SLO County Sheriff's Office Annual Report 2014 by Verdin

SLO COUNT Y SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANNUAL REPORT 2014

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNT Y SHERIFF’S OFFICE 2014 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF-CORONER

NARCOTICS UNIT

MESSAGE FROM UNDERSHERIFF

CANINE (K-9) UNIT

HONOR GUARD

BOMB TASK FORCE

RURAL CRIME UNIT

MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT

BICYCLE PATROL TEAM

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT

PROPERTY ROOM

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION UNIT

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND TRAINGING

RECORDS AND WARRANTS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

COMPUTER FORENSICS LAB

FISCAL SERVICES

CIVIL DIVISION

CUSTODY DIVISION

CRIME LABORATORY

SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT

INFORMATION UNIT

DETECTIVES DIVISION

AERO SQUADRON

SAFE TEAM

DIVE TEAM

CORONER’S UNIT

EXPLORER PROGRAM

NORTH PATROL STATION

SHERIFF’S POSSE

SOUTH PATROL STATION

SHERIFF’S AUXILIARY VOLUNTEER

COAST PATROL STATION

WATCH COMMANDER’S OFFICE

DISPATCH CENTER

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL

GANG TASK FORCE

CRIME PREVENTION AND PUBLIC

PATROL (SAVP)

SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM (SAR)

2014 SHERIFF’S OFFICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

CONTACT

M ESSAG E FRO M TH E S H ER I FF - CO RO N ER This year marks the end of my first four-year term in office. The Sheriff’s Office has gone through many changes over the past four years, and I believe all of them have been positive and are the credit of the hard work and diligence of our employees. I continue to receive many letters from the community regarding the excellent work completed by Sheriff’s Office employees. As the SheriffCoroner, nothing makes me more proud of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office

We have several large projects out of the planning stages and officially underway, with the largest of these being the building of the new female jail, as well as the medical and programming building, which will also provide space for our Programming Unit. Phase two of that project will involve a new medical facility. This three-year project is a very important one. With the implementation of AB 109,

than to receive these acknowledgments.

Prison Realignment, our staff has had to adapt to a crowded and very different jail environment. This includes embracing programs that are focused on ways to change behavior to keep people out of jail. Our staff, county partners and community

We have continued to “Lead the Way” and have not settled for mediocrity. Every day our team is striving to improve service and response to a very diverse county.

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

organizations have teamed together to help accomplish this. I am looking forward to my next four years serving the citizens of San Luis Obispo County and working with the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office to make this term one of the best.

Ian Parkinson San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner

MESSAG E FROM THE UNDERSHERIFF At the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, we are dedicated to the selfless service of others. I am proud to be a member of a powerful

their focused attention on providing

I am proud of our accomplishments and the

team that strives to provide a very high level

amazing services to our communities 365

challenges we have overcome that are

of service to our communities. Our Sheriff’s

days a year, 24 hours a day. The bottom line

outlined in this 2014 annual report, and I

Office team is comprised of outstanding

is we have some awe-inspiring employees

look forward to growing even stronger as a

employees and volunteers that total more

and volunteers. I also have the unique

team in the years ahead so we may

than 600 individuals who work together for

opportunity to be part of the final interviews

continue moving the Sheriff’s Office toward

the good of the communities we serve.

of ever y new employee and ever y

excellence.

One of the duties I find most rewarding in my position as Undersheriff, is having the opportunity to work with, or view the work of, the majority of the members at the Sheriff’s Office. I see the extra effort our employees and volunteers put forth and

promotion within the Sheriff’s Office. After sitting in on many of these interviews with the Sheriff, I can tell you firsthand that the future of the Sheriff’s Office is bright as we have outstanding professionals and leaders

Tim Olivas San Luis Obispo County Undersheriff

joining or advancing within our team who are focused on attitude and service.

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PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND TR AINING Citizen Complaint Incidents Received Complaints

Between Jan 1, 2014–Dec 31,2014 By Class

2.56% NO DATA: 1 2.56% DISCRIMINATION: 1

T he number of citizen complaints

33.33%

remained static in 2014. After experienc-

2.56% ETHNIC REMARK: 1

NEGLECT OF DUTY: 13

ing a significant decrease in 2013, the number of citizen complaints was exactly

2.56% FALSE IMPRISONMENT: 1 2.56% INSUBORDINATION: 1

the same in 2014. In 2014 and 2013, there were 38 citizen complaints, com-

5.13% UNAUTHORIZED FORCE: 2

pared to 45 citizen complaints in 2012

5.13% UNAUTHORIZED TACTICS: 2

and 51 in 2011. In 2014, four of the 38 citizen complaints

15.38%

7.69% DISHONESTY: 3

DISCOURTESY: 6

were sustained and the vast majority

7.69% UNLAWFUL SEARCH: 3

12.82% UNBECOMING CONDUCT: 5

was unfounded. This low percentage of sustained complaints validates professional conduct by the men and women of

Use of Force Incidents Received

the Sheriff’s Office.

Between Jan 1, 2014–Dec 31,2014 By Assignment

Use-of-Force

2.44% NO DATA: 1

Use-of-force incidents significantly

2.44% AIRPORT: 1

decreased in 2014. There were 41

2.44% CIVIL: 1

reportable use-of-force incidents in

2.44% GTA: 1

2014 as opposed to 66 reportable use-

2.44% NORTH: 1 2.44% SOU: 1

of-force incidents in 2013. This was a 38% decrease. Both custody (38%)

65.85% CUST: 27 7.32% COAST: 3

and patrol (48%) experienced substantial decreases. The decrease in Custody

12.20% SOUTH: 5

Division’s use- of-force incidents is remarkable when taking into considera t i o n i n m a te ove rc row d i n g a n d

Pursuits

sophistication resulting from the imple-

Vehicle pursuits have continued to

team have encouraged deputies to

mentation of Assembly Bill 109.

decline during the last three years.

engage in vehicle pursuits only when

There were 22 pursuits in 2012, 12 pur-

necessary and to always follow the

suits in 2013 and 10 pursuits in 2014.

Sheriff’s Office strict guidelines regard-

Sheriff Parkinson and his management

ing vehicle pursuits.

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

Patrol and Civilian Training The Training Unit is divided into two sections, the Patrol and Civilian Training Section and the Custody Section. Each section is headed by a training coordinator who reports to the training manager. The Patrol and Civilian Training Section provides training courses developed and instructed by members of the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office and certified through the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) for sworn and civilian members. Patrol deputies and dispatchers are mandated to receive 24 hours of POST certified training within a two-year period. Once again, the San Luis Obispo County

Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office was 100% POST com-

Police Department and the retired

pliance with all applicable employees.

Academy Director for Alan Hancock

This is a rarity in the State of California

Police Academy. He is also one of the

and a result of the exemplary efforts of

foremost police experts in the world on

the Patrol and Civilian Training Section

arrest and control tactics. Sergeant

training coordinator.

Dossey trained our trainers and directed

During 2014, the Training Unit achieved many accomplishments including completing the renovation of the shooting range and equipping it with a new target system, concrete walkways, and coverings, among other improvements. T he Sherif f â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s O f fice added Greg Dossey as a reserve sergeant to their training cadre. Sergeant Dossey is a

the mandated arrest and control training for all patrol and custody personnel. The Training Unit also coordinated countywide training for blood alcohol Draeger test devices, active shooter training in conjunction with fire department personnel, 11-99 trauma training, and gang awareness and instructor development training for custody personnel.

retired sergeant from the Los Angeles

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RECORDS AND WARR ANTS The Records and Warrants Unit consists of nine full-time and two part-time employees. The unit is responsible for entering criminal warrants into state and national databases, registration of sex/ arson/gang/drug offenders, processing extraditions for all county agencies, the intake and processing of concealed weapons permits, explosive permits and business licenses, and the processing of legal documents (discovery orders, record seals, subpoenas, court orders for records, etc.) This unit also fingerprints applicants via Live Scan, resolves identifi-

In response to changes in the San Luis

Department of Justice’s audit of our sex

cation issues that impact both criminal

Obispo Superior Court’s automated

offender registration records.

and financial records, validates docu-

records system, the Records Unit

ments in national and state databases,

adapted procedures and entry require-

and responds to more than 1,000 annual

ments for restraining orders and warrants.

requests for documents that fall within

While the new exchanges of data

the California Public Records Act.

between the court and the county cre-

Accomplishments in 2014 include a 98.7 percent compliance rate of our registered sex offenders, a 100 percent compliance rate of our registered arson offenders,

ated a significant workload impact to the Sheriff ’s Office, the records staff adjusted assignments and work priorities to ensure an efficient transition.

implementation of Offender Watch, and

Goals for 2015 include implementing a

registration of all gang registrants living

new warrants system, expanding the

within the county. The success of the

county-wide criminal justice information

“Most Wanted Wednesday” project,

system to include archive information

aimed at identifying specific individuals

from the mainframe, registration of gang

the department is looking for, relies on

registrants into the state database for

the assistance of the Records and

gang registrants, and preparation for the

Warrants Unit.

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

The Sheriff’s Records and Warrants Unit consistently receives positive feedback from the California Department of Justice for its accuracy and diligence in researching and providing appropriate identifying information into state and national databases regarding our wanted persons. We plan to continue providing excellent service and assistance to the Sheriff’s Office and community.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

Located in the main headquarters build-

There are more than 350 workstations,

ing, the Information Technology Unit (IT)

laptops and other devices, as well as 50

is staffed by a supervisor, a senior pro-

mobile data terminals that are main-

gram engineer, a systems administrator,

tained by the IT department.

and two technical support personnel. IT is responsible for the purchase, installation, maintenance and support of all computer systems at the Sheriff’s Office. This includes the county jail, Sheriff’s substations, remote report writing rooms and School Resource Officer locations. The Sheriff’s IT unit supports critical systems such as the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, the records management system, arrest records and jail management systems.

COMPUTER FORENSICS L AB

In 2014, the IT team was involved in several major projects. The implementation of a new countywide breathalyzer system, providing the infrastructure for a regional dispatch center and the ongoing upgrade and support of the AFIS/photo system were just some of the team’s responsibilities. In addition, IT maintains t h e C a l i fo r n i a L aw Enfo rc e m e nt Telecommunication System for eight county law enforcement agencies.

Computer Forensics is the process of obtaining evidence from all types of digital media (computer hard drives, CDs, DVDs, cell phones, tablets, etc.) that can be presented in a court of law. The Sheriff’s Office has a dedicated computer forensics lab facility and has trained personnel in both online crime investigations and computer forensics. The office works closely with allied agencies within the county to make these specialized capabilities available to their respective investigative units. In 2014, the forensic lab assisted these allied agencies with 21 cases in addition to the 61 c ases managed for the Sheriff’s Office.

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FISCAL SERVICES The Fiscal Division supports the Sheriff’s Office in areas of accounting that include accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, grant reporting, quarterly financial reporting and budgeting. The division is comprised of an administrative services manager (ASM) that oversees the Fiscal Division and supervises the accounting staff as well as the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget, quarterly reporting, and fiscal management of various grants. In addition to the

Quick Facts

FY 14–15 Objectives

• Budget for FY 2014–15: $64 Million

• Provide better reporting to manage-

ASM, the division includes: 1) an accoun-

-- General Fund support: $38 million

tant II, that monitors the budget for custody, including the Inmate Welfare

-- Funded programs including state

Fund and Civil Division’s billings, recon-

and federal aid: $23 Million

ciliations, account analysis and various reporting, 2) an accounting technician

-- Other revenue, including fines

that is currently in charge of receivables, payables, reconciliations and monthly journal entries, and 3) t wo senior accounting clerks that are in charge of accounts payable, purchase requisitions and purchase orders.

and fees: $3 Million FY 13–14 Accomplishments

and annual budget information and statistics • Involve management in the budget process for each of the four divisions including monthly, quarterly and annual budget planning and monitoring in more detail • Develop a financial forecast for a two-

• Involved management in the budget process for each of the four divisions including monthly, quarterly and annual budget planning and monitoring • Continued to work on new processes for better efficiency and improved reporting • Continued to work on acquiring new grants and other funding opportunities • Streamlined the purchasing process

ment that includes monthly, quarterly

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

year period to be used as a planning tool • Work with administration and upper management on developing a committee to keep current on all grant and funding opportunities

CIVIL DIVISION

The Sheriff’s Office Civil Division serves

sergeant assigned as bailiffs to the supe-

civil process in the manner prescribed by

rior courts. The Civil Division also

law. The majority of procedures and laws

oversees the security checkpoints lead-

governing the service and execution of

ing into the County Courthouse, the

civil process are set forth in the California

Paso Robles C our thouse and the

Code of Civil Procedure. The Civil Division

Juvenile Court.

works in conjunction with the civil courts in San Luis Obispo County and civil courts throughout the State of California in the execution and service of process. It is the goal of the Civil Division to serve all processes in a timely manner while

For the time period of December 12, 2013 to December 12, 2014, the following civil processes were handled by the five civil deputies and four legal clerks assigned to the Civil Division:

maintaining an impartial position toward all parties involved. Civil process includes the service of summons and complaints, small claims documents, restraining orders, subpoenas and evictions. Other ser vices include levies on wages, bank accounts, personal property, real property, or any

Evictions

683

Levies

1,069

Services of Civil Processes

4,294

The Sheriff’s Civil Division is located within the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse at 1050 Monterey Street,

other asset of the judgment debtor.

Room 236, San Luis Obispo, California.

The Civil Division also provides security

through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, excluding

Public counter hours are Monday

services for the San Luis Obispo County

holidays. Civil process forms and fre-

Superior Cour ts, the Paso Robles

quently asked questions can be found

Courthouse and the Juvenile Court.

online at the Sheriff’s Office website,

There are 15 deputy sheriffs and one

www.slosheriff.org

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CUSTODY DIVISION

In 2014, there was an opportunity for a lot

buildings and purchasing modular units.

of positive changes to occur within the

This improved the opportunities for

Custody Division. In its third year of public

growth in treatment and other offender

safety realignment, the jail had to funda-

support programs as well as additional

mentally re-evaluate how to manage its

bed space. The Women’s Honor Farm

long-term population of low-level felons.

was also relocated to an area near the

Since realignment shifted authority over

Men’s Honor Farm to help alleviate the

most non-serious, non-violent, non-sex-

overcrowding in the jail, with the aim to

ual offenders from the state to counties, it

establish similar opportunities currently

provided a great opportunity for the

available to the men in programming and

Custody Division to seek new ways to

vocational instruction.

work with the incarcerated population to reduce recidivism.

Custody Support Staff

Implementation strategies included

The support staff that work in the

greater collaboration with county and local community organizations. Partnerships with the Probation Department and Drug and Alcohol Services to provide services to high-risk offenders using screening and assessment tools to evaluate individual need and developing case plans have been an important component of re-entry outcomes. The difficulties and complexity inherent in creating a unified system of case management has been an intensive process and one that continues to develop as jail staff coordinates with community- based organizations to ensure that offenders are referred to appropriate services and programs.

the success of the Sheriff’s Office. The staf f is comprised of correctional technicians and legal clerks. Correctional technicians are responsible for booking into custody all arrests and defendants ordered to turn themselves into jail per the court to serve jail time. This includes the safekeeping of inmate money, p ro p e r t y, c o n d u c t in g p u b li c a n d professional visits, verifying people who are cleared to enter the jail, and providing direct and indirect inmate supervision. Correctional technicians processed 12,218 bookings in 2014 and utilized various databases to input information, check identity, and run individuals for

Increases in the jail population, longer

warrants to ensure all information was

lengths of stay and more criminally

accurate and current.

sophisticated inmates have influenced the jail culture this past year. Prison and gang politics that were previously ignored by the inmates at the county jail level are now a bigger issue. Population increases and limited program space required that different strategies be used such as renovating existing

Custody Division play an integral part in

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

Legal clerks work in the various areas of the Custody Division to provide clerical support in the Alternative Sentencing Unit and Custody Administration. A legal clerk is also assigned as the DNA coordinator to ensure state mandates are met. The legal clerk assigned to Alternative

Sentencing Unit is responsible for book-

services provided by each individual

within the jail, contraband detection and

ing defendants who have been ordered

were c r u c i al in est a b lishin g an d

discovery is also an important component

to serve jail time but have been accepted

maintaining the smooth operation.

of their job responsibility. The unit also

to the Alternative Work Program or the Home Detention Program. The services provided by the legal clerk assigned to the Custody Administration are crucial in maintaining the day-to-day clerical support. This includes managing statistical information, processing legal records and preparing state mandated reports for routine inquiries concerning the jail and Sheriff’s Office. With the changes that occurred in 2014, the services provided by the Custody Division support staff were invaluable in maintaining the daily operations of the Custody Division. Each day brought different challenges to navigate and the

Classification Unit The Classification Unit is made up of six correctional deputies and one correctional sergeant. Some of the duties of the Classification Unit include the assessment of inmates to determine risk, reviewing criminal history information and past incarceration records, evaluating the threat level to self/others, and recommending housing placement and the continued reassessment of inmates during their incarceration. The assessment may include appropriate referrals to the medical and mental health staff. Handling disciplinary violations

works closely with the Jail Programs Unit to include an assessment of an inmate’s needs concerning referrals to programs. In 2014, the inmate population fluctuated between 500 and 800 inmates. With this ever-changing population came a diverse range of gang issues, and the introduction of many types of contraband and inmate “politics.” The Classification Unit performed daily reviews and reassessments of inmates’ housing status and was very proactive in addressing these issues, with the primary concern being the safety and security of the jail, staff and inmates.

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Custody Emergency Response Team (CERT) With the implementation of Assembly Bill 109, the jail continued to face an evolving set of challenges. The creation of the Custody Emergency Response Team (CERT ) allowed correctional deputies to respond to critical incidents within the jail in a highly trained and metho dic al manner. T he team of correctional deputies is tasked to respond to different incidents and emergency situations within the jail. This includes riots, mass searches,

CERT was one way the Custody Division

One of the newest projects was learning

disturbances, extracting uncooperative

responded to achieving an optimum

how to sew and crochet. A local non-

inmates from their cells and high-risk

level of crisis preparedness in an

profit organization, Restorative Partners,

transports. CERT members are trained

unpredictable environment.

worked with the inmates to teach them

Women’s Honor Farm

afghans to give to the residents of Bella

in the use of specialized equipment when responding to these incidents. CERT’s focus is to utilize the training and special equipment to prevent injuries and improve on the safety for both the inmates and staff.

The inmates at the Women’s Honor Farm had more opportunities to engage in different hands-on vocational training and programs, which were further enhanced

Population increases involving more

by a large number of volunteers who

criminally sophisticated inmates coupled

provided activities for the women. Many

with an increase in uncooperative and

of the programs were designed to

violent inmates has changed the

promote pro-social behavior, attitudes

dynamics of the jail. The formation of

and values.

how to make handmade lap quilts and Vista Transitional Care. Bella Vista Transitional Care, located in San Luis Obispo, provides short-term rehabilitation care of injured, disabled, or sick people. The rehabilitation team works together with their patients, keeping in mind the unique and special needs of each individual with the goal of allowing their patients to continue to function at their highest possible level and to preserve their independence.

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

Some of the other sewing projects

inmates to be trained in job-specific

seven-week sociology class was devel-

included making teddy bears and

skills to assist them in attaining gainful

oped based on studies which show that

backpacks for other local non-profit and

employment.

community service providers. Many of the inmates had never sewn before and were eager to learn new skills and be a part of this project. They learned how to communicate, follow and give instructions, and were taught responsibility, selfdiscipline and commitment in completing projects. As a result, many of the inmates developed a love for the craft. The camaraderie during the project was an additional benefit, providing personal growth and developing work ethics and values. These programs also help provide offenders with skills needed to get jobs and prepares them for re-entry back to the community. Jail Programs Unit

Pro bono services are offered to the County Animal Services Department and inmates are taught basic animal care and kennel worker skills. Once basic skills are developed at Animal Services, inmates can be afforded an opportunity for internships with Thousand Hills Pet Resort, which provides a hands- on, practical approach to pet grooming and other related work. Both of these programs focus on skills used in the petser vice industr y, such as kennels, veterinary practices, pet shops and pet grooming salons. Future vocational

inmates who take advantage of educational opportunities while in jail are much less likely to re-offend. Securpass Body Scanner As the population of the county jail grew, there was an increased need for correctional deputies to control the introduction of contraband into the facility for the protection of the staff and inmate population. Correctional deputies conduct inmate and facility searches as part of their routine duties which include, pat down, strip search, hand held metal detectors and cell searches.

programs are being developed in engraving, welding and pipefitting. In 2014, the jail expanded our collaboration

The Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office recognized that

with other community agencies and vari-

employment preparation and re-entry

ous non-profits. The Jail Programs Unit, in

planning are essential to the successful

partnership with California Polytechnic

reintegration of inmates leaving the

State University and Restorative Partners,

correctional setting and have worked to

developed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bridging Our Communityâ&#x20AC;?

expand vocational training and internship

project. This program was the first of its

oppor tunities for inmates. The jail

kind in the county and allowed the oppor-

operates a variety of programs to nurture

tunity for six inmates and 10 college

vocational training, but continues to

students to participate in a college-level

work at developing more structured and

class taught by a Cal Poly professor. The

credentialed programs that allow

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Even with continual searches, contraband

In 2014, the Sheriff’s Office purchased

remains a huge issue for the county jail. In

the SecurPASS digital security screening

2014, correctional deputies have

system to help correctional deputies

recovered heroin, methamphetamine,

detect all types of dangerous or illegal

marijuana, tobacco, lighters, drug

c o nt r a b a n d c o m i n g i nto t h e j a i l .

paraphernalia, cell phones and many

SecurPASS is a unique low dose x-ray

other items in housing units that have

scanning system that detects all types of

been smuggled into the jail. Inmates will

dangerous or illegal substances on the

go to extreme measures to smuggle in

body of an inmate, internally or externally.

contraband, and they view the risk of

These substances include narcotics, cell

getting caught as minimal compared to

phones, currency, drug paraphernalia

their desire for the item. Some inmates,

(needles), lighters, explosives, metal and

as part of prison politics are “forced” to

non-metallic weapons (guns, knives,

bring in drugs. If they fail to bring in these

etc.). The SecurPASS scanning system

items they face retaliation from fellow

uses technology that allows excellent

inmates once incarcerated.

object detection and reduces human error, providing for a much safer environment for both staff and inmates.

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

Women’s Jail Expansion Project On February 7, 2014, the Sheriff’s Office held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the planned Women’s Jail. Sheriff Parkinson along with the County Board of Supervisors and other local and state dignitaries were present. This building is designed to replace the existing 43-cell facility that currently services an average daily population of 98 women. The new housing unit will consist of 198 beds, space to provide programs and will help reduce overcrowding while providing positive outlets for the inmates to better their lives and help keep them from re-offending. The estimated date of completion is October 2016.

CRIME L ABOR ATORY

The Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory

new FAL so that DUI blood samples and

personnel are responsible for processing

Portable Evidentiary Breath Testing could

evidence and responding to crime scenes

be offered by the Sheriff’s Office. The

in criminal cases occurring within the

chemistry section of the lab analyzed

county, whether directly for the Sheriff’s

over 2, 8 0 0 susp e c te d c ontro lle d

Office or for other law enforcement

substance samples and the toxicology

agencies upon request. In addition to

section analyzed close to 800 urine

processing crime scene evidence, the lab

samples, all of which were submitted

also conducts analyses on controlled

from various law enforcement agencies

substances and analy zes biologic

in the county.

samples for driving under the influence (DUI) cases. The CAL ID program for the county is housed in the Crime Lab and is responsible for identific ation and biometric programs associated with that task, including fingerprints and photographs. It also operates the c o u n t y ’s A u to m a te d F i n g e r p r i n t Identification System (AFIS).

The Crime Lab received more than 247 cases for evidence analysis. These processes included biological collection, electrostatic detection of indented writing, hair and fiber collection and comparisons, tool mark comparisons, ballistic analysis, serial number restoration, as well as tire and footwear impression comparisons and trace

In 2014, expansion of the Sheriff’s Office

evidence analysis (155 cases from

Crime L aborator y was completed,

outside agencies, 92 from the Sheriff’s

making room for the new state-qualified

Office). Most cases contain multiple

Forensic Alcohol Laboratory (FAL). The

items that require evaluation. The

FAL began analyzing blood samples from

examination of an individual item of

all law enforcement agencies within the

evidence may necessitate multiple types

county for DUI cases in mid-July. At the

of processing. For example, one firearm

completion of an Office of Traffic Safety

may require DNA collection, gunshot

grant, in October, the lab was able to

residue collection, blood search and

supply local law enforcement agencies

photography, fingerprint process, serial

with state-of-the-art Portable Evidentiary

numb er restoration, and b allistic

Breath Test Devices to be used as part of

comparisons. More than 490 individual

the new DUI program. By adding this DUI

items were forensically processed and an

program to the existing Sheriff’s Office

additional 127 latent fingerprint cases

Crime Lab, the District Attorney’s Office

were submitted, resulting in more than

and all local law enforcement agencies

8,000 fingerprint examinations.

will benefit from improved service and reduced turnaround time for results.

Two forensic specialists responded to

During 2014, the Chemistry/Toxicology

scenes on 64 occasions during the year.

Lab assisted in the establishment of the

These scenes ranged from search

and provided assistance at crime

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warrant service, narcotic investigations,

In the coming year, the dedicated staff of

capability, expedite the identification of

and burglaries, to animal cruelty, sexual

the Crime Lab will explore additional

deceased persons, and facilitate the

assault, human trafficking, robberies,

measures and techniques to improve

ar rest of wante d subje c t s, w hile

equivocal deaths, vehicle manslaughter

services while seeking to avoid backlogs

re duc ing the ne c es sit y of t ak ing

and homicides. In addition, new leads

in processing requests for fingerprints,

individuals into physical custody in

on cold c ase investig ations were

chemistry, toxicology and other types of

cases where their identity was used by

forensically examined.

evidence with available resources. It will

others in the commission of a crime or

The CAL ID coordinator assigned to the division retired and was replaced during the latter part of the year. During the year, the program upgraded the electronic

also seek to expand its capabilities in

their identification is very similar to that

areas such as shoe and tire impression

of a wanted subject. A facial recognition

analysis, with the implementation of the

project is also in progress, which will

Solemate/Treadmate database.

allow for similar capabilities where

fingerprint and photo capture systems

The CAL ID Program will implement a

(livescans) for all local law enforcement

Mobile ID capability, equipping law

ag enc ies and ag enc ies that t ake

enforcement, corrections and coroner

fingerprints for applicant processing

personnel with tools to rapidly identify

purposes where fingerprint submissions

individuals in the field by fingerprints.

are required.

This should enhance investigative

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S O F F I C E

fingerprint information or evidence is not available.

SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT The Sexual Assault Unit, consisting of three investigators, is responsible for investigating cases of physical and sexual abuse of both children and adults within the unincorporated area of San Luis Obispo County, as well as assisting outside agencies in their investigations. The investigation of physical and sexual abuse cases are highly specialized and require expert training as mandated by the California Penal Code. Investigators also provide training to mandated reporters of child abuse, as well as community groups. Combined, the sexual assault investigators handle approximately 200 cases per year as they relate to child and adult sexual abuse/assault, elder abuse, and child pornography. Individual cases can take, on average, several months to fully investigate and can last several months to a year in the court process.

Over the past year, these investigators

victims of sexual abuse and domestic

also assisted in child forensic interviews,

violence, SART (Sexual Assault Response

homicide and other investigations

Team) nurses, Rotary Club and other non-

outside of sexual assault, search warrant

profit organizations, as well as the

preparation and service, Computer Voice

Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, as it relates to initial child/

Stress Analyzer (CVSA) examinations in

adult sexual assault investigations.

criminal and background investigations, wo r k in g w i th c r im e l a b fo rensic technicians in analyzing pieces of evidence as they pertain to sexual assault, and working with computer forensic technicians in analy zing electronic/computer based evidence as it related to child pornography cases. This year, investigators have also received advanced training in human trafficking investigations and will be working in conjunction with both Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in the formation of a tri-counties task force. In addition to their caseload, training the

Part of the outreach process is having an active participation and presence at local committees and programs. In 2014, the Sexual Assault Unit attended SART Advisor y Board meetings, various community committees, and public awareness events like Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes, a public benefit for victims of sexual assault. The unit hopes to continue providing complete and thorough investigations as they relate to these crimes, as well as advocate for victims and their families in the coming year.

community and educational outreach have become necessary priorities. These specialized trainings have assisted RISE (Respect / Inspire / Support / Empower) advocates who provide support for both

LEAD THE WAY A N N UA L R E P O R T 2 014

DETECTIVES DIVISION The Sheriff’s Office Detective Division is responsible for the investigation of criminal cases that are above and beyond the scope and resources of the Patrol Division. This includes all misdemeanor and felony crimes for both local and state laws where other agencies do not have the primary investigative responsibility. These cases may require a large amount of resources for an extended period of time. They may need investigators with specialized training, knowledge and

county’s first known human trafficking

assigned to a specific area of

case, and a large embezzlement case.

investigations. General crime detectives

Additionally, detectives assisted the

are responsible for investigating crimes

Coroner’s Office with in-custody death

against persons and property. The sexual

investigations. Other major investigations

assault detectives are responsible for

include child molestations, rape, child

crimes that are sexual in nature, child

pornography, robbery, and burglary.

molestations, child pornography, non-

There are other investigations that are not

financial elder abuse, and sexual

“major investigations” but still require

registrants. The Crime Lab, forensic

detective investigative resources such as

specialists, and the Cal ID coordinator

critical or at- risk missing persons,

provide technical evidence collection and

runaway juveniles, and suspicious death

a n a l y s i s . I n a d d i t i o n to c r i m i n a l

investigations. New cases requiring

investigations, the Detective Division also

detective investigation are constantly

conducts follow-up investigations for all

coming into the division.

missing persons, runaway juveniles, and other cases as required by law.

While carrying their case load, detectives

extend beyond a patrol deputy’s area of

Among the many cases investigated in

i nv e s t i g a t i o n s w h i c h h a v e b e e n

responsibility (beat). Lastly, detectives

2014, the Detective Division successfully

submitted to the District Attorney’s

are able to focus on their investigation

investig ated three homicides, an

Office and filed in court. Some cases

without the interruptions of handling

attempted homicide that involved the

make it through the court process in a

calls for service as a patrol deputy.

stabbing of a pregnant woman, the

relatively short amount of time, while

equipment. The investigation may

Detectives in the Detective Division are

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

must also appear in court to testify on

others may take years. The following are

argument had occurred in the house on

local hospital, the female stabbing victim,

only two examples of the many cases in

Klau Mine Road, during which a resident

Tina Beddow, succumbed to her injuries.

which detectives were called to conduct

had fired multiple shots striking both the

Detectives and forensic specialists

an investigation and appear in court to

female surviving victim and Mr. Law.

responded to the scene and began

testify to the detailed information that

The ongoing investigation to date has

processing evidence and conducting

was found throughout the course of the

consumed 754 combined hours and,

interviews. The ongoing investigation

investigation.

with the help of the Crime Laboratory

consumed 654 combined hours and with

and Coroner’s Office, sufficient evidence

the help of the Crime Laboratory and

and probable cause was developed and

Coroner’s Office, sufficient evidence

compiled in order to file a complaint of

and probable cause was developed and

murder against the suspect. The suspect

compiled in order to file a complaint of

remains in custody and is currently

murder ag ainst the susp ec t. T he

pending cour t proceedings and is

suspect remains in custody and is

presumed innocent until proven guilty.

currently in trial and is presumed

Case #1 On February 7, 2014, Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a local hospital in response to a female shooting victim. Fur ther investig ati o n resulte d in information that a second victim was at a residence in the rural Klau Mine Road area west of Paso Robles. Deputies

Case # 2

responded to that location and located

On the evening of June 4, 2014, the

the body of Billy Don Law. Detectives

Sheriff’s Office responded to a 9-1-1 call in

and forensic specialists responded to the

Templeton involving a domestic violence

scene and began processing evidence

incident, during which a woman had been

a n d c o n d u c t i n g i nte r v i e w s . T h e

stabbed. Responding deputies detained

investig ation d eter mine d that an

the male resident, and after transport to a

innocent until proven guilty.

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SAFE TEAM Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team members are responsible for verifying the residency of all registered sex offenders within the Sheriff’s jurisdiction and to enforce the appropriate codes when those registration laws have been violated. The SAFE Team receives information regarding violations of sex offender registration laws from several sources including: • Tips received directly from the public or through the California Megan’s Law website, www.meganslaw.ca.gov • Electronic comparisons of every registered sex offender booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail, regardless of charge, to make sure that those registrants are current and in compliance with their registration requirements

• Five hundred of the previously mentioned compliance checks • Twenty-four investigations of possible sex offender registration violations • Twenty of these investigations filed with the District Attorney’s Office for failing to register properly • Six registered sex offender investigations for committing new crimes, u n re l a te d to t h e i r re g i s t r a t i o n requirements • Assisting and conducting 10 search warrants • Fifteen investigations of Internet crimes against children, four which resulted in arrests, and eight where charges were filed • Sex registration training provided to three local agencies • More than twenty-five cellular telephone forensic exams completed

this interview, we discuss the registrant’s requirements and answer any questions they may have. Sex offenders that are newly released from prison are visited by members of the S A FE Team and reminded of their registration responsibilities and requirements. SAFE Team members provide immediate response to complaints, inquiries, and information regarding registered sex offenders in the community. We provide community notifications of sexually violent predators (SVPs) and high-risk sex offenders when warranted. This is done through media releases or by going door-

• Periodic and unannounced visits, called

We have noticed a steady increase in reg-

to-door and passing out informational

“compliance checks”, to all registrants to

istered sex offenders that register with

flyers. Sex offenders who have warrants

the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office.

for their arrest are posted on the Sheriff’s

Throughout 2014, the Sheriff’s Office

Office website as well as on their local

averaged registering approximately 300

Crime Stoppers website.

achieve the following: -- Verify that the registered address is a valid address and that the registrant actually resides within that address -- Determine if the registrant has since moved without giving required notice to the Sheriff’s Department -- Advise the registrant of any new changes in the law -- Ascertain if the registrant or their property have been the subject of a crime due to their being a registrant -- Enforce the appropriate probation and parole conditions

In 2014, the SAFE Team accomplished:

sex offenders. This is more than half of the more than 530 registered sex offenders that live within our communities.

SAFE Team members also work closely with victim/witness advocates through the District Attorney’s Office. The needs

We continue to work with county proba-

of the victim are primary with this type of

tion and state parole by assisting with

coordination and teamwork. The team is

sweeps, residential checks, and searches

also on call to do in-service training for

of registered sex offenders’ homes that

our rape prevention centers and local

are under their supervision.

school districts, as well as give presenta-

Efforts are made to interview all new registrants that come to our agency. During

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

tions to community service organizations when requested.

CORONER’S UNIT In addition to his role as Sheriff, Ian Parkinson is the elected coroner of San Luis Obispo County. Sheriff- Coroner Parkinson and all of his deputies perform the role of coroner in all jurisdictions within the County of San Luis Obispo. The California Government Code mandates the coroner to investigate the cause and manner of death in most cases where a death occurred outside of a hospital or outside the presence of a physician, and all cases involving homicides, suicides, accidental deaths and deaths due to suspicious circumstances. In most cases, a patrol deputy will respond to a report of death and conduct an investigation. For cases where additional investigation and expertise is needed, the Sheriff’s Office has a Coroner Investigation Unit within the

683 cases were not investigated further

The Coroner Investigation Unit operates

beyond the patrol level, all were thoroughly

from a coroner’s facility that was designed

reviewed by coroner detectives who

by, and constructed for, the Sheriff in 2012.

certified all death certificates. Of the

The Sheriff’s Office Coroner Investigation

remaining 708 reportable deaths, coroner

Unit now operates a state of the art

detectives reviewed the causes of death

coroner facility capable of handling all of

provided by the treating physician before

the needs of San Luis Obispo County for

the death certificate could be certified.

Detective Bureau. The Coroner

It is the responsibility of the coroner to

Investigation Unit is comprised of three

determine the necessary level of inquiry

detectives who specialize in cause and

into any death falling within the jurisdiction

manner of death investigations.

of the Coroner’s Office. The level of

In 2014, the Coroner Investigation Unit reviewed 1,391 reportable deaths in the County of San Luis Obispo. The Coroner Investigation Unit also reviewed all 1,230 hospice cases in the county, an increase of 27 from 2013. In 2014, patrol deputies resp ond e d to 6 8 3 c oroner c ases countywide, which is an increase of 13.5% from 2013. Of those 683 coroner cases, the Coroner Investigation Unit conducted additional investigations on 234 of them, a decrease of 8% from 2013. Although all

inquiry is determined on a case-by-case basis. Of the 234 cases in 2014 in which the Coroner Investigation Unit conducted further investigation, 124 autopsies were performed, 74 medical inspections were conducted and 36 of the deaths were certified by medical records. Of the deaths investigated by the Coroner Investigation

many years to come. In 2014, the Sheriff created a supervisor position within the Coroner Investigation Unit. The sergeant assigned to this role is responsible for the supervision of efficient completion of current workloads, as well as planning and needs assessment to ensure that future demands for coroner services are met in a timely and cost-effective manner. The Sheriff’s Coroner Investigation Unit is proud to serve the citizens of San Luis Obispo County during the difficult times associated with a death.

Unit, 99 were natural deaths, 55 were suicides, 5 were homicides, 64 were accidental deaths and 11 are still under investigation.

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NORTH STATION

The Sheriff’s North Station had another

Sheriff’s Office added two more patrol

busy year with a total of 23,445 calls for

deputies and another K-9 team to the

service (CFS) and self-initiated field

Templeton Station. The K-9 and equip-

activity (SIA) by the station deputies as

ment costs were paid for through asset

of December 19, 2014. The Nor th

forfeiture. The addition of the K-9 gives

Station has the largest response area of

the deputy handler the opportunity to

all three Sheriff patrol stations. With

respond to the eastern part of the county

over 2,105 square miles to patrol and

at night without an additional deputy in

approximately 25,581 service popula-

the vehicle. This is permitted because

tion, response times in these areas have

the K-9 is protection trained and the dog

always been challenging. The

is able to provide safety to the deputy

Templeton office is separated into two

sheriff handler when a back-up unit

patrol areas. The patrol area that covers

might be 30 to 45 minutes away. This

California Valley is 1,420 square miles

has served as a force multiplier as it

a n d i n c l u d e s: Te m p l eto n , S a nt a

relates to patrol services.

Margarita, unincorporated Atascadero and California Valley. To put this in perspective, the City of Atascadero, which is in the middle of this patrol area, is approximately 26.7 square miles with two to three police officers patrolling at a time. In 2012, the Administration Office and the Board of Supervisors approved four additional deputy positions, funded by the solar project in North County. This provided a unique oppor tunit y to improve the overall coverage and response times to the North Eastern part of the county. The Sheriff’s Office took full advantage of these positions and deployed them in a manner that improved coverage and response times. Office space built at the new Cal Fire Station in Creston allowed us to assign a resident deputy, which focuses on the eastern part of our county. This resident deputy lives in the Creston area and is available 24 hours per day, for emergency resp onse. In addition, the

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

As in the past, property crimes, gangrelated activity and drugs continue to be major problems. Rural crime deputies have spent extra shifts patrolling the eastern part of Shandon and the California Valley due to an increase in farm and winery thefts of heavy equipment. These deputies have worked in conjunction with allied agencies from Kern, Kings and Santa Barbara counties who have been experiencing similar problems. Directed patrol and probation sweeps have also assisted with targeting high - crime areas or wanted subjects. Patrol deputies and Sheriff’s volunteers have provided extra patrol to high-crime areas that have continued to generate many calls for service. Fortunately, station deputies have made several major arrests involving property crimes that have led to the recovery of a large quantity of stolen property.

SOUTH STATION

In 2014, the Sheriff’s Office reallocated

During 2014, the Sherif f ’s O f fice

watch commander assignments in order

continued to strengthen South County

to add one additional sergeant to each

community partnerships through the

substation, including South Station.

creation of additional Neighborhood

Traditionally, each station was managed

Watch and continuing Rural Crime

by one commander and two sergeants,

programs. Lucia Mar Unified School

but the new additional super visor

District students in the unincorporated

provides for better field supervision

areas completed the second year of

throughout the South Station areas of

Gang Resistance Education and Training

responsibility.

(G.R.E.A.T) curriculum, which teaches

The Sheriff’s South Station utilizes one canine deputy, Jocko, and his handler

The South Patrol Division covers 850 square miles with a population of approximately 36,000 people living in the communities of Oceano, Nipomo, unincorporated Arroyo Grande, Los Berros, New Cuyama, Huasna Valley, Blacklake-Callender and The Woodlands. The area extends from Pismo Beach to the Santa Barbara County line, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Kern County line. The patrol station for this area is located at 1681 Front Street in Oceano and is currently staffed with a commander, three sergeants, four senior deputies, 20 sheriff deputies and two station clerks. Of these 24 deputy sheriffs, one deputy is assigned as a station investigator primarily tasked with property crimes and missing person investigations. Two deputies are assigned as school resource officers working at schools within the Lucia Mar School District. One deputy is assigned as a rural crimes deputy focusing on criminal investigations in the agricultural-related industry.

students about the dangers associated with criminal street gang participation.

Deputy Sheriff John Franklin. Canine

The G.R.E.A.T program is an effective

Deputy Jocko is a five-year-old male

and school-based classroom curriculum

Belgian Malinois and has been trained in

instructed by a law enforcement officer

narcotics detection, protection duties,

and intended as an immunization against

and tracking. Jocko is one of six canine

delinquency, youth violence, and gang

deputies deployed within the Sheriff’s

membership. The program is introduced

Office, originally paid for through

to children in the years immediately

narcotics asset forfeiture funds. Jocko

preceding the prime ages for introduction

was previously assigned to the North

into gangs and delinquent behavior.

Station area and is new to the South County region.

The Sheriff’s Office completed the 2014

Over the past year, homeless camps

law enforcement and medical aid calls

calendar year having logged over 25,790

have continued to impact the communi-

w ithin the are a of resp onsibilit y

ties of Oceano and Nipomo. However,

attributed to the South Patrol Division.

transient persons in both communities

From those calls and field initiated

continue to be offered relocation services

contacts, South County deputies were

and other assistance through community

invo l ve d in m o re t h a n 3 6 0 d r u g

resources that specialize in homeless

enforcement arrests, 32 driving under

outreach and mental health services.

the influence arrests, and more than

Transient encampments and serious envi-

1,454 total arrests.

ronmental concerns were abated in partnership with impacted property owners. County jail trustee laborers were utilized to restore the impacted areas to their pristine pre-encampment condition at minimal public cost.

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COAST STATION

In 2014, there was an ongoing challenge

leader of a local white supremacist gang.

to the Coast Station as patrol deputies

Deputies Nicholson and Menghrajani

worked closely with narcotics detectives

were able to locate physical evidence

on maritime smuggling interdiction on

that tied the suspect to the burglaries.

the North Coast. Panga-style vessels

Deputies worked with investigators and

continued to target the remote beaches

were able to recover most of the stolen

between Cayucos and Piedras Blancas.

property. The suspect received a 12-year

Coast Station resources were utilized

prison sentence.

through directed patrolling and proved extremely effective in the coordinated ef fo r t to d ete c t a n d a p p re h e n d suspected drug smugglers and their cargo loads of illegal marijuana. One

trailhead vehicle burglaries in 2014. One serial car burglar was arrested through investigative tactics and interagency

notable case occurred very early on

cooperation, resulting in the resolution

The Coast Station provides law enforce- Thanksgiving morning. Senior Deputy ment service for all unincorporated areas Howard and Deputy Coyes conducted a

lots. On a separate occasion, a suspect

on the North Coast, which covers the

traffic stop on a van that they believed

region from the Monterey County line

might be involved with transporting a

south to Avila Beach and the rural San

cargo load of illegal drugs from a Panga

Luis Obispo area. This area encompasses

boat. During their investigation they

the communities of San Simeon, Cambria,

learned the cargo van held about 3,000

Cayucos, Los Osos/Baywood Park, Avila

pounds of marijuana that had been off

Beach, and the unincorporated area of

loaded from a nearby Panga boat. As a

San Luis Obispo. Coast Station deputies

result of that traffic stop, a second van

also provide assistance as requested to

was located in Monterey County with an

the cities of Morro Bay and San Luis

additional 3,000 pounds of marijuana.

Obispo, as well as Cuesta College and

Seven suspects were located and

California Polytechnic State University.

arrested, the two cargo vans were

The patrol station is centrally located at

seized, a Panga boat was located and

2099 10th St., Los Osos, and is currently

seized, and more than 6,000 pounds of

staffed by one commander, three ser-

marijuana was confiscated.

geants, four senior deputies, 22 deputy sheriffs, and two legal clerks. While most of the 26 deputies are tasked with providing patrol-based service to the community, there are also deputies assigned as school resource officers, rural crime deputies, canine handlers, and station investigators who focus on at-risk missing persons and extensive property crimes.

The Coast Station also handled a rash of

Coast Station deputy sheriffs responded to a nu m b e r of hi g h - p rof il e a n d challenging calls for service in 2014. One case of particular note in mid-February involved a suspect that was committing numerous commercial burglaries by breaking in through the roofs of local businesses. The suspect was the ring

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

of cases from several hiking area parking was observed fleeing an active crime scene and a vehicle pursuit ensued that went from S an Luis Obispo to Atascadero before spike strips disabled the suspect’s vehicle and he was taken into custody. Several vehicle burglaries from the Bishop Peak parking area were resolved as a result of this investigation, and stolen property was recovered from the suspect’s car and returned to victims the same day. The greater Los Osos area was hit hard with a spree of vehicle burglaries and vandalisms last year. Deputy Peet worked diligently to coordinate the investigation into these incidents and his efforts led to the arrest of two juveniles. They were responsible for more than 15 vehicle burglaries and multiple felony vandalisms. In addition to drug smuggling and property crimes, the Coast Station dealt with many crimes against people and

children. A C ayucos resident was

the North Coast and rural San Luis Obispo

camping areas while providing services

arrested for domestic violence and a

areas, and Coast Station sergeants and

and options to those living on-site.

separate case that involved the human

d e p u ties were ver y p ro a c ti ve in

County Mental Health, the Forensic

trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. In another

developing innovative strategies for

Coordination Team, and a host of local

case, a young woman was severely

tackling the issue. Encampments pose a

homeless outreach programs have

beaten by her father while she was a

host of problems for the adjacent

proven invaluable in creating lasting solutions to this issue.

passenger in his vehicle. When she tried

residential areas, such as drug sales and

to flee with her infant in a car seat, she

use, solicitation of prostitution, sharp

was dragged by the vehicle when her

increases in thefts and violent crime, and

father attempted to speed off. The

the pollution caused by illegal dumping

suspect was tracked down through a

on rural land and waterways. Coast

lengthy investigation and taken into

Station personnel have worked diligently

custody for aggravated assault.

to form partnerships with the land

Transient encampments also continued

The Coast Station also helped to keep the community safe during several high profile events such as the Amgen Tour of California finish in Cambria, Annual Cayucos 4th of July celebration, and the

owners and communities commonly “Forever Neverland” music festival in affected, and have utilized a variety of Avila Beach.

to be a problem for the communities of

county resources to clear the illegal

WATCH COMMANDER’S OFFICE

The Watch Commander’s Office is

provide communications to our county

located in the Emergency Operations

in the event of a natural disaster or ter-

Center directly adjacent to the Sheriff’s

rorist attack. The watch commander

Dispatch Center. It is manned by deputy

also handles all local notifications during

sheriff sergeants 24 hours per day, with

critical incidents and natural disasters,

Sheriff’s commanders staffing the office

including but not limited to the county’s

during the evening hours to increase the

Bomb Task Force, Sheriff’s Special

field supervision of patrol deputies.

Enforcement Detail, Search and Rescue,

Because it is staffed 24 hours per day,

Dive Team, Aero Squadron, and the

the Watch Commander’s Office is the

Sheriff’s Detective Division. The Watch

single point of contact for all county

Commander’s Of fice is the Diablo

departments and services after busi-

Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s primary

ness hours, on weekends and on

law enforcement point of contact during

holidays. The Watch Commander’s

any unusual events or critical incidents

Office has the principal responsibility of

occurring at the plant. During an emer-

overseeing dispatch services and patrol

g e n c y, t h e w a tc h c o m m a n d e r i s

operations on a daily basis, and serves

authorized to activate the C ount y

as the point of contact for the entire

Emergency Alert System (EAS) includ-

c ount y w ith the Fe d eral N ational

ing Reverse 9-1-1, area sirens, and EAS

Warning System (NAWAS) and the

messages on commercial radio and

California State Warning Center, which

television.

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DISPATCH CENTER The Sheriff’s Dispatch Center is a primary public safety answering point responsible for all 9-1-1 calls in the county, as well as communication and dispersal of information between the public, law enforcement, paramedics and numerous county/state departments. The Dispatch Center is also responsible for receiving calls for service from the public and dispatching law enforcement, probation, am bul anc es, Emerg enc y M e d ic al

using current records from the 9 -1-1

Services, helicopters and other agency

database. The Reverse 9-1-1 system has

more than 94% of the time (California

personnel to their respective calls, which

been activated four times this past year for

State standard is 90%). The Dispatch

contributes to the several thousands of

emergency notifications in numerous

Center handled over 264,000 phone calls

incoming and outgoing calls handled by

areas of the county.

and created 101,368 incidents for service.

the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center each year.

Technologically, the Computer Aided

The Dispatch Center created and dis-

The Sheriff’s Dispatch Center is staffed

Dispatch (CAD) mobile and mapping

with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)

program is a Tritech system. The Tritech

calls for service.

certified dispatchers 24 hours a day, seven

software gives dispatchers the ability to

Besides their daily duties, dispatchers are

days a week. The Sheriff’s Dispatch

create incidents and direct the closest,

also involved in community outreach. The

Center has the responsibility of activating

most appropriate emergency personnel to

dispatchers attend special events and the

patched approximately 24,800 medical

the Reverse 9 -1-1 system in times of

calls for service. The 9-1-1 system is an

Mid -State County Fair, handing out

emergency. Within minutes, this system

AIRBUS Vesta VoIP 9-1-1 phone system.

information including the importance of

has the ability to notify hundreds of

Having been installed in 2014, the new

9-1-1 and when this number should be

residences by telephone with a voice

phone system is ready to handle the next

used. Children who attended these events

recording stating the emergency involved

generation of 9-1-1.

also got to meet Red E. Fox, the 9-1-1 for

In 2014, the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center

Kids mascot.

and what action (if any) should be taken. The system’s database is updated monthly

calls were answered in 10 seconds or less

answered 46,733 9-1-1 phone calls. The

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL

positions and an additional team sergeant.

response in San Luis Obispo County.

Tactical negotiators have also been added

The SED team trains 10 to 20 hours per

from an original compliment of three to six. Sheriff’s canines have also begun training with SED so that their capabilities can be used during call-outs.

The Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED) is a highly trained and specially equipped tactical team designed to resolve critical incidents including but not limited to hostage situations, barricaded suspects, armed suicidal subjects, crowd control and high-risk warrant service. The SED is a par tnership bet ween the Sheriff’s Office and the Atascadero Police Department and includes deputies, officers and sergeants under the authority of the special enforcement detail commander. This year the team has expanded with the addition of two more deputy

month with team members attending basic and advanced tactical courses throughout the state. The tactical equipment supplied to the team includes

The team was formed in the 1970s in

weapons, less lethal munitions and

response to the civil unrest occurring at

armored rescue vehicles. Most critical

that time. In 2003, the partnership with

incidents are resolved through negotia-

the Atascadero Police Depar tment

tions carried out by our tactical negotiators

expanded the size of the team to deal with

instead of by use-of-force.

the increasing threat of terrorism. Call-

The SED continues to train with a focus on

outs have included riots during Mardi Gras and Poly Royal in San Luis Obispo and civil disobedience in Isla Vista in Santa Barbara County. SED has trained extensively at Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in order to respond to any potential emer-

terrorism and current tactical issues, providing the citizens of San Luis Obispo County with one of the best trained, equipped, and motivated tactical teams in the state.

gency there. The team has developed to become an integral part of emergency

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S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

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GANG TASK FORCE At the beginning of 2014, the San Luis Obispo County Gang Task Force detected an increase in gang violence between northern gang members and southern gang members in North San Luis Obispo County. The proximate cause for the increase in the gang violence appeared to be the result of an influx on northern gang members taking residency in cities in North San Luis Obispo County. A power struggle ensued and crimes including drive-by shootings, stabbings and assault with deadly weapons were occurring. The San Luis Obispo County Gang Task Force aggressively pursued those responsible

Cuesta faculty and students, public school

subject to a location in San Luis Obispo and

for the increase in violence and success-

facult y and students (K-12), Gang

took the subject into custody through the

fully investigated and apprehended eight

Resistance Education and Training

use of a SWAT team. In July of 2014, the

suspects. Gang enhancement reports

Summer Camp (GREAT), various local law

team tracked a wanted subject to a hotel in

were completed by gang investigators and

enforcement agencies, and private busi-

Santa Maria and he was taken in to custody

convictions were achieved on all eight sus-

nesses. The Gang Task Force also

via a SWAT team. This subject was found

pects. The Gang Task Force efforts

designed, developed and produced a

to be in possession of a loaded handgun

worked to dismantle the hierarchy of the

Gang Awareness booklet. 7,000 copies of

and drugs for sale. In October of 2014, with

involved gangs and squelched the vio-

the booklet were printed and distributed

the assistance of a California Department

lence that had been occurring.

as a resource for teachers, parents and

of Correctionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Apprehension Team, the

individuals seeking to gain knowledge on

team tracked a female criminal street gang

In 2014, the San Luis Obispo County Gang

identifying signs of criminal street gang

member wanted for assault with a deadly

Task Force participated in 21 gang-related

membership and involvement.

weapon to a location near Bakersfield,

presentations that were provided to vari-

ous segments of the public and law

During 2014, the Gang Task Force assisted

enforcement agencies for educational and

with the capture of several dangerous and

preventative purposes. Audiences

wanted criminal street gang members. In

included: Cal Poly faculty and students,

May 2014, the team tracked a wanted

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S O F F I C E

California. She was taken into custody, turned over to the San Luis Obispo County Gang Task force and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

NARCOTICS UNIT The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s O f fice maintains a Narcotics Unit consisting of 14 detectives supervised by a sergeant. The robust staffing of this unit exists due to our partnership with local and federal agencies. Drug crimes do not follow state or county boundaries. Because of this, narcotics detectives often work cases that originate in San Luis Obispo County and then lead to other jurisdictions. Narcotics detectives regularly work with other local, state and federal drug enforcement agencies on cohesive multi-jurisdictional efforts to combat the problem of illegal drugs throughout California. Efforts this year include: conducting surveillances of suspects, managing confidential informants, gathering financial records and phone toll information, monitoring wire taps on suspects’ phones, working in undercover capacities, writing and executing search warrants and interviewing suspects regarding their crimes. The Sheriff Narcotics Unit maintains a Clandestine Laboratory Team trained and certified by the State of California. Federal

and state law require detectives who

protect children, Sheriff’s detectives

work with hazardous materials

work closely with the District Attorney’s

(HA ZMAT ), such as those found in

Office and the Department of Social

cland estine drug lab oratories, to

Services to keep children safe and

complete a total of 80 hours of instruction.

prosecute those who would expose

They learn how to safely process a

them to the dangers of illicit drugs.

clandestine laboratory site for evidence as part of their investigation, and to ensure their compliance with the various environmental and safety regulations that apply to clan lab seizure and dismantling. These detectives must then receive ongoing training in this field to maintain their certification. Clan labs are most often associated with methamphetamine manufacturing, but can include the manufacture of other drugs, such as honey oil extraction, steroids and organic hallucinogenic compounds such as methytryptamine. In the interest of protecting children who are exposed to drugs, drug manufacturing and the dangers that exist with this activity, the Sheriff’s Office participates in the California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team

Some of the current trends are heroin use and sales, as well as butane honey oil extraction labs. Additionally, the unit has also responded to ongoing maritime smuggling operations involving Panga boats. Drug trafficking organizations are utilizing the boats for drugs and human trafficking to coastal counties in California. Over the past two years, San Luis Obispo County has consistently had one of the highest numbers of confirmed Panga boats in the State of California. In 2014, the following seizure totals were made as the result of over 9 9 investigations by Sheriff’s narcotics detectives. Some seizures were the result of multi-agency investigations and occurred throughout California. Heroin

.98 lbs.

Cocaine

.32 lbs.

Methamphetamine

9.12 lbs.

training in the field of Drug Endangered

Processed marijuana

13,773 lbs.

Children (DEC) investigations. Since DEC

Marijuana plants

23,300 plants

investigations involve a multi-agency

Hashish

2 lbs.

(Cal-MMET) Program. The Cal-MMET grant funds two Sheriff’s narcotics detectives who receive specialized

approach to developing strategies to

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CANINE (K-9) UNIT

The Sheriff’s Canine Unit was established

Jacco are assigned to North Station,

in January 2001 with its first Narcotics

along with Deputy Faeth and Canine DJ.

Detection Canine Jake. Jake worked

Handler Josh Fischer and Canine Dutch

through 2009 until he passed away from

are assigned to the Custody Division.

cancer. Jake left a lasting impression with several Narcotics Units throughout Central and Southern California.

Faeth’s first canine, Nico retired in

The Canine Mission Statement:

January 2014 due to medical issues and

The Mission of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit is to support department operations by providing the expertise necessary to effectively search for outstanding suspects, missing persons, narcotics, and evidence, while enhancing officer safety and providing outstanding service to the community. In January 2010, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office purchased our second Narcotics Detection Canine, Jack. Jack is assigned to Senior Deputy Barger at the Sheriff’s Special Operations Unit. On December 5, 2011, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Ian Parkinson, expanded the Canine Program by adding four additional cross-trained patrol dogs. These dogs are capable of detecting narcotics as well as handler protection, suspect apprehension, and tracking and locating missing persons. Handler Deputy Mark Souza and Canine Gonzo are assigned to South Station, Handler Deputy Bryan Love and Canine Hondo are assigned to Coast Station, Handler Deputy John Franklin and Canine

With a tremendous amount of sorrow, we regret to inform you that Deputy

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

recently passed away. Nico will be laid to rest next to Jack at the Sheriff’s Canine Memorial. Handler Steve Faeth is set to retire on January 4, 2015, at which point Canine DJ will be reteamed with his new handler, Josh Peet. They will start their patrol training together on January 5, 2015. We would like to welcome Deputy Peet to the Canine Team. Canines Gonzo, Jacco, Hondo, DJ, Dutch and Jack completed their narcotics detection training and were certified by the California Narcotics Canine Association as 100% proficient at detecting the odors of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, opium and marijuana. Canines Gonzo, DJ, Jacco and Hondo were also certified by Police Officer Standards and Training and the California Narcotics Canine Association. The certification encompassed obedience, apprehension, and handler protection. Canine DJ will certify upon the completion of his training with Deputy Peet. The canines have been deployed for four years and are doing a great job for the Sheriff’s Office and the community. We are continually working to improve the

efficiency of the Canine Unit. One of the

Canine Stats through September 2014

ways we are moving forward is by giving

Deployments

the canine deputies the ability to input their canine stats into the patrol car computers, which will limit the amount of

Searches Arrests

249 1,865 169

AOA (Assists other Agencies)

has been accomplished with the assis-

Apprehensions

tance of the Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IT Team. We are

Apprehension Bites

constantly challenging the canine teams

Cocaine

1,587.4 grams

3.5 lbs.

2,706.3 grams

5.9 lbs.

time spent in the patrol station. This goal

with situational scenarios to test their

Methamphetamine

case-law knowledge and decision-mak-

Heroin

ing ability.

Marijuana

446.5 grams 28,304.5 grams

62.3 lbs.

U.S. Currency Positive

$15,667.00

Negative

$3,951.00

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HONOR GUARD

California State Sheriff’s Association

Air Force Base. Trainings are conducted

Conference being hosted in our county

once a month at local churches, chapels

the following year, the foundation of the

and cemeteries. Recently, the Sheriff’s

In 2014, with the assistance of a Sheriff’s

Sheriff’s Honor Guard began. Inter-

Honor Guard has attended veteran ser-

commander and sergeant, the establish-

dep ar tment ap plic ations and oral

vices at local schools, and the State Peace

ment of an official Sheriff’s Honor Guard

interviews were conducted, narrowing

Officer Memorial Ceremony as well as the

was formed, making this the first dedi-

the selection down to 11 deputy sheriff’s,

local one. For 2015, the Honor Guard will

cated honor guard in the department’s

one correctional deputy sergeant, one

be raising donations in order to attend the

164-year history. After the passing of prior

Sheriff’s commander, one Sheriff’s ser-

National Peace Officer Memorial in

Public Information Officer Rob Bryn, it

geant and a correctional deputy to play the

Washington D.C.

was decided that an honor guard was

bag pipes. These 15 members compile

needed to recognize our fallen heroes as

the team and have trained with the Marine

well as the members of our team who are

Corps Leathernecks Honor Guard and the

no longer with us. In 2013, with the

Air Force Honor Guard out of Vandenberg

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

BOMB TASK FORCE

Each team member is a certified bomb

The Task Force is governed by a board of

technician, having completed a thorough

directors consisting of members of the

background check conducted by the

Criminal Justice Administration

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Association. The board of directors

Basic training consists of attending a six-

includes the following positions:

week FBI Hazardous Devices School, located at U.S. Army Base Redstone

• The Sheriff

Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Training

• The chief(s) of police of each municipal

is ongoing and each bomb technician is a member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators.

police agency within this county • T h e c h i e f o f p o l i c e , C a l i fo r n i a Polytechnic State University Task Force Capabilities

This Bomb Task Force is accredited by the

The Task Force is a fully equipped bomb

The Bomb Task Force was created in

FBI Bomb Data Center in Washington,

squad available to respond to all bomb or

1981, at a time when explosive and

D.C. and is certified as a fully operational

explosive-related incidents within San

bomb-related incidents were increasing

bomb squad, capable of rendering safe

Luis Obispo County and upon a mutual

within San Luis Obispo County. The

and disposing of improvised explosive

aid request, to areas outside the County

need for a specialized team with unique

devices, military ordnance, and commer-

of San Luis Obispo.

equipment and 24-hour response capa-

cially-manufactured explosives.

bilities was realized. Law enforcement

The San Luis Obispo County Bomb Task Structure of the Bomb

Force works in conjunction with various

Task Force (BTF)

state and federal agencies to include the

have the individual resources to support

The Bomb Task Force (BTF) is typically

California Highway Patrol, State Parks

their own respective bomb squads and,

comprised of four members. Currently

and Recreation Department, Federal

therefore, the San Luis Obispo County

the task force has three members, two

Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of

Bomb Task Force was formed.

of which are Sheriff s Office employees

A l c o h o l , To b a c c o , F i re a r m s a n d

agencies within this county came to the consensus that each agency did not

and one technician from San Luis Obispo

E x plosives, United St ates Post al

The Task Force began responding to

Police Department. The BTF is com-

Inspectors, and Depar tment of

calls for service in 1982 and was a

manded by a Sheriff’s Office senior

Homeland Security.

coordinated team approach with a

deputy, who is a 15-year veteran hazard-

thorough commitment from all law

ous devices technician, as well as a task

enforcement agencies within San Luis

force manager, who is the rank of

Obispo County. Funding resources

Sheriff’s commander.

currently come from San Luis Obispo County, all incorporated cities, and

Although the Bomb Task Force is a selfsufficient unit, the Task Force has an excellent working relationship with the S a n t a B a r b a r a C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s Department Bomb Squad and the 30th

California Polytechnic State University.

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Civil Engineer Squadron, Explosive

Emergency situations may dictate a

The Bomb Task Force provided public

Ordnance Disposal Team at Vandenberg

9-1-1 call through the local law enforce-

demonstrations during Sheriff’s Family

A ir Force Base, whose militar y

ment agency of jurisdiction.

Day at the Ranch, Cops ‘n’ Kids Day,

jurisdiction includes this county.

2014 Calls for Service

Farmer’s Market, Sheriff’s Citizen’s

Response Procedures

The Task Force calls for service have

Academy, SLO High School Career Day,

The Bomb Task Force has the primary

ranged from 19 to 95 calls per year since

Grizzly Youth Academy Graduation, and

jurisdictional resp onsibilit y to all

1982. In the 2014 calendar year, the Task

the Gang Resistance Education And

explosive and bomb-related incidents

Force responded to 29 explosive devices

Training (G.R.E.A.T.) camps.

within San Luis Obispo County. A team

or bomb-related calls throughout San

member is continuously on call and the

Luis Obispo County. Some of the calls

Task Force is available 24 hours a day by

included WWII, Korean, or Vietnam era

calling the San Luis Obispo County

military ordnance, suspicious packages,

Sheriff’s Office at (805) 781-4550 (non-

suspected explosive materials, impro-

emergency line).

vised explosive devices (IEDs), illegal explosive pyrotechnics, and hoax devices.

Law Enforcement Memorial Night at

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

RUR AL CRIME UNIT The mission of the Rural Crime Unit (RCU) is to enforce laws and provide investigative services related to theft and property damage involving agricultural and rural communities. To accomplish this goal, not only did this unit investigate hundreds of cases in 2014, but they also proactively reached out to these communities through monthly meetings with SLO County Farm Bureau, Cattlewomen, Cattlemen, and Farm Bureau Women groups. Since rural crime trends are always evolving, frequent contact is essential in order to keep the rural community apprised of crime trends, as well as hear directly from them about what is going on in their specific areas.

In a presentation for the 2014 Sheriff’s

In an effort to network with other agencies

Citizen Academy, the RCU conveyed the

and to stay informed on current rural crime

importance of the farming/ranching

issues, one or more representatives from

community as it relates to the economy in

the RCU attends trainings or meetings on

San Luis Obispo County, and informed the

a regular basis with the California Rural

class of more than a dozen citizens about

Crime Prevention Task Force and the

the various types of crime unique to the

Central Coast Rural Crime Prevention Task

rural community. These educational

Force. As a result of these meetings, the

programs help to inform the public, and

Rural Crime Unit has had additional

assist the rural community by getting the

assistance when investigating agricultural

word out about the vital role they play.

crimes. For example, in 2013, The San

Community awareness is also raised,

Luis Obispo County Rural Crime Unit

which results in improved reporting of

initiated a meeting with surrounding

These meetings have also provided an

suspicious behavior that may lead to

counties to exchange information and

opportunity to make crime prevention

criminal acts.

evidence from recent agricultural crimes

recommendations, such as the formation of a Ranch Watch (RW) group, or having a Ranch/ Farm Security Sur vey (RSS) conducted by our RCU. A valuable crime prevention tool is the application of an O wner A pplied Number (OA N) to machinery and equipment. The OAN is an issued number that is unique to a particular farm or ranch owner and provides an opportunity for recovered stolen property to be returned to the rightful owner. The OANs are cataloged in a nation-wide database. In some cases, the display of the OAN may be a deterrent to would-be thieves. The application of the OAN is provided at no charge.

In 2014, the RCU has had numerous opportunities to share valuable information regarding the ranchers, farmers, and rural community at various public events and displays. OAN brochures and other ruralrelated literature were distributed, as well as Official Farm Safety Manual coloring books for children and sheets displaying the various products we use every day that are derived from cattle. Twelve days were spent at the California Mid-State Fair during the month of July, which allowed this information to be shared with t h o u s a n d s of p e o p l e. T hi s s a m e information was also distributed at the annual Cops ‘n’ Kids Day and Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch.

affecting our entire county. This meeting revealed that five of the surrounding counties had agricultural-related burglaries and thefts in which the suspect’s shoe prints and crime pattern were identical. The San Luis Obispo County rural crime deputies then took the lead in establishing a multi-county pin map indicating where the crimes occurred in an effort to establish a pattern. These agencies are now communicating and discussing any suspect leads and information regarding these cases. This exchange of information has assisted RCU investigators in identifying suspects and placing them at the crime scenes of multiple burglaries in rural San Luis Obispo County.

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MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT The Marine Enforcement Unit (MEU) continues to evolve while retaining its core concentrations. The unit now consists of six deputies, one sergeant and one commander. The MEU continues to provide

boat’s disposal and minimizes any poten-

Between May 24, 2012 and November 27,

enforcement patrols at Lake Nacimiento

tial adverse environmental impact.

2014 there were 15 documented maritime

and Lake Lopez, working closely with Because of the continuing smuggling

Monterey counties. With an eye toward

threat, Sheriff Parkinson sought Federal

education and boating safety, deputies

grant money to purchase a defender class,

contacted dozens of boaters each day

27-foot, patrol boat from SAFE Boats

they patrolled the County’s lakes

International, based in Bremer ton,

In January, a light plane, with two people

was purchased for use by the San Luis

onboard, crashed into the waters off

O b is p o C o unt y S he r i f f ’s M ar ine

resulted in a total of 70 arrests for drug

Pismo Beach. The MEU responded and

Enforcement Unit to conduct inshore and

smuggling and the seizure of approxi-

acted in support of the Dive Team over the

offshore patrols as part of our routine anti-

mately 12,861 lbs. of marijuana with an

course of several days, allowing the divers

maritime smuggling patrols. The cost for

approximate street value of $10.8 million

to concentrate on the task of search and

this fully equipped patrol vessel, which

by Sheriff’s deputies from this office. To

recovery. All three vessels in the fleet, the

was $342,812.82, was paid for entirely

date, this office is responsible for a total

Rob Bryn, the Christopher Meadows and

with federal grant money to help increase

seizure of 27,493 lbs. of marijuana smug-

the rigid hulled inflatable, were utilized dur-

protection of the coastal waters off San

gled into our county aboard Panga boats.

ing the operation. The challenges of

Luis Obispo County.

Washington. This fully equipped vessel

operating in the maritime environment

smuggling incidents in San Luis Obispo

rangers from both San Luis Obispo and

County. Of these 14 incidents, 13 resulted in the recovery of Panga boats. Of those vessels recovered, 10 were in excess of 30 feet in length with a payload capacity of up to three tons. Five of the maritime smuggling incidents

The Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement Unit will

underscored the benefits of training and

The coastline of San Luis Obispo extends

provide increased law enforcement pres-

experience in differing marine situations.

south from Big Sur to the Santa Maria

ence and patrol activity along the San Luis

River, just north of Point Sal. Contained

Obispo County coastline out to three miles

As the challenge of on-going Panga boat

within these ninety miles of coastline is

when staffed with deputy sheriffs and 12

smuggling activity along the San Luis

the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant

miles when a federal agent is aboard the

Obispo County coast continues, the MEU

near Avila Beach, Port San Luis Harbor,

patrol vessel. Working with our state and

works with the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team,

Morro Bay Harbor, and the Oceano Dunes

federal partners, the new patrol vessel will

narcotics detectives, state and federal

State Vehicular Recreation Area, which

help to deter smuggling activity off our

authorities to efficiently and safely remove

allows motor vehicles to be driven to

coastline and increase the safety of all

abandoned Panga boats from county

water’s edge and hundreds of smaller

who enjoy our coastal venues.

beaches. Doing so significantly reduces

secluded beaches stretching along U.S.

the man-hours needed for the Panga

101 and Highway One.

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

BICYCLE PATROL TEAM The Bicycle Patrol Team is an additional patrol function of the Sheriff’s Office that is utilized to heighten the presence of law enforcement wherever large crowds congregate, including parades, festivals and special events. The Bicycle Patrol Team is able to navigate in crowded areas and is frequently able to respond to calls for assistance faster than vehicle patrol units. Also, by using the bike patrol, it is easier for the public to approach and talk to a deputy on a bicycle, which improves positive community interaction. shooting while straddling a stationary

For the first time in history, the Amgen

The bicycle patrol deputies train together

b i c yc l e a n d d i s m o u nt i n g f ro m a

Tour of California came to Cambria and

as a team twice a year. Training builds on

stationary bicycle and engaging a target

the Sheriff’s Bicycle Patrol Team was a

basic bicycle riding skills and develops

while shooting.

major component of the massive multi-

patrol-specific riding skills. One of the most difficult bike riding skills is slow

The Bicycle Patrol Team was used sev-

speed maneuvering. We use the phrase

eral times over the course of the year.

“slow is pro” to highlight this point.

The largest event is the 4th of July/

Many of the events patrolled by the

Independence Day celebration in

Bicycle Patrol Team involve confined

Cayucos. The event starts early in the

locations with large numbers of people

day with a parade, where deputies on

on foot. To patrol in this environment, the

bikes patrol up and down the closed

bicycle deputy must be able to maintain

parade route easily where patrol cars

balance and control while riding at a slow

would otherwise be gridlocked. Later in

walking pace. During training, small

the evening, as people flow into town to

traffic cones are set up in intricate

see fireworks, deputies on bicycles are

patterns to assist in developing these

able to respond to calls for service faster

skills. Deputies practice riding up and

than a patrol car and at greater distances

down curbs and stairs and around other

than deputies on foot. The same sce-

obstacles they could encounter while on

nario plays out at other large events such

patrol. Other training drills include

as the Morro Bay Harbor Festival.

jurisdictional response plan. Much of the successful outcome of this event can be attributed to intense planning and cooperation between all the entities involved. Bicycle patrol deputies and officers from other agencies patrolled the race route, vendor booths, parking lots, spectator areas, streets and finish line to help make it a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. It was fun and rewarding to hear the race announcer give credit and thanks to the bicycle patrol deputies as they patrolled across the finish line before the race teams arrived.

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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT

Mesa Middle School in Arroyo Grande,

came to speak to the students about the

C ayucos Elementar y School and

consequences of being in a gang and how

Templeton High School.

he was able to turn his life around.

During these weeklong camps, students

The camps were a huge success! With all

participated in fun events like tie-dying

three camps funded through community

G.R.E.A.T. program curriculum was taught

team t-shirts, tug-a-war and carpet square

donations, the 3 0 0 students who

in the Coastal, North, and South County

games. They experienced three assembly

participated were able to attend free of

During the school year of 2013–2014, the

elementary schools throughout San Luis

events featuring the anti-gang rapper

charge. As a follow-up to the camps, all

Obispo County, with hundreds of students

Father Masseo, the Bucket Busters (a local

Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers

graduating from the program.

group of teenagers who make music using

partnered with San Luis Obispo County

plastic buckets) and anti - bull ying

Drug and Alcohol Services Friday Night

motivational speaker Retro Bill. Finally,

Live Team and San Luis Obispo County

students attended Law Enforcement Day,

Probation Juvenile Division officers to

This year, the San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Probation Department also partnered with the Sheriff’s Office and San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol Services Friday Night Live members to plan and run three San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Youth Summer Camps. The three camps were held at

where the Sheriff’s Office and other law

plan a BBQ for all the students who

enforcement agencies displayed their

attended the weeklong camps. Thanks to

specialty units for students to learn about

the good feedback we have received on

and experience firsthand. The last day of

these camps, the Sheriff’s Office is

camp was Graduation Day, where guest

already in the planning stages for the 2015

speaker Willy Stokes, an ex-gang member,

summer camps.

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

PROPERT Y ROOM

The Property Room is staffed with three

prescription medication as par t of

property officers, two full-time and one

Operation Medicine Cabinet. Each

part-time. The part-time position is dedi-

Sheriff’s patrol station in the County of

cated to purging.

San Luis Obispo has a designated drop

The digital video system for the patrol

expired medications to keep them from

vehicles has been installed at the three substations. As we continue to transition to digital recording, impact on the Property Room will be great as we will eventually no longer have to store physical DVDs from the patrol vehicles. Additionally, discovery requests for digitally recorded evidence can be accessed from our hard drive. In 2014 the Property Room was responsible for the collection and destruction of 315 boxes totaling 5,808 pounds of

BACKG ROUND INVESTIGATION UNIT

box for residents to drop off unused or being abused or accidently ingested. It also helps to protect our water system from the untreated waste. The drugs are then turned over to Drug Enforcement Administration for incineration at a licensed facility in Southern California. A small portion of the old Property Room has been retained for long-term storage. Construction is in progress to wall off this small space so that the remaining area of the old Property Room may be converted for other use.

The Background Investigation Unit con-

There were approximately 95 back-

sists of three investigators who are

grounds completed in 2014, not including

responsible for the investigation of all

those done for various volunteers.

sworn and civilian applicants within the Sheriff’s Office. The background investigator compiles a report that includes the

The following are totals for positions filled in 2014:

applicant’s personal history, driver’s license record, warrant checks, credit his-

Correctional Deputy:

tory, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer or

Correctional Technician:

Polygraph Examination results, medical

Deputy Sheriff:

examination and psychological examina-

Dispatcher:

tion. The Background Investigation Unit

Cook:

ensures background checks are in compli-

Legal Clerk:

Peace Officers Standards and Training

Property Officer (temporary)

and departmental statutes, as well as

Storekeeper:

regulations and procedures associated

Volunteers:

ance with the California Commission on

with the investigation process.

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CRIME PREVENTION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT A function of the Operations Division at the Sheriff’s Office is the Crime Prevention and Public Information Unit. This unit is staffed by two crime prevention specialists and a public information officer (PIO). The crime prevention specialists are each assigned to a specific area and crosstrained to support the entire organization. The rural crime specialist coordinates with the three rural crime deputies

addition, the position is responsible for the

design and content of the Sheriff’s Office

assigned to North, Coast and South Patrol

annual Citizens Academy and Sheriff’s

official website www.slosheriff.org. In

Stations. The specialist presents crime

Auxiliar y Volunteer Patrol Academy

addition, the PIO coordinates social media

prevention information and follow-up sup-

(SAVP), security surveys for home and

efforts on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office,

port to the ranching and agricultural

business, public displays, as well as chil-

including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

communities, Farm/Ranch Watch pro-

dren’s programs and the Crime Prevention

Other responsibilities include developing

grams and the Owner Applied Number

Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

public service announcements (PSA),

program. They also represent the Sheriff

review of new developments and

developing support services for the media,

at local Cattlemen and Cattlewomen

construction.

and assisting in scheduling speakers from

groups, the Mid-State Fair, Ag Venture and Farm Bureau.

The PIO is the primary liaison with local, national and international media for any

On the traditional programs side, this crime

news items that directly relate to the

prevention specialist maintains all the

Sheriff’s Office. Responsibilities include

Neighborhood Watch programs in the

writing and distributing press releases,

unincorporated areas of the county, sup-

generating story ideas and acting as the

p o r t i n g a n d m a i nt a i n i n g o ve r 3 0

primary spokesperson for the Sheriff’s

established groups and training others. In

Office. The PIO is also responsible for the

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

the Sheriff’s executive staff for service clubs and special event presentations.

AERO SQUADRON

Montebello offshore Cambria in 1941.

and remote teams, relaying critical infor-

Operating out of the original Hearst

mation on a real-time basis.

Ranch airstrip north of Cambria, the pilots assisted hundreds of special deputies app ointed by Sherif f Murray

Currently, higher performance Aero Squadron aircraft are available to provide county personnel with transportation

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

Hathaway. The squadron was reorga-

Aero Squadron is an all-volunteer organi-

nized in the late 1960s and again in the

zation composed of FAA-licensed pilots

mid-1970s to its present form. It has

and non-pilot trained observers attached

operated continuously since then and is

to the Sheriff’s Office to provide airborne

today comprised of members from vari-

search, rescue, surveillance and special-

ous professional backgrounds with

ized transportation functions.

aviation-related skills and interests.

Obispo Farmer’s Market in May and the

Member-pilots utilize their privately

Missions

in September.

The Aero Squadron often provides air-

Training

owned aircraft, currently 14 fixed-wing models, for mission support operations. More than seven privately owned helicopters have also been part of the squadron’s fleet in the past. Aircraft owners are reimbursed for aviation fuel and oil used in conjunction with an

borne search, location and rescue support for survivors of overdue and missing aircraft along the coastal range and remote inland areas. More commonly, the Aero Squadron is called upon

throughout California for critical meetings. The Aero Squadron also exhibits its aircraft and ground support vehicle at various local airshows, the annual Law Enforcement Night at the San Luis Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch event

The Aero Squadron trains approximately two to three times each year with realistic mission scenarios typically involving up to six aircraft at one time. These involve personnel and vehicle location in

assigned mission.

to assist ground search and rescue

A key asset in the Aero Squadron’s

sons throughout the county.

ron also takes par t in the annual

The Aero Squadron also provides an

involves all of the Sheriff’s search and

important airborne communication relay

rescue assets including the ground

platform for ground search and law

search and rescue team and mounted

enforcement teams operating within the

Posse. In addition, Aero Squadron mem-

county’s mountainous terrain and steep

bers are provided with limited firearms

valleys. While these areas normally

training by Sheriff’s range masters two

ground search teams.

block line-of-sight VHF radio transmis-

evenin g s ever y ye ar. M any A ero

sion and reception between ground

Squadron members are qualified to

Background

personnel, orbiting Aero Squadron air-

California POST PC832 standards.

Formed during the Second World War to

craft can communicate with search base

inventory is a 2006 Ford F-150 support vehicle outfitted with appropriate equipment to support squadron operations including UHF, VHF and aircraft-band VHF transceivers for communication with other county, state and federal assets such as our SLOSAR and Posse

teams that are looking for missing per-

remote parts of the county. The squadOperational Readiness Drill, which

provide coastal anti-submarine patrol functions, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Aero Squadron was officially founded in 1948. Undoubtedly, this was a result of enemy shelling of the oil storage facilities near Cayucos and the torpedoed s i n k i n g o f t h e U n i o n O i l t a n ke r

Current Assets (As of December 2014 Membership Level) Active members consisting of pilots and observers

Licensed pilots

Member-owned aircraft: fixed-wing

(estimated current market value = $2,545,000)

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March 15: Paso Robles Airport Search Base On March 15, an internal flight training exercise was conducted out of Paso Robles Airport involving airborne visual identification, tracking and GPS location of two moving ground vehicles in the northwestern coastal portion of the county. Three aircraft and aircrews controlled by ground staff manning ground support vehicle Unit 1798 supported this exercise. The exercise was successful.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNT Y SHERIFF’S AERO SQUADRON 2014 Aero Squadron Search and Rescue Support Operations 01/15/2014: Vessel Search Mission North of Cayucos

the mission was cancelled during flight. 05/27/2014: Vessel Search Mission Offshore Cayucos The Aero Squadron dispatched one aircraft to search offshore Cayucos for vessels. Our flight was conducted in conjunction with California Highway

The Aero Squadron dispatched an aircraft

Patrol (CHP) flying in the same area. No

to support law enforcement personnel on

vessels were sighted.

the beach for location and surveillance of vessels and ground vehicles transporting contraband. During the return-to-base portion of the flight, the flight crew provided support for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Dive Team vessel searching for an aircraft that had crashed into the sea after departing Oceano Airport several days earlier. The airborne search was unsuccessful with no results. 05/22/2014: Surveillance Mission in San Luis Obispo The Aero Squadron provided airborne surveillance of a law enforcement mission in the vicinity of the Madonna

Shopping Plaza. The airborne portion of

October 18: Fall Operational Readiness Drill On October 18, the annual Fall Joint Operational Readiness Drill was conducted in the area of Camp San Luis Obispo with SLOSAR and the mounted Posse. Scenarios involved the location and rescue of individuals pre-located in the hills south of SLOSAR’s search base. For this event, the Aero Squadron set up its Air Operations base at San Luis

2014 Aero Squadron Personnel

Obispo C ount y A irpor t. T he Aero

Transportation Flights

Squadron’s AirOps staff and the airborne aircraft communicated with SLOSAR

The Aero Squadron provided one per-

remotely on one of the VHF channels.

sonnel transportation flight in November 2014 in which a Sheriff’s detective was

The Aero Squadron dispatched a twin-

shuttled to and from Sacramento to

engine aircraft early in the exercise to

deliver essential paperwork to the State

provide “High Bird” communications

of California by a certain deadline.

relay, which gave critical information to mounted Posse search personnel and

2014 Aero Squadron Flight Training

search base. We subsequently provided

Operations

two additional aircraft from the San Luis

The Aero Squadron conducted one internal flight training exercise during 2014 in addition to the Fall Operational Readiness Drill.

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

Obispo base for High Bird duty before the mission ended successfully.

Aero Squadron Observer Aircrew Use of GPS Devices

2014 Aero Squadron Asset Utilization Actual Flight Search and Rescue Mission

5.5 flight-hours

When it became clear in 2013 that our

Actual Flight Search and Rescue Mission

31.0 man-hours

aircrews were having trouble with the

Sheriff’s Office Personnel Transportation

4.0 flight-hours

models of aircraft panel-installed and

Sheriff’s Office Personnel Transportation

6.0 man-hours

handheld GPS units used for identifying

Flight Training Missions

19.5 flight-hours

positions of ground targets, we transi-

Flight Training Missions

176.0 man-hours

tioned to GPS programs on iPad and

Special Air Operations Unit

31.0 man-hours

Ground Mission Training, Logistics and Coordination

10.0 man-hours

Ground Event Support Functions

111.0 man-hours

Monthly Meetings

722.0 man-hours

Android tablets. By early 2014, the Aero Squadron had adopted and utilized a free downloadable program produced by Trimble Navigation known as MyTopos, which provides a blend of several moving map displays and tools to easily mark GPS positions for relay to ground search

Unit 1798 and a static display board depicting our mission profile.

teams. We also adopted an application

On September 13, the Aero Squadron

known as Sygic GPS Navigation. Using

set up Unit 1798 in the field at the

these applications allows us to use cel-

Madonna Inn to provide helicopter land-

lular telephones as mobile hot spots so

ing zone control operations for the

aircrews can transmit maps to a tablet

CalStar helicopter. The public’s atten-

located at search base or to our ground

dance at this year’s event was likely the

unit for greater real-time interaction.

best we’ve seen in all the years we’ve

2014 Aero Squadron Public Relations Operations The Aero Squadron attended and suppor ted the annual count y law enforcement public outreach event held on May 15 in conjunction with the weekly San Luis Obispo Farmer’s Market with our Ground Support Vehicle

participated in this public outreach opportunity. At the event, the Aero Squadron gave away well over four dozen foam glider airplanes and flying rotor toys to the children who attended. They were an immense hit with the kids.

2014 Totals 29.0 flight hours 1,056.0 man-hours Unit 1798 during the San Luis Obispo Airport’s 75th anniversary open house event. We conducted our support of the Fall Operational Readiness Drill remotely from the airport, which gave the public an opportunity to see us in action. We had many people stop by, study our display board and converse with the Aero Squadron members staffing our exhibit. As with the Sheriff’s Family Day event, we gave away more foam gliders and rotor toys to the children who visited

On October 18, the Aero Squadron

with us, in addition to some adults who

exhibited four of its aircraft along with

just had to have one.

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S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

LEAD THE WAY A N N UA L R E P O R T 2 014

DIVE TEAM

The Sheriff’s Underwater Search and

In July, a tragic accident occurred when

Recovery Team, commonly referred to

a juvenile drowned at Star Farms. The

as the “Dive Team”, was extremely

Dive Team was utilized the following day

busy this year. There were 10 training

to search the pond for possible entrap-

sessions, a Diver Education Conference,

ments that may have been the cause of

an administration meeting, 10 call-outs

the drowning.

and seven communit y outreach presentations. The team currently consists of 30 members, one commander, two sergeants, six deputy sheriffs, two correctional deputies, and

vated to help the San Luis Obispo Police Department by recovering a stolen vehicle that was submerged in Laguna Lake

19 civilian volunteers.

for a number of years. Only after the

The Dive Team was called out five

the vehicle visible.

times in 2014 to aid the Sherif f ’s Narcotic Unit in their apprehension of Panga boats attempting to smuggle

water receded due to the drought was

The Sheriff’s Citizens Academy graduation took place in October 2014. Dive

drugs onto our shores.

Team members were on scene to pres-

In January, the Dive Team was called out

group and an equipment display.

to search for a small plane that crashed in the ocean off our coastline. During January, February and May, divers made more than 30 dives, to depths of 80 feet in search of the wreckage. Team members located the plane in late February. Also in February, team members were

ent a Power Point presentation for the

In November, team members recovered a cash drawer thrown in the ocean off of Morro Bay’s coastline. The drawer was evidence in a burglary that occurred in the city of Morro Bay. Divers were also called out in November to search underneath the Pismo Beach pier for a safe

called out to search underneath Hartford

that was reported to have been thrown

Pier for a woman that allegedly fell or

off the pier by the same burglar.

jumped off.

Cops ‘n’ Kids Day is always a huge suc-

In May of 2014, the Dive Team’s presen-

cess. Occurring in November, the Dive

tation of their equipment at Farmer’s

Team was there to answer questions

Market was a hit with citizens.

and let kids try on their equipment.

Dive Team members also participated in

TRAINING

the Sheriff’s Youth Camp graduation by putting on an equipment presentation for the middle school kids in June, July and August.

Also in July, the Dive Team was acti-

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

In January, training started with a lecture that included CPR, first-aid, and the use of oxygen for near drowning and stabilization. The afternoon session included

initial treatment of decompression illness, and lung over-expansion injuries. February’s training session was used to continue searching for the downed plane. In March, team members took part in the annual Diver Education Conference, with participation from both local and statewide agencies. Presenter subjects ranged from dive-medicine to survival procedures. April’s training session consisted of meeting with the Sheriff and members of the administration, which included the announcement of a new commander being assigned to the team. May’s Dive Team training took place in Montano de Oro and Morro Bay where slam training and shoreline search patterns were on the agenda.

During the month of September, the

team’s schedule for 2015. The annual

Dive Team participated in Sheriff’s Day

year-end inventory and inspection of

at the Ranch, as well as a test run at Lake

equipment also took place.

Lopez for the Sheriff’s pontoon boat and its newly installed engine.

DIVE TEAM 2015 GOALS

the pier in and around pilings.

October’s training was carried out at

• Develop a comprehensive training pro-

Lake Naciemento where divers had to

gram for new Dive Team members

During the month of July, training took

navigate their way through confined

that can be used to bring them up to

place again at Hartford Pier where Diver

spaces in order to familiarize themselves

Public Safety Diver status in a shorter

Team members had to qualify for their

with the stress that comes with search-

period of time. The program would

annual physical agilities test.

ing for targets in small restricted areas.

also be made available for outside

August’s training also took place at

In November, training took place at the

Hartford Pier, allowing divers to practice

Morro Bay T Pier. New Dive Team mem-

target location and search for evidence

ber applicants tested for three open

under the pier. Normally the months of

positions on the team. In addition, divers

June, July and August are spent training

made a night dive at Coleman Beach,

at Lake Naciemento, however, due to

where they had to navigate underwater

the lack of water at the lake, the team

to pre-determined points on the sea floor.

In June, the Dive Team trained at Hartford Pier where divers had to navigate under

agency training

utilized Port San Luis.

• Bring our new public volunteer and sworn recruits up to Public Safety Diver status before the end of the year • Increase our ability to perform more inthe-field repairs of our equipment • Update a portion of the Dive Team’s equipment

December’s meeting was used to review the year’s activities and write the

• Be more self-sufficient

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EXPLORER PROG R AM The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 781 is comprised of young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in discovering more about law enforcement and a possible career in the law enforcement profession. The Explorer Post currently maintains a roster of 21 members. Post 781 is officially chartered through the Boy Scouts of America. Four advisors lend their expertise in training

Court House as well as the inmate hold-

services to the annual Paso Robles

the post members under the supervision

ing facilities at the courthouse. The

Christmas Parade. Post members attend

of Sheriff’s Commander Jay Donovan,

explorers also assisted at this year’s

the annual Law Enforcement Memorial

and Sergeant Dave Nottenkamper.

California State Sheriff’s Association

Night activities at Farmer’s Market in

Various other deputies are called upon to

Conference (CSSA), which was held in

San Luis Obispo, provide youth leader-

assist with specialty trainings.

San Luis Obispo County and hosted by

ship and small group training sessions at

Experience is gained and enhanced

Sheriff Ian Parkinson. During this multi-

the Gang Resistance Education and

through many and varied community

day event, the explorers were

Training (G.R.E.A.T.) youth camps, (now

activities and public service events

responsible for assisting with many

referred to as Sheriff’s Youth Camps) as

throughout the year. These include, but

various events and activities. The

held in three locations throughout the

are not limited to, assisting at the

Explorers are expected to enter the

County of San Luis Obispo. The group

Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day ser-

three - day - long annual E xplorer

also assists at the California Mid-State

vices at the Los Osos Valley Memorial

Competition at the California Mid-State

Fair Sheriff’s booth. They may be seen

Cemetery where post explorers assist

Fairgrounds where their skills are tested

volunteering to assist with compliance

our country’s veterans with parking vehi-

by competing against explorers from

operations with the Alcoholic Beverage

cles and escorting veterans to the

various agencies in the western United

Control Agency and the County of San

services. Explorers also participate in the

States. During this year’s Mid-State

Luis Obispo Tobacco Program. They also

Cops ‘n’ Kids Day activities in Arroyo

Competition our explorers received the

partner with deputy teams for foot patrol

Grande. Explorers are also an important

second place overall trophy.

at the 4th of July Fireworks Show in

part of the annual Sheriff’s Citizen Academy graduation.

They don the McGruff Crime Dog costume to share an anti-drug message with

This past year, the explorers had the

county youth and assist at the Sheriff’s

opportunity to tour the county jail, the

Day at the Ranch activities. They also

Crime Lab, and the San Luis Obispo

provide traf fic and crowd control

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

Cayucos, and participate in several patrol unit ride-a-longs throughout the year. In addition, many of the explorers are bilingual and provide the Sheriff’s Office with interpreting services.

Weekly meetings are held on Thursday

DUI sobriety examinations, and receive

During the past year, the Explorer Post

evenings when the explorers receive

an introduction to canine handling

competed in the Central Coast Law

scenario-based training and discussions

techniques. Additionally, the explorers

Enforcement Competition in Tulare

on law enforcement duties such as

are familiarized with radio codes and

where they displayed professionalism

handling domestic violence c alls,

transmissions thereof, penal codes,

and determination. Competing against

suspicious subject contact, vehicle

vehicle codes and c ase law. T he

more than 600 other explorers, they

traffic stops, felony car stops, report

explorers are expected to maintain high

were successful in winning several

taking, oral interviews, and firearms

levels of moral standards, as well as learn

awards at the event. This year, the

handling and training. They conduct

discipline and the day-to-day functions of

Explorer Post looks forward to compet-

building searches, apply fingerprinting

a Sheriff’s deputy, characteristics that

ing in similar competitions throughout the state.

techniques, handcuffing techniques and

will carry on in their personal life and,

suspect pat-downs, engage in active

should they so choose, in their career in

shooter scenarios, hostage negotiations,

law enforcement.

SHERIFF’S POSSE

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Posse is an all-volunteer auxiliary unit of the Sheriff’s Office. These volunteers come from throughout San Luis Obispo County. It is the objective of the Posse to augment the Patrol Division, perform search and rescue operations and promote positive public relations by providing a ceremonial unit to participate in parades and other community functions. Posse members must be citizens of the United States and of good moral character. They must have reached the age of 18, reside in the County of San Luis Obispo and pass a background investigation. Posse members must demonstrate good horsemanship skills and have a mount that is mentally and physically sound. In addition, they must possess appropriate tack and a vehicle and trailer capable of transporting their mount and equipment at a moment’s notice.

completions of assigned tasks, in any variance of weather or working conditions, without jeopardizing their safety, the safety of their mount, or the public. Members must possess above average

Members must maintain the physical fit-

horsemanship skills, which are evaluated

ness necessary to ensure the safe

by a Mounted Proficiency Test that must

LEAD THE WAY A N N UA L R E P O R T 2 014

conjunction with other auxiliary units. The

maintain membership.

Ceremonial Team provides a positive pub-

with community functions such as Cops

lic relations representation of the Sheriff’s

‘n’ Kids Day, Pioneer Day, Sheriff’s Day at

The Posse has three areas of responsibility which are organized into teams. These teams are Patrol, Search and Rescue and Ceremonial. Organization into teams allows members to focus on one specific task, thereby raising the level of expertise in each area. Members may choose to participate in more than one team. The Patrol Team’s purpose is to furnish a qualified mount and rider to provide mounted assistance and support to existing Sheriff’s patrols at community functions and during special operations. The Search and Rescue Team conducts mounted search and rescue operations in

events consisting of local parades along

be successfully completed annually to

Office to the community at public events

the Ranch and Law Enforcement Night in

and parades. They also provide a

downtown San Luis Obispo.

Mounted Honor Guard to carry the United States Flag and California Stated Flag in these organized parades or events.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Posse strives to provide a professional service to the County of San Luis Obispo.

In 2014, the Posse participated in 23 sep-

Posse members contribute a great deal

arate functions throughout the County of

of their time, money and energy to their

San Luis Obispo, expending 698 man-

community and fellow citizens. Their ser-

hours. The Patrol Team participated in

vice resulted in a number of positive

four events this year with the most chal-

public contacts, a closer relationship with

lenging of these events being the

other law enforcement entities and a vis-

Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles. This event

ible Sheriff’s Office presence throughout

is spread out over a 12 day period, with an

the county.

attendance of over 363,000 people. The Ceremonial Team participated in 18

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

SHERIFF’S AUXILIARY VOLUNTEER PATROL (SAVP)

The Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol

assist annually with the Sheriff’s Citizen

(SAVP) was established to assist the San

Academy graduation, which also provides

Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office in

a chance for recruitment. Under the direc-

meeting its law enforcement mission. It is

tion of the SAVP graffiti abatement

a partnership between law enforcement

coordinator, SAVPs respond to participate

and the public, which serves to increase

in the removal of graffiti or “tagging” inci-

the impact that the Sheriff’s Office has in

dences throughout the entire county. In

preserving our high quality of life in San

2014, they spent close to 212 hours on

Luis Obispo County.

these endeavors and close to 2,000 hours since the inception of this valuable pro-

Citizen volunteers trained in a variety of

gram. SAVPs regularly assume new

law enforcement topics, such as observa-

duties and assignments as requested.

tion skills, radio procedures, and first-aid,

They have continued their efforts with the

provide supplemental patrol in our neigh-

Project Lifesaver Program, which resulted

b o r h o o d s a n d b u sin e s s d i s t r i c t s ,

in more than 661 hours of service last

contributing more than 6,000 patrol hours

year. Not only do they change the batter-

per year and an additional 660 hours with

ies each month for those who wear these

various other types of assignments.

devices, but they also spend time visiting

These volunteers act as additional “eyes

with them, which enables their family

and ears” in an effort to identify crime

members to have a break. Annually, this

problems and increase public safety.

dedicated group travels more than 95,000

Aside from patrolling the streets, auxiliary

miles throughout the County of San Luis

patrol members perform more than 351

Obispo, completing these various tasks

vacation checks annually and regularly

and requests. SAVPs have also volun-

assist the Crime Prevention Unit in prepar-

teered their time to complete nearly 453

ing materials for public displays and

hours of various types of training to

events to enhance crime prevention edu-

enhance their skills.

cation, which they also often attend. They

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SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM (SAR)

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

and increase the skill levels of their team-

Office Search and Rescue (SLOSAR)

mates. SLOSAR has an Out of County

Team consists of volunteer members of

Incident Management Team that could

our community who are trained and cer-

deploy to another county and provide

tified in Emergency Medical Responder

assistance or guidance on the manage-

(EMR) and Health Care Provider CPR,

ment of their searches.

the Incident Command System (ICS), communications, extensive search techniques and procedures, rope rescue skills, the map, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS) and wilderness tracking and survival. All members are certified by the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) in either SAR Technician 2 or 3. SLOSAR is one of very few county SAR units that have their own California EMS Continuing Education Provider Program. With this license, it allows SLOSAR trained EMS staff to re-certify EMTs through the state and to also evaluate skills at the state and national levels. New members are probationary; in a

members strong. Most members, although all proficient in ground searching, have chosen to be part of a specialty team within the SLOSAR Team. The specialty teams within SLOSAR include: • Ground search teams (urban and rural) • 4X4 and ATV (quad) teams • Communications/Dispatching • Mountain Bike Team (urban and rural) • Technical Rope Rescue Team (high and low angle) • Canine Team (area searching, trailing, and cadaver) • Medical Team (20+ members rated at

period of nine to fourteen months, a

EMT or higher)

probationar y member is trained by

• Tracking Team

experienced SLOSAR team members and expected to gain proficiency in all of the skills described above as well as many other areas. Many members strive for perfection and have acquired advanced skills in search theory, management, operations, logistics management, advanced GP S computer mapping, and advanced technical rescue. Some members have created trainings that have been recognize d n ationw id e and others are developing trainings that will enhance

SLOSAR’s current membership is 64

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

“Project Lifesaver” Team Because of SLOSAR’s training and expertise, they also support the Sheriff’s Office by participating in crime scene searches and equipment support. Some of the specialty equipment and vehicles available and supported by SLOSAR are: • 26’ communication-command vehicle • Detailed (topo) county maps and computer mapping (Terrain Navigator Pro) • 4X4 tow vehicle

• Generators and light towers

events such as: medical stand-by and

from Monterey Count y, t wo from

• 40’ medical trailer

first aid stations for special events

Ventura Count y and one from San

including adventure races, community

Barbara County), two Project Lifesaver

events like the Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch

searches, and one call to assist other

or Cops ‘n’ Kids Day, and the San Luis

agencies within our county.

• Command trailers • Crew/rehab Trailer • ATV/Quads • Mountain bikes • Humvee

Obispo Christmas Parade. Overall, SLOSAR participates in approximately 12 public events each year.

Community Involvement

Search Missions

SLOSAR members are very involved

In 2014, SLOSAR received 17 callouts

with our community. Throughout the year they participate in community

for searches; five missing person searches, six mutual aide requests (two

The cost saved by San Luis Obispo County for enjoying a professional search and rescue volunteer team is approximately $2,000 per hour. The cost saved by San Luis Obispo County for all volunteer time, which includes missions, training, meetings, and special events, is estimated at $1.5 million per year.

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2014 SHERIFF’S OFFICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

AWARDS Medal of Valor: Deputy Penaflor Deputy Alm Deputy Bird Distinguished Service: Senior Deputy Howard Deputy Coyes Senior Deputy Abbas Sergeant Nichols Outstanding Service Award: Senior Deputy Guiton Deputy Wyett Deputy Souza Dispatcher Schaffer Deputy R. Degnan Deputy Linn Commendation: Forensic Specialist Jones Correctional Deputy Bishop Correctional Deputy Therien Correctional Deputy Leetham Correctional Deputy Doss Correctional Deputy Paterson Correctional Deputy Sims Correctional Deputy Maez Correctional Deputy R. Hebrard Correctional Deputy Vert Correctional Sergeant Voisenat Registered Nurse Lowry Senior Correctional Deputy Sterling

AWARD DESCRIPTIONS Medal of Valor Awarded to members who intelligently and in the line of duty, perform an act of gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty, at imminent peril, and with knowledge of the risk. Distinguished Service Awarded to members who in the line of duty, perform an act or series of acts which demonstrate a high degree of professional excellence through the success of a difficult project, program, investigation, or situation. Outstanding Service Award Awarded to members for service or activity of the highest possible standard, which greatly exceeds the normal expectations of public employment. Such service or activity shall be exceptional, extraordinary, or heroic in nature. Commendation Awarded to members who have distinguished themselves by outstanding devotion to duty, and/or rendering invaluable service to the Sheriff’s Office or the community we serve. Life Saving Award Awarded to members who take swift action to save the life, or attempt to save the life, of any person.

Correctional Deputy Neff Volunteer of the Year Life Saving Award: Correctional Sergeant J. Huskey Volunteer of the Year: Kasey Trimble – Posse Volunteer

Recognition for the volunteer who consistently exhibits superior work ethic, dedication, and performance in the interest of public service. Dedicated Service Award

Dedicated Service Award: Mental Health Therapist D. Helwig

S A N LU I S O B I S P O C O U N T Y S H E R I F F ’ S O F F I C E

Recognition for the employee who consistently exhibits superior work ethic, dedication, and performance in the interest of public service.

Watch Commander’s Desk: (805) 781-4553 General Business Line (Dispatch): (805) 781-4550 Main Jail Information: (805) 781-4600 North Patrol Station: (805) 434-4290 Coast Patrol Station: (805) 528-6083 South Patrol Station: (805) 473-7100 FOR ALL EMERGENCIES PLEASE DIAL 911

SLO Sheriff’s Office 1585 Kansas Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 www.slosheriff.org Design: Verdin

CONTACT INFORMATION

SLO COUNT Y SHERIFF’S OFFICE