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

On Monday, December 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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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.

Stanton, Ca. (Dec. 11, 2024): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, December 13, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Stanton.  

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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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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Dana Point, Ca. (November 23, 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 Monday, November 25, 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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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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