Letter from the Sheriff

Department Transformation

Many changes and additions to our operation have been announced over the last few weeks. Just this Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors hired Stephen Connolly to serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Independent Review - an independent office that will review our critical incidents and internal investigations and provide reports and recommendations on our operations. We also recently announced our new Command Staff and are now undertaking an evaluation of our organizational structure.

During this transition and assessment, our priority is to identify ways to make our department operate more efficiently, while enhancing the diverse services we provide to the county. Rumors abound as to what changes will be occurring, but I can assure all of you that nothing has been set in stone. I view this organization as a living one – one that will continue to evolve as we move forward. Over the next few weeks I will be meeting with Division Commanders individually, and I will continue to visit many of our facilities to get feedback and ideas on our strengths and challenges.

I sincerely appreciate your patience and continued focus on serving our residents. I will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.

SANDRA HUTCHENS

Sheriff-Coroner

Stephen J. Connolly was selected by the Board of Supervisors to head the Orange County Sheriff's Department Office of Independent Review.

Connolly, 44, is a former school teacher who graduated from Loyola University Law School and joined the California Bar in 2000. He served on the Rampart Independent Review Panel before joining the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Office of Independent Review.

He said that his role will be to review the Sheriff's Department internal review procedures and make recommendations for improvements, as well as to look at individual cases that are being reviewed. He serves the Board of Supervisors and will make quarterly reports to the Board on his activities. Some of those reports will be in closed session but he said that his goal will be to provide transparency to the Sheriff's Department will providing individual sworn officers with all of the protections provided under California law.

They approved his being hired as an independent contractor for a 3-year term at $210,000 a year. He will oversee an operation with an annual budget of $750,000 and may include two other attorneys and an investigative analyst.  The investigative analyst will likely be a retired law enforcement officer with knowledge of internal investigations and credibility with the Department personnel.  

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens gave these remarks to the Board of Supervisors about the selection of Mr.Connolly.

Good Morning Chairman Moorlach and Honorable Board Members: I am here to let you know that the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department welcome this new level of oversight and transparency in our operation and the services we provide our residents each and every day.

There is a perception by some in our community that much is broken in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. I can tell you that this perception cannot be further from the truth. The majority of the men and women on the department are hard working, ethical and professional employees dedicated to serving out our mission with the highest standards. But events of the past have sullied their reputation and cast a shadow on their extraordinary work. 

The Office of Independent Review will assist all of us in once again restoring public trust in our words and deeds, while serving as a catalyst to improve performance so that we can become a better, stronger department – the best law enforcement agency in the nation. 

I met with Mr. Connolly last Friday and I assured him that he would have access to every resource available to assist him as he sets up his office and transitions into his new role as the Executive Director.  We look forward to working with Mr. Connolly and his office as we move the Orange County Sheriff’s Department into a better and brighter future for our employees and the residents we serve. Thank you. 

To view Stephen J. Connolly's bio on the Los Angeles Office of Independent Review Website click here:

The Orange County Office of Independent Review will be patterned after the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Office of Indpendent Review. To view samples of the Los Angeles office's reports click here.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has asked that all Professional Service Responders turn in their badges while she reviews the volunteer program. As a result of her request, Lieutenant Thomas Slayton, who supervises the program, sent the following letter to all PSRs praising their service and explaining why their badges should be turned in:

As you may have already heard, there are some changes being made to the PSR program. Our new Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens, is very aware of the valuable service you provide to the people of Orange County. However, she would not be doing her job if she didn’t evaluate all aspects of this department with a fresh set of eyes. We recently met with the new Sheriff in order to discuss the ongoing issue of badges, and it was determined that, in light of the recent California Attorney General opinion on the subject, it would be prudent to collect all badges issued to PSRs. Although I understand that some of you may find this frustrating, I believe that it was the right thing to do and I’ll explain why. 

2007 was a banner year for the PSR program. Collectively, you donated over 16,000 hours to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and to the people of Orange County. Some examples of your service include: 

·         Daily traveler assistance at John Wayne Airport. In this assignment, you have helped countless harried travelers navigate the terminal, and served as the Sheriff’s Department’s “eyes and ears” for dangerous and illegal activity.

·         Robotic construction and programming for the Hazardous Devices Squad (Bomb Squad).

·         Flying air missions for the department, using your own aircraft to do so.

·         Acting as a mobile “Citizen Patrol” for some of our contract cities. In this role, you have helped to suppress property crimes and juvenile activity. You have done this safely and appropriately by serving as “eyes and ears” for the department, never making contact but reporting what you see.

·         Volunteering as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher

·         Search and Rescue – in this role, you work side-by-side with sworn reserves. Among other things, you respond to search for missing hikers, children, the elderly, and weapons used in the commission of a crime. Often in the middle of the night while the rest of us are sleeping.

·         Performing photography and other high-tech computer services as needed. Most recently, some of you provided free assistance on the Community Services Division’s new blog as well as a complete renovation of the Orange County Training Manager’s Association's website, including all programming and hosting. 

These are just a small sample of the most recent work for which you are responsible. This program is healthy, vital, and above reproach. Unfortunately, it had a very controversial beginning and has been shrouded in suspicion ever since. Many articles have been written on the program, unfortunately, very few of them have emphasized the good work that is being done every day. To the media (and the public), this program is still viewed in a negative light for one reason, and one reason only: the badges. 

All of you are fully aware that it is against department policy to carry your credentials when not serving as a PSR. Further, you also know that displaying your badge in an effort to gain favor or preferential treatment would only infuriate a peace officer, resulting in additional complications. Unfortunately, realities such as these are completely lost on those who are on the outside, looking in. Regardless of why the badges were originally issued, they are ultimately unnecessary and serve only to drag this fine program down in the eyes of the very people who are benefiting from its services. Therefore, I ask you all not to see this as an indictment of the program, but instead as an opportunity for its redemption. 

Your good work has gone unnoticed all too long and it’s time to divert the attention of the media and the public from that “shiny object” to your valuable service.

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.   

From the Register's Peggy Lowe:

I cornered Anderson after the meeting this morning and asked him why he wanted to hire Gennaco. He said that along with other changes he’s making, he wants Gennaco to do a review of policies and procedures and make a report back to the Board of Supervisors.

“If you don’t have that, the residents and even the board are going to wonder if we’re being as transparent as we can,” Anderson said.

I also asked Anderson if he wants Gennaco to look at anything specifically, since Anderson has been briefed by both the grand jury and DA Tony Rack on what the panel’s investigation found. Anderson said he can’t coment on specifics, as he’s bound by the grand jury’s secrecy rules, and that he hasn’t seen the entire 8,000-page report.

“I kind of had the high flyover, where you see the peaks and the snow caps,” he said of what he was told of the probe. “But I certainly don’t know what’s in the valleys and the foothills.”

On acting on some of what he knows, Anderson admitted, “It’s a weird dance I have to dance right now.”

But clearly, he’s dancing up a storm, firing two top aides, restructing his command staff, announcing changes in jail procedures, and hiring a favorite of Supe John Moorlach to do an independent review.

Anderson said he hopes Gennaco can start next week and anticipates that his report might take a few months to complete.

Here's a post from yesterday by our resident blogger, John, on the Office of Independent Review:

An Office of Independent Review similar to the one being set up for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has been in operation since 2001 in Los Angeles under the direction of former federal civil rights prosecutor Michael Gennaco.

In that time the office has reviewed about 1,500 cases involving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and, virtually every case that has been investigated by the LASD’s Internal Affairs Bureau. Gennaco’s team has now entered its third three-year contract cycle providing oversight for LASD cases.

...More here

An Office of Independent Review similar to the one being set up for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has been in operation since 2001 in Los Angeles under the direction of former federal civil rights prosecutor Michael Gennaco.

In that time the office has reviewed about 1,500 cases involving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and, virtually every case that has been investigated by the LASD’s Internal Affairs Bureau. Gennaco’s team has now entered its third three-year contract cycle providing oversight for LASD cases.

“As we have stated repeatedly, our role is not to ensure that management will “win” or that the system will “get” deputies in cases involving alleged misconduct. Instead, we promote the fairness and thoroughness and consistency of the process — principles that most deputies would seemingly find acceptable and desirable,” the OIR annual statement reads.

One of the findings that OIR has made in the years they have reviewed deputy conduct in Los Angeles is that discipline can be different for deputies working in different areas of the city. Area Commanders can impose up to 20 days suspension for deputies under their command and OIR has strived to see that similar offenses receive similar discipline, said Gennaco.

In Orange County, the suspension of a deputy must be approved by the Assistant Sheriff commanding the deputy’s unit. An Area Commander in the LASD is two levels below an Assistant Sheriff.

The OIR also reviews a case to determine whether it has been fully investigated.

“Our review has led  to the discovery of exculpatory evidence or extenuating circumstances that have exonerated the deputy or resulted in a lesser level of discipline,” Gennaco said. “Our goal is to see that the decision makers are acting on the best information available.  We want the department to get it right.” More...

Peggy Lowe writes:

"Moorlach’s initial plan was a civilian review panel, but has since been changed to model a Los Angeles County agency called the Office of Independent Review.  It will be comprised of civil rights attorneys who monitor and advise the sheriff’s Internal Affairs Unit."

Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson addressed the Board of Supervisors on this issue February 5. Here's the video:

New opportunities and challenges demand that we constantly reevaluate our operation. Whether we implement new programs and services, collaborate with fellow law enforcement agencies, or work with outside organizations to utilize the best technology and resources, our focus must always be on our mission and whether the changes we implement will help us in exceeding expectations in our service to the community.

Throughout the history of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department we have been steadfast in our mission: To provide professional, responsive and caring law enforcement services to the residents, businesses and visitors of Orange County. Our unwavering focus on this mission has created one of the safest places to live, work and play, and those we serve continue to be satisfied and confident in our work.

Of course, we don’t rest on our laurels. Our ability to be responsive, creative and innovative to the changing needs of the community is essential. We continue to make tremendous strides, joining LiNX, a regional information sharing system; supporting the Office of Independent Review, growing our Cross-Designation program and addressing the operational strain of our growing jails.

Many challenges and opportunities are ahead, but the community we serve can rest assured that the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department remain committed to our role and flexible in our approach.

Thank you for all you do for the residents, businesses and visitors we serve each and every day.

On Tuesday, I addressed the Board of Supervisors to voice my support for the establishment of the Office of Independent Review. This oversight mechanism has evolved over many months and required the time and attention of several members of our staff as well as staff from the Board. What was once a hastily developed form of “civilian review” that not even other members of the Board of Supervisors could support has now become a workable, responsible model similar to the Office of Independent Review in Los Angeles.

Transparency is essential to our operation, as it provides members of the media, the public, and government officials an unobstructed view “inside” our jails, patrol cars and investigations. The International Association of Chiefs of Police released a publication in September 2006 entitled, Protecting Civil Rights. In the executive summary they write, “Unlike any other profession, the possibility of violating civil rights, or being perceived as violating civil rights, is inherent in many of the duties officers are required to perform on a daily basis.” We encounter such perceptions every day we open up a newspaper or listen to a public official. Transparency offers our community the opportunity to see so that they may truly believe that 99.9 percent of the men and women in law enforcement are professional, ethical individuals who perform a difficult job every day.

On February 26, the Board of Supervisors will once again read the ordinance establishing an Office of Independent Review. After discussion and public comment they will hold a vote to adopt the ordinance and direct county staff to move forward. The Office of Independent Review is a healthy addition to our transparent operation as this will be one additional tool to showcase your tremendous talent and professionalism in the work you do to keep Orange County safe each and every day.

Click below to view Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson's address to the board:

And here's a link to the Acting Sheriff's letter to the Orange County Register on the Office of Independent Review.

From the Sunday, February 3 edition of the Orange County Register:

The public's confidence in their law enforcement services is an absolute necessity. Every day, members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department interact with tens of thousands of our residents and visitors either on the streets, or in our jails. By and large, these interactions are professional, and the communities we serve consistently voice their confidence and appreciation. But more can be done to ensure that the law enforcement community is adjusting to contemporary cultural shifts and the desire of the public to look inside our operations.

For many years the call for openness and transparency in government and its agents has been voiced from kitchen tables and town halls all the way to our nation's capital. This desire has impacted law enforcement in a positive way. The public not only wants to know what we do each day, but they want to see that we're fulfilling our duties in an ethical and responsible manner.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will consider an ordinance establishing an Office of Independent Review for the Sheriff's Department. We believe the ordinance will move forward with the full support of the board, and we look forward to working with the county to provide an additional resource for oversight and openness for the people we serve.

I have been a longtime advocate of transparency. As an example, in 1992, following the Rodney King incident, as a deputy serving in patrol I was charged with conducting research on the feasibility of installing video cameras in sheriff's patrol cars. After I identified several vendors and oversaw a pilot program, the department installed video cameras in every patrol car.

Today, over 15 years later, every patrol car still carries a camera, and every patrol deputy wears a wireless microphone. The Sheriff's Department is currently upgrading the technology into the digital arena.

Since its inception, the presence of these video cameras led to a large drop in the number of internal-affairs investigations related to patrol operations. With every incident being recorded, the county and the department have saved untold tens of millions of dollars in legal claims because these videos have vindicated our deputies many times over. Patrol video systems also significantly cut down on the criminal courts' trial load as the system provides irrefutable evidence, leading to more defendants concluding it is more advantageous to engage in plea bargaining.

Such transparency also gives us the opportunity to continually evaluate our policies and guidelines, improve our training and, when necessary, take appropriate corrective measures.

The patrol video cameras were initially met with much ambivalence. However, these cameras and the incidents they record have served as both a great tool and an extraordinary defense for the department and the county. We are proud of the men and women of the Sheriff's Department and the quality professional work they do, and we have no hesitation of recording their activities.

Such transparency has been one of our greatest resources, and we must be willing to continue to invest in opportunities for openness, regardless of any temporary apprehension such changes may bring about.

This story relates to our ongoing discussion of law enforcement review here in Orange County.

From the Los Angeles Times, "Policy Violations found in Gibson's arrest":

"The actions amounted to minor infractions of department rules, but they made it look like Gibson received preferential treatment, said Michael Gennaco, chief attorney for the sheriff's Office of Independent Review.

"It certainly creates an image of celebrity justice," he said.

In addition to the Gibson and Hilton cases, the panel reviewed the Sheriff's Department's response to the deaths of jail inmates and a contest meant to encourage arrests by deputies."

Read it all right here.

The Orange County Jail system remains one of the safest mega-jails in the country. Based on average daily populations, the Orange County Jail system is now the 2nd largest jail system in California and the 8th largest nationally.  In 2006, the Average Daily Population (ADP) exceeded 6,365 inmates. Our current inmate-to-staff ratio is 34 to 1, significantly higher than the national average of 14 to 1. Orange County is 60% below the national average of inmate-on-staff violence and 45% below the national average of inmate-on-inmate violence.  

During 2006, eleven inmates died while in custody. Each death is thoroughly investigated and reviewed to find the cause and the manner. In fact, there are a number of entities that can investigate or review an incident including but not limited to the Orange County Grand Jury, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the Orange County District Attorney, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Attorney General’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.

In June, the Orange County Grand Jury released a report on The State of Orange County Jails. Highlighted within the report was a list of statistics showcasing the fact that our jails remain among the largest and the safest across the nation:

• The Orange County Jail System is the 8^th largest jail nationally and the 2^nd largest in California.
• The Orange County Jail System booked approximately 66,000 new arrestees in 2006. 
• The Orange County jails experienced 19 inmate-on-staff-assaults in 2006, or an average of 1.4 per 100 inmates. The national average is about 2.7 per 100 inmates.  
• The Orange County jails experienced 92 inmate-on-inmate assaults in 2006, or an average of 1.4 per 100 inmates. The national average is 10 per 100 inmate 
• The Orange County jails’ average for inmate to total sworn-staff 8.8 to 1. The national average is 4.3 to 1.
• The Orange County jails’ inmate to on-duty staff average is 32 to 1. The national average is approximately 14 to 1.

Back in April, the Register’s Gordon Dillow wrote an article we neglected to showcase: Don’t be conned by jail tales. Here’s an excerpt:

“Yes, people die in Orange County jail. Last year two inmates committed suicide (other attempted suicides were prevented by jail staff) and nine others died of medical causes — not a shockingly high number in a "community" of 6,500 mostly troubled and/or substance-abusing souls. But over the past 10 years Orange County jails have had a far lower rate of "in custody" inmate deaths per capita than the county jails in San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.

And yes, people get hurt in Orange County jail. Hey, it's a jail, not a girls' finishing school, with an often brutal inmate social and racial culture. It's not like these guys spend their time holding hands in a circle and singing ‘Give Peace a Chance.’”

With that, in the interest of full disclosure, here’s the breakdown of last year’s in-custody deaths, including cause and manner. This information is available to the press and the public:

INMATE                               CAUSE AND (MANNER) OF DEATH

• BLAJOS, Danny                   Sudden cardiac arrhythmia associated with hypertrophy of the heart           (Natural)

• TOSCAN, Alejandro              Hanging (Suicide)

• Mc CARTHY, Marlan            Hanging (Suicide)

• CHAMBERLAIN, John          Multiple severe blunt impacts   (Homicide)

• HERNANDEZ, Cody            Perforating gunshot wound, torso (Homicide) (Officer involved shooting)

• FARWELL, Wendy               Adenocarcinoma of the ovary with metastases to the brain (Natural)

• LEMIEUX, Marc                   Hypertensive cardiovascular disease (Natural)

• BLAJOS, Rudy                      Hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (Natural)

• AVILA, Vicki                        Complications of methamphetamine toxicity (Accident

• MARTINEZ, Abdias              Complications of human immunodeficiency virus infection (Natural)

• REYES, David                       Chronic ethanolism (Natural)

Our response to the Orange County Grand Jury report can be found here.

We were asked to respond specifically to two findings and two recommendations:

Finding F-1: The OCSD is currently preparing a coordinated plan to provide information to OC communities about the MOA and to gather information about community concerns with the MOA.

Finding F-2: OCSD does not identify on their web site or their public viewable arrest log those booked prisoners who have an immigration detainer placed on them.  

Recommendation R-1: The OCSD should complete the plan to gather community information and opinions about the OCSD ICE program and include a strategy to inform the community about SCC’s role in the program.

Recommendation R-2: OCSD should consider adding to their website and their public viewable arrest log a notation if a booked prisoner has an immigration detainer.

Most notable is the list of participants involved in the Sheriff's Community Coalition. These groups continue to provide input and feedback on our Cross-Designation program. In fact, Sheriff Carona and Undersheriff Galisky recently attended a Los Amigos meeting to discuss our ongoing efforts.

Here's a partial list of our Sheriff's Community Coalition: 100 Black Men of OC, 100 Black Women of OC, ACLU, Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Anaheim Veterans Center, Anti-Defamation League, Armenian Community, Black Chamber of Commerce OC,
Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, Church of Jesus Christ of LDS, Community Action Partnership of OC, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Department on Aging, Elections Committee of OC, Episcopal Churches, Grand Jurors’ Association of OC, Hispanic Bar Association, Hispanic Chamber of OC, Hispanic Methodist Church, Iranian-American Council, Los Amigos of OC, National Conference for Community & Justice, OC Bail Agents Association, OC Human Relations Commission, OC Human Relations Council, OC Japanese American Association, OC NAAC, POC Sheriff’s Advisory Council, OC Southern Baptist Association, Presbyterian Church, Roman Catholic Diocese, SE California Conference of 7^th Day Adventists, So California Indian Center, South Asian Network, US Middle East Alliance, Women’s Transitional Living Center

Lt. Brotheim's article appears in the July 2007 issue of California Sheriff, Cal State Sheriffs' Association's monthly newsletter. The complex nature of operating a jail is quickly apparent in this article -- every interaction with an inmate is unique in its risks and challenges.

Lt. Brotheim begins: "At 0300 hours the deputy in the housing guard station saw a recently received inmate in his cell acting in a very bizarre and animated manner. The deputy tried talking to him, attempting to calm the inmate down. This was done via the intercom system according to normal facility policy and procedures, while additional deputies were being summoned. Two more deputies arrived and they made entry to the housing area to see what the issue was. The deputies tried to communicate with the inmate through the cell door. The inmate appeared confused, screaming in an intelligible language that sounded like gibberish. He was nude and attempting to break through the glass cell door with his hands, feet and head, to get to the deputies. Fearing the inmate would harm himself, the deputies made entry to the cell with less-lethal equipment."

Read it all here.

We've attached the Internal Affairs Unit Report for 2006.

From the forward: "The Internal Affairs Unit serves a critical role in upholding the high standards of conduct expected of employees of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department while also meeting legal mandates to respond to complaints of misconduct initiated by the public.  The investigations undertaken by Internal Affairs are confidential, the details of which cannot be disclosed except under certain controlled circumstances.  As such, much of the work of Internal Affairs is unknown and shrouded by the necessities of confidentiality, the Peace Officer’s Bill of Rights (AB 301), and other applicable human resources law and requirements.  The reality of Internal Affairs and the investigative process is frequently misunderstood not only by the public but also by most other members of the Sheriff’s Department.  We hope this 2006 Annual Report will provide insight into this relatively unknown facet of the Department’s Professional Standards Division."

One statistic that surprised me: "The majority of complaints initiated for investigation in 2006 came from internal Department sources."  Simply put, we don't look the other way to "protect our own," contrary to what the media reports.

Here's the entire report.

At my request, consultants from the US Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections (NIC) are conducting a review of our jail system -- evaluating intake, records, housing, classification and supervision plans. This outside, independent review will provide a technical assessment of our policies, procedures and practices and represents another example of the available oversight mechanisms of our jail operations.

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Institute is headed by a Director appointed by the U.S. Attorney General. A 16-member Advisory Board, also appointed by the Attorney General, was established by the enabling legislation (Public Law 93-415) to provide policy direction to the Institute.

The NIC provides training, technical assistance, information services, and policy/program development assistance to federal, state, and local corrections agencies. 

They also provide leadership to influence correctional policies, practices, and operations nationwide in areas of emerging interest and concern to correctional executives and practitioners as well as public policymakers.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department employs the highest quality law enforcement personnel in the nation. Year after year, Orange County citizens benefit from their skill and dedication.  

Our recruitment statistics, highlighted in the Orange County Grand Jury’s report on the State of Orange County Jails and Programs, underscores the level of difficulty in becoming a Sheriff’s Deputy in the nation’s premier law enforcement agency. The Grand Jury report states, in 2006, 4,414 people applied to the OCSD for a deputy sheriff position, 1,146 passed the written exam, and 118 completed the background process and were hired. Of these 118, 19 were lateral transfers from another law enforcement agency and the rest were sent to the OCSD Academy. Of the 99 sent to the OCSD Academy, 49 graduated.  

We take very seriously our responsibility to hire only the best of the best to serve our residents, businesses and visitors. However, there are those rare occasions when we are notified that one of our employees is the subject of an investigation. As disappointing as such news is to us all, we are committed to doing the right thing and, as an organization, we will work to eliminate criminal behavior wherever it is found.  

The Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times have reported that one of our deputies is the subject of an investigation. 

Contrary to what has been alleged in the newspapers in the past, we hold ourselves accountable. Upon notification of any investigation, we immediately initiate an internal investigation and cooperate with the investigating agency. 

The confidence and support of the communities we serve is never taken lightly. We constantly strive to ensure that the men and women who wear our uniform are of the highest character and integrity.

The Los Angeles times article is here

The Orange County Register article is here

Inmate Vicki Avila died on June 11, 2006, while in custody at the Central Women's Jail in Santa Ana. Consistent with our current practice and protocol for in-custody deaths, the Orange County District Attorney conducted a thorough investigation. Due to intense media scrutiny, the Orange County Grand Jury, working in their role to provide independent oversight, participated in a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding inmate Vicki Avila's death, including the findings of the District Attorney, the Coroner and pathologist.