Orange County Sheriff's Department
Encyclopedia
The Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) is the law enforcement agency
serving Orange County
, California
. It currently serves the unincorporated area
s of Orange County and twelve contract cities
in the county: Aliso Viejo
, Dana Point
, Laguna Hills
, Laguna Niguel
, Laguna Woods
, Lake Forest
, Mission Viejo
, Rancho Santa Margarita
, San Clemente
, San Juan Capistrano
, Stanton
, and Villa Park
.
The agency also provides law enforcement services to the Orange County Transportation Authority
(OCTA) system, and John Wayne Airport
. OCSD also runs Orange County's Harbor Patrol, which provides law enforcement, marine fire fighting, search and rescue, and underwater search and recovery services along the county's 42 miles (67.6 km) of coastline and in the county's three harbors (Dana Point, Newport and Huntington).
The department gained national prominence in 2002 during the massive manhunt and swift capture of 6 year old Samantha Runnion's murderer. Larry King described, then-Sheriff Mike Carona as "America's Sheriff".
The Orange County Marshal's Department was absorbed by OCSD on July 1, 2000; then-Sheriff Michael Carona was the last Marshal. OCSD, under its Court Operations Division, now provides all security and law enforcement services (such as Bailiff services, weapons screening checkpoints and prisoner custody) to the county court system.
The Department currently has 1,460 sworn Deputies and Sheriff's Special Officers and over 1,446 civilian personnel, with another 800 reserve personnel.
Undersheriff John Scott
Commander Steve Kea
Commander Lee Trujullo
Commander Don Barnes
Sheriff-Coroner (1)
UnderSheriff (2)
Assistant Sheriff (3)
Commander (3)
Captain (12)
Lieutenant
Sergeant
Investigator/Deputy Sheriff II
Deputy Sheriff I
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Sheriff's Special Officer III
Sheriff's Special Officer II
Sheriff's Special Officer I
Sheriff's Correctional Services Assistant
Sheriff's Community Services Officer
Sheriff's Correctional Services Technician
Sheriff's Crime Prevention Specialists
Sheriff's Professional Staff
Sheriff's Crime Scene Investigators
Sheriff's Cadets
Explorer Commander (1)
Explorer Captain (4)
Explorer Lieutenant
Explorer Sergeant
Explorer Corporal
Explorer
Probationary Explorer
But the county was expanding, and the department grew with it. The Spurgeon Square Jail was opened by Sheriff Joe Nichols in 1897, and the Orange County Courthouse followed in 1901. Sheriff Theo Lacy (the second and fourth sheriff of Orange County, who served from 1890-1894 and 1899-1911) was able to move from borrowed office space in Santa Ana to a dedicated headquarters in the courthouse that remained in operation until 1924.
When he took office in 1911, Sheriff Charles Ruddock commanded a staff of eight full-time deputies and jailers, serving a county of nearly 34,000 citizens. But the county’s frontier past returned to haunt it on December 16, 1912, when Undersheriff Robert Squires became the first member of the department to be killed in the line of duty while part of a posse attempting to apprehend a violent fugitive.
The county’s growing population brought new challenges. Most of the county had outlawed liquor by the time Sheriff Calvin Jackson took office in 1915. Raids of “blind pig” businesses that served as fronts for illegal liquor sales were commonplace. When Congress passed the 18th Amendment in 1920, Prohibition became the law of the land. Suppressing illegal liquor operations became a major focus for the department over the next decade.
By the time Sheriff Sam Jernigan took office in 1923, rum runners and bootleggers were commonplace along the coastline and in Orange County’s harbors, using them as a base of operation for smuggling Canadian liquor into the country. Thanks to Jernigan’s diligence, many of them ended up serving time in the new county jail on Sycamore Street in Santa Ana, a building that would serve as OCSD’s main jail and headquarters for the next forty-four years. Jernigan remained in office until the end of the decade. By 1930, the department had grown to include eighteen full-time personnel with an operating budget of $49,582. The county’s population was approaching 119,000, over half of which was scattered across a mostly rural landscape.
Sheriff Logan Jackson assumed office in 1931, and for the next eight years guided the department through a turbulent decade. The Long Beach earthquake of 1933 caused widespread damage throughout the county, especially in Santa Ana. In 1938, a week of intense rain overflowed the Santa Ana River, causing a massive flood that caused over $30 million in damage. The sheriff also had to deal with the Citrus Riots of 1936, an agricultural labor dispute that led to a strike and subsequent disturbance so large that Sheriff Jackson swore in over four hundred special deputies to help control the violence. But Jackson’s term in office also saw advancements for the department, such as an expansion of the Sycamore Jail that included the county’s first radio dispatch center. One of his final acts as sheriff was to implement the wearing of uniforms and a standardized badge for all thirty of his deputies.
Musick’s handpicked successor was Brad Gates, who became sheriff in 1975. The department continued its rapid expansion during his administration, with the merging of two more agencies – the Orange County Harbor Patrol and the Stanton Police Department. In response to severe jail overcrowding, the Intake Release Center was opened in 1988, completing the modern-day Central Jails Complex. Gates also established the Air Support Bureau and created the Laser Village tactical training center, as well as the county’s first DNA laboratory. The continuing urbanization of the county resulted in several cities incorporating and becoming contract patrol areas. Gates also steered the department through the challenges of a severe county bankruptcy in 1994. By the time he retired in 1999, the department had grown to over 3000 members.
His replacement, retired L.A. Sheriff’s Commander Sandra Hutchens, was appointed by the county Board of Supervisors after a nationwide search for a suitable candidate.
Thus, the first Law Enforcement Exploring Post in the nation was established. Its purposes were, "To train young men of today for the future that awaits them in the law enforcement field of tomorrow. To stimulate young men's interest in law enforcement practices, the code of ethics, and the fine qualities of citizenship which are expected, to briefly explore all phases of law enforcement and to be a definite approach to juvenile decency." Post 449 began with twenty-eight explorers in Santa Ana who had to meet the qualifications of being "between 14 and 21, must maintain a "B" average in school, have a clean record, be of outstanding citizenship in their community and have a general reputation beyond reproach."
In 1973, after fifteen years of only young men being allowed in the Exploring program, Boy Scouts of America allowed young women to explore careers in law enforcement through membership in a Explorer Program. Maintaining the same high standards for qualification and training these young women diversified the Department's Post.
When the residents of contract cities and the unincorporated county area need help they call the Sheriff's Department; when the Sheriff's Department needs help they call on their Explorers. The Orange County Sheriff's Explorer Post supports deputies during road closures caused by natural disasters such as mudslides, floods and forest fires. They complete search missions where either missing persons or evidence is sought, and are deployed to protect us protect crime scene perimeters. This involvement, by the explorers, allows Deputies to be available for calls for service.
Explorers are also used to assist in public education. They distribute brochures explaining changes in parking regulations or temporary street closures. During Bicycle Rodeo Events, Explorers demonstrate to children how to properly size and wear bicycle helmets. They offer child identification and crime awareness, through a "Kid-Print" program and assist in crime prevention demonstrations throughout the county.
The Department's Explorers serve the community by providing crowd and traffic control during Basic Academy Graduations, County Building Dedications, Mall grand openings, Community awareness fairs, 10 K runs, parades and a multitude of other charitable events. The Post's Color guard is used to present the flag at City Council and County Board of Supervisor meetings, as well as scouting and civic events.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department Explorers participate in Law Enforcement competitions throughout the state. Through the use of the Department's "Laser Village" and its Training Staff, Post 449 Explorers have learned skills which enabled them to win several awards in Felony Car Stop, D.U.I., Bomb Threat and Search and Building Search scenarios. The Explorers also compete in Tug-of War, Volleyball and Obstacle Course competitions.
Sheriff's personnel, who volunteer as Advisors for the Department's Post, contribute countless hours exposing youths to Law Enforcement Careers. Their commitment to the advancement of the Exploring program goes beyond the Department's Post. The Department's Advisors also serve on the County-wide Organization as Ranking Officials, Academy Directors, Tactical Training Officers and Instructors at the Explorer Academy. In addition to Orange County, these Advisors have trained and taught Explorers from Kern, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and Ventura counties.
. The current head of North Operations is Captain Tom Gallivan.
Stanton Police Services: Includes patrol and investigative services for the city of Stanton, California
after the Stanton Police Department was absorbed by OCSD. The current head of Stanton Police Services is Lieutenant Jeff Passalaqua.
South Operations: Includes patrol and investigative services for the southern boundaries of Orange County, this division is based out of the Sheriff's sub-station in Aliso Viejo, California
. The current head of South Operations is Captain Linda Solorza.
San Clemente Police Services: Includes patrol and investigations for the city of San Clemente, California
. In 1992 San Clemente Police Department was absorbed into OCSD, however San Clemente only allows the former San Clemente Police Station to be used by deputies who patrol their city. The current head of San Clemente Police Services is Lieutenant Paul D'Auria.
Orange County Harbor Patrol: Includes maritime security and enforcement of laws in Orange County's Harbors. The current head of Harbor Patrol is Lieutenant Mark Long.
John Wayne Airport Police Services: OCSD provides responsive and professional service to John Wayne Airport. They pro-actively protect lives and property at this facility and respond to all calls for service promptly. In addition to these services they remain vigilant against threats (foreign or domestic) to ensure the security and safe operation of this facility. All Airport Police Services employees are expected to represent the department and John Wayne Airport in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner. The current head of John Wayne Airport Police Services is Captain Dennis DeMaio
OC Transit Police Services: The mission of the OCTA Transit Police Services is to maintain a safe and peaceful environment for OCTA customers and employees, and to ensure the security of OCTA property. The current head of OCTA Police Serives is Lieutenant Jaems Rudy.
the training facility is the training center for all members of the OCSD SWAT
Team and the OCSD CIRT Team.
Orange County Sheriff's Offices are located at the following Superior Court of California facilities in the County of Orange:
on the site of the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station
. The facility opened in late 2007 and replaced the old academy on Salinas Avenue in Garden Grove
which was no longer adequate due to overcrowding. http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_765002.php The Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy produces highly trained and professional Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, Sheriff's Special Officers, and Correctional Services Assistants. Some training is also conducted at a Sheriff's facility on Katella Avenue in Orange, California
.
There are 83 instructors on the academy and 46 percent are from OCSD, 39 percent from other agencies, and 15 percent are from non-law enforcement. The OCSD academy program is 26 weeks long and includes training on community policing, arrest control techniques, firearms, and scenario training. The OCSD academy places an emphasis on physical training and the ability to make decisions when placed in stressful situations.
Some law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County
utilize the OCSD Academy for training, including the Santa Monica Police Department and the Pasadena Police Department
.
"Duke" (after actor and Newport Beach resident John Wayne
) and, appropriately, uses John Wayne Airport as its operational base. The original "Duke" helicopters (a pair of Boeing 500
s) had an image of John Wayne riding atop a sheriff's badge (while waving his cowboy hat) painted on the fuselage.
Law enforcement agency
In North American English, a law enforcement agency is a government agency responsible for the enforcement of the laws.Outside North America, such organizations are called police services. In North America, some of these services are called police while others have other names In North American...
serving Orange County
Orange County, California
Orange County is a county in the U.S. state of California. Its county seat is Santa Ana. As of the 2010 census, its population was 3,010,232, up from 2,846,293 at the 2000 census, making it the third most populous county in California, behind Los Angeles County and San Diego County...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. It currently serves the unincorporated area
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
s of Orange County and twelve contract cities
Contract city
Contract city is a term used in the U.S. for a city which provides municipal services by contract with another unit of government, public agency or private organizations....
in the county: Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo, California
Aliso Viejo is a city in Orange County, California. It had a population of 47,823 as of the 2010 census, up from 40,166 as of the 2000 census. It became Orange County's 34th city on July 1, 2001, the only city in the county to incorporate since 2000...
, Dana Point
Dana Point, California
-Climate:Dana Point enjoys a mild climate where temperatures tend to average around the 60's. The warmest month of the year is August with an average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December with an average minimum temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit.-2010:The 2010...
, Laguna Hills
Laguna Hills, California
Laguna Hills is a city located in southern Orange County, California, United States. Its name refers to its proximity to Laguna Canyon and the much older Laguna Beach. Other newer cities nearby—Laguna Niguel and Laguna Woods—are similarly named.-Geography:...
, Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel, California
Laguna Niguel is an affluent city located in southern Orange County, California. The name "Laguna Niguel" is derived from the Spanish word "Laguna" which means lagoon, and the word "Nigueli" which was the name of a Juaneño Indian village that was once located on Aliso Creek. The population was...
, Laguna Woods
Laguna Woods, California
Laguna Woods is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The population was 16,192 at the 2010 census, down from 16,507 at the 2000 census with a median age of 78. About 90% of the city consists of Laguna Woods Village, a retirement community, formerly known as Leisure World...
, Lake Forest
Lake Forest, California
Lake Forest is a city in Orange County, California. The population was 77,264 at the 2010 census.Lake Forest incorporated as a city on December 20, 1991. Prior to a vote of the residents in that year, the community had formerly been known as El Toro since the 1880s...
, Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo, California
Mission Viejo is a city located in southern Orange County, California, U.S. in the Saddleback Valley. Mission Viejo is considered one of the largest master-planned communities ever built under a single project in the United States, and is rivaled only by Highlands Ranch, Colorado, in its size...
, Rancho Santa Margarita
Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Rancho Santa Margarita is a city in Orange County, California. One of Orange County's youngest cities, Rancho Santa Margarita is a master planned community set upon rolling hills. Most neighborhoods in Rancho Santa Margarita are within various homeowners associations...
, San Clemente
San Clemente, California
San Clemente is a city in Orange County, California. The population was 63,522 at the 2010 census. Located on the California Coast, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego at the southern tip of the county, it is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish...
, San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, California
San Juan Capistrano is a city in southern Orange County, California, located approximately southeast of Downtown Santa Ana. The current OMB metropolitan designation for San Juan Capistrano and the Orange County Area is “Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA.” The population was 34,593 at the 2010 census,...
, Stanton
Stanton, California
Stanton is a city located in western Orange County, California. The population was 38,186 at the 2010 census, up from 37,403 at the 2000 census. Like most of Orange County, it is more politically conservative compared to the rest of the state. The City was incorporated in 1956 and operates under...
, and Villa Park
Villa Park, California
Villa Park is a city in northern Orange County, California, near and surrounded by the City of Orange, and close to Anaheim Hills, that incorporated in 1962. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a population of 5,812, down from 5,999 at the 2000 census, achieving the status of the smallest city in...
.
The agency also provides law enforcement services to the Orange County Transportation Authority
Orange County Transportation Authority
The Orange County Transportation Authority is the public sector transportation planning body and mass transit service provider for Orange County, California. Its ancestor agencies include not only the prior Orange County Transit District but also such diverse entities as the Pacific Electric...
(OCTA) system, and John Wayne Airport
John Wayne Airport
John Wayne Airport is an airport in an unincorporated area in Orange County, California, with its mailing address in the city of Santa Ana, which is also the county seat, hence the International Air Transport Association airport code. The main entrance to the airport is off of MacArthur Blvd in...
. OCSD also runs Orange County's Harbor Patrol, which provides law enforcement, marine fire fighting, search and rescue, and underwater search and recovery services along the county's 42 miles (67.6 km) of coastline and in the county's three harbors (Dana Point, Newport and Huntington).
The department gained national prominence in 2002 during the massive manhunt and swift capture of 6 year old Samantha Runnion's murderer. Larry King described, then-Sheriff Mike Carona as "America's Sheriff".
Organization
The department is divided into twenty divisions covering five organizational functions: Public Protection; Jail Operations; Technical Services such as investigations, coroner services, and emergency management; and Administrative and Support Services.The Orange County Marshal's Department was absorbed by OCSD on July 1, 2000; then-Sheriff Michael Carona was the last Marshal. OCSD, under its Court Operations Division, now provides all security and law enforcement services (such as Bailiff services, weapons screening checkpoints and prisoner custody) to the county court system.
The Department currently has 1,460 sworn Deputies and Sheriff's Special Officers and over 1,446 civilian personnel, with another 800 reserve personnel.
Executive Command
Sheriff-Coroner Sandra HutchensSandra Hutchens
Sandra Hutchens is the current Sheriff-Coroner of Orange County, California. She was appointed to the position on June 10, 2008, replacing acting sheriff Jack Anderson, who had led the department since the January 14, 2008 resignation of former sheriff Mike Carona...
Undersheriff John Scott
- Community Services
- OC Crime Lab
- Public Affairs
Administrative Services Command
Executive Director Rick Dostal- Communications and Technology
- Financial/Administrative Services
- Research and Development
- Support Services
Custody and Court Operations
Assistant Sheriff Mike JamesCommander Steve Kea
- Court Operations
- Central Jail Complex
- Musick Facility
- Theo Lacy Facility
- Inmate Services
Professional Services Command
Assistant Sheriff Tim BoardCommander Lee Trujullo
- Coroner
- Professional Standards
- S.A.F.E.
- Training
Field Operations and Investigations
Assistant Sheriff Mark BillingsCommander Don Barnes
- Airport Operations
- Homeland Security
- Investigations
- North Operations
- South Operations
- Stanton Police Services
- San Clemente Police Services
- OCTA Police Services
Ranks of the OCSD
There are many job classifications with a multitude of duties that serve the citizens and visitors of Orange County each and everyday. Sworn designates the personnel that are sworn as California Peace Officers. Certain tasks and duties require personnel involved to be sworn peace officers. Non-Sworn designates personnel that perform duties that do not require a sworn officer, but are equally important in carrying out the Sheriff's mission.- Sworn:
Sheriff-Coroner (1)
UnderSheriff (2)
Assistant Sheriff (3)
Commander (3)
Captain (12)
Lieutenant
Sergeant
Investigator/Deputy Sheriff II
Deputy Sheriff I
Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Sheriff's Special Officer III
Sheriff's Special Officer II
Sheriff's Special Officer I
- Non-Sworn:
Sheriff's Correctional Services Assistant
Sheriff's Community Services Officer
Sheriff's Correctional Services Technician
Sheriff's Crime Prevention Specialists
Sheriff's Professional Staff
Sheriff's Crime Scene Investigators
Sheriff's Cadets
- Sheriff's Explorers:
Explorer Commander (1)
Explorer Captain (4)
Explorer Lieutenant
Explorer Sergeant
Explorer Corporal
Explorer
Probationary Explorer
Early Years
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department came into existence on August 1, 1889, when a proclamation of the state legislature separated the southern portion of Los Angeles County and created Orange County. The entire department consisted of Sheriff Richard Harris and Deputy James Buckley, with an operating budget of $1,200 a year and a makeshift jail in the rented basement of a store in Santa Ana. They served a sparsely populated county of 13,000 residents, scattered throughout isolated townships and settlements. The problems faced by the first sheriff were typical for a frontier county – tracking down outlaws, controlling vagrancy, and attempting to maintain law and order across 782 square miles (2,025.4 km²) of farmland and undeveloped territory.But the county was expanding, and the department grew with it. The Spurgeon Square Jail was opened by Sheriff Joe Nichols in 1897, and the Orange County Courthouse followed in 1901. Sheriff Theo Lacy (the second and fourth sheriff of Orange County, who served from 1890-1894 and 1899-1911) was able to move from borrowed office space in Santa Ana to a dedicated headquarters in the courthouse that remained in operation until 1924.
When he took office in 1911, Sheriff Charles Ruddock commanded a staff of eight full-time deputies and jailers, serving a county of nearly 34,000 citizens. But the county’s frontier past returned to haunt it on December 16, 1912, when Undersheriff Robert Squires became the first member of the department to be killed in the line of duty while part of a posse attempting to apprehend a violent fugitive.
The county’s growing population brought new challenges. Most of the county had outlawed liquor by the time Sheriff Calvin Jackson took office in 1915. Raids of “blind pig” businesses that served as fronts for illegal liquor sales were commonplace. When Congress passed the 18th Amendment in 1920, Prohibition became the law of the land. Suppressing illegal liquor operations became a major focus for the department over the next decade.
By the time Sheriff Sam Jernigan took office in 1923, rum runners and bootleggers were commonplace along the coastline and in Orange County’s harbors, using them as a base of operation for smuggling Canadian liquor into the country. Thanks to Jernigan’s diligence, many of them ended up serving time in the new county jail on Sycamore Street in Santa Ana, a building that would serve as OCSD’s main jail and headquarters for the next forty-four years. Jernigan remained in office until the end of the decade. By 1930, the department had grown to include eighteen full-time personnel with an operating budget of $49,582. The county’s population was approaching 119,000, over half of which was scattered across a mostly rural landscape.
Sheriff Logan Jackson assumed office in 1931, and for the next eight years guided the department through a turbulent decade. The Long Beach earthquake of 1933 caused widespread damage throughout the county, especially in Santa Ana. In 1938, a week of intense rain overflowed the Santa Ana River, causing a massive flood that caused over $30 million in damage. The sheriff also had to deal with the Citrus Riots of 1936, an agricultural labor dispute that led to a strike and subsequent disturbance so large that Sheriff Jackson swore in over four hundred special deputies to help control the violence. But Jackson’s term in office also saw advancements for the department, such as an expansion of the Sycamore Jail that included the county’s first radio dispatch center. One of his final acts as sheriff was to implement the wearing of uniforms and a standardized badge for all thirty of his deputies.
World War II and the Creation of the Reserve Bureau
Sheriff Jesse Elliott replaced Jackson in 1939, just as the Depression was ending and the county once again began to prosper. This peaceful time was cut short by the outbreak of World War II in 1941, which created challenges unlike any others in department history. Most of Orange County’s peace officers left for war, leaving the department critically understaffed. This was made worse by the fact that in addition to his normal responsibilities, the sheriff was now required to assist with mandatory civil defense measures such as air raid drills and blackouts, as well as help police the seven wartime military bases within the county borders. Elliott suddenly found himself responsible for twice as many duties with only a fraction of his former staff to carry them out. To meet this need, he formed the Sheriff’s Emergency Reserve, which eventually became the department’s current Reserve Bureau.Post World War II
In 1946, former deputy James Musick came home from the war and successfully ran for the office of sheriff, assuming command in 1947. He would serve as sheriff for the next twenty-eight years – the longest term in department history. When he took office, the county was still mostly rural, with a population of 216,000 served by a department of only seventy-six. During Musick’s administration, a number of divisions and facilities were commissioned that remain active to this day. He implemented the county’s first crime lab, its first Peace Officer’s Training Center (now known as the Katella Facility), and the nation’s first law enforcement Explorer post. The 1960s saw the construction of the Orange County Industrial Farm (later renamed the James Musick Jail Facility), the Theo Lacy Facility, and the headquarters and central jails still in use today. In response to the civil unrest of the late 1960’s, Musick formed the Emergency Action Group Law Enforcement (EAGLE) team, a group of deputies with specialized training in various riot control and specialized tactics. Although the team disbanded several years later, certain platoons evolved into the modern-day SWAT, Hazardous Devices, and Mounted Patrol units. The department grew even larger when the Coroner’s Office merged with it in 1971. By the time Musick retired in 1974, the county had expanded to a rapidly urbanizing population of over 1,400,000, with the department having grown to a staff of over 900.Musick’s handpicked successor was Brad Gates, who became sheriff in 1975. The department continued its rapid expansion during his administration, with the merging of two more agencies – the Orange County Harbor Patrol and the Stanton Police Department. In response to severe jail overcrowding, the Intake Release Center was opened in 1988, completing the modern-day Central Jails Complex. Gates also established the Air Support Bureau and created the Laser Village tactical training center, as well as the county’s first DNA laboratory. The continuing urbanization of the county resulted in several cities incorporating and becoming contract patrol areas. Gates also steered the department through the challenges of a severe county bankruptcy in 1994. By the time he retired in 1999, the department had grown to over 3000 members.
Sheriff Michael Carona's Rise and Fall
Sheriff Michael Carona took office in 1999, and soon oversaw the merger of the Orange County Marshal’s Department (his former agency) with OCSD. His term brought additional department expansion, including a modernized Katella Facility and a new OCSD Academy in Tustin. Patrol cars were equipped with mobile computers, and anti-terrorism units were formed in response to the events of September 11, 2001. Although he enjoyed an initial surge of popularity due to the department’s expert handling of such high-profile cases as the Samantha Runnion abduction and murder, Carona’s time in office did not end well. He and former members of his executive staff were indicted on multiple corruption charges in 2007, and he resigned and was convicted in 2008.His replacement, retired L.A. Sheriff’s Commander Sandra Hutchens, was appointed by the county Board of Supervisors after a nationwide search for a suitable candidate.
OCSD Today
Sheriff Hutchens continued to expand the department after assuming office, reorganizing the entire agency and creating new branches such as the Homeland Security Division, a unified command for the various bureaus responsible for the county’s security. However, the sheriff was soon faced with the crisis of a nationwide recession that caused the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. This caused massive cuts to the department’s budget, and made it necessary to streamline the entire agency. In spite of these problems, Hutchens has continued to implement new programs and procedures to not only cope with the financial crisis, but to ensure that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is prepared to meet whatever challenges the future may bring.Beds for Feds
In 2010 OCSD and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reached an agreement that would allow federal detainees to be placed Orange County Jail facilities. Several deputies have been cross trained as ICE Special Agents along with being an OC Deputy Sheriff.Orange County Sheriff's Department Explorer Post 449
In November of 1959, Orange County Sheriff James A. Musick wanted "young men," who desired exposure in the field of law enforcement to be afforded the opportunity to do so. In a newspaper article he stated, "We organized the group after we found that other special interest Explorer Posts were taking our best young men from our high schools. We decided, rather than take what was left over after other fields of endeavor took the best, that we should start training young men of high school age now for a career in law enforcement."Thus, the first Law Enforcement Exploring Post in the nation was established. Its purposes were, "To train young men of today for the future that awaits them in the law enforcement field of tomorrow. To stimulate young men's interest in law enforcement practices, the code of ethics, and the fine qualities of citizenship which are expected, to briefly explore all phases of law enforcement and to be a definite approach to juvenile decency." Post 449 began with twenty-eight explorers in Santa Ana who had to meet the qualifications of being "between 14 and 21, must maintain a "B" average in school, have a clean record, be of outstanding citizenship in their community and have a general reputation beyond reproach."
In 1973, after fifteen years of only young men being allowed in the Exploring program, Boy Scouts of America allowed young women to explore careers in law enforcement through membership in a Explorer Program. Maintaining the same high standards for qualification and training these young women diversified the Department's Post.
When the residents of contract cities and the unincorporated county area need help they call the Sheriff's Department; when the Sheriff's Department needs help they call on their Explorers. The Orange County Sheriff's Explorer Post supports deputies during road closures caused by natural disasters such as mudslides, floods and forest fires. They complete search missions where either missing persons or evidence is sought, and are deployed to protect us protect crime scene perimeters. This involvement, by the explorers, allows Deputies to be available for calls for service.
Explorers are also used to assist in public education. They distribute brochures explaining changes in parking regulations or temporary street closures. During Bicycle Rodeo Events, Explorers demonstrate to children how to properly size and wear bicycle helmets. They offer child identification and crime awareness, through a "Kid-Print" program and assist in crime prevention demonstrations throughout the county.
The Department's Explorers serve the community by providing crowd and traffic control during Basic Academy Graduations, County Building Dedications, Mall grand openings, Community awareness fairs, 10 K runs, parades and a multitude of other charitable events. The Post's Color guard is used to present the flag at City Council and County Board of Supervisor meetings, as well as scouting and civic events.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department Explorers participate in Law Enforcement competitions throughout the state. Through the use of the Department's "Laser Village" and its Training Staff, Post 449 Explorers have learned skills which enabled them to win several awards in Felony Car Stop, D.U.I., Bomb Threat and Search and Building Search scenarios. The Explorers also compete in Tug-of War, Volleyball and Obstacle Course competitions.
Sheriff's personnel, who volunteer as Advisors for the Department's Post, contribute countless hours exposing youths to Law Enforcement Careers. Their commitment to the advancement of the Exploring program goes beyond the Department's Post. The Department's Advisors also serve on the County-wide Organization as Ranking Officials, Academy Directors, Tactical Training Officers and Instructors at the Explorer Academy. In addition to Orange County, these Advisors have trained and taught Explorers from Kern, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and Ventura counties.
Field & Investigative Services Command
North Operations: Includes patrol and investigative services for the northern boundaries of Orange County, this division is based out of Sheriff's Headquarters in Santa Ana, CaliforniaSanta Ana, California
Santa Ana is the county seat and second most populous city in Orange County, California, and with a population of 324,528 at the 2010 census, Santa Ana is the 57th-most populous city in the United States....
. The current head of North Operations is Captain Tom Gallivan.
- Villa Park, CaliforniaVilla Park, CaliforniaVilla Park is a city in northern Orange County, California, near and surrounded by the City of Orange, and close to Anaheim Hills, that incorporated in 1962. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a population of 5,812, down from 5,999 at the 2000 census, achieving the status of the smallest city in...
- Rossmoor, CaliforniaRossmoor, CaliforniaRossmoor is an affluent planned census-designated place located in Orange County, California. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a total population of 10,244, down from 10,298 at the 2000 census...
- Midway City, CaliforniaMidway City, CaliforniaMidway City is a census-designated place located in Orange County, California. It is bordered by the cities of Westminster to its east and Huntington Beach to its west. It was so named because it is midway between Long Beach and Santa Ana. The population was 8,485 at the 2010 census.It is one of...
- Orange Park Acres, CaliforniaOrange Park Acres, CaliforniaOrange Park Acres is an unincorporated county island surrounded by the City of Orange in Orange County, California. It is mainly composed of upper-middle class residents from the Orange city area. Its northern border is Santiago Canyon Road and its southern border is Chapman Avenue. It comprises...
- Silverado Canyon, California
- Modjeska Canyon, CaliforniaModjeska Canyon, CaliforniaModjeska Canyon is an unincorporated area on the western slope of the Santa Ana Mountains in eastern Orange County, California. It is a rural community of several hundred residents, with a small park and a volunteer fire station....
- Unincorporated Anaheim, CaliforniaAnaheim, CaliforniaAnaheim is a city in Orange County, California. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was about 365,463, making it the most populated city in Orange County, the 10th most-populated city in California, and ranked 54th in the United States...
- Unincorporated North Orange County
- Emerald Bay, California
Stanton Police Services: Includes patrol and investigative services for the city of Stanton, California
Stanton, California
Stanton is a city located in western Orange County, California. The population was 38,186 at the 2010 census, up from 37,403 at the 2000 census. Like most of Orange County, it is more politically conservative compared to the rest of the state. The City was incorporated in 1956 and operates under...
after the Stanton Police Department was absorbed by OCSD. The current head of Stanton Police Services is Lieutenant Jeff Passalaqua.
- Stanton, CaliforniaStanton, CaliforniaStanton is a city located in western Orange County, California. The population was 38,186 at the 2010 census, up from 37,403 at the 2000 census. Like most of Orange County, it is more politically conservative compared to the rest of the state. The City was incorporated in 1956 and operates under...
South Operations: Includes patrol and investigative services for the southern boundaries of Orange County, this division is based out of the Sheriff's sub-station in Aliso Viejo, California
Aliso Viejo, California
Aliso Viejo is a city in Orange County, California. It had a population of 47,823 as of the 2010 census, up from 40,166 as of the 2000 census. It became Orange County's 34th city on July 1, 2001, the only city in the county to incorporate since 2000...
. The current head of South Operations is Captain Linda Solorza.
- Aliso Viejo, CaliforniaAliso Viejo, CaliforniaAliso Viejo is a city in Orange County, California. It had a population of 47,823 as of the 2010 census, up from 40,166 as of the 2000 census. It became Orange County's 34th city on July 1, 2001, the only city in the county to incorporate since 2000...
- Dana Point, CaliforniaDana Point, California-Climate:Dana Point enjoys a mild climate where temperatures tend to average around the 60's. The warmest month of the year is August with an average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest month is December with an average minimum temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit.-2010:The 2010...
- Laguna Hills, CaliforniaLaguna Hills, CaliforniaLaguna Hills is a city located in southern Orange County, California, United States. Its name refers to its proximity to Laguna Canyon and the much older Laguna Beach. Other newer cities nearby—Laguna Niguel and Laguna Woods—are similarly named.-Geography:...
- Laguna Niguel, CaliforniaLaguna Niguel, CaliforniaLaguna Niguel is an affluent city located in southern Orange County, California. The name "Laguna Niguel" is derived from the Spanish word "Laguna" which means lagoon, and the word "Nigueli" which was the name of a Juaneño Indian village that was once located on Aliso Creek. The population was...
- Laguna Woods, CaliforniaLaguna Woods, CaliforniaLaguna Woods is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The population was 16,192 at the 2010 census, down from 16,507 at the 2000 census with a median age of 78. About 90% of the city consists of Laguna Woods Village, a retirement community, formerly known as Leisure World...
- Lake Forest, CaliforniaLake Forest, CaliforniaLake Forest is a city in Orange County, California. The population was 77,264 at the 2010 census.Lake Forest incorporated as a city on December 20, 1991. Prior to a vote of the residents in that year, the community had formerly been known as El Toro since the 1880s...
- Mission Viejo, CaliforniaMission Viejo, CaliforniaMission Viejo is a city located in southern Orange County, California, U.S. in the Saddleback Valley. Mission Viejo is considered one of the largest master-planned communities ever built under a single project in the United States, and is rivaled only by Highlands Ranch, Colorado, in its size...
- Rancho Santa Margarita, CaliforniaRancho Santa Margarita, CaliforniaRancho Santa Margarita is a city in Orange County, California. One of Orange County's youngest cities, Rancho Santa Margarita is a master planned community set upon rolling hills. Most neighborhoods in Rancho Santa Margarita are within various homeowners associations...
- San Juan Capistrano, CaliforniaSan Juan Capistrano, CaliforniaSan Juan Capistrano is a city in southern Orange County, California, located approximately southeast of Downtown Santa Ana. The current OMB metropolitan designation for San Juan Capistrano and the Orange County Area is “Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA.” The population was 34,593 at the 2010 census,...
- Coto de Caza, CaliforniaCoto de Caza, CaliforniaCoto de Caza is a census-designated place and guard-gated private community in Orange County, California. The population was 14,866 at the 2010 census, up from 13,057 at the 2000 census....
- Las Flores, CaliforniaLas Flores, CaliforniaLas Flores is an unincorporated census-designated place in Orange County, California, located adjacent to the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The population was 5,971 at the 2010 census, up from 5,625 at the 2000 census...
- Ladera Ranch, CaliforniaLadera Ranch, CaliforniaLadera Ranch is a census-designated place and a planned community located in south Orange County, California just outside the city limits of San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo....
- Wagon Wheel, California
- Trabuco Canyon, CaliforniaTrabuco Canyon, CaliforniaTrabuco Canyon is a small unincorporated community located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains in eastern Orange County, California, and lies partly within the Cleveland National Forest.Trabuco Canyon is north of the town of Rancho Santa Margarita...
- Ortega Highway
San Clemente Police Services: Includes patrol and investigations for the city of San Clemente, California
San Clemente, California
San Clemente is a city in Orange County, California. The population was 63,522 at the 2010 census. Located on the California Coast, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego at the southern tip of the county, it is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish...
. In 1992 San Clemente Police Department was absorbed into OCSD, however San Clemente only allows the former San Clemente Police Station to be used by deputies who patrol their city. The current head of San Clemente Police Services is Lieutenant Paul D'Auria.
- San Clemente, CaliforniaSan Clemente, CaliforniaSan Clemente is a city in Orange County, California. The population was 63,522 at the 2010 census. Located on the California Coast, midway between Los Angeles and San Diego at the southern tip of the county, it is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish...
Orange County Harbor Patrol: Includes maritime security and enforcement of laws in Orange County's Harbors. The current head of Harbor Patrol is Lieutenant Mark Long.
- Sunset Harbor, California
- Newport Harbor, California
- Dana Point Harbor, California
John Wayne Airport Police Services: OCSD provides responsive and professional service to John Wayne Airport. They pro-actively protect lives and property at this facility and respond to all calls for service promptly. In addition to these services they remain vigilant against threats (foreign or domestic) to ensure the security and safe operation of this facility. All Airport Police Services employees are expected to represent the department and John Wayne Airport in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner. The current head of John Wayne Airport Police Services is Captain Dennis DeMaio
- John Wayne AirportJohn Wayne AirportJohn Wayne Airport is an airport in an unincorporated area in Orange County, California, with its mailing address in the city of Santa Ana, which is also the county seat, hence the International Air Transport Association airport code. The main entrance to the airport is off of MacArthur Blvd in...
OC Transit Police Services: The mission of the OCTA Transit Police Services is to maintain a safe and peaceful environment for OCTA customers and employees, and to ensure the security of OCTA property. The current head of OCTA Police Serives is Lieutenant Jaems Rudy.
- Orange County Transit Authority
Katella Training Facility
Located on Katella Avenue in Orange, CaliforniaOrange, California
Southern California is well-known for year-round pleasant weather: - On average, the warmest month is August. - The highest recorded temperature was in 1985. - On average, the coolest month is December. - The lowest recorded temperature was in 1950...
the training facility is the training center for all members of the OCSD SWAT
SWAT
A SWAT team is an elite tactical unit in various national law enforcement departments. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers...
Team and the OCSD CIRT Team.
Jails
The OCSD Custody Operations Division operates four jails:- Central Men's Jail and Women's Jail - The Central Jail Complex, opened in 1968, is located next to the department offices in Santa Ana. It houses approximately 2,664 inmates.
- Intake Release Center ("IRC") - In 1988 as a part of the Central Jail Complex, the Intake Release Center was built to facilitate the intake and processing of inmates, and the including medical screening, booking, properidentification, and transfers between facilities. While it is a transitional facility, it also holds male and female inmates for brief periods.
- Theo Lacy Facility - The TLF, located in the city of Orange, was originally built in 1960. A major expansion completed in 2006 brought its capacity to 3,100 inmates, making it the largest jail in the county.
- James A. Musick Facility - A minimum security facility located on unincorporated county land near Lake ForestLake Forest, CaliforniaLake Forest is a city in Orange County, California. The population was 77,264 at the 2010 census.Lake Forest incorporated as a city on December 20, 1991. Prior to a vote of the residents in that year, the community had formerly been known as El Toro since the 1880s...
and IrvineIrvine, CaliforniaIrvine is a suburban incorporated city in Orange County, California, United States. It is a planned city, mainly developed by the Irvine Company since the 1960s. Formally incorporated on December 28, 1971, the city has a population of 212,375 as of the 2010 census. However, the California...
, “The Farm” provides custodial and rehabilitative programs for 1256 adult male and female inmates.
Courts
After the Orange County Marshal's Department was absorbed by OCSD, the sheriff's department became responsible for providing court services. There are Sheriff's personnel stationed at the Justice Centers throughout the County. Sheriff's staff at the Justice Centers fulfill the vital mission of the Sheriff that include bailiff services in each courtroom, weapons screening operations in the lobby of each Justice Center, and detention services, supervising the inmates who have appearances each day at the facility. These personnel fall under the Court Operations Command of the OCSD. The current head of court operations is Captain Mike Hiller.Orange County Sheriff's Offices are located at the following Superior Court of California facilities in the County of Orange:
- Central Justice Center (CJC) in Santa Ana
- Lamoreaux Family Law Justice Center (LJC) in Orange
- North Justice Center (NJC) in Fullerton
- West Justice Center (WJC) in Westminster
- Harbor Justice Centers (HJC) in Newport Beach and the HJC-Annex located in Laguna Hills.
Orange County Sheriff's Academy
The Orange County Sheriff's Academy is located in Tustin, CaliforniaTustin, California
-Top employers:According to the City's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Tustin had a population of 75,540. The population density was 6,816.7 people per square mile...
on the site of the former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station
Marine Corps Air Station Tustin
Tustin Legacy is a planned community in Tustin, California being developed on the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. The project, under construction, will include parks, a commercial retail center and various densities of housing, for a total of 4,600 units.The City’s vision for Tustin Legacy...
. The facility opened in late 2007 and replaced the old academy on Salinas Avenue in Garden Grove
Garden Grove, California
Garden Grove is a city located in northern Orange County, California. The population was 170,883 at the 2010 census. State Route 22, also known as the Garden Grove Freeway, passes through the city running east-west. The city is known outside the Southern California area for being the home of Robert H...
which was no longer adequate due to overcrowding. http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_765002.php The Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy produces highly trained and professional Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, Sheriff's Special Officers, and Correctional Services Assistants. Some training is also conducted at a Sheriff's facility on Katella Avenue in Orange, California
Orange, California
Southern California is well-known for year-round pleasant weather: - On average, the warmest month is August. - The highest recorded temperature was in 1985. - On average, the coolest month is December. - The lowest recorded temperature was in 1950...
.
There are 83 instructors on the academy and 46 percent are from OCSD, 39 percent from other agencies, and 15 percent are from non-law enforcement. The OCSD academy program is 26 weeks long and includes training on community policing, arrest control techniques, firearms, and scenario training. The OCSD academy places an emphasis on physical training and the ability to make decisions when placed in stressful situations.
Some law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County, California
Los Angeles County is a county in the U.S. state of California. As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 9,818,605, making it the most populous county in the United States. Los Angeles County alone is more populous than 42 individual U.S. states...
utilize the OCSD Academy for training, including the Santa Monica Police Department and the Pasadena Police Department
Pasadena Police Department
The Pasadena Police Department is the police department serving Pasadena, California. The headquarters of the Pasadena Police Department is located at 207 North Garfield Avenue in Pasadena, just a few blocks from the Pasadena City Hall and Paseo Colorado. The department employs 241 sworn officers,...
.
Aircraft
The department's helicopters (both Eurocopter AS350 B2 [or "A*Stars"]) uses the radio call signCall sign
In broadcasting and radio communications, a call sign is a unique designation for a transmitting station. In North America they are used as names for broadcasting stations...
"Duke" (after actor and Newport Beach resident John Wayne
John Wayne
Marion Mitchell Morrison , better known by his stage name John Wayne, was an American film actor, director and producer. He epitomized rugged masculinity and became an enduring American icon. He is famous for his distinctive calm voice, walk, and height...
) and, appropriately, uses John Wayne Airport as its operational base. The original "Duke" helicopters (a pair of Boeing 500
MD Helicopters MD 500
The MD Helicopters MD 500 series is an American family of light utility civilian and military helicopters. The MD 500 was developed from the Hughes 500, a civilian version of the US Army's OH-6A Cayuse/Loach...
s) had an image of John Wayne riding atop a sheriff's badge (while waving his cowboy hat) painted on the fuselage.
Sheriffs
- Richard T. Harris (1889–1891)
- Theo Lacy (1891–1895)
- Joe C. Nichols (1895–1899)
- Theo Lacy (1899–1911)
- Charles Ruddock (1911–1915)
- Calvin E. Jackson (1915–1923)
- Sam Jernigan (1923–1931)
- Logan Jackson (1931–1939)
- Jesse L. Elliott (1939–1947)
- James Musick (1947–1975)
- Brad Gates (1975–1999)
- Michael CaronaMike CaronaMichael S. "Mike" Carona is a convicted felon and former Sheriff-Coroner of Orange County, California. The Sheriff was the elected head of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. He gained national prominence during the hunt for the killer of Samantha Runnion...
(1999–2008) - Jack Anderson (Assistant Sheriff Acting as Sheriff) (January 2008-June 2008)
- Sandra HutchensSandra HutchensSandra Hutchens is the current Sheriff-Coroner of Orange County, California. She was appointed to the position on June 10, 2008, replacing acting sheriff Jack Anderson, who had led the department since the January 14, 2008 resignation of former sheriff Mike Carona...
(2008–present)