More than 30 "Care Packages" were sent by the Department to Sheriff's employees serving overseas with the military during the Holiday Season.

Special collections for those overseas were sponsored by Research and Development, Transportation, Sex Crimes and Sheriff's Admin.  Donna Muleady, of Sheriff's Admin. made a dozen stockings and filled them with candy for the employees serving overseas.

Sheriff's Special Officer John Pham

Sheriff's Special Officer John Pham, of the Theo Lacy Facility and currently serving with the Army in Iraq, was especially thankful for his "Care Package." 

"I am very appreciative and thank you very much for caring," SSO Pham said.

To see a portion of his letter click: pham Scan001a.pdf (36.47 kb)

SHERIFF-CORONER DEPARTMENT

COUNTY OF ORANGE CALIFORNIA  

550 NORTH FLOWER STREET

 – P.O. BOX 449

SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702-0449

SANDRA HUTCHENS

SHERIFF-CORONER

PRESS  RELEASE

“AVOID the 38” Holiday DUI Enforcement in Orange County reaches the final stretch

In 2008 nearly 12,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.  In California 1029 were killed driving with a .08 BAC or higher.  In that same time, 28,457 people were injured as a result of alcohol involved collisions.  These statistics are staggering and should remind all of us to help however we can.

Orange County Law Enforcement has combined resources to create “Avoid the 38”.  This is a grant funded Multi-Agency DUI Task Force designated to enforce laws pertaining to motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  This is part of a regional and statewide effort.

The celebrations will begin New Year’s Eve, on Thursday evening.  Celebrations will likely continue on into the weekend.  Local police, Sheriff, and CHP encourage all motorists to assist in making our communities safer by reporting Drunk Drivers.  When you see a car swerving, driving much too fast or much too slow, braking for no reason, driving with no headlights at night or signaling one way and turning the other, please call 9-1-1.

Media Notes:  For more information contact Sheriff’s Public Affairs at (714) 647-7042. Reporters are invited to ride along with law enforcement or may join Task Force & checkpoint operations in your region throughout the Campaign by contacting the number listed above.

154 DUI arrests made in crackdown

More than 150 people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Orange County during a weeklong campaign in effect through Christmas Day, according to a multiagency DUI task force.

From Dec. 18 through Dec. 25, authorities reported that 154 arrests were made in O.C.cities. There were no fatalities.

Last year, law enforcement agencies reported 309 arrests from Dec. 12 through Dec. 25, with three fatalities.

The campaign, known as "Avoid" – involving the California Highway Patrol, the Orange County Sheriff's Department and police departments – lasts through Jan. 3.

The California Highway Patrol made 53 DUI arrests on O.C. freeways during its maximum-enforcement period, which started at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve and went through midnight Sunday, said CHP officer Denise Quesada. No fatalities were reported.

Throughout the state, 16 people were killed on highways over the Christmas holiday weekend – the same number of fatalities for the same period last year.

To read the rest of the story click here.

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.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens sent this letter to all members of the Sheriff's Department: 

It’s that time of year when we try to do something special to bring joy to others.

We’ve had a lot of that here at the Sheriff’s Department.  

More than 100 employees took a precious day off to accompany terminally ill and severely disabled youngsters from Canada for a Dreamlift day at Disneyland. Rain threatened to spoil the day but the worst downpour in years held off until after the kids got back aboard their plane, dry and smiling.

Hundreds of toys and gifts for children and adults were donated by employees to support the county sponsored Operation Santa Claus, to benefit of those in financial need.  Again this year gifts were taken from the Department by the truckload for distribution by county Social Services.

Even the inmates pitched in to help others this season through the Inmate Programs sponsored participation in Angels of Love. Inmate volunteers at the James A. Musick Facility helped craft the beautiful Angels that are given to the families of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty and survivors of patients who pass away at local hospitals.  I helped distribute some of the Angels to kids at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

Almost every command has had a Holiday Party. I thank all of you who came to our Holiday open house at Headquarters. It was good to see you and for all of us to wish each other a Happy Holiday.

Despite all of the joy that has been generated in recent weeks, our Deputies face dangers that never take a holiday.  In the jails and in the street, those who wear green must remain always vigilant.

I want all of us to get through this Holiday alive and well. 

Here’s wishing you all the best that 2010 has to offer.

SHERIFF-CORONER DEPARTMENT

COUNTY OF ORANGE CALIFORNIA 

550 NORTH FLOWER STREET – P.O. BOX 449

SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702-0449

(714) 647-7042

Sandra Hutchens

Sheriff-Coroner 

PRESS  RELEASE

Orange County Law Enforcement initiates holiday DUI campaign

Friday, December 18th kicked off the first multi-day operation in an effort to enforce laws pertaining to motorists driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  This is part of a 17-day winter holiday campaign that will last through January 3, 2010.  This is a collaborative effort made possible by AVOID – A Multi-Agency DUI Task Force.

This last weekend there were a total of 31 DUI arrests and one incident that resulted in an injury.  Fortunately, there were no fatalities.  

During the holiday season Orange County Law Enforcement Officers will increase their efforts to make the streets and highways of Orange County safer from motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol.  This will be accomplished through saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints.  Law Enforcement Officers will apprehend individuals with outstanding arrest warrants for DUI- related offenses.  Law Enforcement Officers will also be assigned to patrol the county’s courthouses for anyone driving to court without a driver’s license. 

Local police, Sheriff, and CHP encourage all motorists to assist in making our communities safer by reporting Drunk Drivers.  When you see a car swerving, driving much too fast or much too slow, braking for no reason, driving with no headlights at night or signaling one way and turning the other, please call 9-1-1.

Additional information about the Avoid Program and operational plans from around the region can be found at www.californiaavoid.org.  Statistical data on the number of DUI arrests and DUI fatal crashes will be released from the previous day’s activities throughout the holiday weekend. 

Media Notes:  For more information contact Sheriff’s Public Affairs at (714) 647-7042. Reporters are invited to ride along with law enforcement or may join Task Force & checkpoint operations in your region throughout the Campaign by contacting the number listed above. 

Funding for the “Avoid” program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The California Office of Traffic Safety has just launched a Facebook page.  To  view their page click here.

Alice Chandler, who is the first woman known to have received an Orange County Deputy Sheriff's badge and to have served as a Special Deputy, remembers today's Department and its Deputies in her Holiday letter.

For a Blog story on Alice Chandler turning in her badge, click here.

A portion of Alice's Holiday Letter for 2009: 

Now to my life.  It continues to be blessed with my new family, the members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  I have become so close to those that I met at my birthday party last year, and when I meet a new Deputy now, (our gated community is under the protection of the OC Sheriff’s Department), and when they learn that I was a Special Deputy so many years ago, I feel the change in them from a professional to another family member and I usually get a big hug when they leave.  Some of the best hugs I have ever had, because they mean it. 

I pray for them, for their safety as they do such a dangerous job at times and I pray for their families as they have to let their loved one go to work not knowing what their day will bring.  I also thank the Lord when they deal with some of my neighbors with such gentleness, even though some can be so difficult because of dementia.  I say that sometimes as we get older, we can behave like children, but we are too big to spank.

I am so impressed with the younger Deputies today.  I was invited to go to the Correctional Facility some months ago and see the work they do with the inmates.  I saw the dedication in them to do their jobs, the same as all the law enforcement people did that I knew in the past.  Of course then, it was all men, but today’s women have that same drive and confidence in themselves as the men do and they work together so well, just like a family should.

I tried many years ago to help young, troubled drug users and many of them never made it.  My joy at meeting all the Deputies today is one of the best things that could happen to me at this stage of my life.  It means to me, that not all younger, (everyone is younger then I am), people have ruined their lives and we can depend on the Deputies protecting us, no matter how dangerous it is at times, and they do it because someone taught them to have respect for themselves, and others.  

Sending so much love to you all,

Alice and Jellie Bean (dog)

Dreamlift 2009 was a screaming good time heard from Orange County to Kelowna, B.C.

More than 100 Sheriff's Department volunteers on their own time accompanied 81 terminally ill and severly disabled youngsters from Canada on a visit to Disneyland. It is a tradition begun 36 years ago.

Photos by Professional Services Responders George Ridley and Randy Frager

Here is an account of the day from the Kelowna Daily Courier 

Trip a screaming good time for severely disabled, sick kids
By J.P. Squire
Saturday, December 12, 2009
 

The 81 special children from the B.C. Interior, many on their first plane ride, screamed as their Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 rocketed down the runway at Kelowna International Airport and climbed out of the Valley at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

They screamed again when they passed low over the Magic Kingdom as the jet glided into John Wayne Airport in Anaheim, Calif.

They screamed as they careered around sharp curves on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Matterhorn Bobsleds rides.

Screamed out, many of them slept like babies on the quiet flight back to Kelowna late Thursday night.

All of the children on the Sunshine Foundation of Canada trip, the sixth from the Interior, had severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.

“It‘s Cole‘s first time away from home, so it‘s a little emotional,” said Carolyn Johnson of Summerland as tears streamed down her cheeks. “It‘s also his first time on a plane.”

“It was exceptional, fantastic, everything that I hoped it would be,” said Jordan Whitehead, 16, of Kamloops, who is afraid of flying.

He‘s most comfortable in his wheelchair and didn‘t like being lifted out by volunteers to get to his seat in first class.

“I‘m not sure what was the best part; it was all pretty good,” said Jordan. “I liked the monorail; you get to see lots of stuff. Hopefully, I can come again.”

So does his volunteer buddy for the day, deputy sheriff Michelle Goodwin, with the Orange County Sheriff‘s Department.

“Jordan is an awesome kid – very smart,” Goodwin said. “The smile on his face was priceless.

“I enjoyed it so much the first time that I signed up again. It‘s a good cause, and I would do it every year.” [more]

Vicky Chan, who has worked at the West Kelowna Wendy‘s Old Fashioned Hamburgers restaurant for the past 14 years, finally won the staff draw for her trip to Disneyland, paid for with $140,000 in proceeds from Wendy‘s Dreamlift Day.

“I‘ve donated all my salary for the past 14 years (on Dreamlift Day),” she said, and then shared her favourite Disneyland ride with Hannah Knight, 12, of Penticton.

To read the rest of the story click here.

This past weekend nearly 125 high school students from throughout Orange County spent their Saturday making spirits bright for some local kids who otherwise might not have a Christmas at all. 

Photos by Sheriff's Photographer Jerry Manson

The event, held at the Santa Ana Boys and Girls Club was hosted by IMPACT-Students Making a Difference and NEXT Step, two volunteer student groups affiliated with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Drug Use Is Life Abuse program. 

“The DUILA students are just amazing,” said Sheriff Hutchens.  “You’ve got to give these kids credit. They could be doing a million other things on a rainy Saturday but they are here putting on this fabulous party.” [more]

More than a hundred young people and their families attended. In addition to the Sheriff, Undersheriff Scott and other OCSD personnel joined the volunteers as they greeted their guests with hamburgers, holiday cookies, toys to take home and of course, a visit with Santa Claus.

From Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens to all members of the Department: 

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the importance of showing gratitude for our many blessings - especially during these tumultuous times.

The last year has certainly been challenging on many fronts. The economy has taken an extraordinary toll on the county budget and forced many county agencies to implement furloughs, layoffs, and cuts in services. Many of our co-workers and friends have been affected and all will be in our thoughts and prayers this Thanksgiving.

We must also remember all of the men and women (and their families) who serve us each and every day, regardless of a "Holiday" - those in public safety, fire, healthcare and our armed forces. Thirty-nine of our personnel have served in active duty over the past year - each of them a great example of the caliber of the men and women serving Orange County.

The next year will require us to confront many new challenges. I'm thankful for the dedicated and professional work you continue to perform during these unprecedented times.

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Make sure everyone in the family gets home safely this holiday season by buckling your seat belt every trip, day and night. That’s the message that AlisoViejo Police Services is telling drivers as part of the 2009 holiday Click It or Ticket mobilization, November 17 - 30. Officers will be out in force looking for anyone – driver, passenger or child – not properly restrained.

Given the years of public awareness campaigns, including hundreds of Click It or Ticket highway signs, no warnings will be given out.

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

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

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

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

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

In her words:

To view a history of Veteran's Day by the Department of Veteran's Affairs click here.  

 

Sheriff's deputy to be grand marshal in July 4th parade

Sgt. Mike Dunham will retire in August after nearly 27 years with the department.

Gynnae and Ryan Scheffilea came to Sheriff's Headquarters today bearing platters of sandwiches, cookies and cake and more wishes of thanks than could fit on the Department Website.

The mother and son were international news last July 4 weekend, when she was shot and he was kidnapped and the subsequent Amber Alert sent every investigator and deputy who could be spared on the search. It ended with Gynnae's recovery and Ryan's safe return.

Ryan after his safe return last year

Today they were accompanied by relatives and they brought a few letters, some they wrote and some were written by friends.

To see Department Blog story on Ryan's safe recovery last year click here:

To see the letter that Ryan wrote to the Department click: Ryan's letter Scan001a.pdf (56.38 kb)

To see Gynnae's letter click: gynnae Scan001.pdf (40.13 kb)

To see a letter from friends click: Friend Letter a.pdf (37.58 kb)

To see the Medal of Merit Commendation to those most responsible for safe return of Ryan click:  medal of merit.pdf (295.01 kb)

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and their contract city partners combined resources and sent out a unified message this Memorial Day weekend to holiday travelers, college graduates and communities enjoying local festivities: drunk driving will not be tolerated.

With funding through the National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Adminstration the Department took part in the "Avoid the 10 DUI Task Force."

A DUI Checkpoint was set up in Lake Forest and saturation patrols were mounted in 11 contract cities.

From 2006 to 2007, California witnessed a big decline in the number of people killed in alcohol involved deaths, down from 1597 to 1489. Last month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a significant decline in traffic deaths in California; traffic safety experts are hopeful to report a decline in alcohol impaired deaths for 2008 (NTHSA Statistical data won’t be available for several months) “Police, Sheriff and CHP Officers are doing more with less to remove drunk drivers from California’s streets and highways,” said Chris Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Law enforcement everywhere is asking for the community’s help; if you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.”

The enforcement campaign began Friday night with a DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint in the City of Lake Forest. Local DUI Saturation Patrols took place on Saturday night in the Cities of Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano & San Clemente.

Additional DUI crackdowns are planned for the Independence Day weekend.

To see the report on the DUI checkpoint click the video icon below.

At the Checkpoint, 1371 vehicles were observed and 536 were screened by the DUI Checkpoint crew.

A total of 22 vehicles were given secondary inspections and five drivers were given Field Sobriety Tests. Three drivers were arrested for DUI.

Nine vehicles were towed, including seven that were impounded. There were 12 arrests for offenses other than DUI, eight unlicensed drivers. one driver with a suspended license, one warrant, one marijuana possession and one for possession of alcohol.

The saturation patrol that covered Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita netted one DUI arrest.  The patrol for Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo brought the arrest of one driver for DUI and one for an unlicensed driver. The patrol for Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente had one DUI arrest and one arrest for driving with a suspended license.

"Over all, the effort was one of the best in recent years",said Sergeant Jerry Brittain, commander of the Traffic Unit.

A recent letter received from a Colorado woman thanked Airport Operations Training Deputy Lionel Luna for helping her daughter. In her words, this is some of what she had to say:

He saved the day.

He was better than Santa

He saved Christmas for my little girl

To see the entire letter click: Thank you Deputy Luna001 (2).pdf (29.63 kb)

  
SHERIFF-CORONER DEPARTMENT
COUNTY OF ORANGE
CALIFORNIA

550 NORTH FLOWER STREET – P.O. BOX 449
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702-0449
(714) 647-7042 

SANDRA HUTCHENS 
   SHERIFF-CORONER    

                                                                                                                                 Dec. 30, 2008
PRESS  RELEASE
 
Orange County Law Enforcement To Crack Down On New Year’s Gunfire

There is no place in Orange County where it is safe or legal to fire a gun in the air to celebrate the New Year.

Even a small caliber bullet will go up to 2 miles in the air and come crashing back to the ground at a speed capable of penetrating a human skull.

Incidents of guns fired to celebrate the New Year have declined in Orange County in recent years but even one carelessly fired shot carries with it the potential to kill. We commend the media for getting out the word on how dangerous this practice can be but we still receive reports that guns are being fired without regard to who is endangered.

t least one child in Orange County has died due to a celebratory shot fired into the air and Orange County law enforcement agencies are united in their commitment to prevent any more such casualties.  On July 4, 2002, a shot fired in the air during a Buena Park fireworks demonstration killed 9-year old Xavier Morales of Anaheim.

To further thwart those who insist on shooting their guns to herald in the New Year, special teams are being deployed on New Year’s Eve to respond to any reports of gunshots. The District Attorney has assured us that his office will prosecute those arrested to the fullest extent of the law.

These teams are being deployed by the Sheriff’s Department and will assist other agencies when needed.

Some things to remember:

• If you shoot your gun in the air, you might be jailed for up to a year.

• If your bullet kills another person, you will be prosecuted for murder.
• A bullet fired into the air is traveling at a speed of 300 to 700 feet per second when it falls back to earth, it has enough force to penetrate a human skull.

• Call 911 if you see someone fire a gun into the air.

Section 246.3 of the California Penal Code outlaws the “Grossly negligent discharge of a firearm.”

The law says in part:

“any person who willfully discharges a firearm in a grossly negligent manner which could result in injury or death to a person is guilty of a public offense and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison.”

To see the Orange County Register's story on the press conference click here.

Orange County Register Reporter Kimberly Edds spent Christmas morning at the jail and filed this report:

SANTA ANA -- The stockings and twinkling white lights were hung in the Module M guard station with care. Christmas carols were piped across the booking area and Christmas cards and family pictures lined a shelf inside a one-woman cell. The phones inside the inmate visiting booths at the county's Central Jail Complex dangled lifeless Christmas morning as thousands of inmates dozed in their bunks.

To read the whole story click here.

It was anything but a typical night along Rancho Santa Margarita Parkway near Buena Suerta in Rancho Santa Margarita.

In the space of a little more than five hours, five suspects were arrested for DUI, six vehicles were towed and six other people arrested, four for unlicensed driver and two for possession of marijuana.

It is the kickoff of the “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign geared to deter holiday revelers from driving on the highways while drunk.

The Department’s Traffic Unit began the campaign with a Sobriety Checkpoint set up in Rancho Santa Margarita. The Checkpoint is funded by a grant from the State of California Office of Traffic Safety and targets drivers who are driving a vehicle without a driver’s license or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The ultimate goal is to reduce highway accidents, injuries and deaths.

In 2007, 12,998 people were killed in alcohol related accidents, Traffic Unit Sergeant Jerold Brittain told the Checkpoint crew; four times the number of members of the U.S. Armed Forces killed in Iraq.

A Sobriety Checkpoint is no simple operation.

The first task in setting up a Sobriety Checkpoint is to locate a road where there have been a high number of alcohol related traffic accidents and get approval to set up there.

Then you put down some signs, place 500 to 600 traffic cones in just the right places,  and position a portable booking station, a trailer equipped with floodlights and finally patrol cars with flashing yellow lights, a chase car, in case anybody attempts to flee, and a transport vehicle for those headed to jail. [more] 

If you do it just right and staff it with the right people you have an operating Sobriety Checkpoint.  “The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is very supportive of the effort,” Sergeant Brittain said.

The pattern of the traffic cones was complex at the Sobriety Checkpoint set up last week on Santa Margarita Highway near Buena Suerta in Rancho Santa Margarita.

The staff is a mix of Deputies, Reserve Deputies, Explorers and CSOs.

“The deputies are mostly working on their days off,” said Captain Ron White. “They get paid overtime (paid by the grant) but most are working because they are committed to making the roads safe for the community.”

Deputy Paul Villeneuve supervised the placement of the cones by eight other Deputies and eight Reserve Deputies. He made sure the Sobriety Checkpoint sign and other signs telling motorists to prepare to stop were in the right places.

The cones guided three lanes of traffic to one and then marked off a location in the center of the three lanes for five cars at a time to undergo primary screening.  Still ahead a secondary screening area near the curb is marked off.

The final inspection of the quarter-mile long checkpoint setup was conducted by Sergeant Brittain.

They must have done something right; the checkpoint netted five suspects arrested for Driving Under the Influence.

But it was no easy task. Helping the sworn personnel at The Checkpoint were 15 Explorer Scouts and several CSOs.

If the various signs, flashing yellow lights and orange traffic cones failed to signal to the motorist that a Sobriety Checkpoint was in operation then they learn about it from the Checkpoint Greeter; Motor Deputy Mark Haselton.

Earlier, at the briefing, Deputy Haselton had called out like an amusement park barker, “keep your hands and feet inside the ride.”

In the field, he is all business.  He informs the motorists that a DUI and driver’s license check is being conducted.  For the most part, he waves five cars through the checkpoint and directs five into the primary screening area.  He tags the windshield of the vehicles he directs to screening with a post it note with a number on it. The post it helps with the record keeping.

There were 476 vehicles directed into primary screening.

 “We have to do it systematically,” said Sgt. Brittain. “If we get away from the system, we have to have good reason.”

There are five Deputies and five Reserve Deputies working in the primary screening section. The Deputy talks to the driver and the Reserve Deputy handles the passenger side of the vehicle.

Deputy Villeneuve counsels the Primary Screening Deputies to keep the conversation polite but brief.

“If they have a license and they haven’t been drinking, send them on their way,” he counsels.

A Black & White equipped with a video camera is set up to record each Field Sobriety Test.

By 2140 hours the checkpoint is hopping.

“Good Evening,” Deputy Haselton says loudly to each motorist. “We’re operating a DUI and Drivers License check.”

He says to those selected for screening”:

“Please pull up as far to the right as your car can go.”

Two Reserve Deputies use light sticks to direct the cars into the screening lane.

The screening lane can handle five cars at a time.

A Deputy is on the driver’s side with a flashlight to check the driver’s license.

The primary screening deputy introduces himself or herself and also his or her partner. They explain that they are checking for drunk drivers and driver’s licenses and the driver is asked to produce a driver’s license. The motorist is also asked if he or she has been drinking.

A Reserve Deputy works the passenger side, using a flashlight to see if there is anything illegal in plain sight.

It is in the screening lane that the Deputies must determine whether there is reason to direct the vehicle to secondary screening.

There are 22 vehicles directed into secondary screening.

“Driver” is the call when a car is held for secondary screening.

The motorist and any passengers are asked to exit the vehicle and an Explorer gets behind the wheel and pulls it off into the secondary screening lane, the one closest to the curb and the exit end of the checkpoint.

In secondary screening the deputies check the vehicles from outside with flashlights and obtain permission to look inside the car when necessary.
Before long drivers and passengers are on the side of the road, the passengers sitting in chairs placed for them and the drivers undergoing questioning or preliminary checks to determine sobriety.

One of the tests is to use a narrow light to see how the motorist tracks the light with his or her eyes.

One car holds a driver without a license and his wife and two young children.

The mother and two children are placed in a Department truck to keep them out of the cold while they await a ride home.

At the mobile booking trailer, a Deputy has a suspected drunk driver seated on a bench and is checking how his eyes track a light.

Outside the trailer, a second DUI suspect is undergoing a Field Sobriety Test, showing how coordinated the arms and legs move.

Inside the trailer is an Intoximeter, used to measure blood alcohol levels. The suspect’s drivers license is swiped in the device. From the booking station, Deputies can also check to determine if there are any priors or warrants for the suspect.

In all, four men and one woman are held on suspicion of DUI. The number of women drinking and driving is on the rise.

The consequences of a DUI arrest are serious, the Auto Club estimates the cost in Southern California is about $13,500 for the first offense.

More than 6,000 gifts were collected from Department employees this week and they were shipped off to Orange County's Operation Santa Claus. The annual campaign is aimed at helping youngsters and the needy.

The Deputies lined up in four straight ranks of seven, shoes shined brightly, creases crisp and seams as straight as an arrow.  The next group was made up of Community Service Officers and civilians but they were every bit as anxious to give a good impression as the Deputies.

The unit stood for inspection, some wearing commendations for extraordinary police work and others the accruements of special assignments, like the two motors and the K-9 officer.

The scene was in a restaurant parking lot on top of the Dana Point headlands, the city’s beautiful harbor far below.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens had come to inspect the men and women of Dana Point Police Services.  She is in the process of inspecting each unit in the Department. 

Photos by Sheriff's Photographer Jerry Manson and Professional Services Responder George Ridley

“In addition to doing a good job, we need to look good,” she tells each of the units she visits.  She envisions the inspections as a new tradition in the Department.

First Assistant Sheriff Michael Hillmann, Captain Brian Wilkerson and Lieutenant Mark Levy came before the group.  Assistant Sheriff Hillman called the ranks to attention.

Next Sheriff Hutchens and Undersheriff John Scott walked in step before the group and returned the salute of Assistant Sheriff Hillmann.

She and Undersheriff Scott inspected Assistant Sheriff Hillmann, Captain Wilkerson and Lieutenant Levy. Then all five formed a line and approached the first rank of Deputies.

Assistant Sheriff Hillman gave the order, “second, third and fourth squads, Parade Rest.” [more]

Sheriff Hutchens stood before each of the Deputies, CSOs and civilians, closely looked over each individual and spoke a few words with every individual.

Following the inspection she called for the men and women to gather around her.

“I’m very proud to be the Sheriff and to be part of this Department,” she said. “I know what the community thinks about you. I go to Rotary, I go to Kiwanis. I go to every community group you can think of, four or five nights a week. They know you’re doing a good job.

“I’m very proud of you. “

Undersheriff Scott thanked the unit for its service and wished them a happy holiday.

Assistant Sheriff Hillmann complimented the unit for the turnout for the inspection.

“You owe a big thanks to yourself,” Assistant Sheriff Hillmann. “Everything was squared away.  As the sheriff said , when you look sharp, you feel sharp, you do sharp work.”

He added, “You guys have done a great job, all of you. Keep the drunk drivers out of here. Arrest the taggers. Give it everything you’ve go!” He concluded, “Don’t be hesitant. You’ve got a lot of support at the top. A lot of support. So please keep up the good work and have a happy holiday.”

Captain Wilkerson, a former commander of the training academy, said, “Twenty eight years I’ve  been with the Department, I don’t know that I’ve ever been more proud of the Department.  I want to thank all of you for what you showed today, it makes a real difference. Your daily uniform appearance is impressive. Remember that every day,. You’ll conduct yourself better just because of the way you look. For me it’s a real honor to work with all of you.”

Lieutenant Levy  was the final speaker.

“I am absolutely impressed with every one of you,” he said. “I can’t thank you enough for this serious showing that you’ve given us today, how serious your commitment is to both the Department and the City of Dana Point.  It is very much reflected in the way you look and you’re deportment today at this inspection.”

Several city officials also observed the inspection. Following the inspection, the Sheriff and Command Staff posed for a group picture and for many individual pictures with the men and women of the unit, each dressed in his or her best uniform or office attire.  

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and the Command Staff helped greet 80 seriously ill youngsters who flew in from Canada to visit Disneyland as part of Dreamlift 2008.

There were 114 members of the Department who, using their own time, worked as escorts for the youngsters while at the park. The Sheriff's Advisory Council purchases park tickets for the escorts.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens asks public to open their hearts and homes to pets at county animal shelter.

On Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 80 critically and terminally ill young people ages 7-18 from Canada’s Sunshine Foundation will arrive at Orange County’s John Wayne Airport for a dream come true one-day visit to Disneyland.  Known as “Dreamlift” this is the 35th year this group has traveled to the United States for this dream fulfillment trip.  Escorts for the day are employees of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department that take personal time to be the host for this event.  One hundred employees from throughout the Department will meet the plane when it lands at the airport.  Each volunteer’s ticket is provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council.  Volunteers will escort these special guests through the Magic Kingdom—some in wheelchairs, some on crutches; all with serious and in some cases life threatening illness.

The plane is expected to arrive in a restricted area of John Wayne Airport at 9:50 a.m.  The guests are met by the volunteers and then they board buses donated by Saddleback Valley Unified School District and their contract bus partner. Each child also receives a miniature replica of a Sheriff’s car, hat, shirt, camera to chronicle the day and bag full of treats. The buses then travel to Disneyland and both volunteers and guests enjoy a fabulous day until the very last moment the park closes.  All re-board the buses and then return to the airport where the Canadians board the return flight at 9:00 p.m. to Vancouver, Canada.