By Steve Spernak

OCTOA Executive Director and PSR

Congratulations and countless comments of appreciation continue to come in from all over California to the Orange County Traffic Officers Association who partnered with Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her command staff  in what is believed to be the largest law enforcement tribute for the four Oakland Police Officers lost on March 21st.

The highly successful “Cigar Night Classic” fundraiser for injured OC Motor Officers and the Oakland Police Officers Association was the culmination of five weeks of planning by The Orange County Traffic Officers Association. President and Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Brad Blakely helped organize a large contingent of OC Law Enforcement who attended the March funerals in Oakland attended by 21,000 peace officers.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, center, with John and Mary Huffman, parents of OCSD Sergeant Matthew Davis, killed in the line of duty on September 20, 2002

Photo by Professional Services Responder George Ridley 

The Orange County Traffic Officers Association, including Blakely and Deputies Joe Cope and Thom Spratt, were dedicated to finding a way to assist the families of the four Oakland officers and officers here in Orange County who were killed or injured in the line of duty.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her entire command staff,  members of the Board of Supervisors, city mayors, judges, Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walters, CHP Commanders,  Council members, Deputy DA’s  and local business owners supported the effort.

Among the backers was a bi-partisan team of local legislators, including Assembly members Jose Solorio, Van Tran, Jim Silva, Curt Hagman, Jeff Miller, Chuck Devore, Mike Duvall and State Senators Lou Correa, Bob Huff and Tom Harman as well as  U.S. Representative John Campbell.

Others who showed support were the Choirboys (retired police motorcyclists) and Oakland Assemblywoman ASM Sandre Swanson, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and California Attorney General Jerry Brown.

Special congratulations went to OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens who won not only the ‘Chief’s Challenge’ as highest donor, but won over the 1,000 attendees with her appearance at the fundraiser. Hutchens was joined by Assistant Sheriffs Mike James, Mike Hillman, and Jack Anderson and several OCSD Lieutenants at the Traffic Officers reception and graciously accomodated photos and handshakes from well-wishers, including Judge Lance Ito.

Mike Harrah, owner of Original Mikes Restaurant, who hosted the entire event, hospitality, staffing and food stations, was recognized at the formal presentation by Deputy Bradley Blakely who presented Harrah a signed and framed Litho of the Association’s artwork.

The centerpiece of the night’s event was the tearful address Oakland Police Officer Andy Luty offered on the incredible lives, loves and living of Officer John Hege, and Sgts. Dan Sakai, Erv Romans and Mark Dunakin.

Chris Dunakin, brother of Sgt. Mark Dunakin, was joined by his parents and family, and gave a rendering eulogy and grateful thanks to the family of law enforcement who will help the 9 orphans left behind in Oakland.

Dunakin was joined by Oakland Officers Andy Luty, Jim Gordon and Jim Fisher in lighting the ‘eternal flame’ candlelight vigil in front of framed  photos of the Officers. 

Blakely presented each member of the Oakland Police Department with litho artwork, signed by the Association Board, as well as Chris Dunakin and his parents who attended and were introduced in front of the 1000 + attendees inside Original Mikes for the formal program.

Pictures of the four Oakland officers killed in the line of duty this year

Brad Blakely closed the night's program with  special recognition to Tonight Show host Jay Leno, who donated $5000.00 in support of the event. Unfortunately, Leno was unable to attend at the last minute due to scheduling conflicts.

Donors can still send in any amount to honor the Oakland Officers and injured OC Motors by going to their website at OCTOA.org , to see the photo collage and check the opportunity to be sponsors next year.

The OCTOA “Cigar Night Classic”, honoring heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, helped bring closure to the Oakland Officers and their families and overwhelmingly showcased the caring and closeness of the OC Cops, electeds and community that help make this “legacy event” a classic in OC law enforcement history.

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)

A Sergeant, three Deputies and an Administrative Manager received awards from the Exchange Club of Corona del Mar, which has been honoring Department members for exemplary service for 22 years.  

Each received plaques from the club's Crime Prevention Program at a luncheon that was attended by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and other Department members. The club also donated to the Department sacks of teddy bears.  They purchased the bears with the proceeds of their recycling program.  The bears are used by deputies to comfort children they encounter when duty takes them to a family crisis.

Five Department employees received awards: Sergeant Mike Anderson, Jail Compliance and Training Team; Deputies Brian Nissen, Centrral Men's Jail; Dave Martin, Marine Operations; Steve Brown, North Operations K-9, and Administrative Manager Tracy Carrol, Inmate Records Bureau.

Here is what their supervisors said of those honored. More...

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and 16 of Orange County's police chiefs have sent a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and California lawmakers opposing a plan to release "low risk" felons from prison and place them directly into the community without parole supervision. 

The letter began: 

We, the undersigned members of Orange County law enforcement, are writing to express our concerns over a recent proposal for the release of convicted “low risk” felons on “no parole.”  It needs to be noted that parole as “constructive custody” has operated as a protection of society against those who have historically exhibited an inability to comply with the law or respect the rights of others.  Doing away with parole without a reasonably certain assurance that those released will comply with the law on their own subjects the law abiding public to an avoidable risk of harm.  The safety of the law abiding public is the first and foremost obligation of government.  The proposal as presently written will seriously compromise the efforts of local police, sheriff’s and district attorneys to control crime in their communities and protect the public from the harm it entails.

The public has a right to expect that the government will provide some degree of supervision to ensure that those previously convicted of crimes, incarcerated and then released back into society will lead productive lives and not continue to victimize the innocent.  In our view, failure to do so is contrary to the very purpose of the criminal justice system, to protect the public.  Local law enforcement undertakes great expense and effort to protect the communities from those who commit crimes, and we are concerned that this proposal will not only increase their burdens, but undermine these continuing efforts by failing to provide the needed tools.

To read the entire letter click: Letter - No Parole Early Release.pdf (6.98 mb)

While nearby jurisdictions face criticism and controversy over growing backlogs for DNA testing, the Orange County Sheriff's Department's Forensic Science Services Division has received recognition with a 2009 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties. The Award honors the effort that processes violent crime evidence without a backlog despite increasing numbers of requests and no increase in staff.

The award had not been reported in the press but a case in the news this week spotlights the importance of the work done by the Forensic Sciences Divison. An emergency room worker at Mission Hospital was arrested and charged with the rape of a patient.  The DNA sample was taken from the suspect just one week before the DNA test was completed and the subsequent investigation resulted in the suspect's arrest.

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

The National Association of Counties selected the Orange County DNA program for it's award based on the following representation:

While the DNA unit of OCSD-FSS has been successfully operating for many years and is well respected in the forensic community, OCSD-FSS anticipated and responded to the challenge of processing more cases and answered the rapidly increasing needs of the criminal justice community. The DNA Case Management System improved the efficiency and quality of all DNA evidence handling and processing in Orange County, California. OCSD-FSS serves over 100 police agencies in the County, several contract law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties, and other state and federal agencies. By improving case productivity, decreasing case turn-around time, and improving quality with minimal cost impact to the County of Orange, DNA technology can be utilized in as many cases as possible, directly and positively impacting the safety of the citizens of Orange County. OCSD-FSS is proud to be nominated for a 2009 Achievement Award.

To read the full entry for the award click: National Association of Counties 2009 Application DNA Case Management.pdf (236.19 kb)

The National Association of Counties also honored the Department's T.A.G.R.S. program this year. To see the Blog story on that award click: http://blog.ocsd.org/post/2009/06/11/TAGRS-Wins-Award2c-Now-Linked-to-Lake-Elsinore.aspx

Explorers Cpl. Oscar Gutierrez and Lt. Lex Ogan were honored by the Department, Cpl. Gutierrez for bravery and Lt. Ogan for supporting a Deputy in an altercation.  Also honored was Deputy Curtis Vincent for his service as an advisor to the Explorers.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and Command Staff honor Explorer Corporal Oscar Gutierrez who saved a wheelchair-bound woman from a burning building

Explorer Corporal Gutierrez has been with Explorer Post #449 for three years and aspires to become an Orange County Deputy Sheriff.  He recently graduated from high school and will be attending college in the fall.

His act of heroism was the subject of an earlier Blog story. To view that entry click here.

To view the Explorer Gold Award commentary click: Oscar001 a.pdf (56.33 kb)

Lt. Ogan was working with a Deputy doing undercover buys of alcohol by a minor. At an establishment in San Clemente the Deputy was punched in the face. Before the Deputy could call for help, Explorer Lt. Ogan had called for backup.  Explorer Lt Ogan provided the dispatcher with the proper location and circumstances involved.

"Lex remained calm and acted as a good witness until Deputies arrived. I was proud that Lex was able to act accordingly during a stressful situation for both of us," the Deputy reported.

To view the Explorer Gold Award Commentary click: Lex 001.pdf (54.21 kb)

Deputy Vincent has trained Explorer teams for High Rish Vehicle Stop competitions and his teams have placed first and second in recent regional games.  He has mentored three Explorers who have been named Explorer of the Year.  A 29 year veteran of the Department, Deputy Vincent has been an Explorer Advisor for 8 years.  

To view the Award commentary click:  Vince001.pdf (60.93 kb)

It was clear cruising at the speed limit on the Toll Road until Motor Deputy Mark Haselton heard an unexpected buzz.

“A bee hit the mirror and ricocheted into my helmet,” Deputy Haselton recalled. “It stung me once and I knew I had to stop, then it stung me again. It stung me three times before I was able to stop the motorcycle and get my helmet off,” he said.

Such is the life of a Motor Deputy, limited windshields and no side windows to roll up for protection from the outside.

Deputy Mark Haselton has enjoyed riding motorcycles most of his life but what he likes most about patrolling on a Honda ST1300PA is the feeling of freedom and accomplishment.

Photos by Department Photographer Jerry Manson

“I like the freedom of it,” Deputy Haselton said of his assignment to traffic duty. “We don’t handle the calls for service and I think we have a big impact on the quality of life in the city. The number one complaint in the city is traffic .”

He has spent 12 years with motors in the Department but he may have to give up the assignment. He’s on the list of Deputies eligible for promotion to Sergeant.

“His value to the Department transcends the borders of Rancho Santa Margarita,” said Sergeant  Bill McGovern, the Department’s Motors Sergeant.

“He has been a motor instructor for the Department since 1999,” said Sergeant McGovern. “He teaches new Motor Deputies not only how to ride motorcycles, but how to be an enforcement rider. All of these Motor Deputies are professional riders. As an instructor, Mark is also a team leader during our monthly training days. He helps keep the Motor Deputies in top riding proficiency. He holds his team accountable to practice and maintain proper riding technique so they can carry that through their everyday riding. “ 

Outside of training, almost all of his time is spent in Rancho Santa Margarita where he takes it upon himself to keep the roads as safe as he can make them.

When the school bell is about to ring he sets himself up to watch for drivers who may be a danger to students heading to class.

His first stop on a recent morning was to monitor traffic at the intersection of Valeroso and Antonio.

He sat astride his specially equipped Honda on Valeroso and aimed his Laser speed gun to clock the passing cars on Antonio. More...

For those who have been looking at news stories about the Department’s budget woes with one eye and the major construction project on sidewalks leading to the Headquarters’ entrance with the other, rest assured there is no connection.

  Wisecracks that the Department is building a Koi Pond are untrue.  

Bill MacDonald, manager of the Department’s Facilities Operations, gave this explanation:

“The sidewalks in and around the jails and headquarters are administered by the City of Santa Ana as part of the “Civic Center 30 Agreement.” The City of Santa Ana maintains the grounds throughout the entire Civic Center. Funding comes from a pool of continuous maintenance funds that include money from the County and the City. Among other services, these funds pay for landscape maintenance, lighting, utilities and walkway maintenance for the open spaces around all Civic Center buildings from Ross Street to Shelton Street.  

"This particular project is to replace progressively deteriorating walkways that have created visitor and staff tripping hazards for years. Santa Ana has attempted stopgap repairs over the years to help defer the cost but now the concrete has deteriorated so badly that replacement is necessary. No Koi pond is included as far as I know!”

Steven Parsons was born on February 1, 1964 in Pasadena, California. He spent his formative years in both Pasadena and Costa Mesa, California.•    1982 graduated from Costa Mesa High School.
•    1985 graduated from Orange Coast College with an AA degree in General Education.
•    1988 graduated from California State University Long Beach with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice.
•    October 1989, Steve Parsons was selected and appointed as Deputy Sheriff Trainee with the Orange County Sheriff's Department
•    February 1990, upon graduation from the Basic Academy, Steve was assigned to work in the Intake/Release Center in Santa Ana.
•    1993 graduated from California State University Long Beach with a Masters of Public Administration (MPA).
•    October 1993, promoted to Deputy Sheriff II.
•    October 1994, transferred to South Operations Division (Patrol).
•    October 27, 1995, assigned to the city of Laguna Hills and became 1st motorcycle patrolman.
•    June 24 2000, passed away after being involved in a traffic collision in the city of Laguna Hills while on motorcycle patrol.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Deputy Steven Edward Parsons was much more than a man who was born and tragically died 36 years later. During his lifetime, Steven Parsons, son, husband, father, friend and fellow Deputy Sheriff, touched many lives. Steve was, and will continue to be, a role model for children, fathers, friends and other police officers, intent on being the best they could possibly be.

As is the custom, the background of a Sheriff's Deputy applicant involves intense scrutiny from the date of birth to the date of application. Literally, this includes a person's entire life. Prior to being sworn as a Deputy Sheriff, Steve worked as a busboy, payroll clerk, sales clerk, student police department intern, operations manager and procurement coordinator. Ironically, the comments provided by previous employers echoed those mentioned by his future supervisors within the Sheriff's Department who expressed such official comments as:
•    His progress has been remarkably rapid.
•    His consistent productivity during this rating time is the highest I have ever seen, and that covers a lot of very good deputies.
•    He is calm, professional and businesslike in his demeanor.
•    His unusually high number of traffic enforcement and citizen contacts never resulted in even one Personnel Investigation – a situation much against the odds which speaks well for his communication and public relations skills. Based upon his skills,  Deputy Steven Parsons was nominated and named Deputy Sheriff of the Year for 1998 for the city of Laguna Hills.

In 1997, Deputy Steve Parsons was selected as the first deputy to be assigned to motorcycle patrol in the city of Laguna Hills. In his nomination for the coveted Gold Star Award, merely two and one half weeks prior to his death, Steve Parsons was lauded as "having single-handedly impacted traffic safety resulting in significant decreases in traffic accidents". "During Steve's first year as a motorcycle enforcement officer, his hard work and relentless drive, resulted in a traffic citations increasing over 150% while traffic accidents were reduced by an astounding 40%".

REFLECTIONS
Deputy Parson's friends, fellow deputies, as well as the public he served in the city of Laguna Hills every day will sorely miss him. His fellow deputies described him as totally wrapped up in his family. His constant comments to fellow deputies about his wife and children always showed both admiration and meaningful pride. 'He was the 1st deputy selected for a motorcycle assignment in Laguna Hills. He was always a hard charger, had the needed tenacity and never rested." He was often asked to "SLOW DOWN" because others couldn't keep up with him.

One of his best friends, and fellow traffic officer, speaks of the time Steve stopped a young man on a small motorcycle because he had no helmet. After "meaningful dialogue" the rider was allowed to ride home on the condition he obtain an approved helmet. Some weeks later, another deputy saw the motorcyclist riding down the street. The rider proudly pointed to his helmet which was inscribed on the back with "PARSONS APPROVED" accompanied by a "happy face."
This is but one example of the overall impact DEPUTY STEVE PARSONS HAD UPON THE CITIZENS OF SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY, PARTICULARLY THOSE HE FAITHFULLY SERVED IN THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS.

Those of you who know me know that I am seldom at a loss for words.  But there aren’t enough words to express the overwhelming feelings of gratitude and sincere appreciation my family and I feel for our extended family, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. 

I’ve been back to work for a few months now and while I’m very close to 100 percent, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about how lucky I am to be alive, and to be a part of this Department.

From the minute I was rushed to the hospital, you were there to hold up my wife.  When I was rushed in to surgery, you were there to meet my terrified family at the airport. You were there to hug my wife and hold my son when I couldn’t.  The minute my eyes opened after days of being out, you were there with smiles, kind words and familiar phrases. 

Your presence, thoughts and prayers through that horrifying time are what got us through what will hopefully be the toughest time of our lives.

From the bottom of my now “bionic” heart, I cannot thank you all enough, for the visits, the phone calls and your extremely generous donations of leave, which allowed me to undergo treatment and recover at home, without the fear of not being able to provide.

Simply put, you took care of my family when I couldn’t.   And for that, we are ever grateful.    

Again, thank you is not enough.  But please know that I pray for good health, happiness and all good things for all of you and your families.  

   -The Micalizzi's

Deputies James Slikker and Tracy Sizemore were in their fireboat, headed back to Marine Operations Headquarters across Newport Harbor after checking out a report of juveniles smoking marijuana on a local dock. They had tied up the craft, checked out the dock and encountered a seal lion that had tried to attack a boy. They enticed the sealion aboard their craft and headed into the bay to deliver the sealion to a place where it would be safe and not a threat. 

Out in the harbor the boat’s emergency lights flashed, deck lights went on and off and the emergency pump and other equipment began turning on and off at random. The boat lurched to one side and seemingly stering itself.

The two seasoned Deputies left the bridge to see what was going on.   Click the  video below and see what they found.

When they looked into the cabin where the foul weather steering station is located, they spotted the sea lion in the driver's seat randomly flipping switches. He tried to bite the Deputies when they attempted to shoo him away. They managed to bring the boat to Marine Operations Headquarters despite the unruly sea lion.

Once they arrived, they got off the boat and tried to get him to leave by giving him a few light squirts with the dock hose through the boat window. 

The sea lion seemed to enjoy that.  Finally, he waddled out of the cabin, crossed the deck to the stern and plopped into the water. 

He then swam around the slips and jumped up onto the dock, where he sat and posed while the Deputies stood next to him and took pictures. 

The deputies were aware of calls about sea lions and they had seen one on the dock when they checked out the marijuana report.  They contacted Animal Control and Friends of Sea Lions, but they were unable to respond.  All local sea lion assistance facilities were full due to an offshore algae bloom sickening the marine mammals. 

A story on the incident was posted by:

To view the story click here.   

Dear Department Personnel:

This afternoon, prior to their final vote on the 2009-10 budget, I addressed the Board of Supervisors to again express my concerns on the recommended budget for the Sheriff-Coroner Department. We cannot absorb a $30.7 million dollar budget cut without it having an impact on public safety services.

Over the last year, we eliminated 67 vacant positions in the department and cut 150 extra help positions. We reduced overtime usage by 18 percent, cutting 6,000 hours of overtime from each two-week pay period as compared to the previous year. We eliminated hospital security for outside agency arrestees, we limited annual leave pay-downs, ended gunshot residue testing, reduced helicopter flight time, and we closed 360 jail beds at the James A. Musick Facility.

We’ve also deferred equipment purchases, reduced the utilization of take-home vehicles, and deferred capital projects. Unfortunately, these reductions do not close the budget gap we’re facing. This is why I asked the board for $7 million to fund us for the next six months, while we continue to move forward with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on a deal to house their detainees.

The board voted unanimously for the budget that the CEO’s office recommended, which means that we must begin the process of laying off and/or eliminating a total of 30-50 positions. I shared with the board that I do not have the option of not staffing a jail or a patrol car so we would have to look at investigators, dispatchers, Forensic Scientists and crime lab services. These positions have a direct impact on our contract cities, our unincorporated communities, and the entire county.

Each member of this department is important to us and integral to our operation and we will do our best to find positions for those affected as we move forward to ensure we are working within the limitations of our budget.

Sincerely,

Sandra Hutchens
Sheriff-Coroner

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens will have a statement for the Department later today on the action by the Board of Supervisors.

Sheriff to lay off up to 50 employees

une 23rd, 2009, 1:37 pm

posted by Jennifer Muir

Despite last minute pleas from Sheriff Sandra Hutchens that proposed budget cuts could cripple the quality of law enforcement, county supervisors reaffirmed their decision to shrink her department’s budget by $28 million today.

Up to 50 sheriff’s department employees will be laid off  from across the department because of the cuts, Hutchens said. At least one floor of the Women’s Central Jail will be shuttered, response times will increase and investigations will move along at a slower clip, Hutchens said.

“I can not absorb $30 million in cuts without the public feeling this,” she said.

Supervisors heard from the sheriff one final time before adopting the final budget for next year — a spending plan that’s $1.2 billion smaller than this year as a staggering economy continues to slam tax revenues. The county’s general fund budget now hovers at $700 million, after supervisors shaved some $55 million from services — the majority coming from public safety.

Hutchens asked supervisors today for about $7 million to keep her department afloat for six months while she negotiates a deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house federal detainees, which she believes could bring in up to $18 million a year. And she was hoping to avoid layoffs and deeper program cuts until that money starts flowing in.

Supervisors acknowledged the sheriff presented a “compelling argument,” they weren’t willing to gamble that the ICE deal would come to fruition.

“When you have something firm, come back,” Supervisor Bill Campbell told the sheriff.

Check back with ocregister.com  for a full budget story. 

Financial/Administrative Services Director Jane Reyes discussed the Department's budget challenges with KUCI's Mari Frank.

To hear the inteview click the icon 

The Orange County Register reported on Sheriff Sandra Hutchens' report on her first year in office.

Sheriff Hutchens says she has made progress remaking department

Sandra Hutchens is also expected to discuss reform at county jails.

Mission Viejo is the safest city in the country by some measures and that status was likely to stand despite the efforts of a six-foot tall, 200 pound man who attempted to rob the Bank of America  branch at the Alberston's on Muirlands. The suspected serial robber was taken down and held for Deputies by a 5-foot, seven inch woman who weighed just 125 pounds.  The woman carried no gun but was armed with the experience she gained as a Long Beach Police Officer before her retirement.

The Orange County Register reported the episode.  

Retired cop pins down suspected bank robber

Man suspected in several robberies is arrested at Albertsons. Officer was calm about the encounter.

Contact the writer: 949-553-2918 or ejames@ocregister.com

Earlier this week Board of Supervisors Chair Pat Bates wrote a commentary piece in the Orange County Register saying that the county budget crisis will force massive cuts in the Sheriff's Department.  Sheriff Sandra Hutches wrote a reply, published today in the Orange County Register's Opinon section, spelling out the measures the Department has taken to reduce costs and a plan for bringing federal revenue to the county to help keep public safety services at the level needed in Orange County.

Here is the rebuttal as it was published.

Reader Rebuttal: county budget
Reader Rebuttal to Chairwoman Pat Bates' column, "Delaying pain would hurt
more," Orange Grove, June 16, 2009
By SANDRA HUTCHENS
Orange County sheriff


The Orange County Board of Supervisors has taken many fiscally prudent steps
to address the growing budget challenges we have faced over the last year. I
commend them for their leadership. I would like to share some of what the
Sheriff's Department has done to address our budget shortfalls because,
while we still face a deficit, I am proud to say that we are poised to
finish this fiscal year about $20 million under budget.

Chairwoman Pat Bates' column in the Register ["Delaying pain would hurt
more," Orange Grove, June 16]states, "The Sheriff's Department is faced with
making $45 million in reductions." Our actual reductions add up to about $53
million when you include the $7.4 million in cuts that we are making and not
asking the county to restore. These cuts included eliminating hospital
security for outside agencies' arrestees, reducing maintenance of our
facilities, deferring equipment purchases, reduced helicopter flight time
and a reduction of 38 positions.

While we appreciate the board's restoration of $25 million, a number of
options have been suggested to close the $20 million gap that remains,
including eliminating vacant positions, reducing administrative nonsworn
staff, managing overtime, reducing vehicles and reducing overhead for our
contract cities - all of which we are already implementing.

Over the past year, we eliminated 67 vacant positions and cut 150 extra help
positions. We reduced overtime by 18 percent, cutting 6,000 hours of
overtime from each two-week pay period as compared with the previous year.
Additionally, we have closed 360 jail beds at the James A. Musick Facility
and, as we introduce the correctional services assistant (a civilian
classification) into our jails, we will further reduce the cost of managing
our jails.

The use of professional (nonsworn) staff is essential to our operation and
in most instances contributes a substantial cost saving when compared to
staffing the same position with a uniformed deputy. When you dial 911, your
call is answered by a nonsworn employee. The dispatcher who sends a deputy
to your aid is also nonsworn. Nonsworn personnel respond to crime scenes to
gather evidence, they staff the crime lab and the coroner's office, and they
analyze crime reports and manage the offices so our sworn personnel can be
out in our communities.

Administrative management represents 1.7 percent of our workforce. With the
addition of law enforcement management (captains and lieutenants) it's 3.5
percent - still lower than other county agencies.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that we utilize a variety of
volunteers to augment the great work of our deputies and civilian personnel.
Last year, our reserve deputies and professional service responders
performed work that would have cost the county $7 million.

I have proposed to the board that we take advantage of a recent decline in
our inmate population to enter into an agreement with Immigration and
Customs Enforcement to house ICE detainees for a fee. Revenue generated
would help us avoid significant cuts to our core services. On Tuesday, I
plan to again ask the Board to reconsider my request for $7 million to see
us through finalization of our agreement with ICE. As sheriff, it is my duty
to maintain public safety, and we cannot absorb cuts of this magnitude
without a significant impact on the superior quality of life we enjoy in
Orange County.

The Orange County Traffic Officers's Association is hosting a fund raiser on June 25 for benefit the survivors of four Oakland Police Department officers killed in the line of duty earlier this year.

OCSD Employees Invited to OC Traffic Officers’ "Cigar Night Classic"  

June 25th fundraising event to raise money for Oakland PD families and injured OC Motors 

  Santa Ana- The Orange County Traffic Officers Association cordially invites every member of the Orange County Sheriffs Department to attend or support theirpremier 'Cigar Night Classic' fundraiser for the OCTOA and  Oakland Police Association on Thursday evening, June 25th, at Original Mikes Restaurant, 100 S. Main, Santa Ana. 

The OCTOA, representing 22 agencies and over 150 Motors and Investigators, advised that all Sheriff's Department personnel can buy advance tickets from members of the Traffic Division throughout the Department as well as from members who were assigned ticket sales at Central, Harbor, Lacy, Courts, JWA, Transportation and Custody, in addition to Deputies who will sell them at each contract city.

Your $20 donation provides entry, food, an automatic opportunity to take home a  large flat-screen  tv, Ipods, Iphones, 2 night stay with dinner at the HB Hyatt and over a dozen other terrific prizes that will be given away at the 9 pm drawing. Winners need not be present. Live bands, DJ's, BBQ, cigar bar and humidor display, libations and a formal 7 pm program to honor the four Oakland Officers lost March 21st will take place.  Proceeds from the event will also support members of the OCTOA who were injured on duty while protecting Orange County.  

Jay Leno and Governor Schwarzenegger have been invited to attend. 

Tickets will also be available at the door and attendees are welcome to purchase "event-night" raffle tickets as well as bids on a 2009 Honda Motorcycle. 

Limited edition commemorative shirts in all sizes with the silk-screen theme 'Heroes Live Forever" are available at the door or through advanced sales with Santa Ana Officer Nelson Menendez. Your $20 donation covers the costs and funds raised will go to the surviving  families in Oakland  and the OCTOA . Contact Nelson at 714 240 7753 or email him at heroes.tshirt@yahoo.com to arrange purchases or delivery by US Mail. 

Parking is available in commercial centers surrounding Original Mikes and a shuttle will transport attendees to the 3 rd Street parking structure beginning at 5 pm and running thru midnite. Dress code is "dressy-casual" and event / parking security will be provided by SAPD and Original Mikes staff. 

OCTOA President, OCSD Deputy Brad Blakely and  Steve Spernak, Executive Director of the OCTOA, extended a special thanks from  the association to Sheriff Hutchens and her command staff for all their support and accomodations in making this a terrific event for Sheriff’s personnel.  Blakely advised  Sheriff Hutchens will receive the association's pen and ink litho artwork, signed by the Board of Directors, after the event for her cooperation and  promotional  communications to make this a legendary event for law enforcement in Orange County in support of the Oakland PD survivors  and Police Officers, Deputies and CHP traffic officers from the Orange County Traffic Officers Association.   

The Department has two new Sergeants; Michael Ellis and Brad Olsen. Sergeant Ellis, formerly with Lake Forest Police Services, has been assigned to the IRC.  Sergeant Olsen, formerly with the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, has been assigned to the Men's Main Jail.

The Orange County Grand Jury today issued its annual assessment of the county jail system and gave a favorable report overall.

"The overriding conclusion reached by the Grand Jury is that the Orange County jail system is well run and in good overall condition. The delivery of service continues to improve under new leadership and the morale of the jail staff is improving," the report said.

The Grand Jury found that the facilities are aging quickly, staff overtime remains a concern and the challenges for command and line staff are many. Still the Grand Jury said it applauds the work of the OCSD men and women and the HCA staff in operating a jail system that has no shortage of tests and challenges."

The Grand Jury complemented Sheriff Sandra Hutchens on her strong leadership in taking charge of a jail system that last year was under massive criticism in the aftermath of the controversial murder of inmate John Chamberlain.

The grand jury said:  "Within a matter of a few weeks of her appointment, the Sheriff made major changes in the jail command staff. The Custody Operations Command was placed under a new Assistant Sheriff who reports directly to the Undersheriff. The four segments of custody operations received three new jail commanders. The fourth continued under the leadership of the Inmate Services Director. Based on meetings and interviews, the Grand Jury was very impressed with the experience and strong leadership qualities of these individuals."

The 16-page report covers a wide range of issues, from the need to build new facilities to using a bar code system for the wristbands worn by inmates.

To read the full report click here.

Nine men and women from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department competed in relay triathlon events at the Western States Police and Fire Games on June 13-14 and the results were sweet.

Games participants Investigator Susan Edwards, Lieutenants Bob Wren, Mike Hiller and Jim Rudy, Deputies David Sprague, Charles Foote, Investigator Myrna Caballero and Deputy Evan Phillips 

The  games were held at Castaic Lake in Santa Clarita where over over 100 competitors from law and fire agencies throughout the western United States participated in the event.  There were three teams from OCSD competing in three different categories.  All three are medal winners.  The race consisted of a one mile lake swim, 22 mile bike ride (With a 1,700 foot climb in the first 7 miles) and 10k run around the lake.  The Men’s Masters Team had the overall fastest time out of seven relay teams. 

Men’s Master Relay Team (“OCSD Old” was the team name)   Gold Medal

Lieutenant Mike Hiller - Swim

Lieutenant Bob Wren - Bike

Lieutenant Jim Rudy – Run

Mixed Open Relay Team    Gold Medal

Investigator Susan Edwards – Swim

Investigator Jason Park – Bike

Investigator Myrna Caballero – Run

Men’s Senior Relay Team     Bronze Medal

Deputy David Sprague - Swim  

Deputy Evan Phillips - Bike

Deputy Charles Foote - Run

Professional Service Responder Crime Prevention Unit

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

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

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

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

Nearly 42,000 people turned out on Friday to see the Angels beat the Padres but before they played the game, the crowd watched two Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies honored on the field as Orange County’s Top Cops.

Photos by Professional Services Responder George Ridley

Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies Gary Lewellyn and Richard Olszynski were selected by the board of the Orange County Chapter of the Peace Officers Research Association of California.  They were honored with the Department’s Medal of Valor earlier this year for their part in a gunbattle at the Mission Viejo Mall where a serial armed robber was killed. Sheriff Sandra Hutchens was on hand to help present the Top Cop Awards.

A portion of the game's ticket sales made through PORAC was donated to Project 999, which raises money to help the survivors of Orange County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. To learn more about Project 999 go to their Website at http://www.project999ride.org/