OCSD Community Services

To All PSRs,

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

Dear Sheriff Hutchens,

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.

[Read more →]

To All PSRs,

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. [Read more →]

The Los Angeles Times ran an editorial on Saturday praising the actions of Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, but they mischaracterized one of her initiatives. The editorial inferred that she was dismantling the Professional Services Responder (PSR) program. She has recalled badges from the PSRs. It was not in a step toward dismantling the program, but rather to restructure it to better serve the needs of the Department. [Read more →]

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has requested an opportunity to meet with PSRs in order to more fully explain her reasons for the recent changes to the program. This meeting will take place on Saturday, August 16th @ 10:00 a.m. at the Orange County Sheriff’s Training Academy.

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.