SLO County Sheriff's Office 2012 Annual Report

SLO Count y Sheriff’s office annual report 2012

San Luis Obispo Count y Sheriff’s OFFICE 2012 Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF-CORONER

4

CANINE (K-9) UNIT

28

MESSAGE FROM UNDERSHERIFF

5

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL

30

ADMINISTRATION

6

BOMB TASK FORCE

31

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT

6

RURAL CRIME UNIT

32

RECORDS AND WARRANTS

8

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT

34

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

8

BICYCLE PATROL TEAM

35

FISCAL DIVISION

9

MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT

36

COMPUTER FORENSICS LAB

10

PROPERTY ROOM

37

CIVIL DIVISION

10

TRAINING UNIT

38

CUSTODY DIVISION

11

STANDARDS AND TRAINING FOR CORRECTIONS UNIT

39

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION UNIT

39

WATCH COMMANDER’S OFFICE

15

DISPATCH CENTER

15

COAST PATROL STATION

17

NORTH PATROL STATION

18

SOUTH PATROL STATION

19

DETECTIVES DIVISION

20

SAFE TEAM

22

SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT

23

CORONER’S OFFICE

24

PATROL (SAVP)

47

CRIME LABORATORY

25

EXPLORER PROGRAM

48

NARCOTICS UNIT

26

CONTACT

49

GANG TASK FORCE

27

CRIME PREVENTION AND PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT

40

SHERIFF’S POSSE

41

DIVE TEAM

42

AERO SQUADRON

44

SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM (SAR)

46

SHERIFF’S AUXILIARY VOLUNTEER

M e ss a g e f r om t h e S h e r i f f - C o r o n e r I am very proud to provide this annual report on the accomplishments of the Sheriff’s Office.

This report reflects the hard work of the

internally and externally. Change is only

employees and their continued commit-

possible with the willingness and desire of

ment to the community. The following

our employees. We are fortunate to have a

pages will outline the changes that we

tremendous number of dedicated regular

have instituted over the past year. These

employees and volunteers. We are com-

changes range from a new Corner’s Office

mitted to providing the best possible

to new personnel.

service to the community, in order to make

We have and will continue to make

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it a safe and desirable place to live and visit.

changes in the Sheriff’s Office that

We are leaders and will continue to live by

improve efficiency and effectiveness, both

the motto “Leading the Way!”

S a n L u 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

Ian Parkinson San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner

M e ss a g e

f r om

Undersheriff

In my years working in law enforcement

to learn. The Sheriff’s Office has provided services to our wonderful County since

within this county, I have always been

1850. I am proud to be a part of that his-

impressed by the quality of staff at the

Sheriff Parkinson and our valued employ-

Sheriff’s Office…

toward excellence.

and I have not been disappointed seeing

Accountability and transparency at all lev-

it first hand from the inside. I joined

els is important, and strengthening the

Sheriff Parkinson as the Undersheriff

partnership we share with the community

because I knew we shared common phi-

we serve is a high priority.

losophies and values on leadership.

Throughout my law enforcement career, I have valued people as a department’s number one resource. I believe that teamwork is critical to success, and no individual is greater than the team.

tory, and I am committed to helping ees continue moving the Sheriff’s Office

I have learned a great deal since coming to the Sheriff’s Office, and realize that I have much more to learn. This is one of my favorite aspects of our profession; the fact that there are unlimited opportunities

Tim Olivas San Luis Obispo County Undersheriff

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ADMINISTRATION

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

Administration has direct supervision

Office Administration is comprised of

over the Intelligence and Professional

the following:

Standards Units, and oversees information systems and the Custody Division.

• Sheriff

The two chief deputies oversee adminis-

• Undersheriff

trative duties and the Operations Division.

• Chief Deputy (2) • Confidential Legal Clerk • Personnel Analyst

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT Created in February 2011, the Professional

Citizen Complaint Incidents Received

Standards Unit continued to expand in its

Between Jan 1, 2012-Dec 31,2012

responsibilities in 2012. Besides process-

By Class

ing personnel complaints from the community, the unit also tracked use-of-

4.08% UNAUTHORIZED

force incidents, vehicle pursuits, and

traffic collisions. The unit also generated the early warning system designed to alert management regarding potential liability.

Complaints

30.61% NEGLECT OF DUTY: 15

The number of citizen complaints was

TACTICS: 2

6.12% OTHER: 3

18.37% UNAUTHORIZED FORCE: 9

reduced in 2012. There were 45 citizen complaints in 2012 compared to 51 in 2011.

There are two important factors when examining these complaint statistics. First, the number of citizen complaints reveals a consistency during the Sheriff Parkinson administration and this number indicates

20.41%

that the Sheriff’s Office is responsive to

UNBECOMING CONDUCT: 10

citizen complaints. Second, the low number of sustained citizen complaints reveals

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S a n L u 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

20.41% DISCOURTESY: 10

that employees were acting in an appropriate manner, in most cases. In 2012 there were three sustained citizen complaints and in 2011 there were two sustained citizen complaints.

Use of Force There were 38 reportable use-of-force incidents recorded in 2012, which is a relatively low number of incidents considering the number of Sheriff’s Office employees, arrests and inmates in custod y. Use - of- force incidents are investigated by supervisors whenever there is use of a Taser or other control device such as a baton, or OC (pepper) spray. In addition, use-of-force investigations are also conducted when an arrestee receives a visible injury or c o m p l a i n s o f a n i n j u r y. S h e r i f f

the proper content to effectively evalu-

Parkinson wants to ensure that depu-

ate every vehicle pursuit and ensure

ties use reasonable force to protect

that it conforms with establish policy.

themselves and the public and at the same time continually monitor use-offorce incidents to ensure that the amount of force used was necessary and complies with best practices.

Training D u r i n g 2 0 12 , t h e P r o f e s s i o n a l Standards Unit created an eight-hour Internal Affairs investigation class certified by California’s Peace Officers

Pursuits

Standards and Training (POST). This

The Professional Standards Unit began

Internal Affairs class is the only such

to monitor vehicle pursuits in 2012, and

class taught in the county, and officers

m o n i to r e d 2 2 v e h i c l e p u r s u i t s .

from most of our neighboring depart-

Oftentimes, vehicle pursuits were

ments have attended the class. The

unavoidable but the Sheriff’s Office

Professional Standards Unit also taught

must ensure that all vehicle pursuits

another POST-approved class, which

abide by agency policy and that depu-

focused on investigations of officer-

ties exercise common sense and

involved shootings and lethal

sound judgment when engaged in

use-of-force incidents, to ranking mem-

vehicle pursuits. To reach this goal,

bers of the Oakland Police Department

Sheriff Parkinson directed that a new

as well as the San Luis Obispo County

pursuit report be created that provides

Probation Department.

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RECORDS & WARRANTS

The Records and Warrants Unit consists

The unit plans to enhance the manage-

of nine full-time and two part-time

ment and storage of the Sheriff’s Office

employees who are responsible for enter-

11,000 annual crime reports taken by

ing criminal warrants into state and

deputies, expand the countywide crimi-

national databases, registration of sex/

nal justice information system, and create

arson/gang/drug offenders, as well as

new processes for handling the 18,000-

processing extraditions, concealed

plus active criminal warrants issued by

weapons permits, explosive permits,

the San Luis Obispo Superior Court.

business licenses, and legal documents (discovery orders, record seals, subpoenas).

This unit is also responsible for Live Scan fingerprinting of applicants, duplicate ID resolution, DOJ validations, and responding to approximately 1,050 requests annually for documents that fall within the Public Records Act.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

Located in the main headquarters building, the Information Technology Unit (IT)

major projects, including, but not limited

is staffed by a supervisor, senior program

to, implementing a new fingerprint sys-

engineer, systems administrator, and

tem, replacing and upgrading the in-car

technical support person. IT is responsi-

video system, and upgrading the security

ble for the purchase, installation,

cameras. Also in 2012, the IT help desk

maintenance and support of all computer

handled over 1,300 calls in addition to

systems at the sheriff’s office, including

deploying over 40 new workstations

the computer aided dispatch system

throughout the Sheriff’s Office.

(CAD), critical records management software, arrest records and jail management systems. There are more than 350 workstations, laptops and other devices, as well as, 50 mobile data terminals that are maintained by the IT department.

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In 2012 the IT unit was involved in several

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FISCAL DIVISION The Fiscal Division supports the Sheriff’s Office in areas of accounting that include accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, grant reporting, quarterly

Quick Facts

FY 12-13 Objectives

• Budget for FY 2012-13: $62 million

• Currently working on the consolidation

-- General Fund support: $38 million -- Funded programs including state and federal aid: $21 million -- Other revenue, including fines and fees: $3 million

process that includes new cost centers, internal orders and changes to purchase orders to be implemented with the FY 2013-14 budget.

• Provide better reporting to management that includes monthly, quarterly

financial reporting and budgeting.

FY 11-12 Accomplishments

T h e d i v i s i o n i s c o m p r i s e d of a n

• Completed proposal to consolidate the

Administrative Services Manager (ASM)

current 15 divisions into four divisions

who oversees the Fiscal Division and

that include administration, field opera-

supervises the accounting staff along

tions, support services and Custody/

with preparation and monitoring of the

Civil. The consolidation will take affect

annual budget, quarterly reporting, and

at the start of the FY 2013-14 budget.

cess for each of the four divisions

• Set aside approximately $500,000

including monthly, quarterly and annual

fiscal management of various grants.

In addition to the ASM, the Division includes: • An accountant II who monitors the bud-

from salary savings in FY 2011-12 to be

and annual budget information and statistics.

• Add a Senior Accounting Clerk to the Fiscal Office due to the higher volume of work.

• Involve management in the budget pro-

budget planning and monitoring.

used for a new radio dispatch system

• Develop a financial forecast for a two-

to replace the old system that was

year period to be used as a planning

obsolete.

tool.

get for the Custody Division, including

• Continue to work on new processes

• Work with administration and upper

the Inmate Welfare Fund and Civil

for better efficiency and improved

management on developing a commit-

Divisions including billings, reconcilia-

reporting.

tee to keep current on all grant and

tions, account analysis and various reporting.

• Continue to work on acquiring new

funding opportunities.

grants and other funding opportunities.

• A n a c c o u nt i n g te c h n i c i a n w h o mana g es re c ei va b les , p aya b les , reconciliations and monthly journal entries.

• A senior accounting clerk who manages accounts payable, purchase requisitions and purchase orders.

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COMPUTER FORENSICS L AB

Computer Forensics is the process of

these specialized capabilities available

obtaining evidence from digital media

to their respective investigative units.

(computer hard drives, CDs, DVDs, cell phones, tablets, etc.) that can be pre-

In 2012, the forensic lab assisted the-

sented in a court of law.

ses allied agencies with 27 cases in

The Sheriff’s Office has a dedicated

the Sheriff’s Office.

addition to the 47 cases managed for

computer forensics lab facility and trained personnel in both online crime investigations and computer forensics.

The office works closely with allied agencies within the county to make

CIVIL DIVISION

The Civil Division serves civil process in

The Civil Division also provides security

the manner prescribed by law. The major-

services for the San Luis Obispo County

ity of procedures and laws governing the

Superior Courts and the County of San

service and execution of civil process are

Luis Obispo Courthouse. There are 15

set forth in the California Code of Civil

deput y sheriffs and one sergeant

Procedure. The Civil Division works in

assigned as bailiffs to the Superior Courts.

conjunction with the Civil Courts in San

Civil Division also oversees the security

Luis Obispo County and Civil Courts

checkpoints leading into the County

throughout the State of California in the

Courthouse.

execution and service of process.

civil processes were handled by five civil

all processes in a timely manner while

deputies and four legal clerks assigned to

maintaining an impar tial position

the Civil Division:

between all parties involved.

Civil process includes the service of: • Summons and complaints • Small claims documents

Evictions

737

Levies

1,239

Service of civil process

5,677

The Civil Division is located within the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse at 1050

• Restraining orders

Monterey St., Room 236, San Luis

• Subpoenas

Obispo, CA. Public counter hours are

• Evictions Others ser vices include levies on wages, bank accounts, personal property, real property, or any other asset of the judgment debtor.

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During 2012, the following numbers of

It is the goal of the Civil Division to serve

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Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

CUSTODY DIVISION

The facility operates in conformance with

To increase bed space, the Sheriff’s

all laws, guidelines and standards as

Office is taking the following steps:

established by the Board of State and Community Corrections, (BSCC), 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.

The San Luis Obispo County Jail processes approximately 14,000 inmates

County Jail

per year and has a BSCC bed rated

• Recondition the modular units, which have been unoccupied since 1993, to house 32 inmates with classrooms for vocational training.

• Add 30 additional beds to the Main Jail Dorm.

• Add 36 additional beds to the West Dorm 700 and 800 units.

• Add 40 additional beds to the West Housing units.

• Plan to recondition the old World War II

capacity of 589. With today’s inmate The San Luis Obispo County Jail has

Weekend Barracks to house up to 80

count at 770, the jail is over crowded and

come a long way. In the 1850s, Sheriff

inmates.

is experiencing an increase in the inmate

Henry J. Dally appointed his first jailer at

population with the passage of jail

$25 per month. The county rented one

realignment bill Assembly Bill 10 9

room at the west end of Mission San

(AB109).

Luis Obispo for the jail. Today, the San Luis Obispo County Jail is located on

AB109 redirects non-violent, non-seri-

Kansas Avenue in San Luis Obispo and is

ous, and non-sexual offenders to be

comprised of 177 employees, plus medi-

housed at the San Luis Obispo County

cal, mental health staff, substance abuse

Jail instead of being incarcerated at state

counselors and numerous volunteers.

prison. Since the inception of AB109 in

The Custody Division’s annual budget is

October 2011, the San Luis Obispo

approximately $27 million (salar y/

County Jail has housed an additional

services).

1,135 inmates. With this increase, the jail

The primary function of the county jail is

Board of Supervisors has approved fund-

The jail has also remodeled the old Main Jail Safety Cell shower to meet ADA ( A merican’s with Disabilities Act) standards.

increased bed space and staff. The to house pretrial arrestees and sentenced

ing for one additional correctional

inmates in a safe and secure environment,

sergeant, 15 correctional deputies, one

providing protection of the community.

correctional technician, one correctional

The jail houses both male and female

cook, one mental health counselor, one

inmates in maximum, medium and mini-

program coordinator, and one automa-

mum security housing locations. It also

tion specialist for the jail.

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.

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Medical Dispensary The Medical Dispensary is staffed 24 hours a day with additional support from local hospitals, as needed. An average of 3,170 inmates are taken to the dispensary each month, with three sick calls a day, in addition to emergencies and inmates needing medical clearances to be booked into the jail. The inmates are treated for a variety of ailments ranging from alcohol withdrawal to heart problems. With over 67 percent of the inmate population on prescription medication, the cost of these medications exceeds

General Educational

video tapes. Services are contracted

$439,864 annually.

Development (GED)

through Cuesta College.

Mental Health Services

In 2012, 139 inmates par ticipated

Life Skills

Psychiatric staff operates seven days a week, 365 days a year. Jail Psychiatric Services had more than 7,000 contacts

in the GED program; 51 inmates tested and 24 passed. GED is open to all inmates with ser vices contracted through

and learned how to build relationships,

Cuesta College.

coping with stress, find and keep a job,

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

raise healthy kids, set and prioritize goals

day. This does not include phone calls by

In 2012, 19 8 inmates par ticipated

correctional deputies for emergency situ-

and learned the basics of reading and

through Cuesta College.

last year, which works out to be around 20 to 22 per day. However, it is not unusual to receive 20 to 50 requests per

manage time, motivate themselves, and stay healthy. Services are contracted

ations, court ordered evaluations or

writing. Services are contracted through

Alternatives to Violence (AVP)

various service providers and family

Cuesta College.

Workshops

English as Second Language (ESL)

This program is available to the male and

members requesting immediate evaluation for an at-risk inmate. Approximately 30 to 35 percent of the jail inmates are on psychiatric medication.

Inmate Programs The expectation of the public includes rehabilitation of inmates by providing them with vocational and educational training. The goals of these programs are to improve offender success rates and reduce recidivism.

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In 2012, 220 female inmates participated

In 2012, 37 inmates participated and learned the English language. Services are contracted through Cuesta College.

Vocational Education Program In 2012, 189 female inmates partici-

female Honor Farm inmates. The program involves workshops to help inmates change their lives by learning new skills and attitudes that lead to a more fulfilling and crime-free life. Workshops help inmates reduce the level of unresolved conflicts in their lives and lives of those

pated and learned vocational job search

around them. It helps establish self-

skills and clerical office skills.

esteem, trust and cooperation, as well as

The program utilizes 10 computer sta-

methods of communication to resolve

tions with CDROMS, books and audio/

conflict. Workshops are voluntary. Each

S a n L u 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 the three levels of AVP workshops

Reproductive Health Education

Additional programs

runs 18 to 201 hours and is facilitated by

and Counseling

operating in conjunction

a team of volunteers.

This class teaches inmates about basic

Certified Food Safety

anatomy, sexually transmitted infections

Manager Training

and HIV risk factors, available contracep-

This program is available to male and female Honor Farm inmates. Inmates learn the latest updates of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code, understand complicated food borne pathogen information, and identify and convey where key local codes may apply.

Inmates that pass a written test obtain a nationally recognized certificate of competence in the food service industry. This

tive methods, health promotion and

with the jail include: Forensic Reentry Services (FRS) The Forensic Re-entry Service (FRS) is a

disease prevention.

Community Service/Outreach Program

Stress Reduction Through Yoga

program of San Luis Obispo County.

Yoga is a mind-body practice that combines stretching exercises, controlled breathing and relaxation. Yoga can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve heart function. Inmates are shown how to relax and manage stress

certificate is good for five years.

and anxiety through yoga.

Creative Writing, Drama and Poetry

Substance Treatment Program

Different instructors offer various

This is a 12-week course for inmates who

within the Mental Health Services Act The FRS team works with the San Luis Obispo County Jail Psychiatric Services to provide ser vices to individuals being released from jail who have a primary mental health diagnosis and/or co-occurring disorder(s). Services provided help connect the person to community supportive services including, but not limited to: • Housing and shelter services

have struggled with addiction and

• Food acquisition (temporary or ongoing)

that involve creative writing and poetry.

alcoholism. Curriculum includes: anger

• Fiscal planning

Parenting

tion, release planning, self esteem,

classes to inmates throughout the year

Curriculum focuses is on enhancing p a re nt i n g s k i l l s , w h i c h i n c l u d e s discussions on parenting techniques and strategies for creating a healthy

management, relapse prevention educaperception checking, and tools

• Medical care

for success.

• Mental health follow-up (appointment,

Thinking for Change

family environment.

Curriculum involves motivating inmates

Planning for Change

ing and taking responsibility for their

This cognitive behavior type treatment program aims to change anti-social thinking and criminal behavior. Curriculum i nvo l ve s h av i n g i n m a te s a s s e s s

• Employment

medications, assessments) • Social security/insurance needs.

to actively participate in their own learnown life situations. Three components of Thinking for Change are cognitive self-change, social skills, and problem solving skills.

“red flags” and take personal responsibility for their behavior. This program also helps inmates identif y goals and available resources.

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Forensic Coordination Team (FCT)

K9 Narcotics Dog

Court Services/Transportation:

Open to aid mentally ill offenders, this

In June 2012, the jail acquired a narcotics

Because the jail is located approximately

team collaborates with the community

dog (Dutch) and assigned Correctional

five miles from the courthouse, inmates

and law enforcement by offering more

Deputy Josh Fischer as his handler.

who are required to appear in court need

intensive supervision and assisting indi-

Deputy Fischer and Dutch have worked

to be transported and supervised by cor-

viduals and families in connecting them

both inside and outside of the jail. Since

rectional deputies. Additionally, the

with these services.

June 2012, Deputy Fischer and Dutch

transportation team transports inmates

Drug Court

have conducted sniffs on 291 cells, 52

to medical and dental appointments and

vehicles, 13 residence, 93 buildings and

from various state and local agencies.

55 open areas. While working in the jail,

The rated capacity for court holding is 77.

Open to all inmates through probation, this program consists of an 18-month intensive supervision and counseling program designed to keep lower-risk inmates out of custody.

Mental Health Court

they have been able to find or recover approximately 22 grams of marijuana, six grams of methamphetamine and two grams of heroin. Deputy Fischer has also made five felony arrests on inmates bringing narcotics into the jail.

Open to aid mentally ill offenders through probation, this program identifies mentally ill inmates and works closely to find outside alternatives to incarceration.

Proposition 36

In 2012, 12,277 inmates were transported to court, 112 inmates to dental and medical appointments, 138 inmates transported to or from out-of-county jails, and 101 inmates to state prison.

Women’s Jail Expansion Project The Women’s Jail Expansion Project consists of an expansion to an existing jail facility at the west end of the property incorporating an additional total of 32,000 square feet configured in a double square formation. These two housing

Open to all inmates, this program is very

units will be capable of housing up to 192

similar to the Drug Court program and is

inmates, in single cells and in a dormitory

offered through parole. This program

setting. The unit will also have eight spe-

instructs individuals who have been re-

cial housing cells to address inmates

arrested for a parole violation to

with mental health issues, discipline

participate in drug and alcohol counsel-

problems and medical problems. The

ing while being housed in the jail.

construction budget is anticipated at $35 million, with a start date slated for September 2013.

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S a n L u 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

WATCH COMMANDER’S OFFICE The Watch Commander’s Office is located in the Emergency Operations Center directly adjacent to the Dispatch Center. Five sworn sergeants man the

notifications during law enforcement criti-

during any unusual events or critical inci-

Watch Commander’s Office 24 hours a

cal incidents and natural disasters,

dents occurring at the plant. The Watch

day, with commanders providing direct

including but not limited to the county

C ommander, following procedure,

management during the evening hours

Bomb Task Force, Special Enforcement

is authorized to activate the County

five days a week.

Detail (Sheriff’s SWAT team), Search and

Emergency Alert System including

Rescue, Dive Team, Aero Squadron, and

R e v e r s e 9 -1 -1, a re a s i re n s , a n d

the Sheriff’s Detective Division.

EAS messages on commercial radio

The sergeants and commanders oversee dispatch services and patrol operations on a daily basis, and regulate service call

The Watch Commander’s Office is also

priority and order of response. The Watch

the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s

Commander’s Office also handles all

primary law enforcement point of contact

DISPATCH CENTER

Center is staffed with Emergency

The Dispatch Center is a primary public

The Sheriff’s Dispatch Center has the

safety answering point responsible

responsibility of activating the Reverse

fo r a ll 9 -1-1 c a lls in t h e c o u nt y,

9 -1-1 system in times of emergency.

c ommunic ations and infor m ation

Within minutes, this system has the abil-

between the public, law enforcement,

ity to notify hundreds of residents by

paramedics and numerous county and

telephone with a voice recording with

state departments.

important emergency information and

Several hundreds of thousands of incoming and outgoing calls are handled by the Dispatch Center each year, including from the public and dispatching deputies, ambulances, EMS helicopters and outside agency personnel. The Dispatch

and television.

Medical Dispatch (EMD) cer tified dispatchers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

instructions. The system’s database is updated monthly using current records from the 9-1-1 database. The Reverse

Technologically, the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), mobile and mapping programs are Tritech systems. The Tritech software gives dispatchers the ability to create incidents and direct the

9-1-1 system has been activated 4 times

closest, most appropriate emergency

this past year for emergency notifica-

personnel to calls for service. The 9-1-1

tions in numerous areas of the county.

system is an Intrado’s Viper VoIP 9-1-1

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phone system; the system is approxi-

2011 calls for service

mately 3 years old and is ready to handle Next Generation 9-1-1 phone calls. The Viper VoIP phone system is a redundant system in order to increase reliability.

911 Calls 16% 33,426

In 2012, the Dispatch Center answered 38,483 emergency 9-1-1 calls for ser-

Non Emergency Calls

vice. The calls were answered in 10

84% 176,698

seconds or less more than 93% of the

Total Calls for Service: 210,124

time (California State Standard is 90 percent). The Dispatch Center handled 209,316 phone calls and created 90,800 incidents for service. It also created and dispatched more than 24,000 medical

2012 calls for service

calls for service.

Besides their daily duties, dispatchers are involved in community outreach events such as the Mid-State Fair and Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch. At these

18% 38,483

events, dispatchers hand out educa-

Non Emergency Calls

tional literature regarding the importance

82% 170,833

of 9-1-1 and how children should report emergencies. Children also have the opportunity to meet Red E Fox, the mascot for the 9-1-1 for Kids program.

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911 Calls

S a n L u 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

Total Calls for Service: 209,316

COAST STATION

The coordinated response to this incident resulted in the apprehension of 20 sus-

to a call reporting an unknown subject

pected drug smugglers and the recovery

entering a residence in Rural San Luis

of $4 million worth of Mexican marijuana.

Obispo to commit a Burglary. The sus-

Another abandoned Panga was discov-

pect stabbed the home’s occupant

ered in the area on October 19, 2012. On

several times before fleeing in the vic-

November 27, 2012, Coast Station patrol

tim’s vehicle. The suspect was arrested

deputies were on a routine patrol in that

later that same day in Kings County.

same area when they encountered a small group smuggling illicit drugs. Two people were then arrested and an addiDuring 2012, the Coast Station was introduced to Maritime Smuggling Interdiction challenges. Beginning on May 24, 2012, patrol personnel of the Coast Station were alerted to the firstknown landing of a Panga-style vessel on a beach along the North Coast of San Luis Obispo County near the Monterey County Line. That vessel was empty and abandoned by criminals who were sus-

In June 2012, patrol deputies responded

I n A u g u s t 2 012 , p at ro l d e p u t ie s responded to the report of a missing per-

tional Panga vessel was recovered.

son in the 400 Block of Leighton Road in

Coast Station patrol deputies also

was found that the missing person had

responded to a number of high-profile

been killed, and a homicide investigation

violent crimes in 2012. In April 2012, a

was initiated.

subject was arrested after physically assaulting his mother in a residence in the 1800 Block of 7th Street in Los Osos.

The victim later died as a result of the injuries sustained, and the suspect was charged with homicide.

Cambria. After further investigation, it

In November 2012, patrol deputies responded to the 3200 Block of South Ocean Avenue in C ayucos where an argument between two neighbors ended when one of the neighbors shot at the other with a small caliber

pected of smuggling illicit drugs from

handgun. The bullet missed the victim

Mexico. A second Panga landing was

and the suspect was arrested for

reported on September 6, 2012.

attempted homicide.

Because of the highly effective actions and investigations conducted by the first responding deputies, the perpetrators were apprehended and the community was protected. Coast Station patrol personnel handled the above highlighted incidents in an exemplary manner.

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17

NORTH STATION

During 2012, the North Station was again

In preparation for the expected high level

the busiest Sheriff’s Office station for

of activity, the North Station assigned

calls for service and deputy activity.

additional manpower, allowing an

The North Station received a total

unmarked two-man unit to be deployed

of 23,029 calls for service, and San

for proactive patrol, as well as more

Miguel, Templeton, Rural Paso Robles

marked units fielded on the swing shift.

continue to be the busiest areas of the North Station’s response area, with major issues being thefts, burglaries and

Beat 8 became an active patrol beat in December 2012 to cover Shandon,

gang activity.

Creston and California Valley. In prepara-

The patrol station for this area is

was opened in the new Creston Calfire

tion for this additional beat, a report room

located at 356 North Main Street in

Station. Beat 8 deputies use this report

Templeton and is currently staffed with

room as an office to complete their

one commander, two sergeants, four

reports and interview citizens.

senior deputies, 23 deputies and two station clerks.

A reserve deputy detective and a reserve deputy crisis response team member both work out of North Station. Another reserve deputy will soon be deployed to the Heritage Ranch and Oak Shores areas to assist with response times.

18

S a n L u 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

South Station

Of these 27 deputy sheriffs, two deputies

crimes involving defrauding creditors and

are assigned as station investigators who

stealing money from bank accounts.

handle property crimes and missing per-

Investigation by South Station investiga-

son investigations. Two deputies are

tors led to search warrants and multiple

assigned as school resources officers

arrests of the suspects in this case. The

working at schools in the Lucia Mar

investigation revealed that a single indi-

School District and one deput y is

vidual had created a crime syndicate using

assigned as a rural crimes deputy focus-

several others to steal the identities of

ing on criminal investigations related to

people in San Luis Obispo and Santa

the agricultural industry.

Barbara counties. Because of the scope

Canine (K-9) Deputy “Gonzo” and his

and severity of this case, it is currently

handler Deputy Mark Souza joined the South Station in January 2012. K- 9 Deputy Gonzo is a 3 -year- old male

being reviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for prosecution under the RICO statute for organized crime.

The South Station covers 850 square

German Shepard and has been trained

During 2012, the Sheriff’s Office has

miles with a population of approximately

in both narcotics detection and protection

worked to strengthen partnerships with

36,000 people living in the communities

duties. Gonzo is one of four new K-9

the communities we serve in the South

of Oceano, Nipomo, unincorporated

deputies to join the Sheriff’s Office

Count y by creating additional

Arroyo Grande, Los Berros, New Cuyama,

in 2012, paid for through narcotics

Neighborhood Watch programs, hosting

Huasna Valley, Blacklake-Callendar and

asset forfeiture.

Sheriff’s Family Day events to help create

In April 2012, Deputy Chad Guiton was

a dialog with parents about the dangers

The Woodlands. The area extends from Pismo Beach to the Santa Barbara County line and from the Pacific Ocean to the Kern County line.

honored with an award from the Office of Transportation Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Driving for leading the

posed to children by street gangs, and intro du c in g the G an g Resist anc e Education and Training (GREAT) curricu-

The patrol station for this area is located at

Sheriff’s Office in arrests for drunk driv-

lum in our local schools.

1681 Front St. in Oceano and is currently

ers. This was the second year in a row

The GREAT program is an effective gang

staffed with one commander, two ser-

that Deputy Guiton received this award.

and violence prevention program built

During the summer and fall of 2012, a

around school-based, law enforcement

geants, four senior deputies, 23 sheriff deputies and two station clerks.

rash of mail thefts occurred in the South County area. The suspects looked for checking account and credit card information that could be used for identity theft

officer-instructed classroom curricula.

The program is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership for children before they reach prime ages for introduction into gangs and delinquent behavior.

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19

DETECTIVES DIVISION The Detective Division is responsible for the investigation of criminal cases that are above and beyond the scope and resources of the Patrol Division. This

in court. Some cases make it through the

nography, non-financial elder abuse, and

court process in a relatively short amount

sexual registrants.

of time, while others may take years.

In 2012, the Detectives Division success-

The following are only two examples

fully investigated four homicide cases and

of the many cases in which detectives

concluded a gang-related drive-by-shoot-

are called to conduct an investigation

ing homicide, all which led to arrests.

and then appear in court to testify

They also investigated four attempted

to the detailed information, which

homicide cases and many other cases

was found through the course of the

including major investigations and other

investigation. Caution: The cases contain

lesser-involved investigations.

sensitive material that may not be suitable

The Sheriff’s Office conducted all aspects

for all readers.

may require a large amount of resources

of the criminal investigation into the

Case #1:

for an extended period of time, and may

shooting of a California Highway Patrol Officer in Paso Robles. Other major inves-

On Christmas night in 2010, a citizen con-

need investigators with specialized training, knowledge and equipment. The

tigations included child molestations,

includes all misdemeanor and felony crimes for both local and state laws where other agencies do not have the primary investigative responsibility. These cases

investigation may extend beyond a patrol

rape, child pornography, robbery, and bur-

deputy’s area of responsibility, or beat.

glary. There are other investigations that

Detectives are able to focus on their inves-

are not major investigations, but still

tigation without the interruptions of

require detective investigative resources,

having to handle calls for service as a

such as critical or at risk missing persons,

patrol deputy.

runaway juveniles, and suspicious death

Detectives in the Detective Division are assigned to a specific area of investigations. General crime detectives are responsible for investigating crimes

20

in nature, child molestations, child por-

investigations. New cases requiring detective investigation are constantly coming in to the division.

While carrying their caseload, detectives

tacted dispatch to report suspicious circumstances in rural Santa Margarita.

The citizen reported a male subject had jumped up out of a ditch alongside Pozo Road. This subject told them his wife had been shot and that the suspect was chasing him. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area and spoke with the surviving victim. He was visibly upset and told them someone had shot his wife, Beverly Reilly, at his son-in-law’s residence. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the residence and

against persons and property. The sexual

must also appear in court to testify on

located two victims inside who had been

assault detectives are responsible for

investigations that have been submitted

shot and killed.

crimes against persons which are sexual

to the District Attorney’s Office and filed

S a n L u 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

An investigation revealed that the suspect,

Road. He then went to another residence

an extensive investigation led by criminal

Andrew Wesley Downs, a 20-year-old

up the road and stole another truck.

detectives and Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit

schizophrenic, had stolen his parents’

On December 26, 2010 at approximately

detectives. This was a multi-agency and,

SUV and an 8mm rifle. He then drove to the Pozo area to get away from aliens that he believed were taking over the world, and lost control of the SUV, rolling several times in the area earlier that morning.

Downs then worked his way to the closest occupied residence and rang the doorbell at the back door. As Beverly Reilly came to the door and began to open it, Downs shot her once in the head.

Downs entered the residence and began looking for clothing in the back bedroom.

When the surviving victim and his sisterin-law, Kathy Yeager, came into the residence, Yeager was walking down the hallway looking for Beverly Reilly when Downs shot her once in the head. When the surviving victim went to see what had happened, Downs confronted him. The

3 a.m., the Atascadero Police Department received a call from a citizen regarding an intruder that had attempted to kill her husband with a wrench. Atascadero Police Officers responded and contacted Downs. The Sheriff’s Office was notified and Downs was taken into custody.

In January and February 2012, a court trial was held before Superior Court Judge John Trice to determine the issue of sanity in regards to Downs. Downs pled not guilty by reason of insanity (NGI). Based on the testimony and evidence in the case, Judge Trice ruled that Downs was insane when he committed the crimes. Downs was sentenced to Atascadero State Hospital for an indeterminate sentence with a maximum of life.

surviving victim ran from the residence

Case #2:

and hid. Downs then stole a ranch truck

On the evening of November 17, 2011,

at times, a multi-jurisdiction investigation.

After six months of nonstop investigation, suspect Armando Yepez was arrested for the homicide of Adrian Salgado. This unfolded on May 17, 2012 in dramatic fashion when Sheriff’s Office detectives and Gang Unit detectives conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on Highway 101 as Yepez was attempting to flee the area.

Jury selection for the homicide trial began November 26, 2012 and the trial soon began. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office were on the stand for countless hours answering very direct and sometimes heated questions from the prosecution and defense attorneys.

The Deputy District Attorney was able to present the evidence gathered in the investigation through the detectives’ testimony to the jury. The trial ran continuousl y until c losing argument s on

and began driving around the ranch and

shots rang out from a vehicle as it drove

vineyard looking for the surviving victim

December 10, 2012 and the trial was

by a group standing near a street corner in

submitted to the jury. On 12/12/12 the jury

before getting the truck stuck in the mud.

Oceano. Bullets struck two subjects in

Downs then stole another utility truck

reached a verdict and found Armando

the group. The first victim was Adrian

from the ranch and drove away from the

Yepez guilty on all counts. Yepez is

Salgado, 17, who did not survive. The sec-

residence. Downs ended up getting that

scheduled for his sentencing hearing on

ond victim survived his two gunshot

utility truck stuck in the mud along Pozo

March 5, 2013.

wounds. The Sheriff’s Office conducted

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21

SAFE TEAM

Of the 253 sex offenders registered with

Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task

the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

Force. This has allowed us to combine our

Office in 2012, only two were truly in viola-

resources to better investigate and arrest

tion of their registration requirements.

those who possess and distribute child

One person has been missing for over 10

pornography as well as other Internet

years and is believed to be out of the coun-

crimes against children. We have seen a

try; the other is actively being sought and

dramatic increase in cases of child pornog-

has a warrant out for his arrest. Other reg-

raphy possession.

istrants appear to be in violation of their registration requirements on the Megan’s Law website, however they are unable to keep their registration updated because they are currently incarcerated in county jails or prison. Many of these Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team members are responsible for

incarcerations are a result of the SAFE Team investigations.

verifying the residency of all PC 290 (sex

response to complaints, inquiries, and information regarding PC 290 registered sex offenders to the community. We provide community notifications of sexually violent predators (SVP) and high-risk sex offenders when warranted. The SAFE Team distributes media releases or passes

offender) registrants in the unincorporated

The SAFE Team continues to work with

out informational flyers door-to-door.

areas of San Luis Obispo County.

Probation and Parole departments, assist-

Sex offenders who have warrants for

ing with sweeps, residential checks and

their arrest are posted on the Sheriff’s

In 2012, the SAFE Team conducted or

home searches of registered sex offend-

Office website as well as local Crime

assisted with:

ers who are on probation or parole.

Stoppers websites.

• 427 compliance checks

Efforts are made to interview all new PC

SAFE Team members also work closely

• 60 investigations of possible sex

290 registrants throughout the year.

with victim/witness advocates through

During this interview, SAFE Team mem-

the District Attorney’s Office to meet the

offender registration violations • 37 filed c ases with the District Attorney’s Office for failing to register properly • 12 registered sex offenders were investigated for committing new crimes,

bers discuss the registrant’s requirements

needs of the victim. The team also contin-

and answer any questions offenders may

ues to monitor registered arsonists that

have. Members of the SAFE Team visit

live in the county.

and remind newly released PC 290 registered sex offenders of their registration responsibilities and requirements.

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 • 13 search warrants

22

SAFE Team members provide immediate

The Sheriff’s Office continues to work as a part of the Central California Internet

S a n L u 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

SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT

The Sexual Assault Unit consists of three

In addition to their caseload, training the

investigators who investigate cases of

community and educational outreach

physical and sexual abuse within the unin-

have become a necessar y priorit y.

corporated areas of the county, as well as

Specialized trainings have assisted

assist outside agencies in their investiga-

Sexual Assault and Recovery Program

tions. The investigation of physical and

(SARP) advocates, Sexual Assault

sexual abuse cases are highly specialized

Response Team (SART) nurses, Rotary

and require expert training. Investigators

Clubs and other nonprofit organization, as

also provide training to mandated report-

well as the Sheriff’s Office, as it relates to

ers of child abuse, as well as community

initial child or adult sexual assault cases.

groups.

The Sexual Assault Unit actively partici-

Combined, the sexual assault investiga-

pates in local committees and programs

tors handle 200 cases per year as they

as part of the outreach effort. In 2012, the

relate to child and/or adult sexual abuse

Sexual Assault Unit attended SART

or assault, elder abuse, and child pornog-

Advisory Board meetings and various

raphy. These cases can take, on average,

community committees and sub-com-

several months to fully investigate

mittees like Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes,

and last several months to a year in the

which is a public awareness benefit for

court process.

victims of sexual assault.

In 2012, these investigators also assisted

The unit hopes to continue providing com-

in child forensic interviews, homicide and

plete and thorough investigations as it

other investigations outside of sexual

relates to these crimes, as well as advo-

assault, search warrant preparation and

cating for victims and their families in the

service, conducted CVSA examinations

coming year.

in criminal and background investigations, worked in concert with crime lab forensic technicians 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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23

CORONER’S OFFICE

Sheriff-Coroner Ian Parkinson and all of his

Of those 554 coroner cases, the Coroner

deputy coroners perform the role of coro-

Unit conducted additional investigation on

ner in all jurisdictions in San Luis Obispo

242 of them. Although coroner investiga-

County. The California Government Code

tors did not investigate all cases, coroner

requires the coroner to investigate the

detectives thoroughly reviewed all

cause and manner of death in most cases

the c ases an d si g ne d all rel ate d

where a death occurred outside of a hos-

death certificates.

pital or the presence of a physician, and all other cases involving homicides, suicides, accidental deaths and deaths due to suspicious circumstances.

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

In most cases a patrol deputy will respond

inquiry is determined on a case-by-case

to a report of death and conduct an inves-

basis. Of the 242 cases in 2012 in which

tigation. For other cases where additional

Coroner’s Office certified the deaths, 159

investigation and expertise is needed, the

autopsies were performed, 66 medical

Sheriff’s Office has a Coroner Unit within

inspections were conducted and 17

the Detective Division. The Coroner Unit is

deaths were certified by medical records.

comprised of three detectives who spe-

Of the deaths investigated by the Coroner

cialize in death investigations.

Unit, 109 were natural deaths, 54 were

In 2012, the Coroner Unit responded to 1,376 reportable deaths in the county. The Coroner Unit also reviews all hospice

suicides, five were homicides, 71 were accidental and three were undetermined.

Aside from the investigations, 2012 was

cases in the county. There were 1,129 hos-

an exciting year for the Coroner’s Unit.

pice cases in 2012, just over 100 more

Construction was completed on the new

cases compared to 2011. In 2012, depu-

coroner facility and now all aspects of the

ties responded to 554 coroner cases.

coroner functions are completed under one roof. The new facility became operational on August 30, 2012.

For the first time in its history, the Sheriff’s Office now has a state-of-the-art coroner facility capable of handling all of the needs of San Luis Obispo County for many years to come. Additionally, the Coroner’s Office will continue to co-sponsor the internationally recognized Forensic Fire Death Investigations Course, which is attended by students from all across the United States, Canada and Europe.

24

S a n L u 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

CRIME L ABORATORY The Crime Laboratory saw some major changes in 2012. The Crime Lab provided crime scene investigations, drug analysis, processed evidence, and provided toxicological evaluations of submitted samples. These services were provided to the Sheriff’s office and allied local, state and federal agencies.

Crime Laboratory personnel handled more than 1,900 cases in 2012; 45 percent of these cases originated from Sheriff’s Office investigations. The remaining 55 percent originated from outside agencies. However, 75 percent of all cases handled were toxicology reports and suspicious substance testing related to narcotics incidents.

The Sheriff’s Office also installed the

Forensic Specialists from the Sheriff’s

SLO County Automated Fingerprint

Office responded to a wide variety of

Identification System (SLOAFIS), which

calls for service during 2012. These calls

launched in March 2012 and began

included homicides, attempted homi-

providing suspect identification almost

cides, other suspicious deaths, robberies,

immediately, resulting in the identifica-

burglaries and sexual assaults. The

tion of a person of interest in a nearly

arrival of a second crime scene truck

20 -year- old homicide investigation.

made it possible to respond to two sepa-

SLOAFIS currently houses fingerprint

rate crime scenes at the same time with

records for over 65,000 individuals.

the necessary equipment and supplies to

Combined, they have contributed

process the evidence.

5.1 million fingerprint images that are currently being used for comparison and identific ation. In ad dition to SLOAFIS, pilot programs began to allow for the rapid identification of individuals in the field and at the San Luis Obispo County Jail using fingerprint identification technology.

Also for the first time, forensic specialists completed proficiency testing for fingerprint identification last year and began par ticipating in CAL- ID sponsored fingerprint trainings pre sented by the International Association for Identification. Fingerprint examiners from across the nation attend these training sessions.

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25

NARCOTICS UNIT The Sheriff’s Office maintains a narcotics unit consisting of 14 detectives supervised by a sergeant, which is an increase from last year since detectives from participating cities are now included.

trained and certified by the State of

(DEC) investigations. Because DEC

California. Federal and state law require

investigations involve a multi-agency

detectives who work with hazardous

approach to developing strategies to pro-

materials (HA ZMAT), such as those

tect children, sheriff’s detectives work

found in clandestine drug laboratories

closely with the District Attorney’s Office

complete a total of 80 hours of instruction

and the Department of Social Services to

to learn how to safely process a clandes-

keep children safe and prosecute those

tine laboratory site for evidence as part of

who would expose them to the dangers

their investigation and to ensure their

of illicit drugs.

compliance with the various environmen-

The Narcotics Unit has placed an empha-

Drug crimes do not follow state or county

tal and safety regulations that apply to

boundaries. So narcotics detectives

clan lab seizure and dismantling. These

often work cases that originate in San

detectives must then receive ongoing

Luis Obispo County and then lead to

training in this field to maintain their certi-

other jurisdictions. Narcotics detectives

fication. Clan Labs are most often

regularly work with other local, state and

associated with methamphetamine man-

federal drug enforcement agencies on

ufacturing, but can include the

cohesive multi-jurisdictional efforts to

manufacture of other drugs, such as LSD,

combat the problem of illegal drugs

honey oil extraction, steroids and organic

throughout California. Efforts this year

h allu c in o g enic c o m p o un d s , su c h

included conducting surveillances of sus-

as methytryptamine.

pects, managing confidential informants, gathering financial records and phone toll information, monitoring wire taps on suspect’s phones, working in undercover capacities, writing and executing search warrants and interviewing suspects regarding their crimes.

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

the increased demand. Additionally, the unit has also responded to the emerging maritime smuggling operations along our coastline. The maritime interdiction e f fo r t s i nv o l v e l e v e r a g i n g s t a te and federal partnerships in order to safeguard the community from this threat to public safety.

In 2012 more than 140 Narcotics Unit investigations resulted in the following seizure totals. Some seizures were the result of multi-agency investigations and occurred throughout California.

Heroin

0.52 lbs.

Methamphetamine Enforcement Team

Cocaine

83 lbs.

(Cal-MMET) Program. The Cal-MMET

Methamphetamine

8.4 lbs.

Processed marijuana

3,855 lbs.

Marijuana plants

32,323 lbs.

in the California Multi-Jurisdictional

The Narcotics Unit maintains a

grants funds for two sheriff’s narcotics

Clandestine Laboratory Team (Clan Labs)

detectives to receive specialized training in the field of Drug Endangered Children

26

sis on heroin investigations in response to

S a n L u 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

GANG TASK FORCE

In 2012, the San Luis Obispo County Gang

During the homicide investigation, the

Task Force (GTF) received an increase in

GT F conducted periodic probation

manpower from the reallocation of

searches, resulting in several more gang-

Narcotics Task Force resources. The

related arrests. After the investigation’s

increased resources came just at the right

conclusion in May, the GTF worked at sup-

time since GTF was working side by side

pressing gang problems in North County

with the Sheriff’s Detective Unit on a

between the Nortenos and Surenos

seven-month, gang-related drive -by

gangs, and dealt with a rising White Power

shooting homicide investigation. This

gang in South County.

investigation ended in May with the successful arrest of an 18th street gang member and a later conviction for murder with gang enhancements.

Throughout 2012, the task force continued to work with local agencies providing assistance in gang related criminal investigations, while routinely facilitating presentations for both law enforcement and community organizations.

This coming year, the GTF is working hand in hand with the District Attorney’s Office, probation, jail classification, and other local agencies to develop a comprehensive gang member registration system similar to what currently exists for arson, sex, and habitual narcotics offenders.

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27

Canine (K-9) Unit The Sheriff’s Canine (K- 9) Unit was

Deputy Steve Faith is K-9 Nico’s handler,

established January 2001 with its first

Deputy Mark Souza is K-9 Gonzo’s han-

percent proficient in the detection of

narcotics detection canine, Jake, who

dler, Deputy John Franklin is K-9 Jacco’s

cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin,

worked through 2009 until he passed

handler, and Deputy Josh Fischer is K-9

opium and marijuana.

away from cancer. Jake left a lasting

Dutch’s handler.

impression with several Narcotics Units

Nico, Gonzo and Jacco also passed their

Nico, Gonzo, Jacco and Dutch each com-

first Police Officer Standards and Training

pleted their narcotics detection training

(POST) evaluation, which encompassed

and were certified by the California

obedience, apprehension, and handler

throughout C entral and S outhern California, so the Sheriff’s Office is continuing the tradition of training and using canines in this special unit.

The mission of the K-9 Unit is to support

K-9 Stats for Year 2012 Deployments

528

Calls for Service

1198

Searches

1472

Arrests

276

officer safety and providing outstanding

AOA (Assists other Agencies)

76

service to the community.

Apprehensions

46

Apprehension Bites

4

chased its second narcotics detection

Cocaine

763.8 grams

canine, Jack, who is assigned to the

Methamphetamine

3223.02 grams

Special Operations Unit.

Heroin

143.35 grams

In December 2012, under the direction of

Marijuana

16,734.18 grams

Sheriff- Coroner Ian Parkinson, the

U.S. Currency

agency operations by providing the expertise necessary to effectively search for outstanding suspects, persons, narcotics, and evidence, while enhancing

In January 2010, the Sheriff’s Office pur-

Sheriff’s Office expanded the canine pro-

Positive

$588.439

g r am by a d d in g thre e a d d i ti o n al

Negative

$34.178

cross -trained patrol dogs that are assigned throughout the county. These dogs are capable of detecting narcotics and protecting their handlers, apprehending suspects, and tracking. Sheriff Parkinson also added a second narcotic detection K-9 to the Custody Division.

28

Narcotics Canine Association as 100

S a n L u 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

protection. They were deployed for the

A fourth cross-trained dog will be added

first year and are doing a great job for the

to the North Station in 2013, and will be

Sheriff’s Office and the community.

capable of detecting narcotics as well as

The unit is continually working to improve its efficiency, which is why K-9 deputies currently input their K-9 stats into the MDC in the patrol car, limiting the amount of time spent in the patrol station. With the assistance of K- 9 Trainer Ted Bowman, K-9 teams are constantly challenged with situational scenarios to test their case law knowledge and decision-

handler protection, suspect apprehension, and tracking. The new K-9 Handler is Deputy Bryan Love. The K-9 is yet to be evaluated and a kennel and other special equipment must be purchased once the K-9 arrives. The new K-9 Unit (1281) is equipped and ready for service, and is projected to start training on February 4, 2013.

making ability.

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29

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL 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 Special Enforcement Detail is a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and the Atascadero Police Department and includes deputies, officers and sergeants under the authorit y of the special enforcement detail commander.

The team was formed in the 1970s in response to the civil unrest occurring at that time. In 2003, the partnership with 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

30

(Santa Barbara County), the Diablo Canyon Power Plant protests, riots in Los Angeles during the early 1990s, and the Mardi Gras riots in San Luis Obispo several years ago. The team has developed to become an integral part of emergency response in San Luis Obispo County.

vehicles. Most critical incidents are resolved without the use of force through negotiations carried out by the team’s tactical negotiators.

The Special Enforcement Detail continues to train with a focus on terrorism and current tactical issues, providing the citi-

The team trains 10 to 20 hours per month with team members attending basic and advanced tactical courses throughout the state. The tactical equipment supplied to the team includes weapons, less lethal munitions and armored rescue

S a n L u 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

zens of San Luis Obispo County one of the best trained, equipped and motivated tactical teams in the state.

BOMB TASK FORCE The Bomb Task Force is accredited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bomb Data Center in Washington, D.C. and is certified as a fully operational and fully equipped bomb squad, capable of rendering safe and disposing of improvised ex plosive devices, milit ar y ordnance, and commercially manufac-

Each Bomb Task Force team member is

In addition, the San Luis Obispo County

a certified bomb technician who passed

Bomb Task Force maintains a close rela-

a thorough background check conducted

tionship with the 30th Civil Engineer

by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Squadron (the Explosive Ordnance

Basic training includes attending a six-

Disposal Team at Vandenberg Air Force

week Federal Bureau of Investigation

Base) whose militar y jurisdiction

Hazardous Devices School, located at

includes San Luis Obispo County.

U.S. Army Base Redstone Arsenal Alabama. Training is ongoing and each bomb technician is a member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators.

2012 Calls for Service The task force receives anywhere from 19 to 95 calls for service annually. In 2012, it responded to 32 explosive or bombrelated calls throughout San Luis Obispo

tured explosives.

Task Force Capabilities

The Task Force is comprised of four

This task force works in conjunction with

or Vietnam-era military ordnance, suspi-

County. Some of the calls included WWII,

members, two of which are Sheriff’s

various state and federal agencies to

cious packages, suspected explosive

Office Bomb Technicians, one Bomb

include the California Highway Patrol,

materials, illegal explosive pyrotechnics,

Technician from Cal Poly State Police,

State Parks and Recreation Department,

and hoax devices.

and one non-certified candidate techni-

Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau

cian from San Luis Obispo Police

of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and

Department (recently acquired). The

E xplosives, United St ates Post al

Task Force is commanded by a Sheriff’s

Inspectors, and Depar tment of

Office Senior Deputy (who is a 14 year

Homeland Security.

Enforcement Night at the SLO Farmers’

In addition, the task force is available for

SLO High School Career Day, and Grizzly

(who is the rank of Sheriff’s Commander).

informative speaking engagements, pub-

Academy Graduates.

The Task Force is governed by a Board of

presentations. Task force members are

Directors consisting of certain members

involved in consulting activities and train

of the Criminal Justice Administration

various segments of the community on a

Association. The Board of Directors are:

variety of bomb related topics.

San Luis Obispo County. A team mem-

• The County Sheriff

Support Team Concept

force is available on a 24-hour basis by

Although the Bomb Task Force is a

Sheriff’s Office at (805) 781- 4550

veteran), a Hazardous Devices Technician, and a Task Force Manager

• The Chiefs of Police of each municipal police agency within this County • Chief of Police, C alifornia State Polytechnic University

lic displays and communit y group

self-sufficient unit, it has an excellent working relationship with the Santa

The Bomb Task Force provided public demonstrations during Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch, Cops & Kids Day, Law Market, Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy,

The Bomb Task Force has the primary jurisdictional responsibility to all explosive and bomb related incidents within ber is continuously on call and the task calling the San Luis Obispo County (non-emergency).

Barbara County Sheriff’s Department

Emergency situations may dictate a 9-1-1

Bomb Squad; assisting each other in

call through the local law enforcement

times of need.

agency of jurisdiction.

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31

RURAL CRIME UNIT The mission of the Rural Crime Unit (RCU) is to enforce laws and provide investigative services related to theft and property damage related to the agricultural and rural communities. To accomplish this goal, not only did the unit investigated 398 cases in 2012, but the RCU also proactively reached out to these communities with consistent contact via attendance at monthly meetings of SLO County Farm Bureau, Cattlewomen, Cattlemen, Farm Bureau Women, and Young Farmers and Ranchers groups. Because rural crime trends are always evolving, frequent con-

These meetings have also provided the

community as it relates to the economy in

opportunity to make crime prevention rec-

San Luis Obispo County, as well as inform-

ommendations, such as suggesting the

ing the class about the various types of

formation of a “Ranch Watch” (RW) group,

crime unique to the rural community.

or having a Ranch/Farm Security Survey

These educational programs help to

(RSS) conducted by our RCU. Another

inform the public, and assist the rural com-

valuable crime prevention tool is the appli-

munity by getting the word out about the

cation of an Owner Applied Number

vital role they play.

(OAN) to machinery and equipment. The OAN is an issued number that is unique to a particular farm/ranch owner and provides an opportunity for recovered stolen property to be returned to the rightful owner. The OAN’s are cataloged on 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.

tact is essential in order to keep the rural

In a presentation for the 2012 Sheriff’s

community apprised of crime trends, as

Citizen Academy, the RCU conveyed the

well as hearing directly from them about

importance of the farming/ranching

what is happening in their specific area.

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S a n L u 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 increase in community awareness also results in improved reporting of suspicious behavior that may lead to criminal acts. For example, deputies responded to a case in which a local agriculture company was the victim of embezzlement,

resulting in the loss of nearly $1,000 in

related literature, including the children’s

In an effort to network with other agencies

fraudulent credit card cash advances. The

Official Farm Safety Manual coloring

and to keep informed of current rural crime

RCU determined that a former company

books. The RCU also spent 12 days at the

issues, one or more representatives from

employee had made the cash advances

California Mid-State Fair in July, sharing

the RCU attends trainings or meetings on

in three different banks in California.

this information with thousands of people.

a regular basis with the California Rural

The San Luis Obispo County District

It was also distributed at the Cops and

Crime Prevention Task Force (CRCPTF)

Attorney’s Office was able to successfully

Kids Day and at the Giddy-up Round-up

and the Central Coast Rural Crime

prosecute the suspect and the victims

Day, events that were specifically created

Prevention Task Force (CCRCPTF). The

were repaid their total loss through restitu-

to teach children about farmers, ranchers,

Sheriff’s Office regularly hosts the

tion, including the interest accrued on the

and the rural community in general. The

CRCPTF February meeting, allowing

cash advances.

RCU also shared this information at the

Sheriff’s Office personnel to attend and

annual Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch

raise their rural crime awareness level.

Over this past year, the RCU had numerous opportunities for community outreach,

event in September 2012.

distributing OAN brochures and other rural

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33

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT The School Resource Officer Unit is made up of six full-time deputies and one reserve deputy. The deputies are active on school campuses, including continuation and community school campuses throughout San Luis Obispo County. These officers frequently assist with orderly business of everyday school activities, which include monitoring and interacting with students as well as building relationships and trust with students, school staff and parents.

Deputies are often involved in providing individual and group counseling with students to aid staff in redirecting student behavior and initiate student accountability.

School resource officers also assist school staff by regularly responding to a truant student’s home to transport them to school if necessary. Additionally, school resource officers may be asked to sit on a School Attendance Review Board (SARB) to assist with hearing behavior and truancy cases brought to the board by school administrators. They often respond and investigate suspected criminal activity on school campuses that sometimes warrant taking law enforcement action against suspect or suspects. In 2012, these officers participated in many different community events like Cops and Kids Day, Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch, and the MidState Fair in Paso Robles.

During the 2011/2012 school year, school

Both camps were a huge success, and

resource officers began teaching the Gang

were funded through community dona-

Resistance Education and Training

tions, which allowed all 110 students to

(GRE AT ) Program for Lillian Larsen

attend for free. Because of this outstand-

Elementary School in San Miguel and

ing achievement, school resource officers

Shandon Elementary School. After review-

will be teaching the GREAT Program

ing the success of the in-class program,

countywide in 2013 and organizing four

Sheriff-Coroner Parkinson decided to

additional GREAT Camps in the summer.

sponsor two GREAT Summer Camps at these schools, in addition to the GREAT Program. The weeklong camps were for

cer also taught a program called Teen

children in fourth through eighth grade.

Survival Skills to the Los Osos, Santa Lucia

During these weeklong camps, students

ers. This program covers topics regarding

participated in fun activities and three field

our judicial system, law enforcement, juve-

trips to the Harris Stage Lines, Paso Bowl

nile law involving alcohol and drugs. Being

and Cayucos Middle School eighth grad-

and the Charles Paddock Zoo. The stu-

in the classroom gives these deputies

dents also attended Law Enforcement Day,

unique opportunity to build trust and a

where the Sheriff’s Office and other law

positive relationship between the students

enforcement agencies displayed their spe-

and law enforcement.

cialty units for students to learn about and experience firsthand. The last day of the camp was Graduation Day, where inspirational guest speaker and former gang member Willy Stokes spoke with the students about the consequences of being in a gang and how he turned his life around.

34

In addition, the coast school resource offi-

S a n L u 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

gloves, and bicycle shoes. In addition to all the bike specific equipment, deputies are required to carry all of the standard patrol equipment.

The Bicycle Patrol Team increases awareness of the Sheriff’s Office and 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 public to approach and talk to a deputy on a bicycle, improving positive community interaction. When terrain, weather and scheduling permits, using bicycles may bolster day-to-day patrol. The team is comprised of 12 deputies and one sergeant from different stations throughout the county.

The bicycle patrol deputies train together as a team twice a year. Training improves basic bicycle riding skills and develops patrol-specific riding skills. In 2012, the Bicycle Patrol Team conducted two specific trainings, one of which took place at the Sheriff’s Office shooting range where the team incorporated live fire range training drills specific to bicycle patrol. Some of these drills included shooting while straddling a stationary bicycle, dismounting from a stationar y bicycle and engaging a target while shooting. The day culminated with the most difficult drill, when the bicycle patrol deputy contacts and pursues a suspect who is also on bicycle. At the conclusion of the bike pursuit, the deputy makes a high-speed emergency dismount on the shooting range and accurately engage a target with live fire. This is very challenging because of the deputy’s high heart and respiration rates after a bicycle pursuit,

Each Bicycle Patrol Team deputy is assigned a bicycle specifically designed for law enforcement applications and clearly marked for easy identification by 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 vehicles that allow them to move about the county or transition rapidly from bike patrol to other calls for service.

fatigue from the hard ride, and difficulty of shooting in bicycle patrol gear.

All Bicycle Patrol Team deputies at the training successfully completed the scenario.

The Bicycle Patrol Team also attends community outreach events throughout the year. The largest of those events is the Fourth of July celebration in Cayucos, which starts early in the day with a parade. The bicycle patrol deputies patrol up and down the closed route easily, whereas patrol cars would be gridlocked. Later in the evening, as people flow into town to see fireworks, deputies on bicycles respond to calls for service faster than a patrol car could and at greater distances than deputies on foot.

The same scenario plays out at other large events throughout the county on Memorial Day weekend at Lake Nacimiento, and the Morro Bay Harbor Festival. Individual bicycle patrol deputies are authorized to engage in bicycle patrol any time their schedule and area coverage allows.

Each Bicycle Patrol Team deputy is outfitted with a special uniform to meet the demands of patrolling on a bicycle. The uniform is wind resistant, breathable, highly visible, and marked with Sheriff’s Office patches and “SHERIFF” across the back for easy identification; and the pants have zip-off legs for easy conversion to shorts. Safety equipment includes a bicycle helmet, glasses,

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35

MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT

On average, the MEU conducts approxi-

The MEU works with the Sheriff’s Dive

mately 40 vessel stops each shift. These

Team in underwater search and recovery

result in all vessels being inspected for

of victims and evidence. The deputies

safety equipment and enforcement

work with San Luis Obispo County

action taken to correct the deficiencies

Rangers and Monterey County Rangers

as well as the violation for the stop.

on both Lake Lopez and Lake Nacimiento

In addition to enforcement issues, multiple medical aids, trauma calls and water

The Marine Enforcement Unit (MEU) is made up of one sergeant and three

the boating community.

rescues during the season, the deputies

The unit operates off of a 21-foot Rigid

also assisted with on-shore activities and

Hull Inflatable and a 27-foot aluminum

emergencies including vehicle accidents

hull vessel with a 25-foot off shore boat

and vegetation fires.

for open ocean missions. Unit members

deputy sheriffs. This unit is responsible

D ur in g the h o li d ay we eken d s of

for patrolling Lake Lopez as well as 165

Memorial Day and Labor Day, the lake

miles of Lake Nacimiento shoreline from

can have thousands of people on the

Memorial Day to Labor Day. The unit

water shore. The combined law enforce-

is also responsible for assisting other

ment assets for the water total four

Law Enforcement agencies in the county

to six uniformed officers for the county.

and state.

Boating under the influence and driving under the influence are a major focus of the unit.

36

to provide proactive law enforcement to

S a n L u 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

are trained in first aid, diving, vessel operation, accident investigation, towing, boating under the influence, seamanship, line handling and water safety.

PROPERTY ROOM

In 2012, the Property Room was responsible for the collection and destruction of 3,023 pounds of prescription medication as part of Operation Medicine Cabinet.

Each Sheriff’s Office Patrol Station in the county has a designated drop box for residence to drop off unused or expired medications, keeping them from being abused or accidently ingested as well as protecting our water system from the untreated waste. The drugs are then taken to a licensed facility in Southern California for incineration.

Construction is underway on the new property/evidence location, which will increase the Sheriff’s Office holding capacity by 45 percent. The projected completion date is March 2013. In 2012,

The Property Room is now staffed with

a storage area for evidence vehicles in

three property officers: one part-time

enclosed fencing was paved, an area

and two full-time employees. The part-

was cleared of other agencies’ vehicles,

time position is dedicated to purging.

and seatrains were moved to accommodate new layout of this area.

The new digital video system for the patrol vehicles is also being installed and used at the Sheriff’s Templeton patrol station. Impact on the property room will be great as it will no longer have to store physical DVDs from the patrol vehicles and discovery requests for this evidence will be able to be accessed digitally.

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37

TRAINING UNIT

The Training Unit provides training courses developed and instructed by members of the Sheriff’s Office and certified through the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) for sworn and civilian members.

Personnel also attend training courses throughout the state of California, which are primarily instructed by other law enforcement agencies.

The Training Office provides for continuous professional development of Sheriff’s Office personnel to ensure that they possess the technical expertise, knowledge and skills necessary to provide a professional level of law enforcement service to the citizens of San Luis Obispo County.

In 2012, the Training Unit provided its sworn and civilian staff 11,564 hours of training, as well as training for 1,570 students, including those from the Sheriff’s Office, volunteers and local law enforcement agencies.

Included in this training are the following highlighted courses and hours:

38

Class

Students

Hours

Arrest & Control

104

416

CPR & First Aid

161

1,288

Domestic Violence: Investigation

123

492

Internal Affairs Investigation

57

456

Tactical Firearms

101

404

POST Team Building Workshop

21

504

Domestic Violence and Law Enforcement)

199

199

S a n L u 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 UNIT

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

staff trained in newly enacted federal

Corrections Division (STC) develops and

statutes. New courses were developed

administers both current and future train-

in inmate transportation, basic firearms,

ing for the Custody Division. The STC

Internal Affairs, Oleoresin Capsicum

takes a proactive approach to correc-

Deliver y Systems, and Pepperball

tional best practices in order to maintain

Delivery Systems. The STC also renewed

a high level of correctional staff job profi-

its focus on updating the Training Officer

ciency and professional standards.

P ro g ram, c ommunic a b le dise ase

Highly trained correctional staff mem-

courses, CPR/first aid, defensive tactics,

bers are able to maintain a high level of

and gang awareness.

facility security, deputy safety and care for the welfare of county jail inmates.

In 2012, the STC provided more than 4,200 hours of professional training for

The state of California requires at least 24

130 Custody Division personnel. With a

hours a year of professional training for

proactive approach towards correctional

each correctional staff member who

best practices, the STC will continue to

ranks sergeant and below. In 2012, to

provide the tools for correctional staff to

address the ever-changing inmate demo-

maintain a safe and secure San Luis

graphic, the STC moved away from the

Obispo County Jail, ensuring the safety

status quo and took a more proactive

of our community.

approach to training. The first online training courses were developed utilizing e-rooms and forums to keep correctional

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION UNIT

The Background Investigation Unit con-

the California Commission on Peace

sists of three investigators who conduct

Officers Standards and Training and

investigations of all sworn and civilian job

departmental statutes, regulations and

applicants at the Sheriff’s Office. The

procedures associated with the investi-

background investigator compiles a

gation process.

report that includes the applicant’s personal history, driver’s license record, warrant checks, credit history, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer examination, medical examination and psychological examination. This unit ensures that back-

In 2012, there were approximately 102 background checks completed and 38 new employees were subsequently hired. Also, 27 auxiliary volunteers had background checks completed.

ground checks are in compliance with

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39

Crime Prevention and Public Information Unit

fo r t h e a n nu a l C i t ize n s A c a d e my and Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol Academy (SAVP), security surveys for home and business, public displays, as well as, children’s programs and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) review of new developments and construction.

The public information officer is the pri-

A function of the Operations Division at

mary liaison with local, national and

the Sheriff’s Office is the Crime Prevention

international media. The position develops

and Public Information Unit. Three Crime

programs and support services for media,

Prevention Specialists staff the office, and

reviews department web page programs

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.

The rural crime specialist coordinates with the three rural crime deputies assigned to North, Coast and South patrol stations.

The specialist presents crime prevention information and follow-up support to the ranching and agricultural communities, Farm and Ranch Watch programs, Owner Applied Number program, representing the Sheriff at local Cattlemen and Women groups, Young Farmers and Ranchers, Mid-State Fair, Ag Venture and Farm Bureau. This specialist also maintains the department Facebook page and provides still photo support to the PIO. On the traditional programs side, this crime prevention specialist maintains all the Neighborhood Watch programs in

and produces print, electronic and video presentations, public service announcements (PSA) and is liaison to the film and television industry. The public information officer assists in scheduling speakers from the Sheriff’s executive staff for service clubs and special event presentations.

“All initial reports are wrong.”

the unincorporated areas of the county, supporting and maintaining over 30 established groups and training others.

In addition, the position is responsible

40

S a n L u 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

Rob Bryn, Public Information Officer EOW: March 1, 2012

Sheriff’s POSSE

the safety of their mount, or the public.

parades along with community functions

Members must possess above average

such as Cops and Kids Day, Pioneer Day,

horsemanship skills, which are evaluated

Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch, and

by a Mounted Proficiency Test that must

Law Enforcement Night at the SLO

be successfully completed annually to

Farmers’ Market.

maintain Posse membership.

The Sheriff’s Posse is a voluntary auxiliary unit of the Sheriff’s Office. These volunteers come from throughout San Luis Obispo County 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.

professional service to the county and

ity, which are organized into teams.

contribute a great deal of their time,

These teams are patrol, search and res-

money and energy to their community

cue, and ceremonial. Team designation

and fellow citizens. Their service has

allows members to focus on one specific

resulted in a number of positive public

task, thereby raising the level of expertise

contacts, a closer relationship with

in each area. Members may choose to

other law enforcement entities, and

participate in more than one team.

The Patrol Team’s purpose is to furnish a mounted assistance and support to existing Sheriff’s Office patrols at community functions and during special operations.

The Search and Rescue Team conducts mounted search and rescue operations in conjunction with other auxiliary units. The Ceremonial Team provides positive pub-

United States and of good moral charac-

lic outreach for the Sheriff’s Office at

ter who are older than 18, reside in the

public events and parades. They also pro-

San Luis Obispo County, and pass a back-

vide a Mounted Honor Guard to carry the

ground investigation. Posse members

United States flag and California stated

must demonstrated good horsemanship

flag in these organized parades or events.

and physically sound. In addition, they must possess appropriate tack, a vehicle and trailer capable of transporting their mount, and equipment that can be accessed at a moment’s notice.

a visible Sheriff’s Office presence throughout the county.

qualified mount and rider to provide

Posse members must be citizens of the

skills and have a mount that is mentally

The Sheriff’s Posse strives to provide a

The Posse has three areas of responsibil-

In 2012, the Posse served in 20 separate functions throughout San Luis Obispo County, expending 972 man-hours. The Patrol Team participated in four events this year. The most challenging of these events was the Mid-State Fair in Paso

Members must maintain the physical fit-

Robles. This event is spread out over a

ness necessar y to ensure the safe

12-day period, with an attendance of

completions of assigned tasks, in any

m o re t h a n 3 6 3 , 0 0 0 p e o p l e. T h e

variance of weather or working condi-

Ceremonial Team participated in 14

tions, without jeopardizing their safety,

events. These events consisted of local

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41

DIVE TEAM With more than 100 water entries, the

Training for the year included:

Team members assisted the Narcotics

• Swift water rescue work

Division in the recovery of two Panga

• Helicopter deployment • Black water operations

There were 10 training sessions, the

• Search pattern practice

Diver Education Conference, an adminis-

• Deep diving operations

team currently consists of 27 members,

• Side-scan sonar training

two sergeants, four deputy sheriffs,

• Underwater pier and piling navigation

three correctional deputies, 13 public safety divers and six apprentice public safety divers.

August and November in which Dive

• A wreck dive

Dive Team had another busy year in 2012.

tration meeting, and three call outs. The

The next two happened in the months of

• Hazmat scenario training • Equipment repair

Boats along the shoreline in San Simeon.

The first Panga boat contained 500 pounds of Marijuana and the other contained 500 gallons of fuel believed to have been also part of a clandestine attempt at smuggling illegal contraband into the country.

January’s training took place at port San Luis on the wreck of the Kathy Anne, an abandoned derelict fishing vessel, 43

• Utilization training

feet underwater. Team members gath-

• Night diving

ered information on the vessels damage

• Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch participation

and positioning for a salvage team that raised it later in the year.

• The Diver Education Conference

Swift water training took place at the

There were three dive team activations.

Santa Margarita dam in Februar y.

The first one occurred in July and resulted in the recovery of the skeletal remains of an unidentified adult male found in a creek on the Chevron property off of Tank Farm Road.

Divers worked on rigging, flotation, scaling steep treacherous terrain and victim recovery.

In April, Dive Team members organized the third annual Diver Educ ation Conference. There were five speakers and over 75 participants from five different law enforcement agencies across the state.

Additional training took place at Montaña de Oro in April and it included Helicopter deployment. Team members practiced jumping out of CHP H70 into the ocean as well as being hoisted back into the hovering aircraft.

42

S a n L u 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

Training for May, June and July took the

In September, Dive Team members dis-

Divers also participated in night diving

dive team to Lake Nacimiento and

played special dive equipment at

and under water pier navigation in

included, injured diver rescue and first

Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch. They

November 2012. They practiced com-

aid treatment scenarios, black water

also enjoyed answering questions from

pass navigation in a dark environment

navigation, search patterns, target loca-

the citizens of San Luis Obispo County.

t i o n a n d r e c o v e r y, e q u i p m e n t familiarization exercises and side-scan

The Dive Team also went to Diablo

sonar deployment and training.

Canyon Nuclear Power Plant for Deep

In August, team members were at

intake structure in October. A dive to 100

Dive qualifications and a dive on the

Laguna Lake in San Luis Obispo where

feet on the wave rider buoy tested the

they performed Haz Mat diving scenar-

team members’ abilities to withstand

ios. Divers were dressed in full Hazmat

cold sea floor temperatures and work in

dive suits and made numerous dives in

deeper depths.

aided by their tenders and communications via the Amcommand. December’s meeting was spent scheduling the training for 2013, administration procedures and equipment maintenance.

water with less than five inches of visibility to locate submerged targets. Upon returning from the dive, members were decontaminated by their tenders and analyzed by Dive Team Medics.

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43

AERO SQUADRON

2012 Aero Squadron Flight Training

Rescue Support Operations

Operations

In August 2012, the Aero Squadron

The Aero Squadron conducted three

provided airborne search and communi-

flight-training exercises during 2012 in

The Aero Squadron is a voluntary group

cations relay support to locate a missing

addition to one classroom emergency

of pilots and non-pilot observers at the

gentleman just south of Cambria. One

first aid certification class conducted in

Sheriff’s Office that provides airborne

aircraft and ground support vehicle Unit

August by qualified Aero Squadron and

search, rescue, surveillance and special-

1798 were on-scene for approximately

g ro u n d S e a rc h a n d R e s c u e U ni t

ized transportation functions.

one hour when the ground search team

personnel.

Member pilots utilize their privately

located the missing person.

In May, a training exercise was con-

owned aircraft, currently 10 fixed-wing-

2012 Aero Squadron Personnel

ducted by two aircraft and aircrews out of

models, for mission support operations.

Transportation Flights

Oceano Airport to simulate a narcotics

Aircraft owners are reimbursed for aviation fuel and oil only used in conjunction

44

2012 Aero Squadron Search and

The Aero Squadron provided two person-

surveillance incident by locating and identifying a suspect vehicle parked in

with an assigned mission.

nel transportation round-trip flights

Another key asset in the Aero Squadron’s

Coroner Ian Parkinson, his spouse and

inventory is its new 2006 Ford F-150 sup-

the chief deputy to Weed Airport in

port vehicle recently outfitted with

Northern California in August to attend

appropriate equipment to support squad-

the annual state sheriffs’ meeting. Again

In September, the Aero Squadron sup-

ron operations including UHF, VHF and

in August, the Aero Squadron trans-

ported the annual Fall Joint Operational

airband VHF transceivers for communi-

ported the chief deputy to Sacramento to

Readiness Drill with the SLOSAR and

cation with other county, state and

deliver documentation just signed by

Posse groups at Santa Margarita Ranch’s

federal assets.

the county’s Board of Supervisors rela-

airstrip. All aircraft operations were con-

tive to the new women’s jail facility. That

ducted for the first time in the history of

flight returned to San Luis Obispo the

the Aero Squadron. Prior to the exercise,

same day.

the Aero Squadron planning staff worked

during 2012. The first transported Sheriff-

S a n L u 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 Huasna area. The exercise was cut short due to poor visibility and low ceilings along the coast, which compromised flight safety.

closely with members of the ground Search and Rescue Unit as well as the

2012 Asset Utilization Actual Flight Search and Rescue Mission

2.5 flight-hours

Actual Flight Search and Rescue Mission

20 man-hours

Sheriff’s Office Personnel Transportation

13 flight-hours

In December, the Aero Squadron con-

Sheriff’s Office Personnel Transportation

16 man-hours

ducted a practice exercise out of Oceano

Flight Training Missions

23 flight-hours

Airport utilizing five aircraft to enhance

Flight Training Missions

221 man-hours

Ground Mission Training, Logistics and Coordination

108 man-hours

Posse to plan mission scenarios and ensure the exercise’s success.

the precision of the Sheriff’s Office ground target latitude and longitude recording skills. Marking the target’s precise location for ground search crews can

Ground Event Support Functions

71 man-hours

Monthly meetings

1056 man-hours

be difficult because if the relative high speed of the aircraft. This exercise helps the pilots practice marking target ground

2012 Totals

locations using their airborne GPS.

38.5 flight hours

2012 Public Relations Operations

1,492 man-hours

The Aero Squadron also participated in various community outreach events in

Current Assets (As of December 2011 Membership Level)

2012, including

Active Members consisting of pilots and observers

32

Licensed Pilots

24

Member-owned aircraft: Fixed-Wing

12

• The annual Law Enforcement Night at the SLO Farmers’ Market in May. • A special event at Madonna Inn in

(estimated current market value = $3,145,000.)

September featuring aircraft from various county and state law enforcement agencies.

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45

Search and Rescue Team (Sar)

• Mountain Bike Team (urban and rural) • Technical Rope Rescue Team (high and low angle) • K9 Team (area searching, trailing, and

San Luis Obispo County saves approximately $2,000 per hour, or $1.5 million per year, because it utilizes a volunteer search and rescue team. The all-volunteer San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

cadaver) • Medical Team (18+ members rated at EMT or higher) • Tracking Team

Office Search and Rescue (SLOSAR)

• “Project Lifesaver” Team

Team is trained and certified in Title 22

• San Luis Obispo County

first aid and CPR, the Incident Command

Communications (MIGU) and CHP

System (ICS), communications, exten-

H-70

sive search techniques and procedures, rescue skills, the map, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS) and wilderness tracking and survival.

Many members strive for perfection and have acquired advanced skills in search theory, management, operations, logistics management, advanced GPS computer mapping, and advanced technical rescue. Some members have c re ate d trainings that have b een re c o g nize d n ationw id e and others are developing trainings that will enhance and increase the skill levels of their teammates.

SLOSAR’s is currently 65 members

Because of SLOSAR’s training and expertise, they also support the Sheriff’s Office by participating in crime scene

• 4X4 and ATV (quad) teams • Communications / Dispatching

Search Missions In 2012, SLOSAR received 29 callouts for

area. The hiker was located after a two-

vehicles available and supported by

day search; he had been stranded for

SLOSAR are:

three days on an extremely steep

• A 26’ communication-command vehicle • Detailed (topo) county maps & computer mapping • 4X4 tow vehicle

lost hiker in the Ragged Point wilderness

embankment. Unable to climb out by himself or with the aide of Search and Rescue members, the hiker was air lifted to safety by a California Highway Patrol (CHP) helicopter (H-70).

The Ragged Point Search lasted two

• Generators and light towers

days. This search included 32 SLOSAR

• 40’ medical trailer

team members, assistance from the

• ATV / Quads and

• Ground search teams (urban and rural)

Luis Obispo Christmas Parade.

Some of the specialty equipment and

in ground searching, most members

teams include:

Ranch, Cops and Kids Day, and the San

searches, with the most recent being a

• Support trailers

team within the SLOSAR Team. These

such as Sheriff’s Family Day at the

searches and equipment support.

strong. Although they are all proficient have chosen to be part of a specialty

adventure races and community events

Salvation, San Luis Obispo County Communications (MIGU), CHP’s H-70; Sheriff ’s Aero Squadron, Sheriff ’s

• Mountain bikes

Auxiliary Patrol; Cal Fire; CARDA, San

Community Involvement

Luis Obispo County Communications

SLOSAR members are very involved in

Luis Obispo local recourses, mutual aid

the community, and throughout the year

was provided by search and rescue

they provide medical stand-by and first

teams from Monterey, Santa Barbara,

aid stations for special events like the

Ventura, Fresno, and Kern counties, as

(MIGU), and CHP H-70. In addition to San

well as Bakersfield.

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S a n L u 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

Aside from patrolling the streets, SAVP

(S AV P ) was est ablished to assist

members perform more than 500 vaca-

the Sheriff’s Office in meeting its law

tion checks annually and regularly assist

enforcement mission. SAVP is a partner-

the Crime Prevention Unit in preparing

ship between law enforcement and the

materials for public displays and events to

public, which serves to increase the

enhance crime prevention education, as

impact that the Sheriff’s Office has in pre-

well as attend those events. Under the

serving our high quality of life in San Luis

direction of the SAVP Graffiti Abatement

Obispo County.

Coordinator, SAVP members help remove graffiti or “tags” throughout the entire county, and have spent more than 700 hours on these efforts.

SAVP members regularly assume new duties and assignments as requested.

One of these new assignments is changing batteries for the Project Lifesaver Program, which has resulted in more than 362 hours of service for this effort.

Annually, this dedicated group travels nearly 60,000 miles throughout the county, completing these various tasks and requests. SAVP members have also

Citizen volunteers trained in a variety of law enforcement topics, such as obser-

volunteered their time to complete 308 hours of training.

vation skills, radio procedures, and first-aid, provide supplemental patrol in our neighborhoods and business districts, contributing more than 4,000 patrol hours per year and an additional 2,000 hours with various other types of assignments.

These volunteers act as additional “eyes and ears” of the Sheriff’s Office and help identify criminal activity and increase public safety.

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47

EXPLORER PROGRAM 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. The Explorer Program currently maintains a roster of 18 members. Post 781 is officially chartered through the Boy Scouts of America, and four advisors lend their expertise in training post members, or explorers, under the supervision of a sargeant, while various deputies assist with specialty trainings.

Explorers gain experience by participating in many community activities and public service events throughout the year. These include, but are not limited to, assisting at the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day services at the Los Osos Valley Memorial Cemetery, participating in the Cops and Kids Day activities in Arroyo Grande, handing out and affixing

competing against explorers from vari-

Weekly meetings are held on Thursday

ous agencies in the western United

evenings, when the explorers receive

States. Explorers might don the Mc Gruff

scenario-based training and discussions

Crime Dog costume to share an anti-

that include law enforcement duties

drug message with county youth, or

such as handling domestic violence

assist at the Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch

calls, suspicious subject contact, vehicle

activities. They also attend the annual

traffic stops, felony car stops, report tak-

Law Enforcement Memorial Night activi-

ing, oral inter views, and firearms

ties at Thursday Night Farmers’ Market in

handling and training. They conduct

San Luis Obispo, provide youth leader-

building searches, apply fingerprinting

ship and small group training sessions at

techniques, handcuffing techniques

the Gang Resistance Education Program,

and suspect pat downs, engage in

and assist at the California Mid-State Fair

active shooter scenarios, hostage nego-

Sheriff’s Booth. They may also be seen

tiations, D.U.I. sobriety examinations,

The explorers are expected to enter the

volunteering for sting operations with the

and receive an introduction to canine

three-day annual Explorer Competition at

Alcoholic Beverage Control Agency, and

handling techniques. Additionally,

the California Mid-State Fairgrounds

partnering with deputy teams for foot

explorers are familiarized with radio

w h e re t h e ir sk ill s a re te s te d by

patrol at the Fourth of July Fireworks

codes and transmissions.

D.A.R.E. bracelets at many venues.

Show in Cayucos, along with many patrol unit ride-alongs throughout the year.

Each participant is expected to maintain high levels of moral standards, learn discipline and the day-to-day functions of a sheriff’s deputy. They will carry these characteristics on in their personal lives and, should they so choose, in their careers in law enforcement.

48

S a n L u 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

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

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SLO Count y Sheriff’s office