Santa Ana, Ca. (Apr. 1, 2025) – In its efforts to prevent distracted driving and save lives on our roads, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is reminding all drivers to stay focused, keep their eyes forward and keep their hands on the wheel. Whether checking a phone, eating or adjusting the radio, distractions can have devastating consequences.

"Staying focused behind the wheel is something we can all do,” Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Ishii said. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an important reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences. Distracted driving is not only risky; it is deadly. Stay focused, stay alert and help us keep our roads safe.”

According to the 2024 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving, because of texting, was their biggest safety concern. In 2022, there were 148 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, and 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.

Follow these simple steps to stay focused and protect everyone on the road:

• Put your phone away: Silence notifications and store your phone where you can’t reach it while driving.
• Plan ahead: Set your GPS, adjust mirrors and finish any tasks before you start driving.
• Keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road: Avoid eating, grooming or adjusting controls while driving.
• Be a role model: Show your passengers, especially young drivers, that focused driving is the norm.

• Speak up: If you’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, kindly remind them to stay focused.
• Pull over if necessary: If something urgent comes up, stop in a safe place before responding.

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

DANA POINT, Ca. (March 28, 2025): A deputy-involved shooting occurred this morning in a gated residential community in Dana Point.
On Friday, March 28, at 4:12 a.m., deputies responded to a call of a welfare check in a gated community near Corniche Drive and Camino Del Avion, in Dana Point. The caller stated they could hear a woman screaming at the provided address.

Deputies arrived on scene and attempted to contact the resident at the address. Sometime after the deputies arrived, a 38-year-old woman exited the front door towards the deputies while holding a knife. A deputy-involved shooting occurred, and the woman was struck multiple times.

The woman was provided medical aid at the scene and was transported to a local area hospital where she is in critical condition.
There were no other subjects involved in the initial call for service, nor the deputy-involved shooting. No deputies were injured during the incident. For informational purposes, a photo of the actual knife found near the woman is presented below.

Per protocol, the investigation of the deputy-involved shooting will be handled by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. Deputies in Dana Point are equipped with body-worn cameras. Footage from the incident will be released in accordance with the law and in consultation with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Laguna Niguel, Ca. (Apr. 26, 2025): On April 28, 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 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.”