On February 9, 2019 deputies were involved in a use of force in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita. The use of force was determined to be within policy. Training issues were identified and corrective action was addressed. Link to responsive records- https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/UOF/UOF.19-005291.zip 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.
On January 19, 2019 deputies were involved in a use of force in the city of Lake Forest. The use of force was determined to be within policy. Link to responsive records - https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/UOF/UOF.19-002419.zipPlease note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.
On June 29, 2014 an OIS occurred in the unincorporated are of Ladera Ranch. This case was investigated by the Orange County District Attorney's office and no criminal charges were filed. Link to responsive records - https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/OIS/OIS.14-121963.zipPlease note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 11, 2020): Please see the statement below from Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
“We have received an order from the court in a case regarding COVID-19 in the Orange County jails. The order mandates a significant reduction of the jail's inmate population. We are evaluating the order, its impacts and our options for appeal. If the order stands, it will result in the release of more than 1,800 inmates. Many of these inmates are in pre-trial status for, or have been convicted of, violent crimes and will be released back into the community. This order puts our community at substantial risk and does not take into account the impact on the victims of these crimes.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Affairs Director Carrie Braun
CBraun@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042 Be Safe, Be Sober This Holiday Season // National Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign Begins Dec. 14
Orange County, CA (December 11, 2020) – This holiday season, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind the public about the importance of being safe and sober while driving.
While the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we celebrate the holidays, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is dedicated to keeping the public safe and urges people to stay at home or use a designated sober driver if you plan to drink.
Starting Dec. 14 through New Year’s Day, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have deputies on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, intended to show zero tolerance for drunk driving and keep roads safe.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Affairs Director Carrie Braun
CBraun@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042
Orange County Jail COVID-19 numbers increase, mitigation efforts continue
SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 10, 2020): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Custody Operations Division and OC Health Care Agency’s Correctional Health Services (CHS) have worked collaboratively to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the Orange County Jail system. Yesterday, two inmates in general population began exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and tested positive, the remaining individuals in those housing areas were tested. That resulted in 72 additional inmates in general population that tested positive for COVID-19. The total COVID-19 positive inmates today in the Orange County Jail system is 102, with 28 new booking inmates and 74 general population inmates. The vast majority of the COVID-19 positive inmates are asymptomatic.
None of the inmates who have tested positive within the last two days have required hospitalization or advanced medical treatment. All inmates exposed to COVID-19 positive inmates will be quarantined for 14 days, and tested prior to the end of their quarantine.
Following a positive COVID-19 case in general population, CHS and Custody Operations conduct contact tracing to determine exposure. All exposed inmates are quarantined and tested, and their health status is monitored including symptom screening and temperature checks, with additional assessments conducted as warranted.
These cases come after an exhaustive effort by personnel from Custody Operations and CHS to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the jails. Working collaboratively with the CHS team, the Department implemented a series of changes to practices and procedures to mitigate the spread of the virus. Beginning in April, all new bookings into the Orange County Jail are quarantined from the general population for a minimum of 14 days. To help prevent the spread of the virus from the community into our jails, all quarantined inmates, including all new bookings, are tested before being integrated into general housing. Also, any inmate exposed to a COVID-19 positive person is medically quarantined and monitored for symptoms. If any inmate exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, they are also isolated and tested.
Patient education on infection prevention strategies is done at all healthcare encounters. In addition, screening procedures including a temperature check and symptom screening for all personnel and inmates entering an Orange County Jail began in March 2020.
“Just as we have seen COVID-19 cases rise in the community, we are now seeing that impact our jail,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “As we have successfully done before, we will implement multi-layered mitigation efforts to control the further spread of COVID-19 among inmates or personnel. Throughout the
pandemic, we have gone beyond CDC guidelines and increased testing for inmates and employees. I am confident that the practices and procedures we have implemented in previous cases will bring cases back down to zero as we have before.”
To further prevent the spread of these cases, the Sheriff’s Department is working collaboratively with the courts to limit the number of inmates being transported to courthouses. COVID-19 positive inmates in isolation and quarantined inmates are not transported to court.
In total, 691 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 since the first positive inmate on March 24, 2020. Of those, only three inmates have been hospitalized for COVID-19 and none have died. 6,964 COVID-19 tests have been administered to Orange County Jail inmates since the start of the pandemic.
At the start of the pandemic, the average daily jail population count declined to 2,826 on May 11, 2020 at the height of active COVID-19 cases in the jails. That is less than half of the average daily population prior to the start of the pandemic. That number has steadily increased, and today sits at 3,628. This is well below the
Orange County Jails’ capacity of 6,159.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Affairs Director Carrie Braun
CBraun@ocsd.org | C: 714-904-7042
Orange County Sheriff implements proactive measures to limit exposure to COVID-19
SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 8, 2020): Effective immediately and until further notice, Sheriff Don Barnes issued directives for decreasing potential COVID-19 exposure to the community and department personnel.
“Our foremost responsibility is to keep the community safe,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “These precautionary measures will safeguard the health of the public who rely on our service and the members of the department who respond to their call.”
The following are immediate changes that are in effect until further notice:
The front lobby of all Sheriff’s Department buildings and contract city police services substations will be closed to the public.
All volunteer programs are suspended; this includes senior programs in contract cities, jail volunteers, and Explorer programs. Jail programs provided by staff will continue.
Patrol deputies have been directed to utilize discretion in responding to calls for service that require social contact. Where possible, deputies will call reporting parties and take reports over the phone.
Deputies will not be dispatched to, or respond to, calls for service to enforce compliance with face coverings, social gatherings, or stay-at-home orders only. Deputies will respond to calls for potential criminal behavior and for the protection of life and property.
Personnel will not respond to non-injury traffic collisions unless vehicles are disabled in the roadway or creating a hazard.
Public jail visiting remains suspended. Inmates are provided two free five-minute phone calls per week.
Enhanced symptom screening for jail intake continues in coordination with the Orange County Health Care Agency’s Correctional Health Services. In addition to symptom screening prior to entry to the jail, all new bookings will be quarantined for 14 days and tested for COVID-19 prior to release to general population.
All department tours and civilian ride-alongs are postponed.
“As we have seen by mitigating COVID-19 cases in our jails, abiding by public health guidelines is necessary to stop the spread of the pandemic in our community. I encourage residents to wear face coverings and social distance,” said Sheriff Barnes.
For the latest updates on COVID-19 in Orange County and additional health and safety information, visit occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/.
###
SANTA ANA, Ca. (December 5, 2020): Below please find a statement from Sheriff Don Barnes.
“2020 has been a difficult year for all of us in many ways. The pandemic, civil unrest, and fires have affected us all.
“Governor Newsom announced new stay-at-home orders for much of California, including Orange County. The ever-changing nature of these orders and the increase of COVID-19 case numbers bring additional uncertainty and stress to California residents.
“To put the onus on law enforcement to enforce these orders against law-abiding citizens who are already struggling through difficult circumstances, while criticizing law enforcement and taking away tools to do our jobs is contradictory and disingenuous.
“Compliance with health orders is a matter of personal responsibility and not a matter of law enforcement. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will remain consistent in our approach to the pandemic. Orange County Sheriff’s deputies will not be dispatched to, or respond to, calls for service to enforce compliance with face coverings, social gatherings, or stay-at-home orders only. Deputies will respond to calls for potential criminal behavior and for the protection of life and property. Our actions will remain consistent with all constitutional rights.
“As we have done throughout this pandemic, we must remain diligent in preventing the spread of the virus by following public health recommendations, like wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Conversely, policy makers must not penalize residents for earning a livelihood, safeguarding their mental health, or enjoying freedoms.
“The month of December is typically a time for celebrating. I know this year is different, but we do not need to cancel the spirit of the season. I encourage you to remake holiday traditions to accommodate public health guidelines, reach out to a neighbor, or help someone in need. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will continue our tradition of participating in charitable efforts for those in need and our commitment to keep you safe during the holidays.”
SANTA ANA, Ca. (Nov. 25, 2020): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Coroner Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating next-of-kin for a man found deceased on November 12, 2020 in the area of the train tracks along San Clemente State Beach.
The decedent is described as a male Caucasian, thin build, approximately 60 to 70 years of age, 5’ 8”, 168 pounds, with short blonde/gray hair and blue eyes. He was wearing two black long sleeve shirts and dark blue Tek-Gear brand athletic shorts with a black stripe on the sides. The decedent had evidence of a prior prostate surgery.
Coroner investigators have been working tirelessly since the incident to identify the man, including review of missing persons’ reports from the local area and attempts to utilize existing fingerprint databases, none of which revealed the identity of the decedent.
Information and inquiries can be directed to the Orange County Coroner’s Division at (714) 647-7411 reference Coroner’s Case #20-05950-LB.
SANTA ANA, Ca. (November 20, 2020): Please see the statement from Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes regarding the Governor’s modified stay-at-home orders.
“The Governor’s latest health orders have created a significant amount of uncertainty in the community regarding the feasibility and constitutionality of enforcing modified stay-at-home orders.
“Let me be clear- this is a matter of personal responsibility and not a matter of law enforcement. Orange County Sheriff’s deputies will not be dispatched to, or respond to, calls for service to enforce compliance with face coverings, social gatherings, or stay-at-home orders only. Deputies will respond to calls for potential criminal behavior and for the protection of life or property.
“Orange County residents have been diligent over the last eight months in striking a balance between protecting ourselves from COVID-19 and doing what is necessary to continue to live our lives. Collectively we must do everything we can to protect our friends, family and community. I continue to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. I encourage others to continue to do so, because it will prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“On behalf of the almost 4,000 men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, we wish you and your family a safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.”
