This just in from Court Operations:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Register gave this account:   

Jury clears sheriff’s deputies in excessive force case

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

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)

The Orange County Register reported on Saturday a story of four off-duty Deputies coming to the aid a woman being accosted outside a restaurant.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Off-duty deputies subdue alleged knife wielder at the Block

Suspect was yelling at his prone wife in the parking lot, according to authorities.
By ADAM TOWNSEND
The Orange County Register

Four off-duty Orange County Sheriff's deputies early this morning subdued a man who was allegedly abusing his wife and wielding a knife in the parking lot of the Block at Orange.

Lt. Ted Boyne said the four deputies were having a meal at TGI Friday's at the Block. As they were leaving at around 1:30 a.m., the deputies approached a man who they said was yelling at a woman.

The woman, who was the man's wife, was on the ground, Boyne said.

The deputies told the man to back off at which point he pulled a knife on them.

In response, one of the deputies pulled his gun and demanded the suspect drop the knife, Boyne said. The man refused and another deputy tackled, disarmed and handcuffed him, Boyne said.

Orange Police arrived and took the man, Miguel Angeles, 25, into custody on suspicion of spousal abuse, assault with a deadly weapon and exhibiting a deadly weapon.

Boyne would not release the names of the deputies, but said they work within the court system. The suspect's city of residence was not immediately available.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3706 or atownsend@ocregister.com 

A power outage that lasted more than four and a half hours left the Men’s Central Jail and the Women’s Jail with limited lighting and no air conditioning.

Other Sheriff’s facilities in Santa Ana were impacted less because of greater backup generator power.

The Men’s Central Jail and the Women’s Jail had just 30 percent power during the outage and movement of inmates was kept to a minimum, said CJX Department Commander Lieutenant Roger Neumeister.

“Our sworn and professional staff rose to the occasion, pitched in and worked extra hard to see to it that our inmates were safe and secure,” said Lieutenant Neumeister.

One of the biggest impacts was that lunch was served an hour early. It had been prepared but because of the lack of power the meals could not be kept hot until the traditional meal hour and so they were served while they were still hot.

The impact at IRC was less severe because that facility has 80 percent backup from emergency generators.  Air conditioning was minimal but their booking operations continued as normal.

At the Coroner’s Office, operations were continued by backup power but their clerical and admin stations were closed down, along with the offices of the pathologists.

At the Brad Gates Builidng, only one elevator was in operation and many computer stations were shut down. Power was restored to the Gates Building at about 10:30 a.m.  It was restored to headquarters and the jail at about 1:30 p.m.  The Coroner’s Office remains on backup power.

The cause of the power outage remains under investigation. It impacted a large area of Santa Ana and forced the closing of the Orange County Central Justice Center.

For the Orange County Register’s story on the outage click here.

In a recent letter to Rancho Santa Margarita Chief of Police Services Lieutenant Chuck Wilmot, resident Christine Belmonte complimented Deputy Doris Rodriguez' actions during a call involving vehicle vandalism. Ms. Belmonte wrote in part: "While outside my residence discussing my complaint, another incident occurred involving someone speeding past and shouting obscenities. Deputy Rodriguez was in her patrol car before I knew what was happening.  She pursued the speeding vehicle, tracked the subject down and then returned to make sure I felt she attended to my complaint. Deputy Rodriguez' acute awareness of her surroundings, quick thinking and decisive actions reassured me that there really is someone out there who is concerned and will take action!"

On March 7, 2009, Captain Ron White of the South Operations Division received a letter from Ronald Ooley and Suzanne Shirley, commending Investigator Ted Harris and Investigator Chad Kajfasz of the South Investigations Detail. Ooley and Shirley praised Investigators Harris and Kajfasz for their professionalism, thoroughness and courtesy while handling a stolen property investigation.

Ooley and Shirley said, "Investigator Harris and Investigator Kajasz ascertained exactly what happened and collected written documentation and pictures. With this information they were able to find the perpetrator(s) and recover most of the property. All of the Investigators were remarkable! They were courteous, efficient and extremely helpful."

Sheriff's Special Officer Harmon Ward of the Airport Operations Division received a commendation from passenger Carolyn Rawski. On April 2, 2009, Rawski was on a flight to Denver when she realized her driver's license was missing. She called Airport Police Services and spoke to Officer Ward who advised that her license had been found and they were going to mail it to her. Rawski wrote: "I was comforted by Officer Ward, knowing I would have my license waiting for me when I returned home. The John Wayne Airport Police were great partners in helping me avoid a real nerve rattler and I am very grateful. God bless you all!"

On April 15, 2009, Sergeant Mike McHenry of the South Operations Investigation Detail received a telephone call from Paula Adams, a resident of Lake Forest, commending Investigator Jared Dahl of Lake Forest Police Services. Adams praised Investigator Dahl's professionalism regarding a criminal threats investigation he handled. Adams said, "He has helped me tremendously. He guided me through every step and I just wanted to let you know; I appreciate his effort. Your Investigator Dahl is a wonderful person."

On April 21, 2009, Sergeant C. Dennsion received a telephone call from John Kaplan, a resident in the unincorporated area of South Orange County, commending Deputy Mike Duda. John praised Deputy Duda's handling of a relative with some emotional and mental health issues. Deputy Duda spent about a half hour speaking with the relative and trying to help them with their situation. John used words such as "Phenomenal" and "Truly Great" to describe Deputy Duda. John wanted us to know how impressed and appreciative he was of Deputy Duda's performance.

Recently Sheriff's Special Officer Miguel Rodriguez of Airport Operations received a commendation from Legal Processing Specialist Victoria Aguilar, who works at the North Justice Center Traffic Division. On May 1, 2009, Officer Rodriguez was filling in at the court and was asked to assist with the long line of people waiting to check in at the traffic window. People were upset about the extended wait time and Officer Rodriguez calmed them down by offering information and collecting citations that were eligible for extensions. Aguilar wrote: "I believe people appreciated that he was trying to help them which made a difference. I would like to express how much I appreciate the Officers at the Traffic Weapon's Screening area. They are always friendly and helpful."

Captain Ron White of South Operations looks at the Sheriff's Department as a family affair, literally. His sons Patrickand Robert started with the Department as Explorers and moved up to be Cadets, Patrick in Mission Viejo and Robert in Lake Forest.

Robert White went on to be a Sheriff's Special Officer and later entered Basic Academy Class 187.

On Monday night, Patrick White was one of 23 graduates of SSO Class 38 who were sworn in as members of the Department.

Captain White came to the graduation as more than a proud father and dedicated member of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. He served as the keynote speaker for the graduation.

The White Family,  Colleen, Deputy Robert, Sheriff's  Special Officer Patrick and the Captain 

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

Captain White told the graduates: 

Well Class 38, distinguished guest, family and friends, it is both my honor and privilege to be invited here to speak to you tonight. 

I always enjoy coming to the graduations for several reasons.  One is because the excitement and enthusiasm the class members demonstrate is invigorating.  But most importantly, because these young men and women are the future of this great department.  Of course, this graduation is extra special to me as my oldest son, Patrick, is a member of this class. To the men and women of Class 38 you should take great pride for what you just accomplished.  Each one of you has earned your place here today. 

As the Sheriff mentioned I started in this Department approximately 29 years ago and have enjoyed each and every day.  Now each of you are about to embark on a fantastic career.  So congratulations and welcome to our family.  Speaking of our family-  I would like to take a moment and thank all of the Department personnel who have taken time out of their busy schedules to join us here today.  

To become a Sheriff Special Officer, or SSO as they are more commonly referred, these men and women had to demonstrate and prove that their private lives were untarnished; that they were honest and trustworthy; and deserving of wearing the badge of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  And folks, let me tell you, this is no easy task.  More...

The security staff at the Central Justice Center processed 1,780,650 people in 2008 and seized 11,415 weapons or items of contraband.

Display of weapons and contraband seized by security staff at the Central Justice Complex

A lawsuit against the Department in the February 2006 incident at a Mission Viejo home resulted in jury finding in favor of the Department and the Deputies.

The Orange County Register reported on the case that:

Friday, March 27, 2009
Deputies not at fault in shooting where man lost an eye

Deputies did not use excessive force on Michael Momeni, who lost his left eye after being shot at with a bean bag gun.

By RACHANEE SRISAVASDI
The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA An Orange County jury sided with the Sheriff's Department today, determining that deputies did not commit battery against a man who lost his left eye during a 2006 altercation.

Michael Momeni, 24, had filed a civil rights lawsuit in November 2006, alleging deputies used excessive force and shot him unprovoked with a bean-bag gun on Feb. 27, 2006 at his then-Mission Viejo home.

Deputies had responded to Momeni's residence after Momeni's then-girlfriend called police and said he was suicidal, Momemi's attorney, Gary Casselman, said.

Momeni was intoxicated, and did not surrender to authorities. A deputy ended up shooting him with a bean-bag gun at close range in a bathroom at the home.

To read the Orange County Register article on the case click here.

Deputy Rafiq Nabi was offduty when he saw suspicious activity, took action and stopped a robbery in progress.   

Here is an account of the incident written by Sergeant Alan Hanson: 

On Wednesday March 18, 2009 at approximately 1715 hours Deputy Rafiq Nabi demonstrated the pride and professionalism of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department by placing himself in harms way to stop a robbery in progress.  On the above date and time Deputy Nabi was driving home from work in his personal vehicle near the intersection of Brookhurst and Westminster in Garden Grove.  Deputy Nabi saw two male Hispanics standing near a bicycle arguing with one another on the sidewalk .  He initially thought the two knew each other and was about to drive away when he saw one of the males start to punch the other male and attempt to take the bicycle away from him.  The male with the bicycle tried to roll the bicycle away while the second male was still punching him and trying to take the bicycle.  Deputy Nabi realized that in fact he was witnessing a robbery and decided to act.  Deputy Nabi exited his vehicle, identified himself as a deputy sheriff while displaying his badge, and ordered the suspect at gunpoint to lay on the ground.  The suspect complied.  Bystanders called 911 while Deputy Nabi held the suspect at gunpoint until Garden Grove Police Department arrived and took the suspect into custody. 

Deptuy Nabi displayed the attributes that should always be associated with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  He acted boldly and courageously when faced with a potentially dangerous situation.  He did not hesitate, he saw a person that needed assistance and took action.  Due to his training, instincts, and good common sense he was able to take the suspect into custody while preventing injury to the victim.  Deputy Nabi should be commended for a job well done.

Confronted with murders and violent crimes committed by gang members who appeared to grow younger by the case, the Orange County Grand Jury launched a study of efforts by local law enforcement, including the Sheriff's Department, to divert youngsters from joining gangs. The Grand Jury applauded the efforts by Department personnel in Stanton, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, as well as the Departments School Mobile Assement and Resource Team (SMART), which intercedes to prevent violence at schools, and Intake Diversion program, which offers counseling to first time offenders.

The Sheriff's Department was among numerous local agencies, including the Orange County District Attorney, probation department, Anaheim Police Department and Pio Pico Collaboration, which works with at risk youngsters in the schools, to win the grand jury's praise.

To read the report click here:

To read the Orange County Register's story on the report click here:  

Three Sheriff's Special Officers responded to a car fire in the parking lot of the North Justice Center this week and rescued a Chiuahua from the flames.

Here is a report on the incident by Sergeant Bob Sima: 

On March 10, 2009 at approximately 11:20 am, a citizen reported to our traffic weapon screening station that smoke was coming from the engine compartment of a car parked in the lower traffic lot.  Sgt. Rich Lucio #6151, SSO Tait Afualo #4557, SSO Josh Barnett #3274, and SSO Doug Payne #6219 responded to the location of the smoke and discovered a black Chihuahua inside the car.  Immediate attempts were made to locate the owner of the car.  However the engine compartment soon burst into flames.  SSO Afualo, SSO Barnett, and SSO Payne immediately began attempts to rescue the dog.  They first broke out the passenger rear side window but the dog was frightened and went to the front of the car.  They next broke out the passenger side front window and then the rear window.  At this time the dog jumped out of the rear window and ran off.

With the assistance of fellow deputies who arrived on scene, efforts were made to protect other vehicles parked nearby.  By this time flames from the engulfed vehicle reached 10 feet into the air.  Extra Help Deputy Paul Lopez #6147 and Deputy Justin Chevalier #3316 used a hand held fire extinguisher to protect the other vehicles.  Other deputies and SSOs were able to locate vehicle owners and instructed them to move their vehicles.  There was one vehicle parked directly in front of the engulfed vehicle.  Because of the nearby flames, it was too dangerous to allow the owner of the vehicle to move it.  Deputy Ed Romero #6247 asked for permission to move the vehicle (a BMW 3 Series) and moved the vehicle away from the engulfed vehicle, saving the owner thousands of dollars in property damage.

The owners of another vehicle located to the front and one stall north of the engulfed vehicle could not be located.  Attempts to save it from damage by the use of the handheld fire extinguisher were only partially successful.  This vehicle (a newer Ford Mustang GT) received heat damage resulting in melted parts and bubbled paint.  However the deputies’ efforts prevented the fire from spreading to this vehicle.

Fullerton Fire Department responded and put out the fire from the engulfed vehicle which was completely destroyed.  SSO Payne and SSO Barnett suffered cuts from broken glass resulting in medical treatment for both and stitches for SSO Payne.  The dog was located approximately one hour later by Extra-Help Deputy Paul Lopez.  The dog was uninjured and return to its owners.

The incident was report by the Orange County Register. To read the Register story click here.  

There was a multi-family block party in Paramount last July 4 and shortly after dark a supsected drunk driver spun out of control, hit a car and pinned an 8-year old boy against a car. The disoriented driver kept hitting the gas pedal despite warnings by people who were banging on the windows of the white SUV.

Sheriff's Special Officer Nelson Torres, of the Central Justice Center, led efforts to extract the intoxicated driver and put the car in neutral. SSO Nelson and two other neighbors pushed the car back, pulled the young boy free and began to administer CPR.

More screams were then heard, from a neighbor unable to find her little girl. She was soon located pinned under the SUV. SSO Torres helped led a team of 20 men and women in lifting the SUV onto the curb, creating enough space to free the frightened and tearful little girl.

The young boy died of his injuries but the girl who had been trapped was released from the hospital after treatment for cuts and bruises.

The coordinated efforts of the 20 people were credited with saving the little girl's life.

The American Red Cross named SSO Torres among those at the scene who earned the title Hometown Heroes. A breakfast was held this morning by the Red Cross to honor those men and women.

Congresswoman Sanchez also issued a proclamation dated today, recognizing SSO Torres for his lifesaving actions.

SSO Torres' supervisor is Sergeant Manny Pacheco said that the action was impressive but SSO Torres had kept the incident to himself until recently.

"I would have put him in for the medal of lifesaving if I had known about it," said Sergeant Pacheco.  

To see the Congressional Certificate click: NelsonTorres3.10.09.pdf (126.99 kb)

The Orange County Register reported this morning that testimony by Sheriff's forensic identification technician Sandy Abrams helped a judge order a trial for the defendant in the county's oldest cold case homicide case. There was no suspect in the case until a fingerprint from the decades old crime scene was matched by new technology to the defendant.  

1964 murder case to go to trial

Oldest cold case homicide probe – at 44 years – in O.C. history to result in arrest and prosecution.

By LARRY WELBORN
The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA – A 68-year-old Phelan man sat in a wheelchair without emotion Monday as he was ordered to stand trial on a charge that he bludgeoned and strangled a Santa Ana hotel manager nearly a half-century ago.

Superior Court Judge John D. Conley ruled after a two-day preliminary hearing that there is sufficient evidence to try Charles Edward Faith Jr. for the Feb. 16, 1964, slaying of Christine Elizabeth Vono Wariner.

It is the oldest cold-case homicide investigation – at 44 years – in Orange County history to result in an arrest and prosecution.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Larry Yellin contends that Faith, who was not a suspect in 1964, was matched to the fingerprints on Wariner's hotel door through advances in forensic technology.

On Monday, Sandy Abrams, a forensic identification technician for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, testified that in February 2002 she matched two bloody fingerprints left on the door of Wariner's room to Faith.

To read the entire story click here. 

Strategy, Accountability, Focus and Evaluation are management principles the Orange County Sheriff’s Department plans to utilize more effectively under a new program that will go into operation in January 2009.

When Sheriff Sandra Hutchens came into office in June 2008 she conducted an assessment of Department policies, performance and the organizational culture that had developed over the years.  The core values she found were good ones but the lack of consistency in record keeping, policies and procedures were a concern for both the performance of individuals and units within the Department.

The establishment of the SAFE (Strategy, Accountability, Focus and Evaluation) Program is intended to achieve an improved culture within the Department, one that always strives toward ever improving professionalism, self pride and organizational cohesion.  A dividend to the success of this program will be to reduce risk and liability, assist in employee development and promote problem solving behavior that is consistent with Department goals of serving and protecting the public. 

The SAFE Program will be managed by Lieutenant Mike Hiller and will serve as a catalyst to maintain consistency and a high standard of performance throughout the Sheriff’s Department’s 4,000 men and women working in 20 division commands.

In the future, the Sheriff’s Department will have easy access to statistics for Department wide crime fighting utilization. These uniform numbers will better enable managers to determine crime trends, staffing needs and resource deployment.  The standardization of regulations and policies will provide a better gauge to measure the performance of units and individual members of the Department.

A preliminary SAFE Unit was established in October 2008 following the Sheriff’s assessment of Department resources.  The unit’s members are experienced and understand the importance of policy development, information gathering, joint and inter-agency collaboration, and working with the public.  The SAFE Unit members are familiar with all aspects of the Department and have established themselves as progressive team members who are eager to face the challenges of developing a new and innovative program.

The new program is in large part the product of the project undertaken by consultant Lee McCown. He has an extensive background in law enforcement Risk Management. A similar assessment he conducted for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department contributed to a 35 percent reduction in litigation losses against that Department, with a significant savings to taxpayers. To see the Department Blog story on Lee McCown click here.

Lt. Hiller has most recently commanded the staff at the Central Courthouse where he directed the seemingly impossible task of ensuring the on time daily delivery of hundreds of inmates to dozens of courtrooms and the weapons screening of thousands of jurors and courthouse visitors. During his quarter century with the Department he has served as Academy Commander and he helped form the Terrorism Early Warning Group in 2002.

As SAFE Program Manager, Lt. Hiller will coordinate the tracking of such activities as use of force incidents, traffic accidents, officer involved shootings and citizen commendations of Department members.   These activities will be evaluated and assessed in regularly scheduled forums to allow managers to do trend and event analysis.  The assessment of trends and events within the jails or community will allow each division to manage incidents more effectively and proactively. 

In addition, SAFE will develop and implement an employee review process to provide a fair and responsible system for assessing an employee’s work performance.  Some examples of information maintained include, commendations, complaints, evaluations, etc.  This process benefits the employee as well as his or her current and previous supervisors and ensures the employee remains a productive and effective member of the department. More...

By Jason Felch and Maura Dolan
December 14, 2008

In June, Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas made a bold grab for a crown jewel of local law enforcement: the DNA unit of the sheriff's crime lab.

With the lab's director out of town and the sheriff recently deposed by corruption charges, Rackauckas submitted a brief agenda item to county supervisors two business days before their regular meeting. 
 
"Our aim is to make significant changes in the way forensic DNA analysis is conducted," Rackauckas wrote. The D.A.'s office is "the only organization capable of harnessing the vast potential of forensic DNA technology."

The move capped a three-year tug of war for control of DNA analysis in a historically conservative county where putting criminals behind bars can bring substantial political rewards.

"I have never experienced anything like it in more than 30 years of law enforcement," recalled Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, who took over the department in the midst of the battle. "I couldn't get my brain around it, and no one I've spoken with could either."

To read the whole LA Times story click here.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens gave her 120-day report to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, with her Command Staff outlining for the Supervisors the specifics of changes and plans that have been undertaken since she was sworn into office.

The PowerPoint presentation that was given the the board follows:

State of the Department - Oct 7 2008.pptx.swf (2.75 mb) 

For the Orange County Register's story on the Sheriff appearing before the Board of Supervisors click here.

Sheriff Hutchens held a press briefing on her presentation to the Board of Supervisors.

For the Orange County Register's story on the briefing click here. 

For the Los Angeles Times story on her briefing click here. 

Two sergeants from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have completed the Sherman Block Supervisory Institute, a program designed for law enforcement first-level supervisors to promote personal growth, leadership and ethical-decision making.

Sergeant Dan Lurie of the Harbor Justice Center and Sergeant Steven Mitchell of North Operations were congratulated by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

The Department encourages the program because sergeants in the sworn ranks have the most influence on deputies. They ensure not only that Deputies do their job but have a responsibility to mentor and prepare the line staff to be tomorrow’s leaders.

According to the Police Officer Standards and Training Website, the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute was designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers. The institute is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.

POST also said this of the program:

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

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens announced today that Mr. Lee McCown will serve as a consultant to the Department reviewing critical department policies, developing new policies, if needed, and helping create a system to track employee accountability.  

Mr. McCown brings and extensive background in Risk Management and offers a critical “outside” perspective to our operation. He has already begun reviewing our policy manuals and suggesting ways we can reduce risk and liabilities without diminishing the level of service we provide to the public. He performed a similar assessment at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where he was able to reduce lawsuits by 35 percent – which translated to a significant savings to taxpayers.  

Mr. McCown also works with American Homeland Solutions, a law enforcement training institution based in Anaheim.  To see the biography of Mr. McCown posted on the AHS Website click here.

Orange County Register Reporter Larry Welborn writes about the long standing tradition of Bailffs and Donuts. Wonder who brought the donuts to the Sheriff's cubicle? Just look at the newspaper and see whose picture has been published.

For the whole story go to the Register blog click here:

A tentative settlement has been reached in the lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union against the Department on behalf of day laborers in the City of Lake Forest. The city had previously settled with the ACLU. The case against the Department had been scheduled to go to trial in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana on Tuesday.

To read the Oragne County Register report of the case click here.

To read the version published in the Los Angeles Times click here.

For the Los Angeles Examiner's Associate Press story click here. 

Captains Lee Trujillo (left) and Mark Billings 

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens announced the promotion of two captains and a reorganization of some divisions in the Department.

The two promotions went to Department members of long standing who have helped the Department with skill and dedication throughout their careers.  

For a look at the new organization chart click here: Scan003.pdf (27.09 kb)

Captain Lee Trujillo, a 23-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, has been promoted to Captain and placed in charge of the Department's Investigations Divsion.

He previously had served as Chief of Police Services for the City of Stanton.

Captain Trujillo has held many positions with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, including patrol supervisor for San Clemente and Stanton, sergeant of the Directed Enforcement Team, and watch commander at the Intake Release Center (IRC) and the Emergency Communications Bureau (ECB).  Lt. Trujillo is also a former member of the Sheriff’s Department’s SWAT team and worked narcotics and gang enforcement.  He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise.

Earlier this year he was awarded the Medal of Merit for his part in the setting up the Department's Cross Designation Program with Immigration Customs Enforcement to identify illegal immigrants incarcerated in the Department's jails.

Captain Mark Billings holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biological Science from California State University, Fullerton and a Masters in Conflict Management from Caifornia State University Dominguez Hills.

He joined the Orange County Sheriff's Department in 1985 and worked Corrections until 1989. He was promoted to Deputy II in 1989 and held assignments in Special Enforcement, Traffic and served as a Field Training Officer. He promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and returned to Corrections until being assigned as a Tactical Sergeant at the Sheriff's Basic Academy. He served at the Academy from 1996 to 2000.

He was made Lieutenant in 2000 and worked Corrections, as a Watch Commander and as the County Mutual Aid Coordinator-Terrorism Warning Group Chair/Commander, Operations Support Division from 2001 to 2002. In 2002 he was assigned as Chief of Police Services to the City of Dana Point and he remained there until 2006. He was named Commander of hte Sheriff's Regional Training Academy in 2006 and served in that position until his promotion to Captain and Command of the newly formed Homeland Security Divison. In 1994 he was named Dana Point Deputy of the Year and was a Gold Star recipient, ACT  and Course Instructor  at the Basic Academy, and trained as a Drug Recognition Expert.

Tactical Training Officers like to hear when Recruits are at the door of their office so they install thick boards of oak on the wall to be banged on, loudly.

When recruits pound on the board, Tactical Training Officers have been known to complain that they are unable to hear it.

These pieces of wood are tough and generally last a long time. The ones used by the Tactical Training Officers who train Deputy Sheriffs and Police Officers at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Academy have withstood the pounding of fists from 49 classes of Recruits since they were donated by Basic Academy Class 136.

Sheriff’s Special Officer Class 36, which graduated in February, donated a thick oak board so future SSOs would be able to pound loud enough to be heard on the door of their Tactical Training Officers, Deputy Joseph J. Langhorne and Sheriff’s Special Officer Oliver Didio.

The new pounding board failed to make it through SSO Class 37.

SSO Class 37 member Tait Afualo was trying to be heard. Each time he thought the Training Officer was having trouble hearing his knock, he pounded a bit harder.  

The SSO pounding board broke in two.

Afualo, who played offensive tackle for the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Department, said he was not trying to break the board, he just wanted his Training Officer to be able to hear him.

To view a video of the graduation ceremony, click ther play button below the screen.

Sheriff’s Special Officer Tait Afualo was one of 22 SSOs who graduated at the academy Wednesday after 580 hours of training over a 16 week period. All 22 were sworn as peace officers and many have said they hope to make a career of law enforcement.

The graduates join an SSO force that numbers 396 and works throughout the Department to help fulfill the Sheriff’s mission at John Wayne Airport, Courts Operations, Jail Operations, Orange County Transportation Authority and the Security Bureau. More...

The Department Crime Lab is in the news again, this time due to their helping solve the murder of a elderly couple in their Santa Ana home. The case went unsolved for more than a year when DNA left on a soda can was matched to the defendant, Carlos Martinez, 32, of Santa Ana. Martinez could receive a death sentence if convicted. 

For the full Orange County Register story click here.

Lieutenant Dan Dwyer arrived for his tour as Operations Watch Commander on a recent Friday with a wish that it be an easier shift than the one he pulled the previous Sunday.

On that last shift Dwyer directed the response to the discovery of five dead bodies in a San Clemente home.  The deaths are still under investigation but it has been determined that nobody outside the house contributed to the deaths.  

When Lt. Dwyer arrived at the Loma Ridge Emergency Operation Center the Friday after the five deaths, he was briefed by Lt. Ted Boyne.The two have known each other since Lt. Boyne was Lt. Dwyer’s training officer at the Men’s Central Jail in 1984.

The Watch Commander on a Friday night will have between 120 and 160 patrol cars in the field, as well as responsibility for twelve contract cities, many miles of unincorporated area spread over virtually all of Orange County, the OCTA, building security and SSO traffic enforcement. His staff will provide backup for the Airport and Harbor Patrol dispatchers. When Lt. Boyne goes home, Dwyer opens his computer and looks at the screen to see what cars are on calls.

The screen categorizes calls in four different colors. Red is for top priority calls, where lives may be at stake. Yellow is priority two, no lives at stake but a vandalism or theft may be in progress. Green is priority three, vandalism or theft may have recently occurred. Then there is blue, illegally parked cars and that sort of thing.

On hand at the dispatch center, Lt. Dwyer has a staff of dispatchers, 911 emergency call takers, Control One dispatchers and technical wizards who babysit the rooms filled with electronic gadgets needed for thousands of radios. All these resources must be orchestrated to make it possible to place a deputy in the right location as quickly as possible when a call for help comes in from the public. More...