She also told the Register:

If the cuts supervisors approved today remain, women's central jail could be closed and employees from across the department, from investigators to 9-1-1 dispatchers, could be laid off, she said.

"Everything is on the table," she said.

Here is the Register story:

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

County to slash public safety budgets by $50 million
Sheriff's department takes the biggest hit at nearly $28 million
By JENNIFER MUIR
The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA Despite warnings that slashing the sheriff's department could cripple jails, increase response times and impact investigations, the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appeared poised to cut nearly $28 million from the Orange County Sheriff's Department budget.

It's the largest cut to services that supervisors are expected to make in the next two days as they consider how to carve more than $1 billion from next year's spending plan.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said the department may soon get some financial relief in the form of a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house federal immigration detainees. The sheriff asked for $7.3 million to stave off jail layoffs for six months – allowing time for the federal contract to take effect.

But supervisors weren't comfortable gambling that an agreement could be reached.

"That means we have to make a decision based on a 'maybe'?" Supervisor John Moorlach asked. "I'm not comfortable voting on something that may happen. I may feel more comfortable voting on something once it does happen."

To view the full story click here:

To view the Los Angeles Times story click here:

The Orange County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a hearing for tomorrow on the Sheriff's Department budget.  These are tough times for the county and the Orange County Register had a story over the weekend to preview the hearings.

Should the Board of Supervisors vote to reduce services provided by the the Sheriff's Department, the Department will attempt to maximize county savings by shifting those personnel now providing the cut services to other positions where they can reduce the Department's overtime costs.   

Friday, June 5, 2009

County may cut $50 million for safety, 150 sheriff's jobs
Supervisors will consider how to slash more than from the county budget. Public safety is a target.
By JENNIFER MUIR
The Orange County Register

County executives are recommending that supervisors slash more than $50 million from next year's public safety budget – including more than 150 Sheriff's Department jobs – to bring the county's spending in line with plummeting revenue.

That's part of a $5.5 billion budget proposal that county supervisors will consider – and likely change – during two days of marathon hearings that begin Tuesday.

With tax revenues slammed by a staggering economy, county staff recommends shrinking the budget by $1.2 billion. While the majority of those savings would come from changes that most residents might not notice, such as canceling capital improvement projects and changes to how the county manages its cash flow, the biggest service cuts recommended by the CEO are aimed at public safety.

Everything from jail guards to sheriffs and district attorney investigators to 9-1-1 dispatchers is on the chopping block. A youth camp for young offenders could be closed and jails could be crippled.

The Sheriff's department faces the deepest cutbacks, at $27 million, followed by the district attorney at $10.6 million. Probation is looking at a $4.9 million reduction and the public defender would lose $1.5 million.

To see the full story click here:

The Orange County Register covered today's Orange  County Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony with a news story, a display of pictures and links to lots of interesting information. To see the coverage click here. 

Among those who attended the candlelight vigil and the Orange County Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony were survivors of Orange County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Matthew R. Davis, who on September 20, 2002 became the eighth and most recent member of Orange County Sheriff's Department to be killed in the line of duty.

His parents wrote a letter to their son and they shared it with Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and consented to it being published here.

Dear Dear Matt,We are back again to not only honor you but all your fellow officers who gave their life like you did. 

This is our 6th year coming back since the 1st time we honored you on this wall.  Each time we come our hearts break just like the 1st time. 

Son we miss you with all our hearts.  We know God is taking good care of you. 

Love You Forever,

Dad & Mom

Below is a recent etching of Sergeant Davis' name taken from the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Orange County Register today reported on the OIR report on complaints about Department security and communications at Board of Supervisors meetings.  

Monday, May 11, 2009

Report: Sheriff's Department handled misdeeds appropriately
Office of Independent Review issues report backing up sheriff's handling of problems.
By NORBERTO SANTANA JR.
The Orange County Register

The county's Office of Independent Review, which monitors internal investigations within the Sheriff's Department, concluded that Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her staff appropriately handled misdeeds rising from a series of controversial public hearings on gun permits.

During one hearing in November 2008, sheriff's command staff exchanged disparaging text messages about county supervisors and gun activists. At another hearing in January 2009, a sheriff's investigator used a surveillance camera to view county supervisors' notes. Critics also accused the sheriff of being overly aggressive with the heavy security presence at the meeting.

To read the full story click here.

The first activity summary of the Orange County Office of Independent Review will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.  OIR Executive Director Stephen Connolly was appointed in September 2008. 

The OIR will also present a report on their review of complaints about security measures at the January 13, 2009 Board of Supervisors meeting. To see that report click: O00309-000839E.pdf (655.86 kb)

His activity report said that since he took the job he has established a protocol for reviewing the Orange County Sheriff's Department's disciplinary procedures.

"My role is to promote the proper level of investigation and responses to all cases by consulting with the Department from an informed and independent outside perspective," he said in his written report to the Board.

He has already reviewed close to 300 cases, ranging from "low-level discourtesy complaints to criminal misconduct resulting in discharge. They include allegations of excessive force, false reporting, obstruction of justice, domestic violence, racial profiling, improper detention, insubordination, failure to supervise, and various forms of harassment or mistreatment of inmates."

Director Connolly said, "While I have been impressed with the quality of most investigations-particularly the more serious ones-I have also had occasion to question the adequacy of the Department's investigative work in individual matters, and have been able to request further information-gathering and analysis.  My opportunity to discuss potential outcomes and to make recommendations has also resulted in adjustments to the Department's initial findings and determinations. I have also worked with the Department to suggest interventions outside the discipline process (counseling, training, briefing bulletins) as warranted by the circumstances of the case, and in an effort to promote a more holistic response by the Department."

To view the full report click: O00309-000839E.pdf (655.86 kb)

The Orange County Board of Supervisors today ratified and extended for 14 days the April 30, 2009 proclamation by the Chair of the Board, declaring a local emergency resulting from Swine Flu. The Orange County Health Care Agency will provide updates allowing the Board to determine any continuing need for emergency action on May 19, 2009 and every 14 days thereafter. 

Supporting the Health Care Agency is the Department's Emergency Management Bureau. 

Bureau Manager Donna Boston said the Department's role is to focus on information-sharing with Operational Area partners, made up of 114 government entities and jurisdictions in the county. 

Emergency Management staff has been working diligently on resource support and coordination, including the dissemination of the Strategic National Stockpile of pharmaceuticals and support medications.

Emergency Management staff is on conference calls daily with the California Emergency Management Agency, the Health Care Agency, and the Orange County Emergency Management Organization to ensure that situation updates, health guidance, and situation forecasts are shared with all agencies involved in preserving public health and safety.

Emergency Management is using the WebEOC software to enhance information-sharing with jurisdictions.

There have been numerous releases of information on the Swine Flu emergency. 

To see the latest Center for Disease Control Fact Sheet click: CDC FACT SHEET.pdf (54.89 kb)

Recent information from the Orange County Health Care Agency click: For HRL PHNs - Screening Testing Directive 5-4-09.pdf (27.06 kb)

Advice on publicized precautions click: Face Masks Tamiflu.pdf (63.05 kb)

Health Care Agency Update click: HCA Influenza A _H1N1_ Update #7 5 04 09b.pdf (19.24 kb)

California Department of Public Health health alert click: Health Alert 050409-health alert.pdf (633.64 kb)

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:

Assistant Sheriff Mike James updated the Board of Supervisors yesterday on the ongoing changes and reforms in our Custody Operations Command. The Orange County Register's Norberto Santana attended the meeting and interviewed Sheriff Hutchens after the report.

...Deputy overtime – mostly at the jail — has been trimmed by 13 percent during each pay period, meaning that more than 4,000 hours have been cut, Hutchens said. And a new, cheaper, class of civilian jail worker should be arriving by December to Orange County jails – the second largest jail system in the state.

[...]

Capt. Mike James gave a morning presentation at the weekly board meeting, noting that a cultural change has taken place at the jails that has lowered costs as well as violence and incidents of unprofessional behavior by deputies.

"Chamberlain was so shocking," Hutchens said after the meeting, referring to the cover ups over the 2006 beating death of inmate John Derek Chamberlain.

The shock, Hutchens said, came from the fact that there was lack of accountability under the former administration of Sheriff Mike Carona – who was indicted by federal prosecutors just as the Chamberlain grand jury took form.

Jail reforms were also discussed in an article on the county's offer to settle a lawsuit on a jail beating that occurred in 2006:

...The update on the reforms in our jails is also discussed in an article on a settlement the county is offering in a jail beating which took place in 2006.

At issue in both cases was the fact that sheriff's deputies weren't always walking the floors of the jail and in many cases left inmates to manage each other.

"We are under the understanding that changes were in progress but regretfully didn't get implemented before Chamberlain," said Supervisor John Moorlach, who voted for the settlement offer. "But they are definitely in place now."

Supervisor Bill Campbell, who also approved the settlement, said he had questions for the Sheriff's Department to ensure that such cases are a thing of the past.

"The question the board was most concerned about was, 'have we changed how we are doing things?' " he said.

At an update on jail issues Tuesday, Capt. Mike James – now in charge of jail operations – said there has been a sea change in culture at the three jails operated by the department in Orange County.

James told supervisors that the department has instituted ethics training using the Chamberlain case as an example. He also added that numerous structural modifications – such as cameras and recording devices – have been introduced into the jails.

Also, James said, he has deputies walking the floors of the jail much more often.

[...]

Moorlach said the update offered this week makes him confident because "we learned a lot from the Chamberlain case and the investigative work done by the district attorney released last year. There was a culture that needed to be changed," he said.

The goal today is simple, Moorlach added.

"We should not have inmates being brutally attacked by other inmates."

The Orange County Board of Supervisors heard the Sheriff and critics of the Department’s CCW policy on Tuesday. When all was said and done, the Board members expressed disagreement with the policy change but agreed that the Sheriff has the authority to go forward.  

“It’s over,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Patricia Bates.

For information on the Department's CCW Policies click here.

The issue was first addressed at Tuesday's meeting in a report from Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

Good morning madam Chair and honorable members of the Board. I just want to provide a brief overview of how we got to where we are today.
In July of last year I ordered a review of all existing concealed weapons permits, specifically looking at the issue of good cause. I implemented a new policy and that was adopted in September of last year. The main issue we have been discussing for the last several months is the issue of good cause.
There are some who have alleged that this is a Second Amendment issue.

I would disagree.

This does not impact an individual’s right to have a firearm in their home of their place of business. The fact is there is a law in the State of California prohibiting the carrying of a concealed weapon. I can’t change that. That exists. There is a section that gives the Sheriff or Police Chief of a jurisdiction the ability to issue a license as an exemption to that law. That law specifically states that the person must have good cause. 

I believe that I have taken a common sense approach to good cause, that is: you must demonstrate that you are at some greater risk than anyone else in the general population. In November of last year I made a presentation to this Board on CCW’s and on good cause.

I listened to the concerns by members of the public and members of this Board, as I plan to do today.  Following that meeting, I attempted to address the concerns about a revocation appearing in the automated firearms system data base maintained by the California Department of Justice.  As a result of those discussions we came up with the option of changing the expiration dates so there would be no data entry. We did have communication yesterday with the California Department of Justice. They are working with their IT staff today to come up with a date. So, while you have a letter in front of you we do not have a date yet that they will be able to accomplish that.

I also adopted the language provided by the Board resolution into my CCW policy.  While it did not fundamentally change the issue of good cause, I think it went a long way to explaining what the good cause criteria might be.  You see that in my policy.

You should have a copy of the letter.

I discussed with County Counsel their opinion on several issues raised by the Board.

Following the Sheriff’s presentation, the Board heard from County Counsel Ben deMayo.

County counsel gave the opinion that the Sheriff has the authority to revoke CCW’s issued by a previous Sheriff and that an individual who is having their CCW revoked  can opt to have the Sheriff include it in the Department of Justice database as an expired license.

All five Supervisors and more than 40 members of the public spoke on the CCW issue and on the controversy surrounding a security tape of the January 13 Board of Supervisor’s meeting, security precautions taken by the Sheriff’s Department at the meeting of the 13th and text messages sent by Command Staff during the November 18 Board meeting.

A resolution appears to have been reached between the Department and the Board on the access to the security tape of January 13th, during which the camera briefly panned on the notes on the desk of Supervisor Chris Norby and the Blackberry of Supervisor Janet Nguyen. 

Sheriff Hutchens said an investigation is continuing into why a Department Investigator panned the security camera on the Supervisors’ desks during the five hour long meeting.

Sheriff Hutchens countered allegations that the beefed up presence of uniformed and plainclothes personnel at the January 13 meeting was intended to intimidate CCW proponents who attended.  No immediate press accounts of the meeting made mention of intimidation but two days later some CCW proponents contended the extra security was intended to intimidate them.

The extra security was due to security concerns over several issues on the Board agenda that were expected to bring in large numbers of people. In addition to the CCW issue on the agenda, those expected included county workers facing layoffs, supporters of Supervisors Nguyen and Bill Campbell, who were  being sworn in that day, and a group of “open carry” advocates who have been testing state firearms laws by carrying unloaded firearms openly.

Sheriff Hutchens also apologized for inappropriate text messages sent by some of her staff during the November 18 meeting. She said those individuals had been admonished and that the Department policy has been amended to limit the use of text messages to having a business purpose and a professional tone.

The meeting continued after the CCW issue was resolved the Sheriff and several members of her staff remained in attendance to answer questions another pressing issue: the Department budget.

A Letter to the Department by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens

Most of you have seen or heard news accounts of the inappropriate text messaging between some members of my staff during the November 18, 2008 Board of Supervisors meeting. Those individuals have been admonished appropriately. That meeting included hours of public comment by those opposed to the Department's change of policy on Carry Concealed Weapons Permits and concerns by the Board of Supervisors.

I bring this to your attention not to further embarrass those who were singled out by the press but to remind all of us that there is an important lesson to be learned. While on duty, our communications, with few legal exceptions, are public record. We are a transparent Department and if a Public Records Act request is made, we are required to release those communications and embarrassment is no legal exception. We must act accordingly.

On another level, we must respect those we serve. When criticized, we must respond professionally and not succumb to the all too human instinct of making comments and remarks that disparage our critics.

We are held to a higher standard than others in society because we are in law enforcement. That is how it should be. We must enforce the law and at times that makes us unpopular. We all know that when trouble strikes, we must step forward while others run and seek shelter.

What we must remember is that when we don't like what others say about us, we must put our personal feelings aside and listen; giving them a fair chance to state their case and possibly change our minds.

When all is said and done, we must do what we know is legal and right.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is a professional organization composed of individuals and therefore subject to human frailty at
times. Let's all remember to put our best foot forward.

The Orange County Register reported that the Department Police Community Reconciliation program has drawn high praise.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Sheriff department complaint program draws praise

BY NORBERTO SANTANA JR.
The Orange County Register

A new county mediation program that seeks to help sheriff's deputies and residents resolve differences drew praise on Tuesday, with Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson saying the effort helps both sides better understand each other.

The Police Community Reconciliation Program was set up in May 2008 with nearly a $100,000 budget with the goal of offering an outlet for residents who want to air complaints that don't rise to the level of a formal investigation.

In its first six months evaluation, the voluntary program has received 43 complaints, mainly involving the perception of rudeness or profiling. It has successfully handled nine cases with another two dozen in the process.

To see the whole story click here.

Orange County Supervisor John Moorlach issued this statement today about some of the accusations made in the wake of Sheriff Sandra Hutchens launching an investigation into the recording of material on the desks of two Supervisors by a security camera during the January 13, 2009 Board of Supervisors meetings.  

Supervisor Moorlach said: 

The Los Angeles Times' Tami Abdollah reports on yesterday's Board meeting. Here are the key graphs:

...Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said she discovered the camera had zoomed in on Norby's notes and Supervisor Janet Nguyen's BlackBerry.

Hutchens, hired last year after her predecessor was indicted, said she alerted both supervisors, launched an internal investigation and informed Stephen Connolly at the Orange County Office of Independent Review so that he could monitor the investigation.

Here's the entire story:

Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby wants to bar the Sheriff's Department from handling security in the Hall of Administration after an investigator used a security camera to zoom in on Norby's notes and a colleague's BlackBerry messages during a board meeting.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors asserted control over security in the board chambers and weighed whether to hire a private firm or a local police department to provide security in the Hall of Administration.

The issue stems from a Jan. 13 board meeting when the Sheriff's Department stepped up security because of community tensions over layoffs and the sheriff's highly publicized decision to revoke concealed weapons permits. The boardroom's security camera, typically operated by security guards, was handled by an investigator during the roughly four-hour meeting and primarily used to pan the audience for suspicious or unusual activity.

When a concealed weapons advocacy group filed a records request for the security tapes last week, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said she discovered the camera had zoomed in on Norby's notes and Supervisor Janet Nguyen's BlackBerry.

Hutchens, hired last year after her predecessor was indicted, said she alerted both supervisors, launched an internal investigation and informed Stephen Connolly at the Orange County Office of Independent Review so that he could monitor the investigation.

Norby and Nguyen were granted a chance to view the tapes, but expressed outrage when they were not given copies of the entire recording. Releasing the recordings would jeopardize the safety of undercover deputies at the meeting as well as pose other security risks to ongoing investigations, sheriff's spokesman John McDonald said.

"The sheriff was upset about the taping of what was on their desks," McDonald said. "We've offered all five members of the supervisors copies of those portions of the tapes that were upsetting to the sheriff. And that was accepted by some members of the supervisors and declined by some others."

At Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, the supervisors unanimously approved additions to its rules and procedures that formally established its power over security measures within the board's chambers and affirmed its ownership of security recordings. According to the rule changes, these security recordings are "confidential and are not public," but can be made available to any board member upon request as long as it does not violate state law.

Norby also requested that the county examine contracting out the security for the Hall of Administration to a private firm or the Santa Ana Police Department. The county Civic Center is in Santa Ana.

County Chief Executive Officer Thomas Mauk said the building's security costs are about $800,000 a year. Mauk told the board he will report the full costs, possible savings and existing options for such a change.

"There's a price issue and there's a control issue," Norby said. "I'm sure we could save money and we'd also have more control.

"Right now," he said, "the sheriff has essentially said 'I'll do what I want, and what the board wants doesn't matter. And these security tapes are my property and I'm not going to give them to you'. Yet we know these security tapes include improper looking at the board, but we don't know what's on them because we can't see them. It's an odd confrontational tack to take. . . . I thought we'd be on the same side."

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens is in Washington, D.C. this week at the Joint Legislative Conference of the Major County Sheriff’s and Major Cities Chiefs Associations.

The Sheriff’s Association is made up of Sheriffs from around the country who serve counties with populations of more than 500,000.  The Chiefs Association has chiefs from the 64 largest police departments in the country. 

The Sheriff notified the Board of Supervisors on January 15 that she would be unable to make this week’s meeting of the Board due to her commitment to attend the Major County Sheriff’s Association. It is the second time since taking office in June that she has left the county on business.  In August, she traveled to Northern California for a meeting of the California State Sheriff’s Association.

In Washington, she will be meeting with the other Sheriffs on common issues, such as improving law enforcement strategies, identifying challenges to law enforcement and coordinating efforts to advocate legislative agendas.  The Major County Sheriff’s Association conference will allow Sheriff Hutchens to share ideas, concepts and resources with some of the highest profile law enforcement officials in the country.

The Sheriffs at the conference also had a joint meeting with Police Chiefs of Major Cities to discuss mutual problems and ways to help each other in such areas as battling drugs and violent crime.  The Chiefs and Sheriffs go as a group to meet with congressional leaders and also they have private meetings with the legislators to help further programs that they support.

While in Washington, Sheriff Hutchens scheduled meetings with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein on initiatives to combat gangs and with U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez on economic strategies for law enforcement. She also meeting with Rep. Sanchez’s staff to discuss funding Orange County law enforcement programs and emergency operations. Sheriff Hutchens will also meet  Edmund M. “Ted” Sexton, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary for State and Local Law Enforcement.

One of the foremost goals of her trip is to explore new funding sources for the Department from federal programs that hold billions of dollars to support eligible programs.

With temperatures in the low 20’s five members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and a representative from the Board of Supervisors will receive a very warm reception when they land in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada.

The purpose of the trip is to bring awareness to the families and friends of the Sunshine Dreams for Kids of the warm reception and care they will receive when they visit Disneyland later in the year.  Sunshine Dreams has been in existence 45 years. For more than 20 years the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has served as a host to this group.

Children from The Sunshine Dreams Foundation, which is the Canadian mirror of Make a Wish, come to Disneyland for a dream come true one-day adventure yearly.  Each year the critically ill children experience the thrill of Disneyland, all the while escorted by an employee of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who has taken personal time to serve as their host for the day. 

This year’s ambassadors to Canada include Captain Dave Wilson, Lieutenant Mark Levy, Investigators Gene Inouye and Chris Dunn and Deputy Scott Yuen.  Rounding out the group will be a representative from the Board of Supervisors and staff aide to Supervisor John Moorlach.

The Department team is leaving Sunday from John Wayne Airport.  They will change planes in Seattle and board a plane so small they have to be seated in accordance with size to best keep the craft balanced while aloft. Once they arrive they will be met by representatives from The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, (RCMP) who will serve as their official guides for the trip.  The scenery in the Okanagan Valley will include lots of snow, vineyards and tall mountains. 

The valley has a smaller population than Orange County but likely has more hockey fans and you can’t find basketball game on the local television.  

The uniform of the day for our officers will be the Class A, in contrast to the beautiful red coats with fur hats worn by their escorts. The Orange County contingency will serve as goodwill ambassadors and help raise the funds to bring the children to Disneyland. 

The chain of Wendy’s Restaurants sponsoring the event hopes to raise enough money to bring at least 80 children and their support staff to Disneyland sometime later this year.  Once in Orange County their OCSD volunteers provide an adventure that challenges all involved to keep up with these children.

“Pushing a wheelchair all day can wear you out,” noted Captain Wilson.  “But the effort is well worth it once you see how these youngsters enjoy their day,” he added.

In December of 2008, the Sunshine Dreams for Kids Dreamlift brought 150 children and escorts for this once in lifetime adventure.

The group will fly out of John Wayne on Sunday, January 25th and return on Thursday, January 29th.  The cost for this trip is covered by the sponsor of the event, a chain of Wendy’s Restaurants. 

To see the Sunshine Foundation's Reasons for inviting representatives of the Orange County Sheriff's Department to the Okanagan Valley click: whyOCSD.pdf (82.45 kb)

On Thursday morning Sheriff Hutchens discussed blog reports that the Department had "spied" on two members of the Board of Supervisors with bloggers and news reporters.

She said that when she first learned that a security camera intended to monitor the audience at the January 13, 2009 meeting of the Board had focused on the Supervisors desks, she was more than surprised.

"I was concerned when I heard about this, I was upset," Sheriff Hutchens said.

She made it clear that the cameras were intended for security purposes.  She added that the recording was such that nothing written could be read on either Supervisor's desk.   

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens issued this statement this morning regarding the incident: 

This week, the Clerk of the Board and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Records and Information Services Division received a Public Records Request (PRA) from Ordinary California Citizens Concerned with Safety (OCCCWS) for security video from the Board of Supervisors Meeting held on January 13, 2009.

Tuesday night I was alerted to an incident on the approximately 4-hour video where the particular camera in question was being utilized to scan the boardroom and alert our personnel to any potential security concerns. The security camera was used to zoom in on Supervisor Nguyen’s blackberry for approximately thirty seconds and paperwork on Supervisor Norby’s desk for approximately one minute. I immediately ordered an internal investigation.

I also notified the Office of Independent Review and, in an effort to be completely transparent, I contacted Supervisor Norby and Supervisor Nguyen to alert them of this discovery.

The security measures put in place are intended to protect life and property, maintain order, and protect the public’s 1st Amendment rights.

Red County Blog has posted some of the Sheriff's comments and a podcast of part of her interview. To see and hear it click here.

Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department Preparations for the Tuesday January 13, 2009 Board of Supervisors Meeting -- From Assistant Sheriff Mike Hillmann, Field Operations Command

In preparation for the meeting, information from several sources was brought to the attention of the Sheriff's Department regarding potential for recently laid-off Orange County employees, numerous individuals representing "The Carrying Concealed Weapons" issues and the "Open Carry Firearms" groups who wished to attend the Board of Supervisors Meeting.  These groups were expected to engage in a First Amendment protected activity in front of the Hall of Administration and/or inside during the Board meeting.  The OCSD carefully evaluated all the information and gave great weight to a balanced approach of protection of First Amendment Rights and that of public safety.  In that endeavor, signage was posted in the lobby of the Board indicating that no firearms would be allowed inside during the public meeting with the exception of law enforcement.  Additionally, selected areas were designated for persons wishing to demonstrate outside and Deputies assigned to liaison with them; and an Incident Action Plan was prepared outlining that Deputies would be both in plain clothes and in uniform to monitor activities.  Deputies were directed to be vigilant in monitoring those individuals who, based on reasonable suspicion, appeared to possess a firearm, and to politely inquire if they were carrying a firearm; if this were the case they would be asked to return to their vehicle and secure their weapon (loaded or unloaded).  If an individual carried a firearm, undetected into the Board Room, several plain clothes Deputies were positioned inside and directed to monitor and respond to such an occurrence.  The deployment of both plain clothes and uniform Deputies was done as a measure to balance public safety with First Amendment protection.

In addition, deputies were provided with authority information regarding the First Amendment, California Penal Code and the Orange County Board of Supervisors, rules of Procedure.  

No incidents of individuals carrying any firearm inside the Board meeting were disclosed. During the meeting however, three subjects were contacted by Deputies.  One subject was contacted by a Deputy in uniform who inquired if armed. The subject stated no and was allowed to continue inside.  The second subject was carrying a blue bag left in one of the seats in his row.  A plain clothes Deputy inquired of the subject if any weapons were inside.  The subject stated no and no further action was taken.  The third subject had a bulge on his left side and was asked by a female plain clothes Deputy if he had a weapon.  The subject, who was seated at the time, lifted his shirt and demonstrated he had a cellular telephone.  The subject was allowed to remain seated and no further action was taken. No ancillary groups appeared who wished to engage in First Amendment activity outside the Board meeting. 

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens reported to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that she has adopted some suggestions made by Board members and the public by adding new circumstances to the "good cause" standard in the Department's Concealed Carry Weapons permit policy.

The changes are the addition of these two definitions of "good cause."

• Good cause could include, but not be limited to, documented instances of threats to the personal safety of the applicant, his/her family or employees. Threats to personal safety may be verbal or demonstrated through actual harm committed in the place of work, neighborhood or regular routes of travel for business. The applicants should articulate the threat as it applies personally to the applicant, his/her family or employees. Non-specific, general concerns about personal safety are insufficient.

• The finding of good cause should recognize that individuals may also face threats to their safety by virtue of their profession, business or status and by virtue of their ability to readily access materials that if forcibly taken would be a danger to society. Threats should be articulated by the applicant by virtue of his/her circumstances.

To read the Department's CCW policy, click: CCW Policy - BOS 011309 - revise.pdf (882.59 kb)

For more information on the Department's CCW policy, click here.

The Office of Independent Review is completing its fourth month of providing full-time, independent civilian oversight of the Sheriff’s Department. 

OIR is led by Stephen J. Connolly, an attorney with several years experience as a consultant and monitor for law enforcement.  

“I am grateful for the reception I’ve gotten at all levels of the Department,” he said recently.  “I’m impressed with how helpful people have been about sharing information and answering questions.  And there’s been a very cooperative spirit as far as considering my input and trying new approaches.”

Connolly’s primary role is to monitor all complaint cases and critical incidents from beginning to end.  He works closely with Internal Affairs personnel and Department executives in tracking investigations and offering recommendations about outcomes. 

In the coming months, Connolly is expected to provide public reports about his initial observations and activities. 

“The goal is to make the Department more transparent and understandable to the public,” he explained.  “The Department isn’t perfect. But when it deals with its problems appropriately and effectively, then I think people are more accepting.”

OIR also recently expanded with the hiring of John W. Harris as an “Investigations Analyst.” 

Harris is a longtime resident of Orange County and a 36-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; he was a sergeant at the time of his retirement in March of 2008.

Harris will contribute to the monitoring process from his perspective as a veteran officer and experienced investigator.  He spent six years in the Internal Affairs Bureau, and was assigned to LASD’s Force/Shooting Roll-Out team.  He had lead investigative responsibilities for the internal review of dozens of shootings, significant force cases, and misconduct allegations.  Along with a familiarity with the OIR model, Harris also has considerable knowledge about force policies, training, and the Peace Officer Bill of Rights. 

Prior to serving with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Harris spent two tours in Vietnam with the United States Army. His was initially assigned to the Military Police before being reassigned the Army Criminal Investigation Division (C.I.D.).  

Harris holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards & Training (P.O.S.T.) and obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from Rio Hondo College in Administration of Justice. 

“I am pleased that John was willing and available to join OIR,” said Connolly.  “I really respect his insights and his expertise, but he also understands the importance of listening and getting the whole story.  I think he will develop constructive relationships inside the Department and with the public as well.”

The Orange County Register reported on its Website Thursday on the resolution by the Board of Supervisors calling on Sheriff Sandra Hutchens not to revoke any Concealed Carry Weapons Permits issued by the previous administration.

Sheriff Hutchenshas said she believes that some of those permits were issued without good cause required by law. Some members of the Board of Supervisors have suggested that she use her discretion to leave all current permits in place.

From the Register Website:

Supervisors lobby sheriff on concealed weapons

Hutchens says she disagrees with supervisors and will let voters decide her fate in 2010

BY NORBERTO SANTANA JR.
The Orange County Register

Orange County supervisors this week abandoned their traditionally cautious approach and formally urged Sheriff Sandra Hutchens not to revoke any concealed gun permits.

Hutchens' response: "I think we're going to get to a point where we have to respectfully agree to disagree."

The fledgling sheriff triggered a firestorm earlier this year from gun activists when she announced that the sheriff's department would adopt a stricter approach toward handing out concealed weapons permits and would reevaluate the existing 1,100 licenses held across the county. Nearly 100 activists, including National Rifle Association attorneys, showed up last month at a county supervisors meeting, threatening to politically oppose Hutchens and any supervisors who backed her gun policies.

To read the entire story click here.

Sheriff Hutchens has temporarily ceased revocations pending discussion with the California Attorney General to ensure that it does not reflectly negatively in the state data base if a permit holder has his or her permit recalled as a result of the review.

In the story, Sheriff Hutchens said:

"I'll be prepared to discuss the issue in its entirety and have some resolution in January," she said in an interview this week.