Mission Viejo, Ca. (Nov. 21, 2024): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing. 

On Saturday, November 23, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (Nov. 19, 2024): Construction of the new James A. Musick facility is complete, employing an innovative custody model focused on increased rehabilitation services, enhanced safety and greater access to education and health services. 

The 324,000 square-foot, 896-bed facility will house minimum and medium-security incarcerated persons under a direct-supervision model, which marks a departure from traditional custody facility designs. 

“There was a lot of thought and intentionality that went in to designing this jail to transition people out of custody and support their re-entry into our community,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “With robust programming and innovative features, we look at this facility as an opportunity to better serve those entrusted to our care.” 

Each housing unit will be assigned personnel who will remain inside the module 24 hours a day, allowing for direct interaction with incarcerated persons to encourage positive behavior and identify any potential issues before they escalate. 

The design also limits movement throughout the facility while bringing services direct to those in custody, creating a safer environment that emphasizes education and rehabilitation. 

Aesthetic components of the facility include large-scale colorful murals and more natural light, which are features shown to benefit mental health and stimulate a calming environment. 

Construction on the new facility began in August 2020 using a combination of state grants and county funds. The previous iteration of the James A. Musick facility, which included multiple temporary structures, closed in 2019. 

The Sheriff’s Department expects to house incarcerated individuals in the new facility by early December.

OC Sheriff remains dedicated to security of election process and election workers.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OC Sheriff) works with the Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV) throughout the election season to protect ballot collection sites, escort workers with collected ballots and maintain security at the ROV office. OC Sheriff retains a 24/7 uniformed presence at the ROV from election night until the vote is certified on December 3. 

On Friday, November 8, 2024, the ROV received a bomb threat emailed to a generic email address. The ROV and OC Sheriff determined that an evacuation of the entire building was the most prudent for the safety of all present. The evacuation occurred at 6:45 p.m., just 15 minutes prior to the regular 7 p.m. end time for vote counting. OC Sheriff requested that observers and ROV staff were evacuated to different locations on the ROV campus. The OC Sheriff Hazardous Devices Section (HDS) responded and conducted a thorough sweep of the building, and found no evidence of an incendiary device. Immediately following the evacuation, the ballots remained secure by Sheriff’s deputies who were present to guard the building and ballots throughout the evening until ballot counters and observers arrived the following day.  

An investigation into the origin of the bomb threat is underway by OC Sheriff’s North Investigations unit. Preliminary information indicates the email came from a server overseas. At this time, it is believed that many other counties were subject to the same threat at the same time, and any information obtained regarding the origin of the threat will be shared with local and federal authorities. 

In order to ensure the safety and security of the election process and election workers, OC Sheriff HDS will conduct additional random sweeps of the ROV building. We will also maintain a 24/7 presence at the ROV office, working closely with ROV staff until the election is certified.

Lake Forest, Ca. (November 13, 2024): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing. 

On Friday, November 15, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Laguna Niguel, Ca. (November 19, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Thursday, November 21, in the city of Laguna Niguel looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes. 

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants. 

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers:

•           Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots

•           Use your signal when changing lanes

•           Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance

•           When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning

Motorcyclist:

•           Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing

•           Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you

•           Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day

•           Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles

•           Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com or by calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411). Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

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Laguna Hills, Ca. (November 12, 2024): – The Sheriff’s Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On Thursday, November 14, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation. 

Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers. 

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. 

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org. 

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

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STANTON, Ca. (November 9, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Monday, November 11, in the city of Stanton looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes. 

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants. 

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers:

•           Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots

•           Use your signal when changing lanes

•           Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance

•           When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning

Motorcyclist:

•           Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing

•           Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you

•           Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day

•           Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles

•           Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com or by calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411). Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (Nov. 7, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department – OC Crime Lab has been awarded a $154,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for training and enhanced drug impaired driving testing. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will use the funding to facilitate the efficient testing of all blood samples collected in DUI investigations for the presence of drugs, regardless of the blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

“We continue to see the impacts of legalization of marijuana and the increase of opioid abuse in our community, including on our roadways,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner.  “Enhanced testing and training provided by this grant helps us hold accountable those who endanger our community by choosing to drive impaired.”

The prevalence of drug-impaired driving is increasing on our roadways.  Based on case derived data collected by the Orange County Crime Laboratory over 50% of drivers arrested for DUI in Orange County have at least one impairing drug in their system other than alcohol. 

Illicit drugs and certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause impairment in an individual. These substances in combination with even a small amount of alcohol can cause a person to become unable to operate a motor vehicle safely.

“Drug-impaired driving is a significant problem in California,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Effective drug testing is needed to combat the rise in cases and assist in the prosecution of those who put lives at risk.”

 While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest. 

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

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (Oct. 30, 2024) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its ongoing enforcement and education programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on our roads. The grant program runs through September 2025.

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “By increasing enforcement of traffic laws and focusing on high-risk areas, we aim to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone."

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including: 

• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.

• High-visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.

• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk. 

• Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.

• Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and bicycle and pedestrian safety.

• Collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.

• Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (October 25, 2024): Please see the attached statement from Sheriff Barnes: 

“Orange County has lost a legend and our department has lost one of our most beloved family members. Sheriff Brad Gates passed away this morning at the age of 85.

“Sheriff Gates’ six terms in office, from 1975 to 1999, were defined as ‘24 Years of Progress.’ He took the helm of our agency at the age of 35 after only 14 years into his law enforcement career. His accomplishments as Sheriff are too long to include in one memo. Although it has now been over 24 years since Sheriff Gates retired, much of what our department has in place today are a result of initiatives he began.

“He constructed the IRC, expanded Theo Lacy, guided the County-wide Coordinated Communications System, established RNSP, instituted new technologies at the crime lab, expanded the use of civilian job classifications, founded the Sheriff’s Advisory Council and Drug Use is Life Abuse, and led the way as the first large law enforcement agency to have video cameras installed in patrol units. The population of Orange County nearly doubled during his tenure and Brad Gates accomplished the task of ensuring one of America’s fastest growing counties had a first-class sheriff’s department.

“It was this record that attracted so many young men and women to join our department. As a young deputy I remember how much we all looked up to him and his spirit of excellence. We knew he had our backs so long as we did our duty in keeping with the high standards he set. It is the same spirit and standards, which have guided me long after he retired as sheriff.

“I cannot close this memo without recognizing Sheriff Gates’ affinity for the West. He enjoyed riding horses, was often spotted in a cowboy hat, and even won his first election as Sheriff with an endorsement by western actor John Wayne. In Old West times, a peace officer was commonly referred to as a ‘lawman.’ Lawmen like Wyatt Earp are credited with bringing order to the chaos of the Wild West and making the frontier a safe place to live and raise a family. The West was tamed long before Brad Gates became Sheriff, but like the lawmen before him, he ensured a rapidly growing county was kept safe.

“Brad Gates epitomized the best of a lawman, he led with integrity, possessed tremendous strength and stood tall in defense of the public he was sworn to serve. History books will record Brad Gates as Orange County’s 10th Sheriff, but he will always rank as top lawman in the hearts of those he so ably led.”

Sheriff Gates is survived by his wife Deedee, son Scott, daughter Deedee Jo, her husband Eddie; grandchildren, Joanna, Emma and Nathan; big brothers Stillman and Robert, and little sister Margaret Lapham. Please keep the entire Gates family in your thoughts and prayers.

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