As you may know, the media regularly requests information per their rights as described in the Public Records Act. The Public Records Act (GOVT. CODE §§ 6250 - 6276.48) is designed to give the public access to information in possession of public agencies: “public records are open to inspection at all times during the office hours of the…agency and every person has a right to inspect any public record, except as…provided, [and to receive] an exact copy [of] an identifiable record” unless impracticable. (§ 6253). Specific exceptions to disclosure are listed in sections 6253.5-6253.7, 6254, 6254.1-6254.21, 6255, 6267 and 6276; to ensure maximum access, they are read narrowly. The agency always bears the burden of justifying nondisclosure, and “any reasonably segregable portion… shall be provided…after deletion of the portions which are exempt.” (§ 6253(a)) “Records” includes all forms of communication related to public business “regardless of physical form or characteristics, including any writing, picture, sound, or symbol, whether paper, fiber, magnetic, or other media.” (§ 6252(e)) Electronic records are included, but software may be exempt. (§§ 6253.9(a),(g), 6254.9(a,(d))

Over the past several months, many such requests have been made regarding the PSR program, including a complete roster, service hours, and lost/stolen property reports (for badges). Any information that our attorneys deem to be “non-public” is redacted before the request is honored. Unfortunately, your names and level of participation in the program may not be redacted.

I’m sure that many of you find it distressing to see your name listed on local media websites, and I regret their choice to keep this program in the spotlight in spite of the fact that the controversial years are far behind us. Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience the press is causing you due to your service to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Respectfully,

Lt. Tom Slayton
PSR Coordinator

As the Director of Traffic and Security for the Saddleback District Day Camp, I would like to pass along to you my appreciation for the job well done this year at the Boy Scouts of America, Orange County Council, Saddleback District, Cub Scout Day Camp held at O’Neill Regional Park June 23 – 27 by Investigator Brian Sims, Deputies Mark Flotho, Don Stone, and Stanley Pesner, PSR Deane Sheldon, and San Juan Capistrano ASAP Senior Volunteers Julius Schnell and Jim Sparks. Each gave their time to provide traffic control and security services to the Day Camp that hosted over 1100 Cub Scouts, 800 adult volunteers, and 400 youth volunteers daily for a week of fun and adventure.

Crime Prevention Specialist Jill Davidson and the those listed above also worked as mentors to 80 Boy Scouts who were there to earn the Crime Prevention, Communications, Fingerprinting, Law, Fire Safety, and Traffic Safety Merit Badges in addition to providing traffic control for the nearly 500 vehicles a day that come through O’Neill Park for this event.

This Day Camp is the largest Day Camp in the United States and was a great success because people like Investigator Sims, Deputies Flotho, Stone, and Pesner, PSR Sheldon, CPS Davidson, and ASAP Senior Volunteers Schnell and Sparks are there to serve their community.

Thank you for your support! This Day Camp would not be successful without it.

Sincerely,

Thom Spratt

Since assuming my responsibilities as the Sheriff of Orange County, I have been continually reminded of the value the PSR program brings to this organization. In fact, one of the first duties I performed as Sheriff was to be present at a meeting of the Villa Park City Council where PSRs were being honored for their service to that community. Since then, I have learned of the true depth and breadth of the program, and have no doubt that this is the best kept secret on the department.

With over 16,000 hours donated in 2007 and 10,000 in the first half of 2008 alone, this program is unrivaled in this county in its ability to mobilize and utilize the skills of literally hundreds of professional volunteers, yet the public perception is one of an insider’s club. This undeserved stigma is rooted in the program’s past, and is no longer accurate. However, the badges, which have become a lightning-rod for criticism and mistrust, are its most visible legacy, and serve to undermine your service and tarnish the reputation of the program.

In addition to a reevaluation of the credentials issued to program members, we are also seeking to rename it. All suggestions on both topics are welcome and will be taken into consideration as I make my decision on these issues.

It is absolutely vital that each and every one of you understand that I value this program and your service. I know from your feedback that many of you realize these changes are in the best interest of all concerned and that it is essential for us to unburden ourselves from the perceptions that have shadowed your outstanding work. Thank you for all that you do to support the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the residents we serve. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens

“I disagree with the characterization in the Los Angeles Times that few of the PSRs help the Department. The PSRs provide a valuable service to the Department and we do not want to lose them. I plan to retool the program to erase the negative perception that continues to undermine their extraordinary work,” she said.

The LA Times Editorial began with this:

O.C. Sheriff shines the badge
Sandra Hutchens’ efforts to repair her department’s image are on target.
July 26, 2008

Orange County’s new sheriff started off with reforms that were by and large symbolic gestures to clean government. Stripping badges from civilian volunteers, few of whom actually helped the department. Reviewing all of the concealed-weapons permits issued in recent years. Traveling without an entourage. Good for her. A few symbols of ethical behavior were exactly what the department needed.

Sheriff Hutchens plans to meet with PSRs on August 16 to address changes to the program.

To read the entire LA Times editorial click here.

Please make every effort to attend. While she has very clearly stated her support and respect for what we do, this will be a great opportunity for the Sheriff to see firsthand, the true extent of this program’s health, vitality, and relevance.

As you may have already heard, there are some changes being made to the PSR program. Our new Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens, is very aware of the valuable service you provide to the people of Orange County. However, she would not be doing her job if she didn’t evaluate all aspects of this department with a fresh set of eyes. We recently met with the new Sheriff in order to discuss the ongoing issue of badges, and it was determined that, in light of the recent California Attorney General opinion on the subject, it would be prudent to collect all badges issued to PSRs. Although I understand that some of you may find this frustrating, I believe that it was the right thing to do and I’ll explain why.

2007 was a banner year for the PSR program. Collectively, you donated over 16,000 hours to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and to the people of Orange County. Some examples of your service include:

• Daily traveler assistance at John Wayne Airport. In this assignment, you have helped countless harried travelers navigate the terminal, and served as the Sheriff’s Department’s “eyes and ears” for dangerous and illegal activity.
• Robotic construction and programming for the Hazardous Devices Squad (Bomb Squad).
• Flying air missions for the department, using your own aircraft to do so.
• Acting as a mobile “Citizen Patrol” for some of our contract cities. In this role, you have helped to suppress property crimes and juvenile activity. You have done this safely and appropriately by serving as “eyes and ears” for the department, never making contact but reporting what you see.
• Volunteering as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher
• Search and Rescue – in this role, you work side-by-side with sworn reserves. Among other things, you respond to search for missing hikers, children, the elderly, and weapons used in the commission of a crime. Often in the middle of the night while the rest of us are sleeping.
• Performing photography and other high-tech computer services as needed. Most recently, some of you provided free assistance on the Community Services Division’s new blog as well as a complete renovation of the Orange County Training Manager’s Association website, including all programming and hosting.

These are just a small sample of the most recent work for which you are responsible. This program is healthy, vital, and above reproach. Unfortunately, it had a very controversial beginning and has been shrouded in suspicion ever since. Many articles have been written on the program; unfortunately, very few of them have emphasized the good work that is being done every day. To the media (and the public), this program is still viewed in a negative light for one reason, and one reason only; the badges.

All of you are fully aware that it is against department policy to carry your credentials when not serving as a PSR. Further, you also know that displaying your badge in an effort to gain favor or preferential treatment would only infuriate a peace officer, resulting in additional complications. Unfortunately, realities such as these are completely lost on those who are on the outside, looking in. Regardless of why the badges were originally issued, they are ultimately unnecessary and serve only to drag this fine program down in the eyes of the very people who are benefiting from its services. Therefore, I ask you all not to see this as an indictment of the program, but instead as an opportunity for its redemption.

Your good work has gone unnoticed all too long and it’s time to divert the attention of the media and the public from that “shiny object” to your valuable service.

Lieutenant Tom Slayton
Community Support Bureau Commander
PSR Coordinator

This year’s Orange County Fair posted its highest attendance numbers during its opening hour ever. The fair slogan is, “Say Cheese!” Drug Use Is Life Abuse (Community Programs) partners with the Sheriff’s Department to create and operate an interactive educational booth at the Orange County Fair.

Sheriff’s employees conduct recruiting and provide an overview of their Department, while DUILA employees provide fair attendees with information to combat substance abuse and violence. Orange County Sheriff’s Department also provided security and a “lost kids” booth.

]]> http://www.ocsdcsd.org/blog/2008/07/ocsd-creates-exhibit-for-the-orange-county-fair/feed/ http://www.ocsdcsd.org/blog/2008/07/city-of-villa-park-honors-psr-program/ http://www.ocsdcsd.org/blog/2008/07/city-of-villa-park-honors-psr-program/#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:16:18 +0000 Lt. Tom Slayton, CSB Commander http://www.ocsdcsd.org/blog/?p=57

Villa Park City Council and Sheriff Sandra Hutchens with some of the PSRs being honored

The city of Villa Park recently issued a proclamation honoring PSRs for their work in the city. Since February, PSRs have acted as an extra set of “eyes” for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, helping to deter crime by observing and reporting suspicious activity. In the past six months, PSRs have collectively donated over 400 hours to this endeavor, directly helping to reduce crime rates.

This is just the latest example of the excellent service these PSRs provide. Thank you all for a job well-done!

PSR’s Larry Smith and Tim Reynolds, through the expert coordinating of Reserve Lt David Corsiglia, were able to fly us to our destination allowing us to pick up the van and return the same day, saving the County valuable time and money.

A big “Thanks” to the efforts of Lt Corsiglia, and PSR’s Larry Smith and Tim Reynolds for a job well done!

The Reserve Aero Bureau is an invaluable asset and it’s nice to know they can function on a moment’s notice.

Sincerely,
Deputy Frank James
Deputy Kent Colton
Sgt Tony DiAngelo
Research & Development / Asset Procurement Unit

• MySpace and social networking sites
• Identity theft, and
• Internet bullying.

The team manned a table in the main arena to provide information and advice to the hundreds of people visiting this event. The Internet Safety team is available to provide tailored presentations to any group in the local area. They have been supporting internet safety for OCSD since 2000.

 Article and photos submitted by Dave Watson
Internet Safety Team, HTSRU