SLO County Sheriff's Office 2011 Annual Report

SLO County Sheriff’s office annual report 2011

Message

from

the

Sheriff

I am very proud to present the 2011

what was happening in this critical area,

Annual Report of the San Luis Obispo

the field to supervise field operations. We

County Sheriff’s Office to the citizens of the county and the Board of Supervisors.

but also to release sergeants back into were challenged by legislation to make room for more local inmates in a process called “realignment.” The custody division stepped up to recondition and repurpose space for inmates, while our

The men and women of the Sheriff’s

department. Some of the changes were

administrative division moved forward on

Office, each division, branch or special

small, such as switching out t wo

the county jail expansion project.

assignment, paid or volunteer, have shown

unmarked cars with plain-clothes depu-

me that this is an outstanding operation.

ties to marked units, giving higher

In my first year in office, I have made changes and demanded results. The team pulled together to make improvements in virtually every area of the

We added three people to our K-9 pro-

visibility in both North and South County

gram, enlisted more volunteers for our

at no additional cost to taxpayers. I

specialized units, held 15 community

changed the schedule of our command

meetings across the county to listen to

staff to rotate them through the Watch

those we serve and focus on efforts to

Commander’s Office to keep current on

I n s i d e th i s r ep o rt Sheriff Letter Services & Units Contact 2

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

improve, star ted Gang Resistance

staffed by Commander Jim Voge, (a rec-

Education and Training (GREAT) in two

ognized statewide expert in internal

North County schools and plan to expand

affairs and officer-involved shootings), to

the program across the county in 2012. An

instill confidence and insure that depu-

audit of our property room and improved

ties and citizens are treated with respect,

facilities are on the way, as well as a new

and cases are resolved in a non-bias way.

Coroner’s Office. In addition, all field deputies have been trained in rural crime to

I plan to continue with changes in

supplement our Rural Crime Task Force.

structure and meet the significant chal-

When the attorney general vetoed funds

now say at the Sheriff’s Office, we will

for the County Narcotics Task Force, we

L E A D T H E W A Y.

took the lead and split the forces between gang and narcotics units

lenges of the coming year, but as we

already in place at the Sheriff’s Office, doubling the size of the gang unit overnight at no net cost to our budget.

I have also fulfilled my campaign promise of creating a Professional Standards Unit,

Ian Parkinson San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner

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ADMINISTRATION

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Administration is comprised of the following: • Sheriff • Undersheriff • Chief Deputy (2) • Confidential Legal Clerk • Personnel Analyst Administration has direct supervision over the Intelligence and Professional Standards Units, and oversees information systems and the custody division.

The two chief deputies oversee administrative duties and the operations division.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT

A key campaign promise of Sheriff Ian

complaint process and now requires a

Parkinson was to establish a Professional

supervisor to immediately contact the

Standard’s Unit. Shortly upon taking office,

complainant, complete the complaint form

Sheriff Parkinson hired Commander Jim

and conduct a preliminary investigation.

Voge, who was tasked with creating and managing the unit. On February 14, 2011, the Professional Standards Unit became official. Commander Voge is a retired commander from the Los Angeles Police Department, where he managed Internal Affairs. He served the Los Angeles Police Department for over 33 years and brings a wealth of experience, particularly in the area of internal discipline, to the Sheriff’s Office.

Commander Voge created a new complaint form that streamlines the internal

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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

With this approach, a supervisor conducts a personnel complaint investigation similar to a criminal investigation. The purpose of the investigation is to seek the “truth of the matter” and this can only occur through proper investigative techniques. In addition to the personnel complaint form, a community complaint form was also created for those rare circumstances in which the complainant cannot be interviewed but requests a form to record the complaint.

The Professional Standards Unit also

best serves the employee and the public.

eliminated a flawed system of “adminis-

The non-disciplinary approach assists in

Police Department, Commander Voge

trative investigations” and complaint

this endeavor.

created a division to investigate police

disposition tracking by creating a system wherein every complaint that meets a “simple complaint criterion” receives a tracking number.

Computer software was purchased to allow for an electronic file system. IA Pro is computer software designed to identify potential problems early on, so that

Prior to Sheriff Parkinson’s administration,

proactive action can be taken. IA Pro

complaint dispositions were either “sus-

ensures the most efficient handling of

tained” or “not sustained.” There were no “unfounded” or “exonerated” dispositions, which are not only used by law enforce-

other types of incidents, while providing

the means to analyze and identify areas

described in the California State Penal

of concern. More than an electronic file

Code. The unfounded and exonerated dis-

system, IA Pro’s early warning system

positions are now being used in the

capabilities allow management to take

Sheriff’s Office and their use has had a

steps to avoid or minimize liability.

to note that most of the complaint dispositions in 2011 were unfounded, meaning that the investigation clearly established

The Professional Standards Unit was also asked to develop a use-of-force report. In the past, use-of-force incidents were

that the allegation was not true.

contained in their accompanying arrest

Another addition to the new complaint

way to analyze the data since it was not

and incident reports, but there was no

form was the non-disciplinary finding.

compiled in a retrievable format. The cre-

Some complaints are minor in nature or

ation of the new form allows the Sheriff’s

can be unfounded immediately and do

Office to not only analyze the incident,

not require a comprehensive investiga-

but requires a mandatory supervisory

tion. Non-disciplinary findings allow the

investigation into each reportable use-of-

investigator and management to quickly

force incident. The repor t is then

and appropriately investigate and adjudi-

recorded in IA Pro for analysis.

cate these cases. Sheriff Parkinson expressed a desire to conduct personnel complaint investigations in a short period of time without sacrificing the quality of the investigation. A timely investigation

officer deadly force incidents and he has taught about this subject nationally and internationally. Based upon his experience, Commander Voge developed a C alifornia C ommission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST)

approved eight-hour course called citizen complaints, administrative inves- “Officer-Involved Shootings and Lethal tigations, use-of-force reporting, and Use of Force by Law Enforcement.”

ment agencies nationally, but are also

positive impact on morale. It is interesting

During his work with the Los Angeles

Commander Voge teaches the class locally for the Sheriff’s Office, and is currently developing an eight-hour Internal Affairs class that should be ready for submission to POST in 2012.

These classes, with the addition of several POST classes taught

by Sheriff’s Office personnel, illustrate the Sheriff’s commitment to in-service training and continuous improvement of all personnel.

One of the responsibilities of the Professional Standards Unit is to respond to every officer-involved shooting or incustody death where force is a factor.

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RECORDS & WARRANTS

The Records and Warrants Unit consists

reports recorded by deputies, implemen-

of nine full-time and two part-time

tation of a county-wide criminal justice

employees. This unit is responsible for

information system, and possibly a more

entering criminal warrants into state and

efficient process for handling the existing

national databases; registering sex,

18,000 criminal warrants issued by the

arson, gang, drug offenders; processing

San Luis Obispo Superior Court.

extraditions; Live Scan fingerprinting of applicants; processing records, including discovery orders, record seals, subpoenas, duplicate ID resolution, DO J validations; and responding to approximately 9 0 0 requests annually for documents that fall within the Public Records Act. Goals for 2012 include an upgraded records management system for managing and storing the 10,000 annual crime

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The Information Technology Unit (IT) is staffed by a supervisor, senior program

in order to keep up with demands for ser-

engineer, systems administrator, techni-

vice and the constantly changing

cal support person and part-time intern.

environment. In addition, IT maintains

IT is responsible for the purchase, instal-

t h e C a l i fo r ni a L aw Enfo rc e m e nt

lation, maintenance and support of all

Telecommunications System for eight

computer systems at the Sheriff’s Office,

county law enforcement agencies, the

including the computer aided dispatch

Automated Fingerprint Identification

system (CAD), critical records manage-

System (AFIS), and CAD to CAD systems.

ment software, arrest records and jail management systems.

There are more than 350 terminals, as well as 50 mobile data terminals that require service, upgrades and troubleshooting in the system. A critical strategic plan for IT was completed in 2 010 to rev i ew a n d re c o m m e n d

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improvements across the IT architecture

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

COMPUTER FORENSICS L AB

The fight against high-tech crimes

has trained personnel in both online

includes both the investigation of online

crime investigations and computer

criminal activity on the Internet and the

forensics. The department works closely

field of computer forensics. Computer

with allied agencies within the county to

forensics is the process of obtaining

make these specialized capabilities avail-

evidence from digital media (hard

able to their respective investigative

drives, CDs, DVDs, diskettes, etc.) that

units. In 2011, the Computer Forensics

can be presented in a court of law.

Lab assisted allied agencies with 18

The Sheriff’s Office has a dedicated computer forensics lab facility, and

CIVIL DIVISION The Sheriff’s Office Civil Division serves civil process in the manner prescribed by law. The majority of procedures and laws

cases in addition to the 37 cases managed for the Sheriff’s Office.

Civil process includes the service of sum-

During 2011, the following number of

mons and complaints, small claims

civil processes were handled by the five

documents, restraining orders, subpoe-

civil deputies and four legal clerks

nas and evictions. Other services include

assigned to the Civil Division:

levies on wages, bank accounts, personal

Evictions

807

property, real property, or any other asset

Levies

1,450

of the judgment debtor.

Service of civil process

7,865

governing the service and execution of

The Civil Division also provides security

civil process are set forth in the California

services for the San Luis Obispo County

Code of Civil Procedure. The Civil

Superior Courts and the County of San

Division works in conjunction with the

Luis Obispo Courthouse. There are 15

Civil Courts in San Luis Obispo County

deput y sheriffs and one sergeant

and Civil Courts throughout the State of

assigned as bailiffs to the Superior

California in the execution and service of

Courts. Civil Division also oversees the

process. It is the goal of the Civil Division

security checkpoints leading into the

to serve all processes in a timely manner

County Courthouse.

The Sheriff’s Civil Division is located within the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse at 1050 Monterey Street, Room 236, San Luis Obispo, CA. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM, excluding holidays.

while maintaining an impartial position between all parties involved.

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CUSTODY DIVISION The county jail is located on Kansas Avenue in San Luis Obispo and is comprised of 158 Sheriff’s Office employees, as well as medical and mental health staff, substance abuse counselors and numerous volunteers. The Custody Division’s annual budget is approximately $23,000,000 for salaries and services.

The primary function of the county jail is to house pre-trial arrestees and sentenced inmates in a safe, secure environment providing protection for the community.

The County Jail houses both male and female inmates in maximum, medium and minimum security housing locations.

It also provides for the health and welfare of the inmates and has the responsibility of transporting those inmates to and from locations outside of the jail.

The county jail operates in accordance with all laws, guidelines and standards as established by the Corrections Standards Authority (CSA), state and federal law and the operational policies and procedures of the Sheriff’s Office and the Custody Division. The operation of the jail provides for community safety, facility security and the welfare of staff and inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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The county jail processes approximately

To increase bed space, the Sheriff’s

12,682 inmates per year and has a CSA

Office is taking the following steps:

bed rated capacity of 518. With today’s inmate count at 656, the jail is over

• Recondition the modular units, which

crowded and will experience an increase

have been unoccupied by inmates since

in the inmate population with the pas-

1993, to house 48 inmates with class-

sage of Assembly Bill 109 (AB109),

rooms for vocational training.

which focuses on jail realignment.

AB109 redirects non-violent, non-serious, and non-sexual offenders to be housed at the county jail instead of being incarcerated at State Prison. The esti-

• Add 30 additional beds to the Main Jail Dormitories.

• A dd 32 additional beds to the West Housing Dormitories, and 31 additional beds to West Housing.

mated increase for the jail is approximately

• R econdition the old World War II

140 additional inmates per year. With this

Weekend Barracks to house up to 80

increase, the jail is moving quickly to

inmates.

increase bed space and staff. The Board of Supervisors has approved funding for one additional correctional sergeant, 15 correctional deputies, one correctional cook, and one mental health counselor for the jail.

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 county jail is also in the process of remodeling an old, out-of-date Main Jail Safety Cell to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and making the Main Jail Cell (housing unit) ADA compliant.

Medical Dispensary: The Medical Dispensary is staffed 24 hours a day with additional support from local hospitals (as needed). On average, 1,700 inmates are taken to the dispensary each month. The inmates are treated for a variety of ailments ranging from alcohol withdrawal to heart problems. 67 percent of the inmate population are on prescription medication, with the cost of these medications exceeding $370,000.

Mental Health Services: Psychiatric staff operates seven days a week, 365 days a year. Jail Psychiatric Services had more than 6,000 contacts last year, roughly 17 to 18 per day.

However, it is not unusual to receive 20 to 40 requests per day. This does not include requests by correctional depu- • Life skills

Court Services/Transportation:

t i e s f o r e m e r g e n c y s i t u a t i o n s , • A lter n ati ves to V i o l en c e ( AV P ) court-ordered evaluations or immediate Workshops

The county jail is located approximately

evaluation of an at- risk inmate as requested by various service providers and family members. Approximately 25 percent of the jail inmates are on psychiatric medication.

Inmate Programs:

• Food safety certification • Reproductive health education and counseling • Stress reduction through yoga • Creative writing, drama and poetry

One expectation of the public is rehabili-

Additional programs operating in con-

tation of inmates through vocational and

junction with the jail include:

educational training. The goal of these programs is for inmates to gain employment or become employed in a better job after being released. Programs include: • General Educational Development (GED) • Adult Basic Education (ABE)

• Forensic Reentry Services (FRS)

f i ve m i l e s f ro m t h e c o u r t h o u s e.

Consequently, inmates who are required to appear in court need to be transported and supervised by correctional deputies.

Additionally, the transportation team transports inmates to medical and dental appointments and from various state and local agencies. The rated capacity for court holding is 77 inmates.

In 2011, 11,371 inmates were transported to court, 2,187 inmates to dental

• Forensic Coordination Team (FCT)

and medical appointments, 99 inmates

• Police and Corrections Team (PACT)

to or from out-of-county jails, and 221

• Drug Court

inmates to state prisons.

• Mental Health Court • Proposition 36

• English as Second Language (ESL) • Vocational Education Program

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CRIME L ABORATORY The Crime Laboratory has several functions including crime scene response, laboratory processing, analysis of evidence and urine, narcotics testing, and the administration of the CAL-ID system for San Luis Obispo County. Not only does the Crime Laboratory service the Sheriff’s Office, it also provides manpower, technical support and assistance to all police departments and other educ ational and government entities throughout the county.

The Crime Laboratory also upgraded a

installation of a local AFIS that will allow

second response vehicle and acquired

the rapid searching of fingerprints within

three new pieces of analytical equip-

the county, and a Mobile Identification

ment: a digital high-definition video

System that will access AFIS from the

Over the last year, the Crime

camera for crime scene documentation,

field, allowing deputies, detectives and

Laboratory has responded to

a reflected ultraviolet imaging system for

crime laboratory personnel to identify

detecting fingerprints, and a polarizing

those who would seek to hide their iden-

more than 60 crime scenes, light microscope for biological and sub- tity from law enforcement. proc e s sed more than 8 0 0 pieces of evidence, analyzed more than 3,000 drug and urine samples and made more than

stance analysis.

During 2011, the C A L- ID Program embarked on an ambitious plan to provide law enforcement agencies in San Luis Obispo County with a modern program to aid in the identification of criminal sus-

14,000 fingerprint comparisons. pects. This program begins with the A major case review was accomplished in which all evidence related to the Kristin Smart case was reviewed and examined at the cost of more than 400 man-hours of labor.

development of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which will house the fingerprint records of more than 60,000 individuals who have been booked for criminal offenses in San Luis Obispo County. In the year to come, the Crime L ab orator y anticipates the

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Coast Station

COAST STATION

North Station

South Station

The Coast Station covers an area extend-

and three arrests. In September, Coast

ing from the Monterey County line,

Station deputies responded to assist with

continuing south along coastal Highway

a homicide investigation in the city of San

1, covering San Simeon, C ambria,

Luis Obispo. They provided a supervisor,

Cayucos, rural San Luis Obispo, Los

crime scene security an covered the city

Osos and Avila Beach.

while San Luis Obispo officers were

Monterey County successfully prosecuted five Fresno area gang members who began a multi-county crime spree in which civilians were shot at and robbed

engaged in the investigation. Coast deputies were also credited for saving a man’s life with the automated external defibrillator in Cayucos.

at gunpoint. In 2011, the suspects were eventually stopped by Coast Station deputies in a volley of gunfire that disabled their fleeing stolen vehicle on Highway 1, and were turned over to Monterey County authorities. All suspects are now serving prison time.

Probation sweeps during the year netted 18 arrests, while a burglary ring was identified in a Los Osos case that resulted in thousands of dollars in property recovery

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NORTH STATION In a request for assistance from the city

enforcement contacts made in the city of

power shortage within Paso Robles

Paso Robles.

Police Department, the chief of police and Sheriff Ian Parkinson met to discuss ways to combat this current crime wave.

Arrests were made and citations issued for a variety of offenses including possession and sales of narcotics, being

of Paso Robles, the Sheriff’s Office

A committee of law enforcement offi-

under the influence of drugs or alcohol,

began four weeks of directed enforce-

cials determined that an immediate

gang violations, probation or parole viola-

ment patrol in high - crime areas in

response was needed to ensure the

tions and a variety of traffic offenses. A

cooperation with San Luis Obispo

safety of the public and to maintain law

noticeable decrease in criminal activity

County Probation, San Luis Obispo

and order over the growing gang and

w a s n ote d d u r i n g t h e m o nt h of

Parole, California Highway Patrol (CHP),

drug problem. Beginning September 2,

September 2011 by both law enforce-

California Department of Corrections

2011, and concluding on September 24,

ment and citizens alike. The Sheriff’s

(CDC) and Atascadero Police

2011, the Sheriff’s Office took part in

Office and its law enforcement partners

Department. Over the past year, Paso

nine days of directed enforcement with

have received much praise from the citi-

Robles saw a series of gang- and drug-

the assistance of allied agencies. As a

zens in the North County for their

related crimes that threatened the safety

result, “Operation Safe Streets” led to 65

proactive steps taken in response to the

of citizens in the city and unincorporated

arrests, 48 citations, and nearly 400

rising level of criminal activity.

South Station

Gangs continue to be an issue in the South

September 17, 2011, the Special Problems

County. Recent graffiti has increased but

Unit accomplished the following:

2011 was a year of innovation, activity and arrests. South Station conducted three separate enforcement sweeps targeting individuals on probation, those with gang affiliations, and one general sweep.

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areas of North County. Due to a man-

our Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol (SAVP) helped to eradicate it as quickly as

55 fresh felony arrests/charges

possible. In September 2011, the Board of

52 fresh misdemeanor arrests/charges

Supervisors recognized Adnan “Eddie” El

19 felony warrants

Helou, a member of the SAVP, for his tireless efforts in combating graffiti in San Luis Obispo County.

31 misdemeanor warrants 4 parolee at large warrants 23 subjects attributed to gangs

These law enforcement sweeps led to the

In addition to the multiple enforcement

arrest of 66 people. Each of these sweeps

sweeps, a Special Problems Unit was cre-

6 DUI turnovers

consisted of additional allied assistance

ated at the South Station. This unit

1 stolen vehicle recovery

from San Luis Obispo County Probation,

participated with directed- and assisted-

San Luis Obispo Parole, California State

patrol deputies in follow up on cases,

This unit continues to effectively aid

Parks administration and other local law

helping with the increasingly large work-

enforcement agencies.

load. During the time frame of May 5 to

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 South Station’s proactive and energetic efforts.

DISPATCH CENTER

The Dispatch Center is a primary public

cer tified dispatchers 24 / 7, and is

safety answering point responsible for all

responsible for activating the Reverse

911 calls in the county, as well as com-

911 notification system and coordinating

munications and information between

the county’s 911 system.

the public, law enforcement, paramedics and numerous county and state departments. The center logs hundreds of thousands of incoming and outgoing calls each year, dispatching deputies, ambulances, EMS helicopters, and other agencies’ personnel to the respective calls. The Dispatch Center is staffed with Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)

Technologically, the CAD and mapping program is a Tritech system. The mapping is upgraded regularly with updates provided by the county GIS. The 911 system is an Intrado Viper Voip 911 phone system, is approximately two years old, and is re a d y to h and le the N ex t Generation 911 phone calls. The phone system is a redundant system to prevent catastrophic failures.

In 2011, the Dispatch Center answered 33,426 emergency calls for service. These 911 calls were answered in 10 seconds or less 94 percent of the time (California state standard is 90 percent). The center handled 210,124 phone calls and created more than 80,000 incidents for service. It also created and dispatched more than 28,000 medical calls in the county.

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WATCH COMMANDER’S OFFICE

The Watch Commander’s Office is

Enforcement Detail (Sheriff’s SWAT

located in the Emergency Operations

team), Search and Rescue, Dive Team,

Center directly adjacent to the Sheriff’s

Aero Squadron, and the Sherif f ’s

Dispatch Center. It is manned by five

Detective Division.

sworn sergeants 24 hours a day, with commanders providing direct management during the evening hours, five days a week. The sergeants and commanders have the principal responsibility of overseeing dispatch services and patrol operations on a daily basis, and regulating service call priority and order of response.

The Watch Commander’s Office is the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s primary law enforcement point of contact during any unusual events or critical incidents occurring at the plant. The Watch Commander, following procedure, is authorized to activate the C ount y Emergency Alert System, including

The Watch Commander’s Office also

Reverse 911, area sirens, and EAS mes-

handles all notifications during law

sages on commercial radio and television.

enforcement critical incidents and natural disasters, including, but not limited to, the county Bomb Task Force, Special

DETECTIVES DIVISION

The Detectives Division is responsible for

In 2011, the Detectives Division success-

the investigations of criminal activities

fully investigated several notable cases,

that occur, and unusual or sudden deaths

including one that led to arrests, and the

that take place anywhere within the

recovery of thousands of dollars worth of

county. This includes all misdemeanor

stolen property, as well as a case result-

and felony crimes from vandalism to

ing in the arrests of six murder suspects

homicide. In addition to criminal investi-

in a gang-related homicide.

gations, this unit also conducts follow-up investigation for all missing persons reported to the Sheriff’s Office, as well as spousal and elder abuse cases.

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CORONER’S OFFICE

Ian Parkinson is the elected Sheriff-

cases were thoroughly reviewed by

Coroner of San Luis Obispo County. He

coroner detectives, with 276 receiving

and all deputies perform the role of coro-

additional investigation.

ner for the entire county. The California Government Code mandates the coroner to investigate the cause and manner of death in most cases where a death occurred, including those outside of a hospital or the presence of a physician, and all other 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 other cases where additional investigation and expertise is needed, the Sheriff’s Office has a specialized unit within the detective bureau. The Coroner Unit is comprised of three detectives who specialize in death investigations.

In 2011, the Coroner Unit responded to

It is the responsibility of the coroner to determine the necessary level of inquiry into any death that falls within the jurisdiction of the Coroner’s Office. The level of inquiry is determined on a case-by-case basis. Of the 276 cases in 2011 in which Coroner’s Office certified the deaths, 179 were autopsied, 60 medical inspections were conducted and 37 of the deaths were certified by medical records.

The Sheriff’s Office is actively pursuing its own coroner facility, where all aspects of the coroner functions will be completed under one roof. Additionally, the Coroner’s Office will continue to co-sponsor the internationally recognized Forensic Fire Death Investigations Course.

1,468 reported deaths in the county and deputies responded to 579 coroner cases. The Coroner Unit also reviewed all hospice cases in the county, for which there were 1,026. All of these

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SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT

The Sexual Assault Unit, consisting of

In addition to the usual caseload, training

two investigators, is responsible for

the community and educational outreach

investigating cases of physical and sexual

have become a necessary priority. These

abuse within the unincorporated areas of

specialized trainings have assisted advo-

the county, as well as assisting outside

cates for the Sexual Assault Recovery

agencies in their investigations. The

and Prevention Center of San Luis

investigation of physical and sexual abuse

O b i s p o C o u n t y, S e x u a l A s s a u l t

cases are highly specialized and require

Response Team (SART) nurses, Rotary

expert training. Investigators also provide

Club and other non-profit organizations,

training to mandated reporters of child

as well as the Sheriff’s Office, as it

abuse, as well as community groups.

C ombined, the Sexual A ssault Investigators handle 150 to 200 cases

Part of the outreach process is having an

per year as they relate to child and or

active participation and presence on local

adult sexual abuse/assault, elder abuse,

committees and programs. In 2011, the

and child pornography. These cases take,

Sexual Assault Unit attended SART

on average, several months to fully inves-

Advisory Board meetings and various

tigate and can last several months to a

community committees and sub-com-

year in the court process.

mittees. An example of this was the

Over the past year, these investigators also assisted in child forensic interviews, homicide investigations, and other investigations outside of sexual assault,

Violence Against Women Act committee in 2011, and Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes, a public awareness event for victims of sexual assault.

search warrant preparation and service,

The unit hopes to continue providing

conducted Computer Voice Stress

complete and thorough investigations as

Analyzer (CVSA) examinations in criminal

it relates to these crimes as well as advo-

and background investigations, worked

cating for victims and their families in the

in concert with crime lab forensic techni-

coming year.

cians in analyzing pieces of evidence as they pertain to sexual assault, and worked with computer forensic technicians in analyzing electronic/computer based evidence as it related to child pornography cases.

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relates to initial report documentation of child or adult sexual assault cases.

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

SAFE TEAM

Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement

Due to the exhaustive efforts of the SAFE

(SAFE) Team members are responsible for

Team, currently 100 percent of known reg-

verifying the residency of all sex offender

istrants in San Luis Obispo County are in

registrants in the unincorporated area of

compliance, have a DNA sample within

San Luis Obispo County. In 2011, the

Combined DNA Index System, a current

SAFE Team completed 459 compliance

photograph of their person and vehicle(s)

checks and 88 investigations of possible

in California Sex and Arson Registration,

sex offender registration violations. One of

and are residing at their designated regis-

these investigations involved a person

tered address.

who was convicted of a sex crime in the 1980s in a different county and had never registered as a sex offender as required.

Of the 243 sex offenders that registered with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, only one is in violation of his registration requirements. That person has been missing for more than 10 years and is believed to be out of the country.

The Sheriff’s Office has recently joined the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, allowing for the combination of resources to better investigate and arrest those who possess and distribute child pornography as well as other internet crimes against children.

SAFE Team members provide immediate response to complaints, inquiries, and information regarding registered sex offenders to the community.

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SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT

The Special Operations Unit consists of

activity, the Sheriff’s Office participates

the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit and the

in the California Multi-Jurisdictional

Sheriff’s Gang Task Force.

The Sheriff’s Office maintains a Narcotics Unit consisting of seven detectives supervised by a sergeant. Because drug crimes do not follow state or county boundaries, narcotics detectives often work cases that originate in San Luis Obispo County but lead to other jurisdictions. As a result, narcotics detectives regularly work with other local, state and federal drug enforcement agencies on cohesive multi-jurisdictional efforts to combat the problem of methamphetamine and other drugs throughout California. These efforts include conduct-

Methamphetamine Enforcement Team (Cal-MMET) Program. The Cal-MMET grant funds two sheriff’s narcotics detectives who receive specialized training in the field of Drug Endangered Children (DEC) investigations. Because DEC investigations involve a multi-agency approach to developing strategies to protect children, sheriff’s detectives work closely with the District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Social Services to keep children safe and prosecute those who would expose them to the dangers of illicit drugs.

In 2011 the following seizure totals were

ing surveillances of suspects, managing

made as the result of investigations by

confidential informants, gathering finan-

sheriff’s narcotics detectives, including

cial and phone records, monitoring wire

some made with multi agency investiga-

taps on suspect’s phones, working in

tions and occurring throughout California:

undercover capacities, writing and exe- • 489 pounds of cocaine

cuting search warrants and interviewing suspects regarding their crimes.

• 10 pounds of methamphetamine • 71 pounds of processed marijuana

The Sheriff Narcotics Unit maintains a Clandestine Laboratory Team, trained and certified by the state of California.

In the interest of protecting children who are exposed to drugs, drug manufacturing and the dangers that exist with this

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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

• 19,984 marijuana plants

GANG TASK FORCE

The Gang Task Force (GTF) works with

Department and the County Probation

local agencies, assisting in gang-related

Department, conducted a two - day

crime investigations and training law

directed enforcement operation in North

enforcement agencies, school staff and

County. The operation focused on gang

community organizations. GTF gathers

members and sales of narcotics and

and shares gang-related information with

resulted in 21 arrests or citations for nar-

various law enforcement agencies in San

cotics violations, weapons violations and

Luis Obispo County. In 2011, GTF con-

assault on a peace officer.

ducted seven community-based trainings with approximately 270 community members in attendance, 10 agency trainings with approximately 470 members in attendance, and five school staff trainings with

In 2011, GTF worked primarily in Paso Robles due to a dramatic increase in crimes between Sureno and Norteno gang members living in the North County. In

approximately 145 staff in attendance.

May alone, GTF investigated three gang-

In 2011, GTF made approximately 158

members assaulting or attempting to

arrests. Of those arrested, 42 were

a s s a u l t N o r te n o g a n g m e m b e r s .

known gang members, and six weapons

Additionally, GTF assisted in the investiga-

related incidents involving Sureno gang

tion of a known Sureno gang member involved in several strong-arm robberies in the North County area. Several suspects are in custody.

Additionally, GTF assisted with the investigation of a subject that was involved in a gang-related shooting in the San Miguel area. The subject was tried and sentenced to nine years in prison.

In January 2012, the Sheriff’s Office welcomed investigators from the county’s Narcotics Task Force into the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit and the Gang Task Force. were seized. In April 2011, GTF and the County Probation Department con ducted a probation compliance sweep in South County. Investigators arrested 22 subjects for various narcotics, weapons and probation violation charges. In June

The addition of these trained investigators under one unified command will greatly enhance the abilities of narcotics and gang investigators in keeping the residents of San Luis Obispo safe from gang and drug violence.

2011, GTF, along with the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, Paso Robles Police

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K-9 Unit

The Canine (K-9) Unit was established

cocaine, 9,374 grams of methamphet-

January 2001 with its first narcotics

amine, 16 guns and $49,092 in currency.

detection canine, Jake, who worked until

The K-9 Unit supports Sheriff’s Office

he passed away from cancer in 2009. In

operations by providing the expertise necessary to effectively search for outstanding suspects, persons, narcotics, and evidence, while enhancing officer safety and providing outstanding service to the community. On December 5, 2011, Sheriff Parkinson expanded the canine program with three additional patrol dogs: Nico, with handler Steve Faith; Gonzo, with handler Mark Souza; and Jacco, with handler John Franklin. These canines were deployed in the field in February 2012.

January 2010, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office purchased its second narcotics detection canine, named Jack. Since being placed into service, Jack has been involved in 178 traffic stops; conducted 255 searches; and recovered more than 18,000 grams of marijuana, 49.8 grams of heroin, 1,500 grams of

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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

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL

The team was formed in the 1970s in

team includes weapons, less lethal muni-

response to the civil unrest occurring at

tions and armored rescue vehicles. Most

that time. Since then, the team has devel-

critical incidents are resolved without the

oped into an integral part of emergency

use of force through negotiations carried

response in San Luis Obispo County. In

out by tactical negotiators.

20 0 3, the par tnership with the The Special Enforcement Detail 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 ser vice. The

Atascadero Police Department expanded the size of the team to deal with the increasing threat of terrorism. Call-outs have included riots in Isla Vista, the Diablo Canyon Power Plant protests, riots in Los Angeles during the early 1990s and Mardi Gras riots in San Luis Obispo.

The Special Enforcement Detail continues to train with a focus on terrorism and current tactical issues, providing the citizens of San Luis Obispo County one of the best trained, equipped, and motivated tactical teams in the state. The most recent terrorism-based training was conducted jointly with the County

Special Enforcement Detail is a partner-

The team members train 10 to 20 hours

Regional SWAT team and took place at

ship between the Sheriff’s Office and

per month and attend basic and advanced

the Diablo Nuclear Power Plant.

the Atascadero Police Department, and

tactical courses throughout the state.

includes deputies, officers and sergeants

The tactical equipment supplied to the

under the authorit y of the special enforcement detail commander.

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BOMB TASK FORCE The Bomb Task Force was created in 1981, at a time when explosive and bomb related incidents were increasing within San Luis Obispo County. The task force

The Bomb Task Force is accredited by

2011 Calls for Service

the Federal Bureau of Investigation,

In 2011, the task force responded to 25

Bomb Data Center in Washington, D.C.

explosive device or bomb-related calls

and is certified as a fully operational

throughout San Luis Obispo County.

bomb squad, capable of rendering safe

Some of the calls included WWII, or Viet

and disposing of improvised explosive

Nam era military ordnance, suspicious

devices, military ordnance, and commer-

packages, suspected explosive materi-

cially manufactured explosives.

als, illegal explosive pyrotechnics, and

The task force is governed by a board of

1982 and used a coordinated team

directors consisting of members of the

The Bomb Task Force provided public

approach with a thorough commitment

C r i m i n a l J u s t i c e A d m i ni s t r a t i o n

demonstrations during Sheriff’s Family

from all law enforcement agencies within

Association. The board of directors

Day at the Ranch, Cops & Kids Day, Law

San Luis Obispo County. Funding cur-

includes the Sheriff, the chiefs of police

Enforcement Memorial Night at Farmer’s

rently come from the count y, all

from each municipal police agency

Market, the Boy Scouts of America

incorporated cities and C alifornia

within the county, and the chief of police

National Jamboree, and SLO High

Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly),

for Cal Poly.

School Career Day.

San Luis Obispo.

Basic training consists of attending a six-

Task Force Capabilities The task force is a fully equipped bomb

week Federal Bureau of Investigation

squad available to respond to all bomb or

Hazardous Devices School, located at

explosive related incidents within San

U.S. Army Base Redstone Arsenal in

Luis Obispo County, and upon a mutual

Huntsville, Alabama. Training is ongoing

aid request, to areas outside the county.

and each bomb technician is a member of the International Association of Bomb

This task force works in conjunction with

Technicians and Investigators.

various state and federal agencies to include the California Highway Patrol,

The task force is comprised of four mem-

California Department of Parks and

bers, two of which are Sheriff’s Office

Recreation, Federal Bureau of

bomb technicians: one bomb technician

Investig ation, Bureau of A lc ohol,

from Cal Poly State Police, and one bomb

Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,

technician from the San Luis Obispo Police

United States Postal Inspectors, and

Department, (recently retired). The task

Department of Homeland Security.

force is commanded by a Sheriff’s Office senior deputy bomb technician and a task force commander. Each team member is a certified bomb technician and has passed a thorough background check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

22

hoax devices.

began responding to calls for service 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

RURAL CRIME UNIT This past year the Rural Crime Unit (RCU) has dealt with several issues, but animal abuse and neglect has been an ongoing concern. Because of the high cost of hay, many horse owners struggle with properly feeding and taking care of their animals. A lack of education regarding necessary care is responsible for many local neglect cases, and as such, the unit has developed and distributed educational materials on proper animal husbandry.

Another issue has been the problem of dogs bothering and/or killing livestock and poultry. In some cases, rural crime deputies were able to mediate a settlement between the livestock/poultry owners and dog owners with a civil compromise, thus satisfying both parties.

Metal theft continues to plague the county.

In one case, $4,000 worth of antique tractor parts were stolen. The perpetrator was arrested and $2,500 worth of the parts were recovered. In another case, $3,500 worth of copper wire was reportedly stolen from two wells/pumps; to date there has not been an arrest. The RCU regularly visits scrap yards in an attempt to build a relationship with personnel and keep open communication to assist in apprehension of scrap metal thieves.

As the price of metal increases, so does the volume of calls regarding metal theft.

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PROPERT Y ROOM

In 2011, the property room was respon-

Because of an increased volume of evi-

sible for the collection and destruction of

dence property there are plans for a new

2,700 pounds of prescription medication

property room. These plans will increase

as part of Operation Medicine Cabinet.

the holding capacity by 45 percent. In

Each sheriff’s patrol station has a desig-

addition to a new facility, the property

nated drop box for residents to drop off

officers, with assistance of a legal clerk,

unused or expired medications, keeping

have been transferring evidence records

them from being abused or accidently

held in the property room into a new

ingested, as well as protecting our water

database called Records Management

system from the untreated waste. The

System, as a more efficient way of col-

drugs are then taken to a licensed facility

lecting and storing data.

in Southern California for incineration.

TRAINING UNIT

The Training Unit provides training courses

from the Sheriff’s Office, volunteers and

developed and instructed by members of

local law enforcement agencies. Included

the Sheriff’s Office and certified through

in this training are the highlighted courses

the California Commission on Peace

and hours illustrated in the table below.

Officers Standards and Training (POST) for sworn and civilian members. Personnel

The Training Unit provides for continu-

also attend training courses throughout

ous professional development of

the state that are primarily instructed by

Sheriff’s Office personnel to ensure that

other law enforcement agencies.

they posses the technical expertise,

The Training Unit provided its sworn and

v id e a p rofes sion al level of l aw

knowledge and skills necessary to procivilian staff 140 hours of training during

enforcement service to the citizens of

the past year. The unit also provided train-

San Luis Obispo County.

ing for 2,217 students, including those

24

Class

Students

Hours

Arrest & Control

128

1,024

Rural Crime

121

1,210

Active Shooter

110

880

Driver Training (EVOC)

129

1,032

Spanish for Law Enforcement

32

512

Tactical Firearms

167

1,336

Officer Involved Shootings (OIS)

131

1,048

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

STANDARDS AND TRAINING FOR CORRECTIONS

T h e S t a n d a r d s a n d Tr a i n i n g f o r

concealed firearms use, weaponless

Corrections Unit develops and presents

defense, suicidal inmates, and local gang

current, realistic training for correctional

awareness, just to name a few. These

staff to enhance work proficiency and

classes help the Sheriff’s Office ensure

professional skills. The state mandates

the safety and well being of our commu-

that custody personnel receive at least

nity by using the best practices available

24 hours of training every year.

in the corrections community.

In 2011, the unit provided more than 3,600 hours of training for 117 custody personnel in courses specializing in

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

The Background Investigation Unit con-

The Background Investigation Unit

sists of two investigators who are

ensures background checks are in com-

responsible for the investigation of all

pliance with the California Commission

sworn and civilian applicants with the

on Peace Officers Standards and Training

Sheriff’s Office. The background investi-

and departmental statutes, regulations

gator compiles a report that includes the

and procedures associated with the

applicant’s personal history, driver’s

investigation process. In 2011, there

license record, warrant checks, credit

were 77 backgrounds investigated and

history, computer voice stress analyzer

completed, with 24 employees hired for

examination, medical examination and

the Sheriff’s Office.

psychological examination.

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CRIME PREVENTION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION Three crime prevention specialists staff this unit, and each is assigned to a specific area and cross-trained to support the entire organization. Assignments include rural crime, traditional programs and public information officer (PIO).

The rural crime specialist coordinates

cattlemen and women groups, as well as

A c a d e my an d S her i f f ’s A u x ili ar y

the Young Farmers and Ranchers, Mid-

Volunteer Patrol Academy (SAVP), secu-

State Fair, Ag Venture and Farm Bureau.

rity surveys for home and business,

This specialist also maintains the depart-

public displays, as well as children’s pro-

ment Facebook page and provides still

grams and Crime Prevention Through

photo support to the PIO.

Environmental Design (CPTED) review of

The traditional programs crime preven-

new developments and construction.

tion specialist maintains all neighborhood

The public information officer is the pri-

watch programs in the unincorporated

mary liaison with local, national and

areas of the county, supporting and main-

international media. This person in this

taining more than 30 established groups

position develops programs and support

and training others. In addition, this posi-

services for media, reviews department

tion is responsible for the annual Citizens

web page programs, produces print,

with the three rural crime deputies

electronic and video presentations, and

assigned to the North, Coast and South

provides public service announcements

Patrol Stations. The specialist presents

( P S A ). P ro grams c ont ac te d have

crime prevention information and follow-

included Call 911, Speed Channel, Over

up support to the ranching and agricultural

the Limit, Discovery Channel and Cineflix.

communities, Farm & Ranch Watch pro-

The public information officer assists in

grams, Owner Applied Number program,

scheduling speakers from the Sheriff’s

re p resenting the S her if f at lo c al

executive staff for service clubs and special event presentations.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT The School Resource Officer Unit is made up of six full-time deputies and one reserve deputy. The officers are active on school campuses, including continuation and community school campuses, throughout the San Luis Obispo County. Deputies Clint Cole and Mark Fontecchio and Senior Deputy Skip Hebrard are assigned to the North County schools, while Deputies

26

Dale Andersen and Glenn Holzer are

counseling to students to aid staff in redi-

assigned to the South County schools.

recting student behaviors and initiate

Deputy Susy Corriea is assigned to

student accountability. They assist school

schools on the North Coast and Reserve

staff by regularly responding to a truant

Deputy Sydney Andersen teaches Drug

student’s home in order to transport them

Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) in

to school if necessary. This aids the school

elementary schools throughout the county.

districts in minimizing student truancy.

These officers frequently assist with

Additionally, the officers may be asked to

orderly business of everyday school activi-

sit on a School Attendance Review Board

ties, which include monitoring and

to assist with hearing behavior and truancy

interacting with students and building rela-

cases brought to the board by school

tionships and trust with school staff,

administrators. They often respond and

parents and students. They are often

investigate suspected criminal activity on

involved in providing individual and group

school c ampuses that sometimes

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

Robles schools. The new program was taught as a pilot program in the Shandon and Paso Robles schools and was well r e c e i v e d b y s t u d e n t s a n d s t a f f.

Approximately 300 students have graduated from these programs. This program will likely be brought to many other schools in the county in the coming year. Senior Deputy Hebrard taught several Teen Survival Skills classes in the Templeton area school. This program was developed by the Sheriff’s Office to give students an understanding of our justice system, laws and drug education. warrants taking law enforcement action

manages an after school program he

against suspect or suspects. Throughout

started called Guitars Not Guns that

the year, these officers participate in vari-

reaches out to at-risk, foster care and/or

Coast schools, generated 34 reports in

ous community events and work at a booth

needy kids. The program is designed to

2011. These cases also included field inter-

at the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles.

give a positive alternative to gangs, vio-

views, campus disturbances, weapons on

lence and drugs by teaching kids how to

campus, possession of drugs and drug

In 2011, Deputies Andersen and Holzer

Deputy Corriea, assigned to the North

play a guitar. In learning to play the guitar

paraphernalia, assault/battery, arson and

students learn discipline, build confidence

thefts. Deputy Corriea teaches the DARE

and elevate their self-esteem; compo-

and Teen Survival Skills program to the

nents to a successful life.

North Coast schools in Los Osos, Cayucos

aphernalia and alcohol, theft, vandalism,

Deputy Sydney Anderson taught DARE to

graduated from the DARE program.

generated approximately 133 reports (84 from Deputy Holzer and 48 from Deputy Andersen). The reports ranged from field interviews, possession of drugs, drug par-

and Cambria. More than 200 students

threats, assaults and battery on campus.

five different elementary schools and grad-

Deputy Corriea has also been actively

Several of the investigative reports

uated approximately 500 sixth graders

involved with the Estero Bay Youth

resulted in criminal filings requesting crimi-

from this program. Deputies Cole and

Coalition (EBYC) for the past 11 years. This

nal prosecution. Most notable was a

Fontecchio and Senior Deputy Hebrard

coalition is made up of school and commu-

graffiti hate crime that occurred at Mesa

generated approximately 70 reports that

nity professionals and community youth to

Middle School in Arroyo Grande. Multiple

covered field interviews, investigations of

promote healthy and drug-free lifestyles.

hours of investigation by detectives and

weapons on campus, threats, child abuse,

The coalition meets monthly and creates

Deputy Andersen resulted in three juvenile

thefts, vandalisms, drug and alcohol pos-

positive alternative activities for the youth,

arrests for the crime.

session, assault and battery, and sexual

while building self-esteem and leadership

assault cases. Many of these cases

qualities in young people.

A major component to a school resource officer’s duties is to aid and assist students in achieving a level of success in their academic lives, as well as their social lives. In an effort to meet these students in the cross roads of their lives, Deputy Andersen

resulted in criminal filings. Along with teaching the DARE program, Deputies Cole and Fontecchio implemented the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) in Shandon, San Miguel and Paso

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MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT

The Marine Enforcement Unit (MEU) is

responded to multiple medical aid calls

made up of one commander, one senior

and three drowning incidents. The depu-

deputy and three deputies, including a

ties also provided aid to a boat accident

certified scuba diver and a certified emer-

and two vegetation fires.

gency medical technician (EMT).

This unit is responsible for patrolling Lake Lopez and 16 5 miles of the L ake Nacimiento shoreline from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 2011 was a busy year, with an average of 40 vessels stopped each day, resulting in roughly 50 citations

DIVE TEAM

and 30 arrests. In addition to law enforce-

Sheriff’s Office Patrol Boat # 0188,

ment, marine enforcement deputies

christened the “Christopher C. Meadows”

The Dive Team is made up of 28 mem-

treatment facility worker reported that he

bers: 18 are citizen volunteers and 10 are

witnessed an illegal dumping in the San

sworn members, including two ser-

Luis Obispo Water Treatment’s back

geants, one senior deputy, four deputies,

wash pond that drains into Stenner Creek.

and three correctional deputies. Training

The material that was dumped and recov-

for 2011 included black water operations,

ered turned out to be Water Hyacinth, an

swift water rescue, search pattern work,

illegal exotic plant. It was outlawed

deep diving operations, slam surf train-

recently due to its voracious ability to take

ing, target loc ation and recover y,

over ponds, creeks and waterways.

underwater pier and piling navigation, hazmat dive team equipment utilization

The Dive Team ventured to Monterey

training, night diving, boat operations and

County’s Lake San Antonio in January to

a diving medicine lecture.

help the Monterey Sheriff’s Office conduct an underwater search for the hull of

The Dive Team was called out to the

while being operated on the lake at an

two citizens at Lake Nacimiento: a

extremely high speed and the pilot was

6-year-old female drowning victim on

killed on impact.

July 3, and a 22-year-old male drowning victim on July 31.

In addition, the team was also called out for an evidence search after a water

28

a speedboat. The boat disintegrated

unfortunate but successful recovery of

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

POSSE

The Posse is a strictly volunteer auxiliary

mounted search and rescue operations

unit of the Sheriff’s Office. These volun-

in conjunction with other auxiliary units.

teers are from all areas of San Luis Obispo

The ceremonial team provides a positive

County. It is the objective of the Posse to

public relations representation of the

augment the patrol division, perform

Sheriff’s Office to the community at pub-

search-and-rescue operations, and pro-

lic events and parades. They also provide

mote positive public relations by providing

a mounted honor guard to carry the

a ceremonial unit to participate in parades

United States flag and California state

and other community functions.

flag in these organized parades or events.

Posse members must be citizens of the

In 2011, the Posse participated in 21 sep-

United States, age 18 or older, of good

arate functions throughout the county,

moral character, and reside in San Luis

expending 1,482 man hours. Last year,

Obispo County. Members must pass a

the Posse’s search and rescue team par-

background investigation, demonstrate

ticipated in two search-and-rescue

good horsemanship skills and have a

missions in which the missing subjects

mount that is mentally and physically

were located. They organized and pro-

sound. They must also possess appropri-

v i d e d i n s t r u c t i o n fo r a n a n n u a l

ate tack and a vehicle and trailer capable

multi-agency mounted search-and-res-

of transporting their mount and equip-

cue training. The patrol team participated

ment at a moments notice.

in five events during 2011, the most chal-

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

lenging of which was the Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles. This event is spread out over a 12-day period, with an attendance of more than 363,000 people. The ceremonial team participated in 13 events.

These events consisted of local parades along with community functions such as Cops and Kids, the Ag Venture, DARE graduation and Law Enforcement Night in downtown San Luis Obispo.

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

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Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol

The Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol (SAVP) was established to assist the Sheriff’s Office in meeting its law enforcement mission. Citizen volunteers are trained in a variety of law enforcement topics, such as observation skills, radio procedures and first-aid, and they provide supplemental patrol in neighborhoods and business districts, contributing 3,000 patrol hours per year.

These volunteers act as additional “eyes and ears,” in an effort to identify crime problems and increase public safety.

Aside from patrolling the streets, auxiliary patrol members generally perform 100 vacation checks annually and regularly assist the crime prevention unit at public displays and events to enhance crime prevention education.

Another accomplishment of this auxiliary unit was the acquisition of the Sheriff’s Office Graffiti Abatement Vehicle. Under the direction of the SAVP graffiti abatement coordinator, volunteers participate in the removal of graffiti or “tagging” incidences throughout the entire county.

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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

AERO SQUADRON

personal remains of those who have

2011 Asset Utilization

taken their own lives.

Sheriff’s Office personnel transportation:

The Aero Squadron also provides an

10 man-hours (airborne)

important airborne communication relay

Flight training missions:

The Aero Squadron is an all-volunteer

platform for ground search and law

40 man-hours (airborne)

group of pilots and non-pilot observers

enforcement teams operating within the

attached to the Sheriff’s Office for the

county’s mountainous terrain and steep

express purpose of providing airborne

valleys. Normally these areas block line-

24 man-hours

search, rescue and surveillance as well

of-sight radio transmission and reception

as specialized transportation functions.

between ground personnel. Orbiting

Ground mission training, logistics

Member-pilots utilize their privately owned aircraft, currently 10 fixed-wing

Aero Squadron aircraft can communicate with search base and remote

Actual flight search-and-rescue mission:

and coordination: 52 man-hours

teams, relaying critical information on a

Ground event support functions:

real-time basis.

40 man-hours

part of the squadron’s fleet in the past.

Other missions include personnel and

Monthly meetings:

Aircraft owners are reimbursed for avia-

vehicle tracking as part of narcotics and

tion fuel and oil used in conjunction with

contraband surveillance and interven-

an assigned mission. Typically, only air-

tion operations.

models, for mission support operations.

More than seven helicopters have been

craft owners fly their own aircraft, as they are not made available for other squadron

Current Assets (As of December 2011

pilot’s use.

Membership Level)

Another key asset in the Aero Squadron’s inventory is the new 2006 Ford F-150 sup-

28 consisting of pilots and observers Licensed pilots:

appropriate equipment to support squad-

22

band VHF transceivers for communication with other county, state and federal assets.

2011 Total: 1,016 man-hours

Active members:

port vehicle recently outfitted with ron operations including UHF, VHF and air

850 man-hours

Member-owned aircraft: 10 fixed-wing (estimated current market value = $1 million)

The Aero Squadron is called upon to assist ground search-and-rescue teams searching for missing persons throughout the count y. Missing persons typically include hikers, bicyclists, mountain bikers, AT V enthusiasts, lost children and elderly people, including those with mental and emotional challenges. The squadron has also been involved in the location and recovery of

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Search and Rescue (SAR) Team The Search and Rescue (SLOSAR) Team is made up of 100 percent trained profession volunteers. All new members are interviewed and complete a background investigation. New members go through

In 2010, SLOSAR received 22 requests for call- outs and missions. In 2011, SLOSAR received 29 requests for callouts and missions, the last one being a two-day search for an elderly woman w ith A lzheimer ’s in L os O sos in September. The victim was found alive by the SLOSAR canine, Lassie, who later made national media headlines.

a probationary period (generally six to 18

The cost savings for the county for hav-

months) when they are either trained,

ing an all volunteer professional search

certified or orientated in Title 22 first aid

and rescue team are approximately

and CPR courses, ICS system, communi-

$2,000 per hour. The estimated value of

cations, extensive types of search

all volunteer time for missions, training,

techniques and procedures, rescue skills,

meetings, and special events is $1.5 mil-

map-compass-GPS skills, wilderness

lion per year.

skills and tracking.

Many members have obtained advanced skills and training in search theory and management, operations and logistics management, advanced GPS computer

Specialty teams/assignments within SLOSAR: • Ground search teams (urban and rural) • 4X4 and ATV (quad) teams

mapping skills, and advanced technical

• Communications / dispatching

rescue skills.

• Mountain Bike Team (urban and rural)

Current membership is approximately 61

• Technical Rope Rescue Team (high and

members. The K9 Team has six certified

low angle)

search dogs. There are seven more dogs in training, which will make it the largest team in Central California.

Search Missions: The California Search Management Manual states two maxims: 1. “A search is an emergency” and, 2. “A search is a classical mystery”.

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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

• K9 Team (area searching, trailing, and cadaver) • Medical teams (18-plus members rated at EMT or higher) • “Project Lifesaver” Team (locating Alzheimer’s clients who have special radio bracelets) • “Man trackers” • Crime scene searching and security • Medical stand-by and first aid stations for special events Specialty Equipment: • 2 6 -feet communication- command vehicle • Detailed (topo) county maps and computer mapping • 4X4 tow vehicle • Generators and light towers • 40-feet medical trailer • Support trailers • ATV / Quads • Mountain bikes

EXPLORER PROGRAM The Explorer Post 781 is made up of young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in law enforcement. The explorer program is a charter of the Boy Scouts of America.

Experience is gained through many community activities and public service events throughout the year, including assisting at Veteran’s Day services, Memorial Day services, Cops and Kids Day, participating in explorer ride-a-longs with Sheriff’s deputies, and participating in an annual explorer competition at the Paso Robles Mid-State fairgrounds.

The explorer competition requires an

felony car stops, taking reports, firearms training, building searches, handcuffing techniques and familiarity with penal codes, vehicle codes and case law. The explorers learn discipline and the day-today functions of a Sheriff’s deputy.

increased commitment from the explorers, as meetings increase to once a week instead of every other week. Throughout the year meetings are held regularly with discussion and scenario based training that includes, domestic violence, suspicious subject contact, traffic stops,

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FISCAL DIVISION

The Fiscal Division supports the Sheriff’s

• Monthly meetings were held to com-

Office in areas of accounting that include

municate with staff and co-workers.

accounts payable and receivables, billings, 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 along with preparation and monitoring of the annual budget, quarterly reporting, and fiscal management of various grants. In addition to the ASM, the division includes an accountant II who monitors the budget

proactive and look for ways to make the Fiscal Division as efficient as possible.

• The Fiscal Division is currently working on consolidating the current 15 divisions down to four divisions that are more in line with the way the Sheriff’s Office is currently managed (four bureaus). This will create a more efficient way of monitoring the budget and make the reporting process cleaner and easier to follow.

for custody, including the Inmate Welfare

• For fiscal year 2011–12, the Sheriff’s

Fund and civil divisions including billings,

Office acquired grant funding in the

reconciliations, account analysis and vari-

amount of approximately $1.2 million.

ous reporting; an accounting technician,

The Fiscal Division is continuously

who is in charge of receivables, payables,

looking for new funding opportunities.

reconciliations and monthly journal entries; and a senior accounting clerk, who is mainly in charge of accounts payable, purchase requisitions and purchase orders.

Fiscal Year 2011–2012 Goals and Accomplishments • Performance standards were developed and introduced by the ASM for each job class in the Fiscal Division so that each position was aware of the expectations and responsibilities for that job.

• Each staff member was responsible for preparing a time study and duty statement to be used to establish a workload balance in the Fiscal Division.

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• Each staff member was asked to be

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 Fiscal Division is adding and making changes to the coding and tracking of both revenues and expenditures to be more efficient and produce improved reporting.

BICYCLE PATROL TEAM The Bicycle Patrol Team is used to increase awareness and public contacts as well as increase the flexibility of patrol functions for special circumstances including, but not limited to, parades and festivals. In utilizing the bike patrol, it is much easier for the pub-

for law enforcement applications and

frequently with road cones and other

clearly marked for easy identification by

obstacles in a controlled environment.

the public. Patrol-specific equipment includes emergency lights (red and blue), a siren (loud), and a silent cog (no clicking noise, which is common on most bikes when not pedaling). Deputies utilize bike racks that fit on Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle that allow them to move about the county or transition rapidly from bike patrol to other calls for service out of the

The Bicycle Patrol Team was deployed several times over the course of the year. The largest of those events is the Fourth of July, Independence Day celebrations in Cayucos. The events started early in the day with a parade in which deputies on bikes patrolled easily up and down the closed route, where patrol

bike’s operational range.

cars would be gridlocked. Later in the

bicycle, improving positive community

Each Bicycle Patrol Team deputy is out-

see fireworks, deputies on bicycles

interaction. When terrain, weather and

fitted with a special uniform to meet the

responded to calls for service faster than

scheduling permits, day-to-day patrol

demands of patrolling on a bicycle. The

patrol cars and at greater distances than

may be augmented by using bicycles.

uniform is wind resistant, breathable,

deputies on foot. The same scenarios

The team is comprised of 12 deputies

highly visible and marked with Sheriff’s

played out at other large events through-

and one sergeant from different sta-

Office patches and “SHERIFF” across

out the county, including the Templeton

tions throughout the county.

the back for easy identification. The

Fourth of July Parade, Arroyo Grande

pants have zip-off legs for easy conver-

Strawberry Festival, and the Morro Bay

sion to shor ts. Safet y equipment

Harbor Festival.

lic to approach and talk to a deputy on a

Each Bicycle Patrol Team deputy is assigned a bicycle specifically designed

evening, as people flowed into town to

includes a bicycle helmet, glasses, gloves and bicycle shoes. In addition to all the bike-specific equipment, deputies are required to carry all their normal patrol equipment.

The bike patrol deputies train together as a team several times a year. Training builds on basic bicycle riding skills and develops patrol specific skills. Although strength and endurance is an important component of a bike patrol deputy, deputies must also possess good balance and coordination skills (“slow is pro”). To build these skills, the team trains

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This annual report is dedicated to the memory of Robert D. Bryn, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer from 20 07 to March 1, 2012. Rob was a special person who put priority on relationships and brought dedication and humor to everything he was involved in.

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 Cost 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 County Sheriff’s office