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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Aliso Viejo, Ca. (November 13, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, November 15, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Aliso Viejo.  

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2019, 1,066 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. 

The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home. 

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

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LAKE FOREST, Ca. (Oct. 18, 2024): Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators are seeking the public’s assistance to track down additional information and witnesses in an Oct. 17 bank robbery.

At 12:03 p.m. on Oct. 17, Orange County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the Chase Bank off Portola Parkway and Bake Parkway in the city of Lake Forest reference a bank robbery in progress with an armed suspect. 

Prior to the deputies arriving, a male suspect armed with a handgun entered the bank and walked directly towards a bank teller.  The male suspect reached over the counter and fired a round from the gun towards the feet of the bank teller.  The round did not strike the bank teller, and no one was injured.  The suspect fled the bank with approximately $31,000 in cash prior to the deputies arriving.   

Deputies quickly set up a perimeter and utilized all available resources including the OC Sheriff’s patrol helicopter and search canines to locate the suspect, but were unsuccessful.  Due to the believed direction of travel of the suspect, a nearby elementary school was placed on lockdown for a short period of time while the search was conducted. On a trail near the bank, several items were located and collected in possible connection with the bank robbery. Crime Scene Investigators are currently processing those items.

The suspect is described as a male, 5’6” to 5’10”, thin build and last seen wearing bucket style hat, black mask, yellow-hooded sweatshirt, tan pants, gloves, and a silver revolver style handgun.

Investigators are actively seeking additional information in this case. If anyone has any information that may assist the investigation, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

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In April of 2020, a deputy was involved in a use of force in the City of Laguna Niguel.  The use of force was determined to be within policy.

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/UOF/UOF.20-013126.zip 

• Read more about 20-013126 Use of Force

In August of 2017, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange.  The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued. 

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force.17-108.zip

• Read more about 17-108 Use of Force

In December of 2016, deputies were involved in a use of force at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana.  The use of force was determined to be outside of policy with policy violations addressed and discipline issued. 

Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.

https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/SF-Unreasonable%20or%20Excessive%20Force/SF%20of%20Excessive%20Force.17-001.zip
 

• Read more about 17-001 Use of Force

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Oct. 16, 2024):  The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will test its emergency mass notification system, AlertOC, at 10:17 a.m. Oct. 17 with a test emergency alert that will be sent to residents’ mobile devices and home phones. 

The test will replicate a large-scale, multi-jurisdictional emergency requiring thousands of numbers to be called simultaneously across Orange County. 

“Recent earthquake and fire activity serve as an important reminder to us all to be ready for disasters that could happen at any time, disrupting our daily lives,” said Michelle Anderson, County Emergency Manager. “Our goal during National Preparedness Month is to encourage individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to get involved in preparing at home, work, school, and places of worship. By taking small steps to prepare today, we protect our future.” 

Disasters, such as the state’s historic wildfires or earthquakes, often occur rapidly, forcing evacuations and road closures to neighborhoods. 

AlertOC is a critical link for residents to immediately learn of any required actions, such as evacuating their homes. 

The distinctive feature of AlertOC is the ability for individuals to register multiple contact methods and addresses. Registration of cell phone and alternate numbers dramatically increase the ability to reach the greatest number of community members within minutes. This enables landlines, cell phones, and e-mail addresses to be incorporated into a single notification system.

Residents are encouraged to sign up at AlertOC.gov and also visit ReadyOC.org for emergency preparedness resources, including templates for family plans, checklists to build emergency kits, and more. 

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (Oct. 16, 2024):  National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26. During this week, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages parents and caregivers to talk with their teens about following the rules of the road and how safe driving can help save lives. 

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2022. In California, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in 2022 despite accounting for only 5% of all licensed drivers in the U.S.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds parents and caregivers to discuss the dangers of risky driving behaviors like speeding, texting while driving, or not wearing a seatbelt. Teens should also understand the serious dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"Parents and caregivers play a huge part in keeping teens safe on the road,” Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “Having these meaningful conversations, setting rules, and being a role model for safe driving can help teens make better choices when they’re driving."

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

• Provisional Driver’s License: Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.
• Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show, your teen how to drive safely.
• Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, eliminating distractions by friends, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up. Create a parent-teen driving contract to outline specific driving guidelines.
• Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving impaired or riding with someone who has been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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. (Oct. 4, 2024):  The Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages families and students to wear their sneakers and join their classmates to walk, bike, or roll to class on Wednesday, October 9. “Walk and Roll to School Day” is celebrated annually to highlight the benefits of exercise while also promoting the importance of pedestrian and road safety.

“National Walk and Roll to School Day offers an amazing opportunity for families to build stronger community bonds,” Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “This event not only promotes pedestrian safety and advocates for safer routes for walking and biking to school but also underscores the importance of boosting physical activity among children and prioritizing their safety. It's a wonderful way to come together and make a positive impact on our children's well-being.”

While extra caution is needed on the morning of October 9, with increased foot and bike traffic, it’s important to stay alert every single day. Drivers should:

• Be prepared to stop for school buses and children crossing the street.
• Always watch their speed and slowdown in school zones.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers tips for students who walk, bike, or roll to school:

• Plan your route on roads with sidewalks or paths away from traffic. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible or ride your bike in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as possible.
• Use crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals. If there are unmarked crosswalks, cross at corners on streets with fewer lanes and lower speed limits.
• Always look left-right-left before crossing the street. Continue to scan for traffic as you cross the street. 
• Watch for cars entering/leaving driveways or parking spaces. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
• Always wear a helmet when riding or rolling.
• Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight when it’s dark.
• Stay alert. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.

Schools are encouraged to register at walkbiketoschool.org as a way of tracking participation and showing support for active, healthy, and safe transportation. 

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. (Oct. 4, 2024): October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,522 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2022. In California alone, 1,158 pedestrians were struck and killed on California roads in 2022, accounting for 26 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the state. The high number of pedestrians injured and killed on our roads highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures for people walking.

“Every step we take towards greater pedestrian safety is a step towards saving lives," Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. "We want to remind everyone that safety begins with you, whether you're behind the wheel or on foot. Small actions, like slowing down, putting away distractions and yielding at crosswalks, can make a life-saving difference.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking.

Drivers

• Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic. 
• Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material, or use a flashlight when practical.
• Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.

Share your thoughts about pedestrian safety by participating in the Go Safely Movement, a call-to-action traffic safety survey from the California Office of Traffic Safety. Take the survey at 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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