Sign up for OCSD updates
Sandra Hutchens
Sheriff
Categories
Tags
Blogroll
Download OPML file 
|
July 24, 2008 10:09 by Ryan
Here's the video of yesterday's press conference. Sheriff Hutchens gives a preview of her CCW policy for the first four minutes and forty seconds (4:40). The video will allow you to scroll ahead if you desire:
July 23, 2008 15:10 by John
Updated 0920, 07/24/08
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens announced her command staff, which includes former Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson, current Command Staff Members Assistant Sheriff J.B. Davis and Executive Director Rick Dostal, Capt. Mike James and two new faces: retired Los Angeles County Sheriff Department Chief John Scott and Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Michael R. Hillmann.
Chief Scott will serve as Undersheriff, Assistant Sheriff Anderson will head Administration, a new position; Assistant Sheriff James will head Jail Operations; Assistant Sheriff Davis will head Investigations; Executive Director Dostal will head Special Services and Assistant Sheriff Hillmann will head operations.
The Administration section is a new one and Sheriff Hutchens said that in the coming weeks she may make further adjustments in the Department chain of command.
She added that both Undersheriff Scott and Assistant Sheriff Hillmann are both long time veterans of law enforcment and will be part of her transition team. Ultimately, she said, their positions will likely be filled but promotions from within the Department.
Left to right: Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson, Assistant Sheriff J.B. Davis, Undersheriff John Scott, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Assistant Sheriff Michael R. Hillmann, Executive Director Rick Dostal and Assistant Sheriff Mike James.
Here is some biographical information on the new Command Staff:
Assistant Sheriff Mike James has more than 23 years in law enforcement experience with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. He has served as the Captain for the Support Services Division consisting of Records and Information Services, the Property / Evidence bureau and the Information Services bureau. From 1997-2005 he served as the Lieutenant for Lake Forest Police Services. Among other assignments, Chief James has experience working in the Theo Lacy Facility and Internal Investigations.
Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson served as the Acting Sheriff from January 15 to June 10. Chief Anderson has over 24 years of law enforcement experience, including 21 years in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Chief Anderson has worked in Jail Operations, Training, Community Programs, Patrol, Professional Standards, and Investigations at the Joint Drug Intelligence Group-High Intensity Drug Task Force. Most recently, he served as the Sheriff’s Operations Commander.
Assistant Sheriff J.B. Davis has nearly 27 years of experience in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Most recently, Chief Davis served as the Captain of the Central Jail Complex Division. Prior assignments include serving as the Chief of Police Services for the City of San Juan Capistrano where he also served as the Director of the Sheriff’s Explorer Post and Commander of the Emergency Communications Bureau. Chief Davis has experience working investigations, jails, vice and narcotics detail.
Executive Director Rick Dostal has served as the Interim Executive Director of Special Services since March 2008. Prior to his temporary promotion, Rick served as the Director of Special Services, coordinating the department’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, developing the annual budget, overseeing purchasing, and developing agreements for law enforcement and security services. Rick has over 25 years experience working in the County CEO County of Orange.
Assistant Sheriff Michael R. Hillmann has over 41 years of law enforcement experience with the Los Angeles Police Department. Most recently, Chief Hillmann served as the Deputy Chief of Police, overseeing the Incident Management & Training Bureau, West Bureau Operations and Special Operations. Among his various assignments, Chief Hillmann has experience in Air Support, Patrol, and SWAT. Serves as an Instructor and Lecturer, including lectures at USC on “Police Response to Hostage Situations”; and “Counter-Terrorist Incident Response and Management” for the United States Department of State, Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program. In 2002 Chief Hillmann served as a Security Planner for the Democratic National Convention
Undersheriff John Scott has more than thirty-six years in law enforcement experience with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Prior to his retirement from the LASD, Undersheriff Scott served as the Division Chief of the Custody Operations Division commanding over 3,000 personnel, an average daily population of 22,000, and annual budget of $400 million. His past assignments include commanding patrol and detective services for the City of Carson and Unincorporated areas of LA County. Undersheriff John Scott also has experience in Labor Relations, Emergency Management, and Special Enforcement. Former member of the State Board of Corrections.
July 21, 2008 10:14 by John
On May 8, 2008, Mr. Jim Noss wrote a letter commending Deputy Bryan Robins and Sheriff Special Officer Aaron Chamberlain, of the Theo Lacy Facility. Mr. Noss commended them for going the extra yard in helping him get a court order for a clothing exchange approved by the Watch Commander. During his wait, he observed SSO Chamberlain's interactions with the public, his fellow workers and other agencies. He said that SSO Chamberlain was very friendly and efficient at doing his job. He would like to congratulate Deputy Robins for his attention to detail and his logic in handling the situation. Mr. Noss states that Deputy Robins and SSO Chamberlain are great assets to this department.
Lieutenant Lee Trujillo of Stanton Police Services received a letter of thanks from a Stanton resident for the assistance she received from Stanton CSO Nick Rickers. The woman had been assisting her grandson who had received a traffic citation. They had been dealing with the citation and trying to get it resolved since March, when they finally came to the front counter at the Stanton Station where CSO Rickers assisted them. She stated that he made several phone calls, and "he kept us informed as to what was happening. He was pleasant; we were truly impressed with his patience and knowledge." Thank you to CSO Nick Rickers for being a true asset to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and for your professional attitude and commitment to serving the residents of Orange County.
On July 10, 2008, the Support Services Division received a commendation email from detective Trooper Aimee Nolan of the Vermont State Police expressing her extreme gratitude regarding Records unit employee Blanche Hernandez. Blanche assisted the trooper with the procedures for submitting her request. Within one hour after receiving the request, Blanche not only faxed back a copy of our report, but she also provided the trooper with the arresting agencies information and the report numbers of their reports. Detective Trooper Nolan writes "Sometimes requesting information or assistance from agencies outside of Vermont can be very challenging; however, your department shattered that theory!" Thank you, Blanche, for being such a fine representative of the Support Services Division and the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
July 16, 2008 08:52 by John
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) has completed an indepth audit of the Department Crime Lab and found that it worthy of accreditation.
The accreditation, the first in California for a full service Crime Lab under the latest International criteria, provides an independent review to help meet the quality assurance goals of the Department. It also helps establish creditablity for the lab when evidence is presented in court.
The accreditation, which cost the county about $22,000, is as requirement of eligibility for federal grant funding. The Department lab received more than $2 million in federala grant funding over the last two years.
The Department Forensic Science Service Division has its own Website. To view it, click here.
To learn about the board that accredited the lab click here.
|
|
SHERIFF-CORONER DEPARTMENTCOUNTY OF ORANGECALIFORNIA 550 NORTH FLOWER STREET – P.O. BOX 449SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702-0449(714) 647-7042 |
|
| SANDRA HUTCHENS SHERIFF-CORONER |
|
July 15, 2008 |
| |
PRESS RELEASE |
|
| |
|
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Crime Lab is now the first full service California crime laboratory to become accredited under the international standards of the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB).
On July 16, 2008, ASCLD/LAB Chairman Frank Dolejsi will present Sheriff Sandra Hutchens with a certificate of accreditation at a ceremony to be held at the Brad Gates Forensic Science Center located at 320 N. Flower Street, Santa Ana, 5th Floor. This ceremony will also mark the 60th anniversary of the Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory, which was founded in 1948.
The Sheriff Department’s Forensic Science Services Division is Orange County’s only accredited, full service law enforcement crime lab that provides crime scene investigation and laboratory examinations on evidence in all forensic disciplines, including fingerprints, DNA, toxicology and firearms to name a few. Their services are provided free to all law enforcement agencies within the county.
Following the ceremony, media will be invited to a 60th anniversary open house / tour of the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory, in the following service areas: Toxicology, Trace Evidence, Firearms, Fingerprints, DNA and Crime Scene Investigation.
This tour will provide a rare opportunity for the media to obtain invaluable B-Roll and pictures that can also be used for future stories.
Accreditation is a voluntary program in which crime laboratories participate to demonstrate that its management, personnel, operational and technical procedures, equipment and physical facilities meet established standards. This independent, impartial and objective review offers the general public and the criminal justice system confidence in the high quality work performed by the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Crime Lab.
When: Wednesday, July 16, 2008, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Brad Gates Forensics Building, 320 North Flower St, Santa Ana, 5th Floor
For more information contact Media Relations at (714) 647-7042.
|
Authorized By: Jim Amormino
July 15, 2008 13:07 by John
The Orange County Board of Supervisors Presented a Resolution in honor of the Department's womens running team and thier first place victory in April's highly competitive Baker2Vegas run. Special thanks were give to the influence of the team's coach, Retired Lt. Darrell "Guy" Poncy, who died a few days before the race.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors today
In April, the Orange County Register did a feature story ont he team and its accomplishement. To read the story click here.
Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay
By the authority of the Board of Supervisors, the following resolution is hereby issued: WHEREAS, in 1985, the Baker to Vegas Relay was formed by members of the Los Angeles Police Department, as a way to promote physical fitness amongst law enforcement. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department began participating in 1987. Initially, one team of male runners participated; and WHEREAS, in 2002, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department put together its first “Baker to Vegas” women’s running team. The team consisted of twenty sworn female runners and two alternates. They competed against nine other women’s teams, coming in third place. Every successive year, they would tell themselves, “Next year, we will be better;” and WHEREAS, in 2007, the team was in first place with five miles left to go, but one of the runners suffered an injury and they ended up in third place. After the 2007 race, team members were determined to maintain their conditioning and when January 2008 came around, they were ready to go straight into speed training with Coach Poncy; and WHEREAS, starting in February 2008, they met every Friday and Coach Poncy put them through grueling sprint workouts. They conducted this structured sprint training for three months prior to qualifiers and everyone knocked minutes from their previous year qualifying times. Some girls met on the weekends to train together and most runners ran on their own, four to six days a week; and WHEREAS, the 2008 race started at 2:30pm on Saturday, April 19th, and ended at 6:25am on Sunday, April 20th. The Women’s Team had twenty runners, four alternates and ten volunteers. The teamwork was amazing to watch, as everyone on the team assisted in coordinating rides and cheering the runners out on the course, at all hours of the day and night; and WHEREAS, the death of Coach Poncy, just a few days before the race, was a shock and emotionally draining. An email received from Coach Poncy on April 14, 2008, was forwarded to the team members on the morning of April 15th, prior to the knowledge of his death. In the email, he explained how to prepare for the race, which included hydration, proper dress attire and stretching. He also said that he would be out on the course to help them warm up; and WHEREAS, in light of the news of his death, the race seemed so unimportant, but the team came together and remembered how much he wanted them to win. They all dug deep down inside and used their internal strength to stay focused and remember everything that Coach Poncy had taught them; and WHEREAS, on the day of the race, they told each other that Coach Poncy was with them and that he would give them the strength needed to push harder, and he did. On April 20th 2008 at 0625 hours, the twentieth female runner crossed the finish line and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Women’s Team won their very first Baker to Vegas race, for Coach Poncy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS does hereby recognize the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Women’s Running Team for their excellence in the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay and congratulate them for bringing home the title of champions on behalf of the County of Orange and Coach Poncy. Dated this 15th day of July, 2008
| |
|
|
| |
John M. W. Moorlach |
|
| Chairman of the Board of Supervisors |
| |
Supervisor, Second District |
|
| |
|
|
| Patricia C. Bates |
|
Janet Nguyen |
| Vice-Chair of the Board of Supervisors |
|
Supervisor, First District |
| Supervisor, Fifth District |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Bill Campbell |
|
Chris Norby |
| Supervisor, Third District |
|
Supervisor, Fourth District |
Those who participated on the team include More...
July 9, 2008 08:32 by John
This just in from Deputy Gary M. Smith about the achievements of OCSD Explorer Post #449.
OCSD Explorer Post #449 sent 14 Explorers and three Advisors to the Channel Islands Competition in Oxnard, CA from 07/20/08 to 07/22/08. The participants were selected based on their participation, dedication, and commitment to the Explorer program. The competitors represented our Department in a professional and spirited manner and participated in team and individual events consisting of: High Risk Car Stops, Domestic Violence Response, Vehicle Searches, Building Searches, Hostage Rescue, etc.
Post #449 participants:
Jasmine Arredondo Christina Colima
Evelyn Gomez Alan Cleveland
Alex Kim Oscar Gutierrez
Richard Shoopman George Pereyra
Jesus Bonilla Juan Diaz
Garrett Eggert Jeremiah Kennedy
Travis Boenker Travis Leahy
Station 18 brought home trophies in the following categories: More...
June 27, 2008 16:12 by John
A burglary that has remained unsolved for more than 3-years may have been solved due to the good work of the Department's DNA Lab, Irvine police reported in an Orange County Register story.
The DNA evidence used by Irvine to link the suspect to the unsolved burglary was also matched to burglaries in Lake Forest and San Clemente.
To read the Orange County Register story click here.
June 26, 2008 11:16 by John
The Exchange Club of Corona del Mar, which has been supporting community causes in Orange County for 21-years, honored five members of the Department on Thursday.
The five received plaques and kudos from the Club’s Crime Prevention Program. The club also donated to the Department three large sacks of teddy bears. They purchased the bears with the proceeds of their recycling program. The bears are used by deputies when there is a need to comfort a child they encounter when duty takes them to a family crisis.
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens attended the Awards Presentation. Club members, who have given the awards for several years, said it was the clubs first presentation attended by the county sheriff.
“I want to thank your club for honoring our personnel,” Sheriff Hutchens told the group. “I think you know how much it means to them. As you see, they have brought family members and friends. It means so much, with all the negative press sometimes that we get, it really does my heart good that you are honoring these folks who absolutely everyday do a wonderful job. We appreciate your recognizing what they have done and I know they do. “
“I’m so happy to be Sheriff of Orange County,” she added. “I’m here to serve you. My message to you is simple; this is your sheriff’s department. We’re going to take our direction from you. I’m going to work with these great men and women of this Department and we’re going to make it even better. “
The first presentation was to Deputy Holly Fisher of Harbor Patrol.
Harbor Patrol’s Captain Deana Bergquist said Deputy Fisher was well deserving of the award. She has been with the Department nearly 19 years and has worked in Harbor for 5 years, serving in all three stations. She is licensed by the Coast Guard to captain a vessel of 100 tons. The license is recognition of her boat handling and navigation competence. It entitles her to wear a pin on her uniform noting the Coast Guard license. Only 16 members of the Department hold the Coast Guard license.
Captain Bergquist noted that the weather on Thursday was near perfect but when winter comes, the day sky often darkens with storm clouds, gale force winds and waves that break over the jetties and inside the harbor. When weather conditions turn ugly, some mariners, Captain Bergquist said kindly, “exceed their skill level.”
“Holly has been involved in a number of dangerous situations,” Captain Bergquist said. She told a story that occurred in January. More...
June 23, 2008 09:53 by John
Calltaker Jennifer Demers of Dispatch received a letter of commendation from Leonard Atencio, a teacher with the Birney Elementary School in Pico Rivera. Mr. Atencio was impressed with Calltaker Demers' professionalism and her willingness to extend herself beyond her duties. Mr. Atencio wrote:
"On Friday May 23, 2008, I and two of my colleagues took our seventy three fifth grade students on a field trip to Sunset Beach. We were completing our visit to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Conservancy with a planned beach cleanup. Halfway along the beach our kids encountered a dead seal, apparently mutilated or attacked and newly washed ashore. Our group continued on with the cleanup while I attempted to inform an agency about the seal. Unfortunately, there were no lifeguards on duty.
After calling a couple of numbers given to me by a resident I was put in contact with a young lady named Jennifer at the Orange County Sheriff's Department. She transferred my call to a number which was no longer in service. After the second time, Jennifer took the initiative and setup a conference call with me while she attempted, over the next 45 minutes, to find an agency willing to take the information I was trying to report. She made a number of calls to various groups and organizations expertly, efficiently, patiently, assertively and politely guiding us through this phone maze in order to get me in contact with the right people. More...
June 20, 2008 10:30 by John
When the driver of an Hummer parked illegally in a handicap parking spot threatened Alice Chandler last week, she called 911. Three Deputies responded to the scene. They gave the man a ticket and suggested Chandler call them next time before she confronts a parking violator.
The feisty lady, five days shy of her 80th birthday, informed the deputies that she had once been a Special Deputy for the Orange County Sheriff's Department and she still had her badge and gun.
"The one deputy gave me look," she said later. "It got me wondering whether I should turn it in."
She went home and wrote a letter to Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. She congratulated Sheriff Hutchens as the first female Sheriff in Orange County. Former Special Deputy Chandler wondered whether she may have been the first female Deputy Sheriff in the Department.
"I am not sure if there was ever another woman deputy at that time, at least I never met or heard of one," she said in her letter.
Department records reviewed so far were unable to determine whether or not she was the Department's first female Deputy.
Although Department records indicate she was Special Deputy, she was given a Deputy Sheriff's badge.
"I was told by Sheriff Musick that I had the full responsiblility of a deputy sheriff and could be called at anytime should they need me and I felt so proud to have my badge and the responsibiity," she said in the letter.
She came to the Division Commanders meeting on Thursday, her 80th birthday, and formally turned her badge, identification card and gun, a .32 caliber long revolver, to Sheriff Hutchens and Captain Davis Nighswonger. She was given a birthday cake and a rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" by all who were present.
To read a Los Angeles Times account of the story click here.
June 17, 2008 10:06 by John
The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday recognized the Department's Emergency Management Bureau, along with emergency managers from coastal cities in Orange County, for the achievement of completing the Natonal Weather Service StormReady and TsunamiReady programs. Orange County has become the nation's most populous county to earn the Weather Service honor.
To read the Board of Supervisors staff report on the issue click here.
To see the National Weather Service press release on the county's achievement click More...
June 16, 2008 10:14 by John
Deputy Peter Mach, of Stanton Police Services, was honored recently for having the 4th highest number of stolen car recoveries of any law enforcement officer in Orange County.
To see the Orange County Register's story on the awards click here.
June 12, 2008 09:40 by John
Motor Officers escorted participants in the traditional Hot Dog Run held to honor the graduates of Basic Academy Class 184. The class is to graduate tonight at the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy in Tustin. The run took place at the Huntington Beach Pier. The pictures were taken by Professional Service Responder George Ridley.
More...
June 6, 2008 12:49 by John
Registrar of Voters, Neal Kelley, once again expressed his great appreciation for the impressive service Department Reserves provided in this week’s election.
The Department’s Ballot Transportation Team is made up of 64 Reserve Deputies and one Professional Services Responder. The team is headed by Reserve Captains Jay Wasserman, Rick Olson and Tony Tabet. Reserve Unit Office Manager Karen Waters and her staff helped organize the effort.
Once the polls close, everything is dependent on our Ballot Transportation Team ensuring that all precincts are accounted for at the Registrar of Voters office as early as possible. The Ballot Transportation for the June 3, 2008, Statewide Primary Election was a tremendous success made possible by the efforts of each of our team members last Tuesday night. As in every election, the team encountered challenges but none that were not overcome by the team’s combined efforts. By 11:25 pm, all of the driver/deputy teams had arrived at the Voter Tally Center, unloaded and were on their way home. That's a good two hours earlier than last February! By midnight, all 1123 precincts were accounted for and the Command Post was secured for the night.
June 6, 2008 09:35 by Ryan
Guilty on all counts.
Count 1: We find you guilty of having a dynamic personality and the professionalism that's second to none...
Click the image to read all five counts:
June 6, 2008 08:45 by John
The Airport Operations Division held its second annual Top Gun Shooting competition from April 15th through May 15th, 2008. The competition was held in the Mobile Pistol Range while it was stationed at John Wayne Airport.
The Top Gun Shooting Competition was developed to introduce practical shooting scenarios and to improve shooting proficiency with the duty handgun. Participants are exposed to combat shooting under stress, simulating three different scenarios.
Members from Airport Police Services, Air Support Bureau and Explosive Detection Teams participated in the event. The Airport Operations Division 2008 Top Gun winner was Sheriff’s Special Officer Sean Fowler. Second place went to Sheriff’s Special Officer Jeremy Darett, and third place went to Sheriff’s Special Officer Wendell Frye.
The Airport Operations Division would like to thank the Sheriff’s Training Division, our sponsors and Weapons Instructor Dallas Ferrell, who designed the course and judged the event. This event would not have been possible without his help and expertise.
June 5, 2008 10:10 by John
Left to Right: Executive Director Rick Dostal, Assistant Sheriff J.B. Davis, Lt. Brad Virgoe, Sgt. Terry Todd, Sgt. Andre Spencer, Sgt. Robin Shirakawa, Sgt. Gary Horn, Assistant Sheriff Charlie Walters, Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson and Captain Ron White.
Lt. Virgoe has been assigned to Jail Operations, Sgts. Todd and Shirakawa to Central Jail, Sgts. Spencer and Horn to Theo Lacy.
June 4, 2008 09:21 by John
Captains Ron White and Dave Wilson are among the latest graduates of Orange County’s Leadership Academy, designed to help county managers gain new insights on leadership and network with managers in other county departments.
The eight session course began in January and took place at Chapman University in Orange. The sessions included programs leadership challenges, leading to serve, leading teams, communicating as a leader, leading with integrity, leading through change and transition, and leadership visions.
The program has been in operation since 2004 and more than 250 county managers have graduated.
Among those who graduated with Captains White and Wilson were county managers with the Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Child Support Services, County Counsel, County Executive Office, District Attorney, Health Care Agency, Housing and Community Services, Human Resources, Integrated Waste Management, Internal Audit, John Wayne Airport, Orange County Public Library, Probation, Public Adminstrator/Guardian, Public Defender, Resources Development Management Department, Sheriff-Coroner, Social Services Agency and Treasurer-Tax Collector.
June 3, 2008 17:19 by Ryan
A message from Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson to the troops:
For the past twenty weeks I have had the opportunity to lead some of the finest men and women in law enforcement in the 5th largest Sheriff’s Department in the nation. During this time we have confronted many crucial issues, including the release of the Special Grand Jury transcripts and the cultural anomalies that were brought to light from within our agency. Serving our community during this historic transition and working to ensure that public safety remained uninterrupted has truly been a great honor.
We have faced many challenges in the last five months, and many more await our next Sheriff. I am sure that our next Sheriff will have the support that you so graciously gave to me to achieve the successes we have accomplished as a team.
I want to thank the Board of Supervisors for their diligence during this selection process. I remain confident that their hearts are in doing what’s best for the residents of Orange County and for the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Finally, I want to thank all of you for your unwavering commitment to providing quality law enforcement services. I have no doubt that with your dedication and passion our new Sheriff will join the department with the knowledge that our future holds much promise.
May 31, 2008 12:30 by Ryan
Dear Acting Sheriff Anderson:
My name is Rebecca Olivieri and I am a Senior Deputy District Attorney assigned to the Special Prosecutions Unit in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. My purpose in writing to you is to let you know what an outstanding employee you have in Deputy Jason Pitts.
Deputy Pitts proved invaluable recently when he provided crucial interpretation in a kidnap for ransom case which was investigated by the Costa Mesa Police Department. The victims in our case were Brazilian citizens who spoke only Portuguese. Due to the unavailability of a Portuguese interpreter during the original investigation, the victims, now living in Florida, were flown out to testify at the preliminary hearing. Significant issues developed during the hearing, however, when it was discovered that the court assigned interpreter, who was from Portugal, was having difficulty interpreting for the Brazilian witnesses. Given those issues, we were forced to abort the preliminary hearing midstream. More...
May 31, 2008 08:04 by Ryan
Dear Lieutenant Trujillo,
It is a pleasure having Deputy Scott Montoya at Walter School as we implement the Gang Reduction Intervention Program (G.R.I.P.). He has been a regular presence since February 18th. Already, he has been able to build rapport with students, staff and parents. His ability to counsel students as he focuses them on making good choices has resulted in less behavior problems in the classroom. With the increased accountability as students know that Deputy Montoya will be checking up on them on a regular basis has made many of our students become more reflective.
You could not have selected a better deputy to work with our various stakeholders. Our teachers have commented that Scott has had a positive impact on the most troubled students. Our teachers have appreciated Scott’s presence during parent meetings in which the focus has been on implementing positive reinforcements at home to help with discipline. Our parents have commented on how much safer the campus feels due to Scott’s presence, especially during the morning hours and dismissal time. During parent meetings such as ELAC and Coffee with the Principal, parents have thanked me for making school safety a priority by having Deputy Montoya on campus.
As principal, I appreciate the opportunity to be able to count on Scott as we confront issues of gang-like behavior on campus. Even if he is at other schools, he is only a phone call away. Just recently, we conducted the truancy sweeps. Deputy District Attorney, Tracy Rinauro shared with me how instrumental Scott had been to help a parent de-escalate during the truancy sweep. The parent recognized Scott as the deputy on campus at his son’s school. Due to the rapport he had built with the student, the parent was willing to cooperate.
I wanted to thank you for your commitment to ensure we have safe schools even before the G.R.I.P. grant was awarded.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Nordyke, principal
May 30, 2008 13:36 by Ryan
The Board of Supervisors conducted interviews this week for the position of Sheriff. Understandably, there was a lot of discussion about the problems we are facing in our department. Over the last few months we have acknowledged the many areas we need to fix, but we also realize that these issues are not systemic, but isolated and individual in nature. The negative will undoubtedly garner headlines, but we also need to make sure we’re taking inventory of what’s right with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Among the numerous awards and recognition we’ve received, we continue to provide law enforcement services to one of the safest areas to live, work and play in the nation. Our Coroner’s facility serves as a statewide training facility and is a model for the state. An assessment conducted by the National Institute of Corrections last year noted that we operate one of the most professional jails while maintaining low assault rates; and our LA HIDTA Joint Drug Intelligence Group received the Outstanding Investigative Support Center Award of the year.
A commitment to excellence continues to thrive within our department, even as we work to correct shortcomings of the past. With your great work and dedication, we will continue to have the opportunity to accentuate the positive while we eliminate the negative as we move toward a promising future.
Thank you for all you continue to do to lead our department in our mission to serve.
May 30, 2008 12:30 by Ryan
Dear Acting Sheriff-Coroner Anderson:
I am writing to thank you for the contributions your agency has made to the “DNA Field Experiment,” which has turned out to be an historic and groundbreaking project. It has revealed important ways law enforcement can use DNA to identify burglary suspects. Many of the burglars arrested during the field test had long, serious arrest histories. Other jurisdictions are likely to find similarly serious offenders. You and your agency’s willingness to participate has been highly valued and will be even more so when law enforcement across the United States learns what we have accomplished together.
I wanted to give you advance notice that the Department of Justice expects to announce the results soon…Your team led by Dean Gialamas, has already reviewed the researchers’ report and given us valuable comments. Their comments will be reflected in the final document released to the public.
I would like to especially thank the key members of your staff: Elizabeth Thompson, Tom Nasser, Bob Blackburn, Mike Gavin and Paul Fuzzard.
Your partnership with researchers has been extremely valuable to your colleagues in law enforcement and is greatly appreciated by the Department of Justice.
Sincerely,
David W. Hagy
Director
U.S. Department of Justice
May 30, 2008 09:00 by John
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 Catherine Irons, administrative sergeant for South Operations, and Wayne Byerley, a supervisor with the South Operations Direct Enforcement Team were personally congratulated by Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson.
““The 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,” Acting Sheriff Anderson said after congratulating the graduates.
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. More...
|