OCSD Community Services

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.

To All PSRs,

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. [Read more →]

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.