San Juan Capistrano, Ca. (Apr. 22, 2025): On April 24, from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OC Sheriff) will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sgt. Kyle Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
LAGUNA HILLS, Ca. (Apr. 9, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OC Sheriff) will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Apr. 11, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Laguna Hills.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sgt. Kyle Ishii said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
OC Sheriff reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Stanton, Ca. (Apr. 19, 2025): On April 21, from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OC Sheriff) will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sgt. Kyle Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Mission Viejo, Ca. (Apr. 17, 2025): On April 19, from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OC Sheriff) will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sgt. Kyle Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
San Clemente, Ca. (Apr. 12, 2025): On April 14, from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OC Sheriff) will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sgt. Kyle Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Dana Point, Ca. (Apr. 5, 2025): On April 7, from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m., the OC Sheriff’s Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.
“A driver’s focus should be on the road, not their phone,” Sgt. Kyle Ishii said. “That text, phone call, email or social media post is not worth the risk to yourself and other people on the road.”
If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 25, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has resolved the lawsuit brought by People for the Ethical Operation of Prosecutors and Law Enforcement (P.E.O.P.L.E.), Bethany Webb, Theresa Smith, and Tina Jackson. This case, initiated in 2018, focused on the use of custodial informants in Orange County jails and alleged violations of the U.S. Constitution and state laws. The lawsuit has been dismissed with prejudice by the Plaintiffs, who acknowledged that their case had no impact on the Department’s operations. This outcome underscores the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s commitment to constitutional policing and proactive measures to protect the rights of all individuals.
Sheriff Don Barnes, unwavering in his confidence in the Department’s position throughout the litigation, stated, “I was confident we would prevail in court. This lawsuit, which wasted millions of taxpayer dollars defending a case against the County that never had merit, has finally been dismissed. This dismissal reaffirms that our policies are aligned with constitutional standards and further validates the Department’s dedication to lawful policing practices.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has consistently worked to ensure compliance with constitutional mandates outside of any litigation and without any external oversight mandates. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) concluded its investigation into the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s use of custodial informants, recognizing substantial compliance with constitutional requirements. The U.S. DOJ made no changes to the Department’s internal processes or procedures when it made its findings. P.E.O.P.L.E.’s settlement acknowledges the U.S. DOJ has found the Department’s current policies and procedures regarding the use of custodial informants are in substantial compliance with the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments.
“The Department has shown consistency in lawful practices through the closure of the U.S. DOJ investigation and now in the dismissal of this case,” said Mary Izadi, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Constitutional Policing Advisor. “We remain committed to serving the community while protecting constitutional rights through proactive policies.”
The Plaintiffs, in their settlement agreement, acknowledged that neither the Orange County Sheriff’s Department nor the U.S. DOJ considered or accepted their views or input regarding the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s current policies and procedures regarding the use of informants inside the Orange County jails.
“It is unfortunate that it took Plaintiffs years to realize their lawsuit was baseless,” said Sheriff Barnes. “The resolution of this case without any requirements, changes, or additional costs reaffirms the work of the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and their dedication to safeguarding the constitutional rights of those entrusted to our care.”
SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 21, 2025): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department today promoted seven personnel, including an assistant sheriff and a commander.
Assistant Sheriff Nate Wilson was selected to oversee the Department’s Custody Operations Command. He will lead initiatives to continue providing safe and secure facilities for incarcerated persons; including programming focused on re-entry services and integrated services for inmates with mental health and substance use disorders.
Assistant Sheriff Wilson’s promotion comes after the retirement of Assistant Sheriff Andy Stephens, who committed nearly 32 years of dedicated service to the community.
“Assistant Sheriff Wilson is an effective, pragmatic and well-respected leader within our organization who has extensive experience in custody operations,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “He has established himself as an expert in navigating the challenging issues we face in our custody system, and I look forward to the contributions he will make.”
Commander Christopher McDonald also was promoted, along with five lieutenants, in a ceremony held at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. All personnel begin their new assignments today, March 21.
Assistant Sheriff Nate Wilson Assistant Sheriff Wilson started at the Sheriff’s Department in 2000 after dedicating six years of military service — three in the United States Army as a specialist and three in the Army Reserves, where he served in aviation operations.
In his tenure with the department, he has worked in the custody, patrol and administrative services commands. As a deputy, he worked patrol in the city of Stanton, was a field training officer and was assigned to GRIP, where he worked with at-risk youth to increase school attendance and decrease gang activity.
Assistant Sheriff Wilson was promoted to sergeant in 2012 and worked in custody, patrol and internal affairs.
He promoted to lieutenant in 2016, was first assigned to the Central Jails Division and then as the department watch commander, overseeing daily patrol operations. In 2018, he was selected as the Chief of Police Services for the city of Stanton.
As captain, Assistant Sheriff Wilson led the Behavioral Health Bureau, working collaboratively with the Health Care Agency and other stakeholders to increase crisis intervention services in Orange County. As part of that assignment, he also managed the development of the department’s Crisis Intervention Training and homeless outreach efforts.
He was promoted to commander in 2021 and assigned to the Intake Release Center, a maximum security facility that houses incarcerated persons with acute mental health and substance use disorders. His command also included the transportation division and the fugitive warrants and extradition detail.
Assistant Sheriff Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from California State University, Fullerton. He also attained certification as an American with Disabilities Act coordinator and completed the University of Southern California’s Public Safety Leadership Program.
Commander Christopher McDonald Commander Christopher McDonald joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 1999. In his time with the department, he has served in custody, patrol and investigations at the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC) and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
As a supervisor, Commander McDonald worked in Custody Operations, the Crime Analysis Bureau and as a patrol supervisor in the city of Stanton. Additionally, he served an ancillary duty with the Crisis Negotiations Team.
He was promoted in 2022 to lieutenant and was assigned to the Theo Lacy Facility, overseeing daily operations and special projects. Commander McDonald was then selected as Chief of Police Services for the city of Mission Viejo, where he served until April 2024.
Most recently, Commander McDonald worked as the captain of the Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC), which employs a wide-range of technology and publicly available data to aid law enforcement response to crimes in progress or crimes that recently occurred.
Commander McDonald has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from National University.
YORBA LINDA, Ca. (Mar. 24, 2025): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.
On Wednesday, March 26, 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.
SAN CLEMENTE, Ca. (Mar. 22, 2025): – 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 Monday, March 24, 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.
