Slides from the murder scene flipped onto the screen – one grotesque shot after another. The students briefed on the infamous 2005 “Fortune Teller Murders” weren’t fazed by the blood-soaked and paint-splashed scene; they leaned in. They learned about the complexities of processing the detailed scene and how forensic scientists...

On September 19, 2019 at 6 a.m., Motor Deputy Stephen Baker was on his way to work in Aliso Viejo when he came across a car that was partially blocking the right lane of the 15S/91W connector bridge. As Deputy Baker got closer to the vehicle, he noticed a woman...

Trust between the public and law enforcement is continually evolving. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) believes it is important to bring to the attention of the public an unfounded mischaracterization by the Orange County Register that attempts to erode that trust, and was not corrected despite numerous requests.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens is encouraging the community to participate in a countywide drive to collect baby essentials for families in need. From now until June 8, HomeAid Orange County, in partnership with the Children and Families Commission of Orange County, will be collecting basic baby essentials such as diapers, wipes...

In honor of National Forensic Science Week, the Orange County Crime Lab wants to educate the public on the many ways our work impacts the county and makes a difference in the life of the citizens we serve. Making sense of what gets left behind is the crux of the...

SANTA ANA, Ca. (July 11, 2019) – In March 2019, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes announced changes to Orange County Jail operations, including the temporary closure of the James A. Musick Facility in Irvine and ending the agreement with the Federal Government to house Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees...

STANTON, Ca. (Aug. 28, 2020) – 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. View PDF

MEDAL OF COURAGE: Pursuit of armed bank robber On April 19, 2019 at approximately 3:50 p.m., a robbery occurred in Dana Point. Deputies located the suspect vehicle, but lost sight of it during a high-speed pursuit. About 20 minute later, Deputy Rivas spotted a vehicle matching the suspect’s vehicle on...

SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 20, 2020): Based on directives handed down by federal, state and local authorities, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has implemented measures in response to COVID-19 to protect the health and safety of the public, personnel and those in our custody in Orange County Jail facilities. View...

Personnel Complaints The Orange County Sheriff’s Department considers its relationship with the community to be of great importance and encourages everyone to express their opinions regarding the performance, professionalism, and conduct of our employees. To achieve this goal, it is important that all complaints against members of the department be...