Body MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2026): – On Nov. 5, 2026, the Orange County Sheriff’s 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...

Body LAKE FOREST, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2026): On Thursday, Sept.10, at 8 p.m., deputies responded to the area of Portola Parkway and Market Place in Lake Forest regarding a traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Deputies arrived and found an 83-year-old male, on the ground with severe injuries. He...

Body Above The Influence - Youth Substance Use Prevention Program Teen substance abuse continues to be a significant public health problem in Orange County, with children experimenting with various substances at very young ages. To reduce the risk a child will use a dangerous substance as a teenager, the Orange County...

Body September 2026 Update Local public safety officials, in consultation with subject matter experts from the California Geological Survey (CGS) and the state's Watershed Emergency Response Team (WERT), evaluate the Airport Fire burn scar's recovery progress on an annual basis to assess the current risk to the community and to make...

Body It is the right of every person regardless of race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, to be secure and protected from fear, intimidation, and physical harm caused by the activities of violent groups and individuals. All reported cases of hate crimes are fully investigated by the Sheriff's Department...

Body Trust between the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the people we protect and serve is key to the stability of our community and to the safe and effective delivery of policing services. Sheriff Barnes and department personnel actively collaborate with diverse community groups and faith leaders throughout Orange County to...

Body SANTA ANA, Calif. (Sep. 18, 2026) – During Child Passenger Safety Week, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department encourages all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September...

Body Reserve Deputy Testing Testing begins promptly at 6:00 a.m. Applicants are requested to arrive by 5:30 a.m. in appropriate physical training attire. Testing consists of a pre-screen, written exam, physical agility test, and an oral board interview. Testing takes several hours, please plan to be onsite all day. 2026 Testing...

Body We are excited to offer two teen academies in the summer for young adults, ages 16 to 18. The Teen Academy is a five-day intensive workshop designed to be a fun, hands-on experience for young adults to learn about the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Teens will learn about the training...