From Sheriff Sandra Hutchens:  

Moving in the Right Direction

The department restructuring I announced on February 5th became effective this morning. The fifteen individuals who accepted these interim promotions and the increase in responsibility without an increase in pay - and without a promise to maintain their interim position in the future, demonstrate the level of true leadership we have within the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Because of leaders who are willing to pitch in for the good of the department, we can continue the progress, with even greater momentum. We have come a long way from the time I joined the department in June 2008. When I came to this department I found an organization of professional, dedicated personnel who had been neglected. The former Sheriff failed to keep this department in step with modern law enforcement practices and procedures. In particular, structures of accountability and risk management were never fully implemented to safeguard those who put their lives on the line.

We have adopted new standards of ethics, training, accountability and oversight and when I'm out speaking to the public, I hear that they are pleased with the direction our department has taken. Each and every one of you, by virtue of the excellent work you do every day have contributed to the trust and respect our residents have in the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

We are headed in the right direction, but we all know that challenges remain. We've already faced the impacts of the $28 million budget reduction for FY 2009-10. Due to continuing declines in Prop 172 revenue, we need to cut an additional $24 million the first six months of this year.

Beginning July 1st of this year, we will be faced with a $65 million shortfall in FY 2010-11. Overall, our goal remains the same: Reduce operational costs while minimally impacting front line public safety.

We will continue to do all we can to protect our personnel, increase accountability at all levels, and build and strengthen relationships throughout the county - all while ensuring the least impact on public safety.

We will get through these challenging times - but only because of the extraordinary sacrifices each and every one of you is making on a daily basis.

Thank you for your leadership and your support of this great department.

SANDRA HUTCHENS

Assistant Sheriff Mike James reassigned to Field Operations and Investigative Services

Commander Tim Board, Acting Assistant Sheriff, assigned to Professional Services Command. 

Commander Jay LeFlore, Acting Assistant Sheriff, assigned to Custody Operations and Court Services Command.

Commander Dave Wilson assigned to Custody Operations and Court Services Command.

Captain Mark Billings, Interim Commander, assigned to Field Operations and Investigative Services Command.

Captain Librado Trujillo, Interim Commander, assigned to Professional Services Commmand. 

Seven Lieutenants were given interim promotion to Captain. [more]

Captain Don Barnes, South Operations Division 

Captain Toni Bland, Training 

Captain Tom Gallivan, North Operations Division

Captain Bill Griffin, Investigations Division

Captain Mike Hiller, Court Services 

Captain Steve Kea, S.A.F.E. Division

Captain Mike Krueger, Musick Correctional Facility  

Captain Linda Solorza, Professional Standards Division

The following Lieutenants will have new assignments or have been placed in new Commands:

Lieutenant Paul Fuzzard, Field Operations Command  

Lieutenant Dottie Ronan, Sheriff's Executive Aide

Lieutenant Tom Slayton, Emergency Communications Bureau

Lieutenant Gary Smith, North Operations Division

Lieutenant Michael Toledo, S.A.F.E. Bureau

Lieutenant Charles Wilmot, South Patrol

Lieutenant Robert Wren, North Patrol

Twelve Orange County Sheriff's Explorers competed in the 2010 Chandler Law Enforcement Explorer Tactical Competition which took place in Chandler Arizona on January 15 - 17.

Post Coordinator Sergeant Dan Daniels (Reserve Bureau) and Post Advisors Deputy Courtney Todoroff (Theo Lacy Division), and Deputy Gregg Surrell (Lamoreaux Justice Center) accompanied the Explorers.

All of the Explorers' registration fees and lodging were paid with private donations or funds raised by Explorers working paid events.

The Sheriff's team competed against over 500 explorers from Explorer Posts throughout the nation.

Due to the excellent tactical training they received from S.W.A.T. Deputies Mike Perez and Shane Millhollan,  Explorer Post 449 took a first place trophy in Tactical Scouting, a third place trophy in the Incident Command System and a fourth place trophy in the Multi Level Assault.  

Sworn personnel and professional staff accomplished a lot in 2009, despite the unprecedented challenge of a budget-tightening that caused the first employee layoff in the Department in recent memory. 

Here are some of the highlights of 2009, as reported on the Department Blog:

1.       Deputies continued to make life tough for criminals; after all that is one of our core services. Here are a few examples of excellent police work: 

  This Week's Score: Deputies 2, Bank Robbers 0.

Quick Response to Home Invasion Robbery Nets 4 Suspects in San Juan Capistrano.

Motorcycle Deputy Arrests Bank Robbery Suspect.

2.       For criminals who managed a quick getaway, they then had to face top investigators and the best crime lab in the country and, for graffiti vandals, the innovative TAGRS program that won national recognition. Coroner’s investigators are now being trained on a life-like mannequin: 

Department's Crime Lab Breaks Its Record on DNA Hits in 1-Day.

DNA Lab Hits Again and Again and Again.

DNA Lab Honored by National Association of Counties.

TAGRS and DNA Case Management Programs Recognized.

TAGRS is Embraced by Costa Mesa Police Department.

Called Dummy by Some, Manny Helps Train Coroner's Investigators.   

3.       The Department is going from good to great and the process entails a few innovations.  Here are some of the biggest:

  The new S.A.F.E. Division  (later reduced to the S.A.F.E. Bureau due to budgetary constraints.)

Sheriff Hutchens Introduces Department's Mobile Field Force.

New Era, Big Savings.

Testing Starts for First Class of Correctional Services Assistants.

Classes for Department's First Correctional Services Assistants.

500 Apply in Latest Recruitment for Correctional Services Assistants. 

Class 1R Graduation Heralds a New Era of Training at Sheriff's Academy. 

4.       Heroism is part of the job in the Department.  Sometimes it comes with the training and sometimes it comes from a person who just has a lot of heart:   [more]

Sheriff's Explorer Saves Woman from Burning Building.

Baby Boy Born in the Central Women’s Jail. 

Department Honors 42 for Valor, Courage, Lifesaving and Meritorious Action.

Air and Ground Efforts Coordinated to Rescue Man Lost in Remote Canyon.  

5.         The County Budget crisis, coupled with an unexpected decline in the inmate population, caused some major cutbacks and changes:

 Supervisors Take Straw Vote to Impose "Draconian" Cuts in Public Safety Services.

Sheriff Hutchens Seeks Support to Cushion Public Safety Cuts.

Tents Housing Inmates are Vacated in Economy Move.

Sheriff Hutchens to the Department: Women's Jail Must Be Closed.

6.       One Division in the Department celebrated three quarters of a century of serving the public:

Presentations at Commemoration of 75th Anniversary of Communications and Technology Division.

Orange County Communications Turns 75.

7.       And new forms of communication were begun in 2009:

Sheriff Hutchens Answers Questions in Online Town Hall with Orange County Register.  

8.       For some Department members it was a year when they received national recognition for their athletic achievements:

SSO Tanya Reed Sets Three World Power Lifting Records.

Deputy Shane Ellis.

9.       The Department claimed national attention, too:

Sheriff's Department Helped Protect President Obama, Town Hall Participants.

10.    And we all took a moment to recall those we lost:

Mission To Honor Fallen Oakland Police Officers Accomplished.

Sheriff Hutchens Orders Black Bands Worn to Honor Two Fallen Firefighters.

Orange County Sheriff's Detail Will Honor Four Fallen Officers.

11.   The Jails continued to impress all of those who inspected:

Grand Jury Finds OC Jails are Well Run and in Good Overall Condition.

Statistics Show OC Jail Death Rate Lowest of 30 Largest Jurisdictions.

Chinese Delegation Tours IRC. 

12.   For pure fun, who can beat this episode, which drew international press attention:

 Ahoy: Where'd You Learn to Steer a Fireboat?  

It was also a year that saw a Swine Flu Pandemic cause a quarantine in the jail (Swine Flu Quarantine at Men's Central Jail Lifted after Six Days) and cause the death of Reserve Sergeant Kendall M. Sanders Jr., Helped Those in Need.  

Some of the honors for 2009 included:

Deputy Lance Christensen is California's School Resource Officer of the Year and the Board of Supervisors Honors Lieutenant Mullen - Command College Graduate.

SSO Jim Wallace is Bailiff of the Year and Traffic Safety Programs Coordinator Will Funk Honored.

And finally  Aviation Support Unit Welcomes Three New Fliers.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy has been producing great law enforcement officers for 38 years but last week, for the first time a Level 1 Reserve Class graduated.

The ten member class trained for nearly 1,000 hours over 64 weeks to be accredited as Level 1 Reserves, a status that permits the reserve to perform the same duties as a paid Deputy or Police Officer.  They took the oath of office, administered by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

Young Choi was the only Deputy in Class 1R but he shined, being recognized by his classmates with election to Class Chaplain and by the Academy, being named “Outstanding Officer.”

Sheriff Hutchens presents "Outstanding Officer" Award to Reserve Deputy Young Choi

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

The “Outstanding Officer” award is presented to the recruit who has earned the highest overall number of points.  It requires constant striving for excellence and is the most special of the Academy’s awards.

Commander Dave Wilson said the graduates had totaled 816 hours of training over 64 weeks. The Reserves train at night and on weekends, many working full time jobs or attending college while they train.  

Until the graduation of Young Choi, all Level 1 Reserves with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department had to go elsewhere to receive their Level 1 training. [more] 

Commander Wilson said the theme of the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy, which operates  in partnership with Santa Ana College, is “hard work, discipline and integrity.”  The instruction includes courses in law, community relations, officer safety, health and fitness, cultural diversity, ethical decision making and much more.

“The training is designed to forge a foundation for a law enforcement career,” Commander Wilson said. 

The Tactical Staff that trained the Level 1 Reserves had more than 100 years of combined law enforcement experience.  It included Lieutenant Jon Briggs and Sergeants Brad NewMyer, Albert Sevilla, Dominic Montalbano and Sergeant Jeff Mclain. The Academy Commander is Lieutenant Toni Bland, who recently completed training at the FBI Academy.

Class 1R President Officer Lazaro Pita, of Santa Ana College, said that as law enforcement officers they must be prepared to provide a wide range of service and they have no way to know what skill their next call for service will demand.

It could require chasing a suspect or climbing a wall.

“When a homeowner is angry because his neighbor’s music is too loud, we must become mediators,” Officer Pita said. “When we are called to assist an elderly woman because her husband of 50 years will not wakeup, we must now become a sympathetic individual.”

 Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers, a 34 year veteran of law enforcement who has served in five Orange County Police Departments, was the keynote speaker.

“A lot of you family members are out there wondering, what is going to happen after this,” he said. “I’ll tell you.  Your recruit was trained by the very best.  They’ve been taught to be careful as they go about doing their job. I know this for a fact because my son is an Orange Police Officer and graduated from the Sheriff’s Academy. He’s been on the job eight years and I know what is like for parents because I think about my son every night.  I just got off the phone with him on my way over here tonight and he told me some things. He is working narcotics. He said, ‘you know, for everything I learned in that academy, when I go to my job every day I appreciate how much they pushed me at the Orange County Sheriff’s department.’ It made him a better cop”.

Chief Sellers advised the graduates to treat those they serve as members of their own family.

“When you are working at 2 a.m. and you get a call, think about how you would feel if you had an emergency in your home and you were 20 miles away.  Think of how you would want those responding to your family’s emergency to treat the members of your family. We want to give the same care and concern as when help arrives for our family.”

The Chief praised the Academy instructors and thanked Sheriff Hutchens for her commitment to maintaining the finest training academy in California.

The Reserve Bureau's Search and Rescue Unit has been busy this week, managing the search for a missing man in Fullerton and tracking a fugitive homicide suspect in Santa Ana.

The Department Search and Rescut Unit was called upon to support the Fullerton Police Department and Fire Department.  The Department was called on to help muster resources and manage the effort.  The California Rescue Dog Association provided five search dogs to augment the Sheriff's Department's bloodhounds, which had been searching for the missing man since Monday night.  The body was found on Tuesday morning by one of the dogs provided by the Association.  The man may have been a victim of flooding during the weekend rains. He had been walking a dog but the dog has not been found.

For the story on the case by the Orange County Register click here. 

Another search was conducted Tuesday night in support of the Santa Ana Police Department.  Sheriff's Reserve Sergeant Don Hanson and K-9 Sonsee tracked an attempted homicide suspect in Santa Ana.

For the Orange County Register story on that case click here.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has sent a letter of thanks to Sheriff Sandra Hutchens for the help rendered by the Department in the search in October for Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Zoltan Tombol. 

An exhaustive search was conducted in wildland areas in the jurisdictions of the Brea Police Department and the Riverside Sheriff's Department.  A two day search of the area proved fruitless until Orange County Sheriff's Reserve Sergeant Steve Chenot and bloodhound Kenda, assisted by Orange County Sheriff's Reserve Deputy Devon Kemp joined the effort.  Kenda located the missing deputy's body on October 20.

To view the letter click:  LA Sheriff 001 (5).pdf (41.07 kb)

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

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

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

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

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

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

·         Promoted to Sergeant on 10-14-2002.

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

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

·         The mounted unit.

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

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

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

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

With Respect,

Dominic Montalbano

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

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

The OCSD Men’s Team took home 2nd place in the 5K Men’s Law Enforcement Division.  They were led by Chuck Foote Jr., Chuck Foote Sr. and Craig Essex. Chuck Foote Jr. took 2nd place overall in the Law Enforcement 5K Division.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has been a strong advocate for Lupus International for the past ten years and continues to support the “Lupus Race for Life”.  The “Lupus Race for Life” is supported by many of our regional law enforcement stakeholders and, as a collected group, we provide logistical and volunteer support to make this event a continued success.

This year, the Reserve Bureau, along with Sheriff Explorer Post # 449, provided over 100 volunteer hours of service to Lupus International, which included the following duties; loading of supplies, food, chairs, tables, 1K and 5K course set-up, course ambassadors, water stations and assisting the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department with many other tasks. 

Thank you all for a job well done.

This year’s event attracted a tremendous amount of runner participation from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  Class #191 of the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy won the Academy competition by demonstrating a high level of motivation. 

The event drew over 2,900 participants.

Lupus International Executive Director, Christina Kelly, expressed her sincere appreciation to all the Sheriff volunteers and runners for their unwavering support of Lupus International and the continued success of this event. 

Three Reserve Deputies were among 14 reserves who graduated last week with Class 16R from the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy in Tustin.

They were Reserve Deputies Michael Lee, a high school teacher and tennis coach, Darren Smith, an information specialist for the County of Orange and Kevin Wang, creative director for a holding company.

Class 16R takes oath as law enforcement officers

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

Reserve Deputy Lee was selected as Class Chaplain and he offered a prayer before the hundreds of family, colleagues and supporters of the graduates.

“We entered this program as individuals and sit together tonight as brothers and sisters,” Class Chaplain Lee told those gathered. “Thanks for family and friends who supported us through this long and challenging process. Thank you for our instructors who have given their time unselfishly to teach us, shepherd us and mentor us. We also give thanks for our Academy Tactical Staff who since day one have been training and mentoring us to be the best possible police officers we possibly can. [more]

“We of class 16R ask for the courage to conquer our own fears, courage to take us where others will not go, strength of body to protect others, strength of spirit to lead us. We ask for dedication to do our job and do it well, dedication to our community to serve and protect it. Give us strength for those who trust us and compassion for those who need us.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens introduced the keynote speaker, Lieutenant Jeff Bardzik (Retired).  Lt. Bardzik joined the Department in 1984 after serving in the Marines for four years and attaining the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He graduated in Academy Class 67 and was selected at the Class President. His record at the Department included his being awarded a Medal of Courage. He served at the Academy as a Tactical Sergeant and retired as Academy Commander in August.

Lt. Bardzik advised the graduates to “act courageously and courteously.”

“On a daily basis they will walk into diverse situations with no solution in sight,” he said. “One day it may be evacuate a building and rescue people, the next day it may be do more with less because of budget cuts. It is not the job where you can get away with ‘it’s not my job’ or my personal favorite, ‘if it’s not broke why fix it.’ That is a slogan of the complacent, the arrogant or the fearful. Somebody has to deal with the problem.”

He also said, “You do not take an oath tonight to stand in silence. It’s to serve, defend and protect.

“When bullets are flying the others move away and you’ll move directly toward the threat. And you’ll do so with confidence in your training.

“Sacrifice, there is plenty of that-work. You’ll work holidays and weekends.

Left to right, Michael Lee, Darren Smith, Sheriff Hutchens and Kevin Wang

“Thanksgiving night, you may miss your family dinner, when you shift winds down, you might share a turkey sandwich with your partner on the hood of your car.”

“It’s not about us, it’s about serving others,” Lt. Bardzik said.

The Class 16R Class President was Officer Nicholas Rickers, of Santa Ana College.

The Class 16R Outstanding Officer was Officer Thomas Perez, of Santa Ana College.

Class 16R is a Level III program.

Class 16R underwent 164 hours of training, most of it night and weekend classes over 14 weeks, 16 hours a week.

The majority attended while working full time jobs.

None were paid, all are volunteers.

Two have Associate Degrees.

Five have Bachelor Degrees.

One has a Masters Degree.

Twelve plan to continue to become Level II Reserves.

Ten want to become Level I Reserves.

Eight plan to become full time police officers or deputies.

One graduate is joining the Orange Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer.

Ten were sponsored by Santa Ana College.

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)

A team of Reserve Deputies and Professional Services Responders working a Search and Rescue detail in Coto de Caza were credited this week with finding an unconscious jogger near a trail.  He had been missing for more than 17 hours.  

The team began the search at the Coto de Caza Golf Course at 11 p.m. on July 15 after a search by Deputies and a helicopter had been called due to darkness and fog.

Sergeant D. Hanson, Reserve Deputy Al Lenning and K-9 Sonsee took up the search and were joined at 3:45 a.m. by Reserve Sergeants M. Losquadro and S. Chenot Reserve Deputies A Lenhard, D. Kemp, S. Chan, PSR's B. Clark, J. Chun, L. Bumanglag, C. Duncan, K. Adams and A. Phillips.

The effort turned into a full-unit callout.  Deputies and PSR's deployed to search for the missing male believed to have gone jogging in the area.  Patrol deputies previously searched; DUKE unable to provide much assistance due to heavy fog.  SRRU deployed to search trails in the area immediately east of the golf course/clubhouse area.  Fielded 3 teams. 

Subject found approx 0900 hours in area being searched by one of our field teams.  Subject found in serious medical distress by Dep. Lenhard and PSR Chun.  OCFA dispatched and deployed to scene in SRRU 4x4 vehicles.  Subject received on-scene medical attention and was evacuated.

Undersheriff John Scott was the keynote speaker Thursday at the Module II Academy Class 6R graduation at the Orange County Sheriff’s  Regional Training Academy.

There were 39 graduates in the class, including 17 Reserve Deputy Sheriffs.  Reserve Deputy Sheriff Sergio Kopelev was both the Class 6R President and the graduate honored with the Outstanding Officer Award.  Other graduates were affiliated with the Garden Grove and Claremont Police Departments and with Santa Ana College.

Captain Catherine Zurn told those at the graduation that Reserve Deputy Kopelev maintained a grade average of 98.6 over 14 weeks of training. Reserve Deputy Sammy Chan served as the class honorary historian.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has hailed the Reserves for their service to the Department, which saves the county about $7 million a year.

Class 6R received academic training in courses that included criminal law, laws of arrest, search and seizure, ethics and community policing.  Instruction also covered firearms, arrest and control techniques, first aid, use of force, report writing and use of less than lethal weapons.

All of the training was administered in an environment of moderate stress supervised by the Department’s Academy Tactical Staff.

Undersheriff Scott said of the graduates, “Our graduates come to us with a rich diversity of backgrounds, ranging from a short-order cook, to a company president.  We also have an attorney, an accountant, an art sales broker, a construction worker, a court reporter, an engineer, an entrepreneur, a heating and air conditioning installer, a plumbing contractor, police cadet, secretary, student, and a retired software developer. That pretty much covers the gamut.Three of our graduates are military veterans, eight have master’s degrees and one has a doctorate.  Three came to us by way of a GED. Six are 25 or under and six are 48 or over. Thirteen are bilingual and 20 plan to continue to Level I Reserve training. Thirty-eight are male and one is an undaunted female.

It is this diversity that makes us strong. It gives us a broad spectrum of life experience to help us deal with whatever challenges we are faced with; the unpredictable."

Undersheriff Scott noted that the Reserves come from a long line of those the Department has depended upon, including the posses and volunteer home guard company of the 1800’s and the Sheriff’s Emergency Reserves of World War II and the Aerosquadron, formed in the late 1940’s. Module II Academy Class 6R was the first Level II Reserve Class graduated since February 2006 and it is one of the largest classes at that level ever graduated by the Department.

"The graduation will mark a new era in their law enforcement careers," Undersheriff Scott told the graduates.“As a Level III Reserve you were used primarily for such duties as traffic control, parade security, report writing, evidence transportation, but not likely in duties that resulted in an arrest,” he said. “Now you may be called upon to serve as second person in a radio car, perform bike patrol, help serve warrants, or be part of a surveillance team, or even be called out to respond to a riot. 

Level II Reserves work in crime prevention and the general enforcement of laws. Now, you will be given assignments where making arrests are part of the job.   You will work under supervision of a Level I Reserve or a regular Deputy or Police Officer and at times you may be called upon to supervise Level III Reserves.”

The Undersheriff concluded his remarks with a welcome to the graduates.“Walk out of here tonight proud.  Proud of the training you’ve received.  Proud of the badge you wear. Proud of the service you provide. And proud to be part of this noble and time-honored service to Orange County.Congratulations to each of you, and welcome to the ranks of Level II Reserves!”

Sheriff Hutchens administered the oath to all 39 of the graduates. 

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.

Professional Service Responder Crime Prevention Unit

The North Patrol Bureau has joined forces with the Community Services Division to create the Professional Service Responder (PSR) Crime Prevention Unit.   This unit is made up of several dedicated men and women from the Professional Service Responders Bureau.  These dedicated professionals have spent the last several months attending Crime Prevention Training to prepare them for this assignment.  

The  Director of  the Department’s Crime Prevention and Volunteer Programs, Janet Sener, has  been instrumental in providing these volunteers with the knowledge and ability to provide a much needed service to the approximately 90,0000 residents that live in the North Unincorporated Areas of the County.

The PSR’s will be attending Neighborhood Watch meetings in the community and providing residents with Crime Prevention Tips and information on the benefits of Neighborhood Watch, along with information on what is occurring in their communities as it relates to Law Enforcement.

The PSR’s will be working hand in hand with the Deputy Sheriffs that patrol the unincorporated areas of North Orange County to provide an important aspect of community policing to the public. 

Reserve Deputies and Professional Services Responders were given a tour of Marine Operations on Wednesday.  The Marine Operations Reserve is looking for some new members and about 30 prospective volunteers showed up to hear what it takes to patrol the waters. Reserve Deputies briefed the potential volunteers on the facilities, equipment and craft used by the Department to patrol three harbors and 43-miles of coastline.

Reserve Captain Jay Wasserman was interviewed by Mari Frank on KUCI Radio.

To listen to the broadcast click the icons below.

[mp3:http://blog.ocsd.org/file.axd?file=Captain+Jay+Wasserman+Harbor+Patrol+what+it+does+3+min.mp3]

[mp3:http://blog.ocsd.org/file.axd?file=Cpt.+Wasserman+seg+II++water+saftey+tips+3++min+39+.mp3]

The May 19 Election Day set in motion a major undertaking by the Department, which is responsible for taking the ballots from collection points around the county to the Registrar of Voters warehouse in Santa Ana where they are counted.

Photos by Staff Specialist Ligia Macovei

Robert and Lt. Fuzzard,
 
On behalf of my entire department I would like to extend my thanks to the men and women of the OCSD Communications Division and Reserve Operations for your help on Election Night.  The May election, while lower in turnout, required the same preparation on our part as well as your extensive involvement and support. 
 
Over the past few years Orange County has grown to lead the nation and is setting standards for professionally run elections.  This would not be possible without the outstanding (and I mean that sincerely) dedication each of your team members showed during the pre-election planning and execution on Election Night.
 
I am proud to work in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
 
Neal Kelley
Registrar of Voters
County of Orange

Robert is Robert Stoffel, Director of the Communications Division. The Communications Division has been involved in transporting election night ballots since before the Orange County Bankruptcy when the division was part of the General Services Division.

Ballot Transportation Manager Marten Miller, who most of the year works as Emergency Communications Manager, has been coordinating the ballot transport for several years.

He said that this election day there were 140 Sheriff’s Department members involved in the effort. They included truck drivers from the Communications Division, Reserve Deputies who provide security for the trucks and the voter tally stations and ham radio operators, members of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. The RACES volunteers provide emergency communications to all 23 ballot collection stations around the county.

The drivers and Reserve Deputies staffed 43 trucks for the night. Each truck is outfitted with a radio for the transport. Every effort is taken to have the ballots moved in a timely fashion, including having a tow truck on standby in case of a mechanical breakdown.

The county staffed 932 voting precincts for the election.

The 2009 Imperial Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Competition was held in the City of El Centro, California from April 16 through April 19, 2009.  The Orange County Sheriff’s Department was represented by ten Explorers from Post 449:

Lt. Lex Ogan                       Cpl. Evelyn Gomez

Lt. Jake Montes                Sgt. Garrett Eggert

Sgt. Jake Harper               Sgt. Grant Lattimore

Exp. Magali Garcia           Cpl. Travis Boenker

Cpl. Danielle Balszak       Exp. Yazmin Marin

The Explorers were accompanied and supervised by Dep. Bill Simandl, Dep. Rick Fassel and Dep. Sherri Gilman.  All Explorers were mature and professional, which made supervision easy.

The Competition was comprised of more than 100 Explorers and 30 Advisors from 19 different agencies from throughout the Southwestern United States.  The competition events included: 914A Response, Search Warrant Service, Active Shooter, DUI Stop, Tubular Assault, Felony Stop, Tactical Air-soft, Volleyball, Marijuana Field Raid, Pistol Range, 5k Run, Male/Female Obstacle Course, Bicycle Course, Tug-a-war and Fire Arms Training Simulator. Station 18  brought home the following trophies:

Team trophies were for:

1st Place 914A Response

1st Place Tubular Assault

3rd Place Active Shooter

4th Place Fire Arms Training Simulator

4th Place Pistol Range4th Place Marijuana Field Raid 

Individual trophies went to:

2nd Place Male Explorer 5k, Jake Harper

5th Place Female Explorer 5k, Yasmin Marin

1st Place Female Advisor 5k Deputy Sheri Gilman

Explorer Post 449 would like to give special thanks to the following:  

Marilyn McDougal and the Sheriff’s Advisory Committee for paying for the Explorer’s Hotel Rooms

Deputy Christopher Ledbetter, Deputy Michael Perez for their assistance with training.

Karen Giudice, Kathy Panque, Cherlyn Bullington, Patty Reichardt and Cadet Alex Wong for their assistance in preparation for this event.

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S PATROL CHAPLAINS-A MINISTRY OF PRESENCE

By Rich Atkinson, Assistant Chief Senior Chaplain 

The tragic events in Oakland and Pittsburg, PA this year have left a deep scar on the hearts of those serving within these Police Departments, the citizens of these two communities, and the entire public safety community as a whole. The tremendous loss is felt by us all. These horrific events, like many other critically stressful incidents encountered by law enforcement personnel each day comes with excruciating grief. This deep pain, if left to heal without God’s direct intervention, will leave a festering wound which could have a perilous impact on many of our public safety brothers and sisters for years to come. The chaplaincy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department exists so that the first responders and staff of our agency have a trained and confidential member of the clergy to share the normal emotions that result in the aftermath of critical incidents that our co-workers deal with each day.

Patrol chaplains stand ready to work side-by-side with deputies and investigators to provide comfort to the victimized residents you meet each day. Whether it is during a ride-along with patrol deputies, or through a phone call-out from field personnel via  dispatch, ministers are available to respond to any type of law enforcement related crisis or incident 24/7. 

Additionally, no member of the OCSD family should ever feel alone during difficult times. Your Patrol Chaplains are also here to provide no cost, confidential, professional level, spiritual counseling and care to the members of our Department. Through this ministry of presence, the impact of the infectious stressors we all experience can be minimized to make sure that unexpressed concerns do not take a lifelong or life-changing toll on the members of our Department or their families. 

To speak confidentially with a Patrol Chaplain please feel free to personally reach out to one of our many trained and ordained clergy, or contact us by leaving a message on our password protected voicemail at (949) 361-8387.   

Your OCSD Chaplains are proud to serve the members of our Department and stand ready to assist you in caring for the residents of Orange County or being a safe confidant for our co-workers who may need an encouraging word. 

At the Department’s Tustin Regional Training Academy on April 2, 2009, 35 New Professional Services Responders were appointed by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.
Professional Service Responders come from all walks of life. Some are business owners, corporate executives, retirees, teachers, doctors or lawyers.

The most recent group includes anesthesiologist, an architect, retired university professor, an emergency room doctor, Chief Financial Officer, retired police officer, retired DA Investigator, and a Legal Assistant.

Photos by Professional Services Responders Randy and Kyle Frager

The Professional Service Responders will be assisting the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in a number of non-law enforcement related duties. Many have already been attending meetings with the Search and Rescue unit which is made up entirely of volunteers. Some expressed an interest in working in the newly formed Crime Prevention Unit, conducting Neighborhood Watch programs in the unincorporated areas of North County.

 Some will work at the John Wayne Airport as a travelers’ liaison, assisting travelers with baggage and questions about the airport. They are also an extra set of eyes on the lookout for suspicious activities.

A few will work in the High Tech Reserve Unit taking pictures and videos of Sheriff Events, including Academy Graduations and the recent Explorer Awards Ceremony.
Professional Service Responders will work with the Harbor Patrol conducting boater safety classes.

Community Programs uses the PSR’s at their functions to educate the public about the many services the Sheriff’s Department has to offer.
Our PSR’s assist the Bomb Squad with repairing and servicing their equipment. They also assist with Disaster Drills, Mounted Enforcement Training and in Recruiting on Saturday morning for the testing of new hires.

Fifty years ago, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department helped establish Explorer Post #449, the nation’s first law enforcement Explorer Post.

It was set up by Sheriff James A. Musick to help introduce the best high school students to careers in law enforcement.

Last week the top performers of Post #449 were honored at the annual award dinner.

The dinner was held on March 26, 2009 at the Regional Training Facility in Tustin.  Post 449 also celebrated their 50th Anniversary as the First Law Enforcement Explorer Post in the Nation.  The Explorers worked in excess of 21,000 hours at 261 events throughout 2008.  These events occurred in Every Contract City and Sheriff’s Unincorporated patrol area as well as mutual aid events with other Police Explorer Posts throughout Orange County.  Of the 182 Explorers who worked events in 2008, the following received special recognition:

Retirements: After an Explorer turns 21, or leaves for Military Service, they receive a retirement plaque indicating the years of service.  Explorer Captain Yanira Rojo – 2004-2009, Explorer Lieutenant Jessica Ortega 2004-2008 and Explorer Lieutenant Alex Wong 2006-2009.  [more]

Advisor of the Year:  Deputy Gregg Surrell.  Deputy Surrell was selected by his fellow Advisors to be the Advisor of the year.  Dep. Surrell has been an Advisor with Post 449 for about 3 years with the West Division.  Gregg’s experience as an explorer civilian traffic investigator, patrol officer with Irvine Police Department have made him a valuable asset to the West Division and Post 449.

Most worked Community Service Hours:  Explorer Lieutenant Lex Ogan worked 530 Community Service hours in 2008. Most Service Hours worked: Explorer Sgt. John Leahy worked a total of 640 hours in 2008. 

Recruitment Award:   Explorer Corporal Carla Gutierrez recruited 10 new Explorers to the Tri-cities Division in 2008. 

Spirit Award:  Explorer Sgt. Jessica Ortega from North Division, Explorer Lieutenant Jake Montes from Rancho Santa Margarita Division and Explorer Lieutenant Lex Ogan received a Spirit Award for their hard work and dedication to Explorer Post 449 in 2008. 

Leadership Award:  Explorer Sergeant Amanda McCarthy from Rancho Santa Margarita Division, and Explorer Sergeant Frank Salgado from West Division received a Leadership award for their Commitment and Leadership in 2008. 

Special Commendation:  On December 4, 2008, Explorer Oscar Gutierrez assisted and elderly, wheelchair bound woman escape from her burning second floor apartment building.  Explorer Gutierrez and an unidentified male carried the elderly woman down the flight of stairs to safety while smoke billowed from the building behind them.  Oscar demonstrated “Service before Self” during this incident.   This is one of the Core Values of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  Risking personal injury to assist a neighbor and fellow citizen deserves a Special Commendation.

Explorer Of the Year: Explorer Captain Yanira Rojo. Explorer Captain Rojo was selected by the Advisors of Post 449 as the Explorer of the Year based on her leadership, dedication, consistency, motivation and setting the example for Post 449 in 2008. 

Post 449 would like to thank Professional Service Responder Jeff Schlom, Caren Ureda, President of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriff’s – Sgt. Wayne Quint, President of the Association of County Law Enforcement Managers – Captain Jay Leflore, Drug Use is Life Abuse Executive Director Marilyn MacDougall, Oakley, Galls Uniform Center and manager Mike Sirianni, Orange County Peace Officer Association Store and  Botach Tactical for their generous donations to the Explorer Raffle.  

Explorer Post #449 appreciates the efforts of Assistant Sheriff Anderson who was the keynote speaker for the awards ceremony.  

Some of the events the Explorers of Post #449 participated in during 2008 included: The Peace Officer Memorial, The Sheriff’s Basic Academy Graduations, The Sheriff’s Reserve Academy Graduations, San Juan Capistrano’s Swallow’s Day Parade, Fire Fighter and Peace Officer Prayer Breakfast, numerous bicycle events and rodeos, DUI Checkpoints, Toshiba Champions Golf Tournament and the DUILA Golf Tournament.

There were competitions in Chandler, Arizona; Imperial Valley, Ca, Oxnard, Ca and local competitions in Orange County. Post # 449 Sheriff’s Explorers competed with and against other posts from throughout the nation. 

Explorer Post #449 has a Crime Scene Investigation Division headed by Director Dean Gialamas. Recently 3 explorers completed a 12 week CSI class taught by Forensic Specialist Lenora Pena-Sanchez and Lisa Zinn. The Explorers learned about collecting evidence, photography, fingerprinting and were able to participate in ride-a-longs with a Forensic Specialist.   

In 2008, 44 Explorers attended and completed the two Explorer academies at Los Alamitos Air Station and Camp Pendelton. These stress, live-in academies are held over 4 day weekends. The Explorers learn basic police procedures, radio codes, and participate in physical training. There are competitions for the obstacle course, pushups and police scenarios. Explorer Post #449 has always represented the Sheriff’s Department and themselves very well at these academies.

Explorers who are interested in a career with the Sheriff’s Department, now have access to excellent pre-employment training to prepare them for the testing process.   

History of the Explorer Post 449

During 1935, in response to a large number of aging Scouts the BSA created “Senior Scouting,” with age-specific programs for older boys with challenges appropriate for them.

1949: the BSA consolidated the senior programs, with the exception of Sea Scouts, into Explorer Scouts. At that time, a boy could be an Explorer in the troop or in a stand-alone unit called the Explorer post.

In November of 1959, Orange County Sheriff James A. Musick wanted "young men," who desired exposure in the field of law enforcement to be afforded the opportunity to do so. In a newspaper article he stated, "We organized the group after we found that other special interest Explorer Posts were taking our best young men from our high schools. We decided, rather than take what was left over after other fields of endeavor took the best, that we should start training young men of high school age now for a career in law enforcement."

Thus, the first Law Enforcement Exploring Post in the nation was established. Its purposes were, "To train young men of today for the future that awaits them in the law enforcement field of tomorrow. Post 449 began with twenty-eight explorers in Santa Ana who had to meet the qualifications of being "between 14 and 21, must maintain a "B" average in school, have a clean record, be of outstanding citizenship in their community and have a general reputation beyond reproach."

In 1973, after fifteen years of only young men being allowed in the Exploring program, Boy Scouts of America allowed young women to explore careers in law enforcement through membership in an Explorer Program. Maintaining the same high standards for qualification and training these young women diversified the Sheriff’s Department's Post.

When the residents of contract cities and the unincorporated county area need help they call the Sheriff's Department; when the Sheriff's Department needs help they call on their Explorers. The Orange County Sheriff's Explorer Post supports deputies during road closures caused by natural disasters such as mudslides, floods and forest fires. They complete search missions where either missing persons or evidence is sought, and are deployed to help us protect crime scene perimeters. This involvement, by the explorers, allows Deputies to be available for calls for service.

Explorers are also used to assist in public education.

They distribute brochures explaining changes in parking regulations or temporary street closures. During Bicycle Rodeo Events, Explorers demonstrate to children how to properly size and wear bicycle helmets. They offer child identification and crime awareness, through a "Kid-Print" program and assist in crime prevention demonstrations throughout the county.

The Department's Explorers serve the community by providing crowd and traffic control during Basic Academy Graduations, County Building Dedications, grand openings, Community awareness fairs, 10 K runs, parades and a multitude of other charitable events. The Post's Color guard is used to present the flag at City Council and County Board of Supervisor meetings, as well as scouting and civic events.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department Explorers participate in Law Enforcement competitions throughout the state. Through the use of the Department's "Laser Village" and its Training Staff, Post 449 Explorers have learned skills which enabled them to win several awards in Felony Car Stop, D.U.I., Bomb Threat and Search and Building Search scenarios. The Explorers also compete in Tug-of War, Volleyball and Obstacle Course competitions.

Sheriff's personnel, who volunteer as Advisors for the Department's Post, contribute countless hours exposing youths to Law Enforcement Careers. Their commitment to the advancement of the Exploring program goes beyond the Department's Post. The Department's Advisors also serve on the County-wide Organization as Ranking Officials, Academy Directors, Tactical Training Officers and Instructors at the Explorer Academy. In addition to Orange County, these Advisors have trained and taught Explorers from Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside and Ventura counties.

Paula Hansell, who faces a high-risk liver operation, harbored a long time desire to see a real Bloodhound in action. Mrs. Hansell, a fan of the Virginia Lanier series of Bloodhound themed crime novels, got to see the Sheriff's Department's most highly acclaimed Bloodhound, Taffy. Taffy, handled by Reserve Lieutenant Doug Williams, was recognized this year as the Search and Rescue Dog of the Year by the American Kennel Club.  

To read the Orange County Registers story on the meeting of Taffy and Paula Hansell, click here.

KCAL News Reporter Dave Lopez had this report on the event:

To take a look at the latest newsletter of the California Emergency Management Agency Search and Rescue Canine Mutal Aid click: 2009 March Newsletter.pdf (709.19 kb)

Some parents may figure there are so many dangers on the Internet that it is no place for their children.

The trouble with that belief is that teenagers are typically more computer savvy than their parents and the youngsters may go on the Internet without the knowledge of Mom or Dad.

There is an alternative to a total ban on use of the Internet or unfettered access.

The alternative is called NetSmart.

That is one of the key messages delivered to parents in presentations made regularly at local schools by the Orange County Sheriff’s Deparments Hi-Tech Reserves.  

The team of Reserve Sergeant James Ellis , Reserve Deputy Josh Money, Reserve Deputy Brian Lettieri and Professional Services Civilian Responders John Carlyle and Lloyd Bumanglag are committed to protecting youngsters from the dangers of the Internet.

They teach that the Internet is a place where unsupervised youngsters may find trouble from:

Sexual Predators

Cyber bullies

Identify Theft

Hackers

Piracy

Social Networks 

The team is a busy bunch. This month they scheduled five presentations to parents at five different schools to parents as part of their volunteered time to the Department.

They talk about such Internet sites as MySpace, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and Craig’s List. The team also covers concerns with online gaming. [more]

At a meeting at Dana Hills High School some parents came determined to keep their youngsters off of the Internet altogether.

Reserve Deputy Money believes any effort to ban teenagers from the Internet is likely to fail. He recommends that the parents draw up a contract with their youngsters as a condition of Internet access, the contract giving the parents rights to look over what the teens do while online. 

PSR Carlyle says the teens must be taught how to use the Internet safely.

“There is a potential for trouble,” PSR Carlyle tells the parents. “There could be legal trouble, financial trouble and self-induced risk.

“Kids are vulnerable, they have a lower maturity level. They may do stupid things on the Internet. What goes on the Internet can be found later and something stupid can lead to the denial of admission to a college they had their heart set on attending or a potential employer could find it and turn them down for a job years later.”

The first thing a parent must insist upon when bringing a computer into the home is that the parent is the computer administrator, with control of the overall functions of the computer.  Too many parents turn the computer over to the teen to set up and the teen sets it up with themselves as the administrator. They parent has no clue about the function of an administrator. 

Simple protections include setting up a unique password for the computer router and making it a rule that nobody in the family discloses personal information while online.

A key message to instill in youngsters is that when they feel uncomfortable chatting with somebody online, they should just exit and report the possibly illegal behavior.

“Make sure the children know the rules,” PSR Carlyle said.

Identity theft is one of the key dangers to those using the Internet.  Protecting a social security number is extremely important. Regular checks of credit services will determine if there are unauthorized persons using or attempting to use your credit.

AAA offers free credit reports to members.

One of the big dangers facing youngsters online is from bullies and harassers.

The victim of a bully or harasser is likely to be stressed, quick tempered and unable to talk about what is bothering them.  Grades will drop and the youngster won’t want to go to school.

If a parent suspects the child is being harassed or bullied, they need to work with school staff and research other resources.  One online resource is: www. cyberbully.org

Sexual predators are usually male but not always adults. Some are as young as 16 or 17 years old.

The reason they use the Internet to prey on children is because there is a huge pool of potential victims.

The biggest problem on the Internet is not Stranger Danger but people already known to the family. Studies show that 70-90 percent of Internet victims already know the predator, whether it be a family member or a family acquaintance.  The issue is one of dangerous behavior rather than stranger danger.

The goal of the predator is to break down the victim and get a face to face meeting.  The predator will sometimes take months to win the confidence of the targeted child.

Internet predators will try to remain anonymous and lie about their age. They are well versed in teen culture, music and movies and such. They are willing to devote time and energy to the victim. They attempt to lower the victim’s inhibitions by slowly introducing sexual content to the online conversations.

The best defense a parent can mount to these predators is to talk to the youngsters frequently and do all one can to ensure they follow the rules of Net Smart.

They note the case of 19-year-old Donna Jou, a Rancho Santa Margarita resident and student at San Diego State University. She was last seen riding off on a motorcycle with a man she had just met on Craigslist.

The day after the Dana Point presentation, and nearly two years after her disappearance, Los Angeles Police arrested registered sex offender John Steven Burgess, 36, on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in the Jou death. Her body has never been found.

MySpace and Facebook have millions of users. Some are bound to be dangerous. Youngsters under 14 can’t legally belong to online social networking sites. There are no age verification systems in place with MySpace or Facebook.

Parents are advised to sign up for MySpace and Facebook and any site where their youngster may be a member. There are Websites where the language and customs of those sites can be learned. They include www.netsmartz.com, , www.getnetwise.org and www.missingkids.com
Reserve Deputy Josh Money tells the parents about MySpace.

He used a projection screen to take the audience directly onto the MySpace Website.

He tells the parents to check their child’s computer. It belongs to the parent, no matter who bought it, until the youngster is 18.

Reserve Deputy Money tells the parents ways to trace what their children are doing online. They are given some instructions on how to review the child’s computer to see what has taken place. If the youngster has deleted all the history, that is a sign he or she has been doing things that they should not be doing.

One teacher in the audience reports that she has a MySpace account and monitors the profiles of her students to guard against any falling victim to online dangers.

The social networking sites place a wide variety of materials online, including photographs where the youngster can be “tagged” with their name.  Such tags can come back to haunt the youngster, for instance being photographed at a party with a red disposable cup is likely to be viewed by a college recruiter or prospective employer as underage consumption of alcohol.

There is no doubt that dangers lurk on the Internet. The goal of the Hi-Tech Reserves team is to get parents and youngsters to communicate with each other about those dangers. Communication brings an awareness is one of the best defenses known to block Internet dangers.

The mystery surrounding the disappearance of San Diego teenager Amber Dubois drew the attention of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. A contingent of the Department's Search and Rescue Reserve Unit joined other searchers last week in trying to find the missing girl.

Here is a newscast on the search and effort to find the girl:

A Blood Drive is underway for the benefit of Professional Services Responder Brian Clark, of the Search and Rescue Reserve Unit.

He was involved in a collision over the weekend and is in the hospital in Templeton, California. He has needed several blood transfusions and his family has requested a blood drive in his name. At this time, this is the only request from the family.

The blood drive will be on March 18, 2009. The details are below.

Also, if the 18th is not good, there are other drives in the community; but please have them email Dr. Kenneth Cheng dr.kenny@cox.net to let him know they participated in another drive.  This way we can track all who donated.  It would be great to be able to tell Brian the total count of blood donations. One of the blood drives is at the Sheriff’s Academy in Tustin on Sunday, March 15, 2009.

Thank you all in advance for your assistance!

When asking, “What can we do to help ,” the only thing that Laura requested was for us to give blood. Brian has used 13+ units of blood and platelet's.

Brian Clark Blood Drive

When:
March 18th
Wednesday
Noon to 6:00

Location:
Tustin Hospital
14662 Newport Ave
Tustin, CA. 92780
Tel. 714. 669-5881

Sign Up:
Please open this following link and make your reservation:

http://www.givelife.org
Sponsor code: THMC

* The Red Cross can handle 3 to 4 people at a time, every 20 minutes. It is imperative that, with the limited amount of spaces available, everyone signs up via the e-donor registration.  If  anyone is having difficulty, please have them call me and I will be happy to help get them signed in. You can reach Dr. Kenneth Cheng at (949) 533-4322.

Overflow:
Everyone wants to help but with the limited amount of reservations available, people can also give blood at the following blood drives that are also running during this upcoming week:

Sunday March 15th, 10:00 to 4:00
Sheriffs Academy
15991 Armstrong
Tustin CA. 92782
code:  ocrsta

Monday March 16th, 1:00 to 7:00
B’nai Israel
2111 Bryan
Tustin, CA.  92780
code: B’nai

Monday March 16th, 9:00 to 3:00
Orange County Fire Authority
1 fire authority road
code: ocfa

*If you are out of the Orange County Area and wish to locate a place to give in your area, please visit http://www.GiveLife.org

Fire struck the home of Professional Services Responder Mike Reynolds this month. Reynolds was long active as a fundraiser for PROJECT 999, which provides financial assistance to the families of officers killed in the line of duty. He and his family were out of town when the fire destroyed their home but it wiped out the belongings of a lifetime. Department members rallied to his aid and he appreciates that gesture. He wrote the following note to those who helped his family and included some pictures of the fire.

To read about the fire in the Orange County Register click here.

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the OCSD: 

I wanted to send you out a note to first let you all know that my family and I are doing well. We have relocated in Orange County, and are settling back into some form of routine, thank you to all of those who continue to call to ask for updates, and those who pray for us daily, keep on praying we need it. 

I just wanted to express my gratitude to all of the OCSD personnel for their amazing outpouring of support , and specifically those of you who physically took time out of your day to come by the day of the fire, I can not tell you how much knowing there was a great group of people behind me at a time when you feel completely alone meant to me and my family. 

We are a family of strong constitution and even stronger faith, and know that everything in our home is just stuff, and that family, friends, and even strangers with kind hearts are what is most important.  I have included some photos of the fire, that we fortunately never saw in person having been out of town, but it is incredibly humbling to see the destruction that fire brings. Thank you all again from the bottom of our hearts. 

The Reynolds Family