Washington, D.C. ~ Wednesday, November 18, 2009 

Good morning Chairman Leahy, Ranking Member Sessions, and Members of the Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today to highlight the work and priorities of the Department of Justice. I would also like to thank you for your support of the Department. I look forward to your continued support and appreciate your recognition of the Department’s mission and the important work that we do.

As I have stated to you on previous occasions, the Department continues to focus on its vital missions and goals: protecting the American people from terrorist threats and reinvigorating its traditional role in fighting crime, protecting civil rights, protecting the environment, and ensuring fairness in the market place.

To see the full text of his statement click here.

Family and friends of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s newest Aviation Support Unit members gathered at John Wayne Airport on Tuesday. They met in the Aviation Support Unit hanger to see each of the three Deputies pinned with wings.

The ceremony capped hundreds of hours of highly specialized training that led to Deputy Erik Baum being qualified as a Tactical Flight Officer and Deputies Rob Mergen and Mike Russell qualified as Department Helicopter Pilots.

Newest members of the Aviation Support Unit, left to right, Pilot Deputies Mike Russell and Rob Mergen and Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Erik Baum.

Photos by Sheriff's Photographer Jerry Manson  

Some Aero Squadron Facts for 2008

Flight time: 3,794 hours

Calls for Service: 3,271

Search and Rescue Missions: 150

Lost Hikers Found: 30

Training for Tactical Flight Officer:  3 months

Training for Department Helicopter Pilot: 500 hours over nine-months

Duties of Tactical Flight Officer:  Operate all equipment not used for flying the craft, including radar, observation aids, communications devices and illumination from Nightsun searchlight. A Tactical Flight officer also assists the pilot when needed and acts as an extra set of eyes and ears for the pilot. Must be able to multi-task.

For more photgraphs and information on the three Deputies click More...

Air Force Reserve Master Sergeant Katrina Faulkner, left, photographed in Afghanistan, has since returned to Department's Emergency Management Bureau.   

Veterans Day has long had a special meaning for those who serve in the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Again this year many of our colleagues are currently on active duty with the military and facing combat. So far this year, 39 members of the Department have served on active duty with the military. They include one Data Entry Technician, 15 Deputy Sheriff I's, six Deputy Sheriff II's, one Forensic Scientist, one Investigator, one Marine Mechanic, two Senior Emergency Management Coordinators, one Senior Institutional Cook, one Sergeant, three Sheriff's Special Officers I, and six Sheriff's Special Officers II. 

Recent overseas assignments have included such hotspots as Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the best moments we can all experience is when one of our co-workers returns from duty in a combat zone.

One of the most recent to return is Senior Emergency Management Program Coordinator Katrina Faulkner.

In her words:

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens joins JWA Director Alan L. Murphy, rear left, and TSA Federal SecurityDirector B.C. Bell in welcoming the new dogs to airport security team

Photos by Sheriff's Photographer Jerry Manson

Over 300 county employees, including members of every Division in the Sheriff’s Department, helped win high praise in preliminary reports by federal evaluators of the recent SONGS Plume Phase Exercise, Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Bureau Manager Donna Boston told the Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is the lead agency in County-wide emergency planning and preparedness.  This is done through the Homeland Security Division, Emergency Management Bureau (EMB).  Within the EMB there exists a team of highly trained emergency planners and coordinators who work to ensure the County develops effective emergency plans and is able to respond to any imaginable catastrophic event.  Among those hazards that the team plans for is an emergency at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, commonly referred to as SONGS.  

The County is mandated by federal and state regulations to manage a nuclear preparedness program, and part of that is to participate in evaluated exercises.  On September 23, 2009, the Sheriff’s Department hosted one of these evaluated exercises:  The 2009 SONGS Plume Phase Exercise.  

Preparation for this exercise included countless training sessions, a fully staffed dress rehearsal, major event preparations, and the involvement of every division of OCSD.   

On the day of the graded exercise, Sheriff Hutchens, as Director of Emergency Services  led the Emergency Operations Center to a successful final exercise grade.  At the conclusion of the emergency exercise, Federal Emergency Management Agency evaluators candidly stated that the “OC EOC rocked.”  Evaluators were extremely impressed with the EOC’s ability to make decisions, implement protective actions for the public and inform the public through media relations and hotline operators.  The final report for the SONGS Exercise captures the dedication to excellence which exists in the County and the Sheriff’s Department.  

The EMB staff who energized the entire EOC included Sara Kaminske, Vicki Osborn, Peggy Erdner, Donna Mayer, Raymond Cheung, Janell Harriman, Katrina Faulkner, Michelle Anderson, Luis Ramirez, Michelle Prieto and Mellisa Chorn.  It is through their attention to detail and willingness to push past challenges and reach for solutions that the EOC has become a national model for nuclear preparedness.       

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)

FBI Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordinators flunked a test on the top WMD threats in their areas. That was one of the findings of an FBI audit of the coordinator program.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, also known as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), have the potential to kill thousands of
people in a single attack. Although concern over WMDs is not new, the disastrous consequences that may result from using these weapons has
spurred the federal government to prepare for and respond to WMD threats.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) serves as the lead federal agency for investigating WMD crimes. The FBI focuses its WMD-related activities towards preventing the illicit acquisition of WMDs and identifying and disrupting their attempted use. The preemptive focus of these efforts requires the FBI to use its investigative and analytical capabilities to identify potential WMD suspects, targets, and threats before an attack occurs.

Several different FBI investigative divisions once conducted WMDrelated activities. In July 2006, the FBI consolidated its WMD investigation and prevention efforts into a WMD Directorate within its National Security Branch. Comprised primarily of Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts, program managers, and policy specialists, the WMD Directorate designs training for employees of the FBI; other federal agencies; state and local law enforcement organizations; and public health, industry, and academia partners. The WMD Directorate also provides national-level WMD intelligence support to FBI field divisions and to the larger U.S. Intelligence Community. At the local level, the FBI primarily relies on a designated Special Agent in each field division, referred to as the WMD Coordinator, to implement a significant portion of the FBI’s WMD-related activities.

One of the findings of the audit was that:

The FBI has begun using the concept of domain management to identify and prioritize the most significant WMD threats and vulnerabilities facing each of its field divisions. WMD Coordinators serve as their field division’s WMD subject matter experts. Nevertheless, for an internal FBI review, many WMD coordinators could not identify the top, specific WMD threats and vulnerabilities that faced their particular field division.

Recognizing that WMD Coordinators and their field divisions were not able to identify WMD threats consistently and completely, in September 2008 the FBI began requiring that its field divisions conduct an initial WMD domain assessment to help each division identify and prioritize WMD threats and vulnerabilities.

To read the full audit click:__www.usdoj.gov_oig_reports_FBI_a0936.pdf (1.21 mb)

To read a statement by the FBI in answer to the audit click here.

Lieutenant Michael Mullen is the first member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in seven years to graduate from POST’s Command College.

The 18 month course operating under the auspices of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training, is designed to prepare law enforcement leaders of today for the challenges of the future.

“We went away for one week every other month for a year and then we were off for six months to study and write our thesis,” said Lt. Mullen, second in command of the Department’s Airport Operations Division.

His thesis was the Role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Sheriff’s Department of the Future.  He sees the tool, now used extensively by the military in the War on Terror, as having growing importance in the coming years as a part of the Sheriff’s Air Support capability.

“They’ll be used in emergency operations and surveillance. They will continue to take on a growing role,” said Lieutenant Mullen.

He said the admission process to the course was one of the toughest screenings he has undergone in his career. He was admitted along with 20 other law enforcement managers from all over the state, including two Commanders from Santa Ana and a Lieutenant from Buena Park.

“I believe the Command College has given me the skills and knowledge to anticipate and prepare for the future of the Sheriff’s Department. It has validated a lot of my existing beliefs,” Lt. Mullen said.

He said one of the benefits of the course was the experience of working closely with highly motivated police managers from across the state.

In addition to his duties at the airport, Lt. Mullen was assigned to a special investigations team during the time he was attending the Command College.

“It was a great experience in multi-tasking,” he said. “All of us in the course were ordered to put our Blackberry on “Command College mode,” which meant off. During the breaks we would all be on the Blackberry answering important messages.”

He said that the Department will benefit from his experience because he will use what he learned in mentoring sergeants and deputies who he works closely with everyday.

“The Command College validated my belief in ‘a servant leadership’ philosophy. That is one in which you strive to make a difference at the lowest level of your command, you do the best you can and you know that when you leave it is better than it was when you first showed up.”

Lieutenant Chuck Wilmot, in the process of transferring from Chief of Police Services for Rancho Santa Margarita to command the S.A.F.E. Bureau, is currently attending Command College and is due to graduate in May. No other Department members are now enrolled in the program.

To learn more about the Command College click here.

Deputy Juan Viramontes, of Transit Police Bureau ensures bus riders have a safe journey.

He was honored this week at the Orange County Transit Authority Board of Directors meeting.

To hear Deputy Viramontes and other OCTA workers talk about the honor of recognition click here and then click the audio icon.

We salute the men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service, the oldest law enforcement agency in the United States. The U.S. Marshals are celebrating their 220th anniversary, established with the authorization of none other than President George Washington.

We have a contingent of U.S. Marshals right down the street from Sheriff's Headquarters, working in the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse.

More than 50 Deputies, Firefighters, Lifeguards and Ambulance crew members joined forces last week to sharpen their skills at responding to a multiple casualty accident on the water.

Photos by Professional Services Responder George Ridley

Harbor Patrol and Duke, Firefighters from Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach, along with Newport Beach Lifeguards all worked together to pull 10 simulated victims from the water after a report that two boats had collided in Newport Harbor.

The Daily Pilot published a story on the exercise.  

Quickening the safety response

Sheriff Harbor Patrol, lifeguards and firefighters have to work together when an emergency call goes out.

By Joseph Serna

Updated: Thursday, September 17, 2009 9:11 PM PDT

The call went out over harbor patrol emergency airwaves at 10:12 a.m. Thursday.

There was a boat accident in Newport Harbor and everyone was in the water. Nothing else, no details on how many people were injured or dead, and no idea of where to go.

It’s the type of call police, lifeguards and the Orange County Sheriff Harbor Patrol know they could get if there was a mass-casualty incident they need to be ready for.

Luckily, the call Thursday was only part of a drill between the harbor patrol and Newport Beach firefighters and lifeguards.

To see the complete Daily Pilot story click here.

The rescue fleet on the scene

For more pictures click More...

There are 16 intelligence agencies that form the Intelligence Community of the United States. Wonder what they have planned for the next four years? Well not all of it is secret. The Director of National Intelligence yesterday released to the public the 2009 National Intelligence Strategy.

Here is what the government has released:  

The Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair today unveiled the 2009 National Intelligence Strategy – the blueprint that will drive the priorities for the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies over the next 4 years.  The National Intelligence Strategy (NIS) is one of the most important documents for the Intelligence Community (IC) as it lays out the strategic environment, sets priorities and objectives, and guides current and future decisions on budgets, acquisitions, and operations.

“This strategy advances our original, founding directive to achieve an Intelligence Community that is integrated and collaborative.  But it really goes much further than that.  It reflects a more refined understanding of the threats we face and how we’ll combat them.  In describing our objectives, it prescribes methods for achieving them that can only be carried out by an Intelligence Community that is agile, adaptive, and united.  Most importantly, it recognizes that national security hinges on good intelligence and it provides me with the tools I need to monitor performance and ensure accountability,” Blair said.

The National Intelligence Strategy lays out the strategic environment – challenges the U.S. faces not only from other nations and non-state actors, but also from global trends related to forces like economics, the environment, emerging technology, and pandemic disease.  It identifies four IC-wide goals to: enable wise national security policies, support national security actions, deliver top-notch capabilities, and operate as a team.  Finally, it explains the IC’s objectives – what the IC intends to accomplish (6 mission objectives) and how the IC will accomplish them (enterprise objectives).

The 6 “mission objectives” are: 1) Combat Violent Extremism; 2) Counter WMD Proliferation; 3) Provide Strategic Intelligence and Warning; 4) Integrate Counterintelligence capabilities; 5) Enhance Cybersecurity; and 6) Support Current Operations (ongoing U.S. diplomatic, military, and law enforcement operations).

The 7 “enterprise objectives” are: 1) Enhance Community Mission Management; 2) Strengthen Partnerships; 3) Streamline Business Processes; 4) Improve Information Integration & Sharing; 5) Advance S&T/R&D; 6) Develop the Workforce; and 7) Improve Acquisition.

“Guided by the NIS, we will succeed by harnessing our skills, work ethic, courage, and creativity.  I am confident that we will become an even more agile, adaptive, and united community.  And, we will operate at all times under the rule of law, respectful of privacy, civil liberties, and human rights,” Blair concluded.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, now in its fourth year, oversees the coordination and integration of the16 federal organizations that make up the Intelligence Community. The DNI sets the priorities for and manages the implementation of the National Intelligence Program. Additionally, the DNI serves as the principal adviser to the president and the National Security Council on all intelligence issues related to national security.

To read the 24-page 2009 National Intelligence Strategy, click: 2009 National Intelligence Strategy 2009_NIS.pdf (5.73 mb)

To see the NIS Fact Sheet, click: 2009_NIS_Fact_Sheet.pdf (877.40 kb)

To see Frequently Asked Questions about National Intelligence Strategy click: 2009_NIS_FAQ.pdf (36.26 kb)

Sheriff reminds Orange County to be 'ever vigilant'

Hundreds gather at Nixon Library for 9-11 memorial event.

YORBA LINDA — While cautioning that Americans should never forget the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, several speakers during a memorial event on Friday urged the crowd of several hundred to be mindful of current and future terrorist threats.

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens quoted President Lincoln, who during his turbulent time in office, noted: "' The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. … As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.'"

Before becoming appointed as Orange County's sheriff last year, Hutchens served as Los Angeles County's homeland security chief.

Hutchens said important lessons have been learned since the events eight years ago, and positive changes made, such as dropping the jurisdictional barriers that once separated law enforcement agencies.

Now, she said, "we work together with the collective purpose to protect American from attack. We do this in honor of our heroes. … We must remain ever vigilant and never forget our vulnerability."
 

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Attorney General Holder at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial September 11 Ceremony

Friday, September 11, 2009 - Washington, DC

Thank you, Craig, for your kind introduction, and for all the work you do on behalf of our nation’s police officers and families.

Several months ago, I stood here at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial at the annual candlelight vigil. That night I had the solemn honor of leading the recitation of the names of officers who had been killed in the line of duty. On that somber evening, we dedicated the names of those heroes to these hallowed walls, and to our grateful memory.

This morning, I once again have the sacred privilege of publicly acknowledging the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives on behalf of all of us.

Eight years ago today, the clear skies over New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania were pierced by acts of hatred that we will never be able to fully comprehend. Nearly 3,000 Americans were murdered that day, each one an unknowing martyr to the cause of freedom.

Seventy-two of those Americans were the officers whose names stand here in silent testimony to the type of public servants they truly were. These were extraordinary men and women who wanted nothing more than to serve their communities, and who went to work each day with the full realization that they may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their neighbors and their nation.

We will always remember the bravery they consistently demonstrated – not just on September 11, 2001, but on each and every day of their careers – not only because their names are etched on these walls, but because their deeds are etched in our hearts.

For me, as it is for so many Americans, today is also personal. My brother William is a retired Port Authority police officer, and my family and I will always be reminded of the courage his colleagues demonstrated, and the price so many of them paid in service to their country. My admiration, respect, and support for the men and women in blue is always at the front of my mind. But on September 11, I join you in taking special pause to reflect not only on what we lost, but to also remember what we gained from the deeds of these special heroes.

In the years since that terrible day, the Department of Justice has worked hard to strengthen its ability both to prevent terrorism and to ensure that terrorists answer for their crimes. I pledge to you today that as Attorney General, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my colleagues in law enforcement, the military, and the intelligence community to combat terrorism at every level and in every way so that we can keep the American people safe. The people responsible for those horrific attacks on September 11, 2001 will all be held accountable – this is my promise. We owe nothing less to those we lost, to the families who grieve, and to a nation whose principles inspire the hopes and dreams of millions around the world.

Thank you.

A Message on the Department Reorganization
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens 

Our Core Values:

Integrity without compromise;
Service above self;
Professionalism in the performance of duty;
Vigilance in safeguarding our community.

We all continue to feel the effects of these challenging economic times, both in our professional and personal lives.  The Fiscal Year 2009/10 budget approved by the Board of Supervisors requires our Department to cut 28 million dollars from our budget this fiscal year. Based on revenue projections, we must prepare for an additional 60 million dollar cut in fiscal year 2010/11.  When faced with these unprecedented budget cuts, I directed my Command Staff and Division Commanders to “deconstruct” their commands and look at our core functions—those functions that impact our responsibility for direct public safety services.  The decision of who would be laid off was made as a result of what functions could be eliminated and/or combined without directly impacting our core mission.  These layoffs were not based on performance; they were based on the elimination or consolidation of functions and were made solely because of our current financial situation.  

During the past few weeks, I have met with each Assistant Sheriff, Executive Director, and Captain.  The purpose of the meetings was to tell them if they were staying or if they would be laid off.  For me, this has been one of the most difficult and gut-wrenching of tasks.  As I have publically stated, given the budget cuts we have been directed to make, I felt it my duty to preserve the delivery of front-line law enforcement so that the residents of Orange County would continue to enjoy the benefit of our public safety services and not be impacted by our budget cuts.

You will see from the attached Organization Chart that the shape of the Department has been dramatically altered.    I have cut two Assistant Sheriff and five Captain positions. Assistant Sheriff Hillmann with be responsible for Field Operations and Investigative Services. Assistant Sheriff James will be responsible for Custody and Court Services.  Executive Director Dostal will continue to be responsible for Administrative Services Command. 

Of the remaining nine Captains, two will serve as Area Commanders.  The Area Commander will assist their respective Assistant Sheriff with their expanded commands.  Tim Board will serve as the Area Commander for Field Operations and Investigative Services and Jay LeFlore will serve as the Area Commander for Custody and Court Services.

Director Gialamas, in addition to his Crime Lab responsibility, will assume command of Support Services.  Undersheriff Scott will assume direct responsibility for Professional Services Division and I will assume direct responsibility for Coroner and the Crime Lab/Support Services Divisions.I view these cuts as temporary and something that we cannot sustain for more than a couple of years. I fully intend to rebuild the department when the economy improves.In addition to our Command Staff cuts, we are having to impact the lives of 30-40 of our employees either through demotion or layoffs.  This process will be completed sometime in September.

I want to personally acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our personnel who are impacted by these budget cuts.  They have all contributed to the success of this Department and are to be congratulated for their commitment and dedication. Their service and individual contribution to the success of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will not be forgotten.

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and willingness to go the extra mile to secure the safety of all and to continue the great reputation of community service that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department so richly deserves.  Your actions serve to make me proud every day. It is an honor to be your Sheriff and to serve side by side with you.   My decisions have and will always be based on what is best for the public safety needs of Orange County and the continued success of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  

To view the new Organization Chart click: New Org Chart.pdf (2.15 mb)

To view the old Organization Chart click: Old Org Chart.pdf (1.43 mb)

Sheriff's officer carries around a lot of extra weight

In a national meet in La Mirada, Sheriffs Special Officer Tanya Reed set three world records in weightlifting for her division.

The Sheriff's Dive Team was the subject of a story this week in the Daily Pilot.

Reporter Joseph Serna went along to observe the team train and interview team members about their experiences.

‘Search and recovery’

The Orange County Register's Kimberly Edds reported on the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative and the role that the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center and the Joint Terrorism Task Force will play in the initiative.

Suspicious activity initiative helps agencies share data

Relevant information is categorized and analyzed.

A key component of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) enforcement mission is the tracing of firearms on behalf of thousands of Federal, State, local and foreign law enforcement agencies. Firearms trace data is critically important information developed by ATF. ATF has prepared the following state-by-state reports utilizing trace data which is intended to provide the public with insight into firearms recoveries.

The ATF found that more than 70 percent of the guns recovered in California were traced to origins in California. The vast majority of guns seized came from outside of Orange County.

To view the report click here.

The crew of Duke and a Search and Rescue Team made up of Reserves and Professional Services Responders located and rescued a 64-year old man who was missing in a canyon area near Moulton Meadow Park.

Moe Sakhaii was reported missing at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday after he had gone to the park to fly his remote control model airplane.  Laguna Beach Police Department officials requested assistance from the Orange County Sheriff's Department and at first light a Search and Rescue Team that included a Reserve Deputy and a bloodhound launched a search of the area.

Assistant Sheriff Michael Hillmann reported to the scene and coordinated resources for the mission. In addition to the Sheriff's Department, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Laguna Beach Fire Department participated in the mission.

At about 1:30 p.m. the crew of Duke, made up of Deputies Dave Tilstra, pilot and Chad Taylor, the Tactical Flight Officer spotted something in the canyon. TFO Taylor saw what appeared to be waving hands. Deputy Tilstra manuevered the helicopter deep into the canyon to a point where a positive identificaiton was made of the missing man.

The team found Mr. Sahkaii was alert but dehyrdrated.

The Search and Rescue Team was directed to the scene and first aid was given until a helicopter from the Orange County Fire Authority, which is equipped with a rescue hoist, arrived at the scene. Mr. Sahkaii was airlifted from the canyon floor to the command center. He was taken by ambulance to the command center.

Department Commander Lieutenant Ted Boyne said of the operation: "It was a very dramatic scene and all involved should be recognized for a job well done."

The Orange County Register reported on the rescue. To view their story click here.  

The Orange County Register reported on Sheriff Sandra Hutchens' report on her first year in office.

Sheriff Hutchens says she has made progress remaking department

Sandra Hutchens is also expected to discuss reform at county jails.

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.

The Department has two new Sergeants; Michael Ellis and Brad Olsen. Sergeant Ellis, formerly with Lake Forest Police Services, has been assigned to the IRC.  Sergeant Olsen, formerly with the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, has been assigned to the Men's Main Jail.