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

On Tuesday, April 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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Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. (April 20, 2024): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing. 

On Monday, April 22, 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. (April 30, 2024): During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. By practicing safe driving habits and taking shared responsibility on our roads, we can help everyone arrive at their destination safely.

“Motorcycles may be difficult to spot, so be extra careful before changing lanes,” Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “A simple double take could mean the difference between a safe journey and a tragic crash. Motorcycle riders do not have the same protections drivers and passengers do. Let's all do our part to keep each other safe out there.”

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022. Motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and four times more likely to be injured.

Throughout the month, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct motorcycle safety operations throughout the month.

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

Drivers

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
• Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot. 
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

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. (April 30, 2024): May is National Bicycle Safety Month and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is encouraging more people to get active and safely take bike rides.

“Bicycling is a great means of transportation and recreation, and everyone deserves to ride to their destination safely,” Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “Let’s look out for one another and share the road, share the responsibility.” 

To help keep people biking or walking safe, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will conduct traffic safety operations throughout the month focused on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield right of way, and stop sign/red light running.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers: 

Drivers

• Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.
• Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.
• Be patient when traveling behind a bicyclist and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space. 

Bike Riders

• Use lights at night.
• Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.
• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

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. (April 18, 2024): The city of Stanton has selected Captain Ryan Pierce as their new Chief of Police Services. 

“I am humbled to join the exceptional team of dedicated personnel who serve the city of Stanton,” Captain Pierce said. “I look forward to returning to the city and bringing the experience I’ve gained in my 25 years with the department.” 

Captain Pierce joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1999 and worked as a deputy in Custody and Patrol Operations, serving North Patrol and the city of Stanton. 

Captain Pierce has worked a variety of assignments, including as a Recruit Training Officer at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. He also served as a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and the Tactical Apprehension Team (TAT), conducting undercover operations and counter-surveillance operations. 

Captain Pierce promoted to sergeant in 2014 and first served as a Custody Operations Sergeant before being assigned as the Range Sergeant. 

In 2018, Captain Pierce promoted to lieutenant and was assigned as the Watch Commander and Administrative Lieutenant for the Theo Lacy Facility. He then became the Department Commander in 2020, overseeing department-wide operations and calls for service. 

Most recently, Captain Pierce served as the Academy Commander, overseeing the daily operations of the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. 

Captain Pierce will begin his new assignment Friday, April 19. 

MISSION VIEJO, Ca. (April 18, 2024): The city of Mission Viejo has selected Captain Jason Ivins as their new Chief of Police Services. He will begin his new assignment Friday, April 19. 

“I am looking forward to bringing my experience and diverse law enforcement background to the city of Mission Viejo to continue providing exceptional service to the community,” Captain Ivins said. 

Captain Ivins joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1999 and first was assigned to the Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana. In 2006, he served in Patrol Operations for the city of San Juan Capistrano and was a member of the South Directed Enforcement Team, a specialized unit that focuses on career criminals and violent offenders. 

Captain Ivins became a K-9 handler in 2012 and served as Patrol K-9 Team Leader for two years. 

In 2017, he was promoted to sergeant and served in a variety of assignments as a supervisor, including the North Operations Homeless Outreach Team and the Special Enforcement Bureau’s K-9 Services. 

He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2023 and assigned to oversee special projects and serve as the watch commander for the Theo Lacy Facility. 

Most recently, Captain Ivins led the Behavioral Health Bureau, overseeing collaborative programming with the Orange County Health Care Agency to balance enforcement with providing resources for those experiencing homelessness or mental health crises. 

Captain Ivins has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Irvine and organizational leadership accreditation from Brandman University.  

When not working, Captain Ivins enjoys spending time traveling to US National Parks with his family, surfing, mountain biking and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.        

Lake Forest, Ca. (May 8, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Monday, May 10, in the city of Lake Forest 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. ###

Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. (May 1, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Monday, May 3, in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita 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. ###

Orange County’s Homeless Death Review Committee issued its second report today, reviewing deaths of people experiencing homelessness in 2022. 

The Coroner Division of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department led the Homeless Death Review Committee, commissioned by Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes in January 2022. The Committee includes broad representation of technical experts from county agencies, municipal police departments, hospitals, and non-profits.

The Committee met to explore the root causes of homeless deaths to determine what, if any, factors contributing to the deaths were preventable.

The 2022 report’s findings show that deaths among people experiencing homelessness continue to rise, increasing from 395 in 2021 to 496 in 2022, an increase of 25.6 percent.

In addition to the increase in the total number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness, the Committee found that accidental deaths continue to be the leading manner of death, surpassing natural deaths. In 2022, of the 324 accidental deaths, 209 are specifically due to fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Comparatively in 2018, just 12 deaths of people experiencing homeless were fentanyl-related. 

“The dramatic rise of fentanyl-related deaths among people experiencing homelessness continues to be a cause of concern,” said Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “We are addressing fentanyl through enforcement actions against traffickers, the Above the Influence education program in schools, and through the Medication Assisted Treatment program for inmates in our county jails.  I also continue to advocate for state and federal legislation that has been proposed and will assist our local efforts.”

In 2023, Sheriff Barnes sponsored AB 271, authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, which will permit data sharing among mortality review committees. The legislation was signed into law and went into effect in January 2024. This will provide the Homeless Death Review Committee the ability to share more data, allowing for a more detailed analysis in next year’s report. 

“I appreciate the Committee’s report and recommendations,” said Sheriff Barnes. “I look forward to the comprehensive review we will be able to see next year and how it will help us identify, address and mitigate deaths of people experiencing homelessness.”

Click here to read the 2022 report.

Mission Viejo, Ca. (May 4, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Monday, May 6, in the city of Mission Viejo 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. ###