Issuu

2018

ANNUAL REPORT

SLO COUNTY SHERIFFâ€™S OFFICE

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF PARKINSON

CANINE UNIT

MESSAGE FROM UNDERSHERIFF

GANG TASK FORCE

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL

CRIME PREVENTION

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT 6 BACKGROUNDS

RECORDS AND WARRANTS

HIGH TECH CRIMES

FISCAL SERVICES

CORONER’S OFFICE 13 CIVIL DIVISION

CUSTODY

DETECTIVES

SAFE TEAM

SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT

SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT 34 BOMB TASK FORCE

HONOR GUARD

PROPERTY ROOM

RURAL CRIMES UNIT

COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM

MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT

SCHOOL RESOURCE DEPUTIES

BICYCLE PATROL

SEARCH AND RESCUE 46 SHERIFF’S AUXILIARY

CRIME LAB 22

VOLUNTEER PATROL 48

NORTH PATROL STATION

SHERIFF’S POSSE

SOUTH PATROL STATION

AERO SQUADRON

COAST PATROL STATION

DIVE TEAM

WATCH COMMANDER

EXPLORERS

CONTACT

DISPATCH 29

SHERIFF I BELIEVE 2018 WAS A YEAR OF CHANGE HERE AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE. While sometimes challenging, it is my firm belief that we have risen to the challenges and implemented innovative, positive changes this year. One of the biggest changes is in the area of health services in our County Jail. In 2018 we hired a chief medical officer, and we began the process of outsourcing all medical, mental health, and dental services to a private in-custody health care company. In 2018 we introduced an app to help in active shooter situations in schools. The Rave Panic Button app provides every school employee the ability to immedi-

communicate with the other employees on campus to alert them to the incident. Another technological change was the debut of our Sheriff’s Office mobile phone app. It contains many of the same features available on our website and also features push notifications and alerts directly to your phone. 2018 saw major changes in personnel. Chief Deputy Ron Hastie retired after a 31-year career at the Sheriff’s Office, and Undersheriff Tim Olivas retired after a long, distinguished career in law enforcement. We will miss them both and wish them well in their retirements. I was pleased to select Commander Jim Taylor for the Chief Deputy position, and Commander Jim Voge as Undersheriff. One thing that didn’t change? The dedication and commitment to providing safety and security to the citizens of San Luis Obispo County by the people who work and volunteer at the Sheriff’s Office. We are truly leading the way!

ately connect to the 911 Dispatch Center for their school, and at the same time

IAN PARKINSON

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

UNDERSHERIFF LONGTIME UNDERSHERIFF TIM OLIVAS BIDS FAREWELL . As I embark on a new chapter in life, I reflect on how I have been blessed in my law enforcement career. I have had the privilege of serving our communities with three different law enforcement agencies. I started my career at Allan Hancock Police Academy. Before graduation, I was hired by Morro Bay Police Department, a wonderful memory I will always carry with me. My dream job was to be a Game Warden with California Department of Fish & Game which I got the opportunity to pursue a couple of years later. I then had the opportunity to return to San Luis Obispo County as the Commander and then the Chief in Morro Bay. That is when Sheriff Parkinson asked me to coffee and asked about me possibly becoming his Undersheriff. I have only great memories of my time with each of these agencies and the people with whom I have worked and who proudly serve the profession of law enforcement.

As with most successful careers, no one gets to the top without support and mentoring. I have learned from those individuals that if you focus on the job, doors of opportunity will always open for you. I never focused my energy on seeking promotion. As promotional opportunities arose and I was awarded those opportunities, I always tried to focus on growing that agency and providing better services and interactions with the public. My career has not been perfect, but we learn by trying new things and when we fail, we learn from those experiences too and continue to move forward. Thank you to the many people in my life who have been beside me. I have worked with so many incredible people both inside the law enforcement profession and within the communities we

I will be forever grateful to Sheriff Parkinson for this incredible opportunity. In my 31-year career, I have worked for, with, and beside many great leaders and he stands tall at the top of that list. It has been an incredible journey. Respectfully,

serve that it is both humbling and inspiring. My parting advice for others in this profession is to maintain balance in your life. When your time comes to retire, you want to be sure you have a life outside of work waiting for you. This job is difficult

TIM OLIVAS San Luis Obispo County

Undersheriff

but you need to work hard to maintain that balance and remember what is most important: your family, your friends, your health, and your faith.

LEAD LEADTHE THEWAY WAYANNUAL ANNUALREPORT REPORT2017 2018

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND TRAINING UNIT’S

VEHICLE PURSUITS

functions are to assure the timely

In some circumstances, Sheriff’s

resolution of internal investigations,

deputies must engage in pursuit of a

evaluate training needs in response to

vehicle to prevent the escape of a

changes in legislation, and to seek out

dangerous person, or to protect the

the best quality training for

general public. All vehicle pursuits are

our personnel.

CITIZEN COMPL AINTS The number of complaints received has steadily declined over the past few years, with 39 complaints filed in 2017 and 36 filed in 2018. All complaints are investigated and, in some cases, employees receive additional or remedial training.

handcuffing; or when pain or injury occur

The Patrol and Civilian Training Section

as the result of a use of force. The

provides training courses developed and

investigation assures that all use of force

instructed by the Sheriff’s Office and

is reviewed, reasonable, and within

certified through the California

policy. In 2018, there were 53 reported

Commission on Peace Officers

uses of force, compared to 54 in 2017.

Standards and Training (POST). Patrol deputies and dispatchers are mandated training within a two-year period. During the 2016–18 training period, the Sheriff’s Office was once again in 100% POST compliance with all applicable employees, a rarity in the State of California.

monitored by supervisors and

During 2018, the Training Unit

scrutinized to ensure that the need to

achieved the following notable

pursue is in balance with the risk to

accomplishments:

deputies and the public, as well as to verify compliance with policy and

•

total of 18 cadets between the

engaged in 13 vehicle pursuits. That is a

Allan Hancock College Basic Law

decrease from 2017 when there were

Enforcement Academy, and the

20 vehicle pursuits. All pursuits are

Ventura County Sheriff’s Law

reported to the California Highway Patrol

Enforcement Training Academy. •

PATROL AND CIVILIAN

Investigations are completed by

TRAINING

supervisors when department members use force in the performance

The Training Unit is divided into two

of their duties that is beyond accepted

sections: The Patrol and Civilian Training

control holds, take-downs, and

Section and the Custody Section.

The Sheriff’s Office sponsored a

procedure. In 2018, Sheriff’s deputies

for data collection and review of tactics.

USE OF FORCE

to receive 24 hours of POST-certified

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Sheriff’s Office, along with allied San Luis Obispo County law enforcement agencies, provided Mobile Field Force update training for 91 deputies. Legal considerations,

•

responsibilities of mobile field

•

live fire training that included the proper

force teams, and crowd control

multi-agency instructed Active

use of tourniquets, pressure bandages,

methods are also reviewed.

Shooter Training. Over 150

chest seals and decision-making skills

In 2018, the Sheriff committed to

peace officers from local law

regarding patient transport.

enforcement agencies attended

training all sworn and correctional

training sessions.

personnel in its 40-hour Crisis

utilizing state-of-the-art iCombat mobile laser force-on-force training equipment

So far, 185 law enforcement

EVOC (Emergency Vehicle

acquired in 2017, was revised,

employees in the county,

Operators Course) training with

re-introduced and presented in various

including over 100 deputies and

the Allan Hancock Academy,

locations throughout the county.

correctional deputies, have

provided Firearm and Arrest &

received this training. The

Control update training, and

40-hour CIT program is an

coordinated training for 121

innovative, community-based

senior deputies and deputies on

approach to improve the

the POST Learning Portal for

outcomes of these encounters by

Domestic Violence

creating connections between

update training.

law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services and families when addressing individuals with mental illness. In response to the growing opioid crisis, the Sheriff’s Office trained 165 peace officers and correctional staff in the use of naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray. Narcan nasal spray is used for the treatment of an opioid emergency or a possible opioid overdose.

•

Our Active Shooter Training program,

The Training Unit coordinated

Intervention Training (CIT) course.

•

The Sheriff’s Office hosted a

Our Virtra 300-degree immersion force options simulator continues to be used by our agency as well as other law enforcement agencies with great success. The system received an upgrade in 2018, adding additional simulations, greater reliability and ease

RANGE

of operation.

In 2018, we improved our training

The range began constructing an area to

programs to include more dynamic

be used for less lethal option munitions

shooting scenarios which include

including Taser, Bean Bag, PepperBall

moving as well as turning targets giving

and OC Spray training. This area will

the deputies more realistic decision

allow the range to conduct live fire

making, force options and dynamic

exercises as well as less lethal training

shooting practice and skill building with

simultaneously and in a safe manner. In

the use of obstacles and barriers.

2018, the Sheriff’s Office Patrol and

We incorporated an element of tactical medicine training and practice into the

Civilian Training Section provided deputies with 20,343 hours of training.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

BACKGROUNDS BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION UNIT HELPS EXPAND SHERIFF’S OFFICE PERSONNEL . The Background Investigation Unit consists of three investigators who are responsible for the investigation of all sworn and civilian applicants with the Sheriff’s Office. In 2018, a Background Investigations Manager position was added to the unit to help oversee and coordinate the background unit. The designated background investigator compiles a report that includes the applicant’s personal history, driver’s license record, warrant checks, credit history, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer Examination or Polygraph results, medical examination and psychological examination. The Background Investigation Unit ensures background checks are in compliance with the California Commission on Peace Officers

Standards and Training (POST) and departmental statutes, regulations and procedures associated with the investigation process. With roughly 125 backgrounds completed in 2018, the following positions have been filled: Administrative Service Manager

Cadet 15 Chief Medical Officer Coroner Unit Lab Assistant Correctional Deputy

1 1 11

Correctional Technician

Crime Prevention Specialist

Department Administrator

Department Personnel Technician

Deputy 7 Dispatcher 4 Forensic Specialist

Lab Assistant

Legal Clerk

Senior Account Clerk

Program Manager

Records Manager

Reserve Deputy

Senior Account Clerk

Storekeeper 1 Chaplin Volunteer

Dive Team Volunteer

Posse Volunteer

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

RECORDS & WARRANTS THE RECORDS AND WARRANTS UNIT CONSISTS OF TEN FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES. This unit is responsible for: •

Entering criminal warrants into state and national databases

•

Registration of sex/arson/gang/ drug offenders

• •

COMPLIANCE RATE OF

training legal clerks within the office and

REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS AND 100%

OFFENDERS. Our new automated concealed weapons permit processing program, Permitium, has been successful in improving the application process. Records and Warrants continues to work closely with Information Technology to continually improve our Local Warrant System which went live in

Intake and processing of

work on completing a new training

Processing fingerprint applicants via Live Scan

customer service to the public.

REGISTERED ARSON

April 2016. The office continues to

business licenses

maintaining our reputation for excellent

COMPLIANCE RATE OF

county agencies

explosives permits, and

•

Our goals for 2019 include cross-

Processing extraditions for all

concealed weapons permits,

•

IN 2018, WE SAW A 99%

manual, which will be used to crosstrain the clerks within the office and sustain great service to the public. The “Most Wanted Wednesday” social media campaign continues to be a success as well.

Processing a multitude of legal documents, including multiple requests for documents through the California Public Records Act

•

Cannabis business licensing

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OVER THE YEARS THE FACE OF TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED.

2018 was a very busy year for the IT

THE INFORMATION

Unit at the Sheriff’s Office. There are

TECHNOLOGY UNIT, ALONG

several large projects in the pipeline such as a new Jail management system, a records management system, an

Technology Unit (IT) consists of three technology specialists who quickly assess and support the various employee needs throughout all areas of the Sheriff’s Office. The IT Unit also includes two software engineers who provide customized programming for software enhancement and a system administrator who keeps the various servers and systems operational and up to date. Finally, a technology supervisor oversees the entire IT Unit.

ASSISTANCE FROM THE

inmate technology services system and

COUNT Y IT DEPARTMENT,

a mobile ID system that allows a patrol

MUST ENSURE THAT ALL IT

deputy to identify any contact via a

SYSTEMS ARE OPERATING

mobile biometric unit, while out in the

The Sheriff’s Office Information

WITH ANCILL ARY

field. Implemented projects include a

AT PEAK PERFORMANCE .

countywide Rave Panic Button system that delivers critical data to a 911 call taker such as detailed caller location, floor plans, emergency exit locations and emergency contacts. This application is installed at all 911 centers and is available to all schools in the county. Lastly, portable “Smartboards” have been installed in the mobile command centers so that briefing notes and notated maps can be more easily shared with all involved individuals.

The unit must also be available to assist all employees and problem-shoot any IT malfunctions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

HIGH TECH CRIMES THIS YEAR, THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE CONTINUED its increased involvement with digital forensics and the role electronic devices play in criminal investigations. 2018 was the first full year for the newly established position of a full-time Digital Forensics Examiner, dedicated solely to the extraction and analysis of digital

Cyber Forensic Laboratory (CCCFL),

THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE WORKS CLOSELY WITH

devices. The unit’s duties include

under the management of the SLO

examining, disassembling, reassem-

County District Attorney’s Office. The

bling, evaluating, extracting data, and

Sheriff’s Office has a computer

interpreting data from computer

forensics lab dedicated to investigating

hardware, smart phones, data storage

online crime and any crime involving

devices, media storage devices,

electronic devices. The Sheriff’s Office

compact discs, DVDs, and detached or

works closely with allied agencies

attached hard drives. This evidence is

within the County to make these

then collected and analyzed for the

specialized capabilities available to their

assigned Sheriff’s Office personnel

respective investigative units.

responsible for the specific investigation so that it can be presented in a court of law. The Computer Forensics Unit has also

ALLIED AGENCIES WITHIN THE COUNT Y TO MAKE THESE SPECIALIZED CAPABILITIES AVAIL ABLE TO THEIR RESPECTIVE INVESTIGATIVE UNITS.

In addition, advanced training and equipment was received for both computer and mobile device evidence recovery through the National Computer

worked in conjunction with the San Luis

Forensics Institute (NCFI) through the

Obispo (SLO) County Central Coast

United States Secret Service.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

FISCAL SERVICES THE FISCAL DIVISION SUPPORTS

During Fiscal Year 2017–18, Fiscal

all areas of accounting for the Sheriff’s

accounting supervisor was added to

Services added one additional accountant to assist in managing budgets for both the Patrol and Information Technology Divisions. In addition, an

Office, including budgeting, monthly and quarterly financial reporting, grant

oversee the operations of the entire Fiscal Services Division.

reporting, payroll, accounts payable/ receivable and purchasing. The Division consists of two accountants, an administrative services officer, an accounting technician and one senior account clerk.

THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017–18 WAS $77 MILLION, WITH $32 MILLION OF THE BUDGET BEING OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES

Office reorganized the command

AND $45 MILLION RECEIVED FROM GENERAL FUND SUPPORT.

Finally, in February 2018, the Sheriff’s structure of both the Fiscal Services Unit and the Information Technology Unit so that both fall under the purview of the Sheriff’s Office Department Administrator.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

CORONER’S OFFICE IAN PARKINSON IS THE ELECTED CORONER OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY. The California Government Code mandates that the Coroner investigate the cause and manner of death in most cases where the death occurred outside of a hospital or presence of a physician; and in all cases involving homicide, suicide, accidental deaths, and deaths due to suspicious circumstances. In most cases, a patrol deputy will respond to the scene of an unexpected death and conduct the investigation.

clerk, a forensic pathologist, and a

In 2018, The Coroner Unit reviewed

part-time lab assistant. The three

over 1645 reportable deaths that

detectives are trained and specialize in

occurred in San Luis Obispo County.

determining the manner of death. The

Patrol Deputies responded to over 597

Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Joye Carter, is

unexpected deaths and conducted

triple board certified in Forensic,

preliminary investigations. Ultimately,

Anatomic, and Clinical Pathology, and

the Coroner Unit conducted 243 investi-

uses her more than thirty years of

gations that led to autopsy, review of

experience to determine the

medical records, or partial autopsy to

cause of death.

determine the cause and manner of death.

DR. CARTER IS THE FIRST EVER FULL-TIME FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST EMPLOYED BY THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE and has had a distinguished career as Chief Medical Examiner in Washington,

Of the 243 cases in 2018 investigated by the Coroner Unit, 181 autopsies were performed, 56 partial autopsies were performed, and 6 medical records reviews were completed.

D.C., Indianapolis, IN, and Harris County,

Of the deaths investigated in 2018; 91

TX. Dr. Carter is a Veteran of the United

were natural causes, 58 were suicides,

States Air Force and served as the Chief

5 were homicides, 74 were accidental,

Deputy Medical Examiner at the Office

and the remainder are still

of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner.

under investigation.

Dr. Carter’s knowledge and experience The Sheriff-Coroner Investigation Unit is

In cases that require an in-depth

is a great asset to our county. She is

investigation or where greater

able to evaluate potential evidence that

honored to serve the citizens of San

expertise is needed, the Sheriff’s

even trained detectives may not

Luis Obispo County during the difficult

Office has the Coroner Unit within the

understand. She is then able to utilize

times associated with

Investigative Services Bureau. The

her first-person observations at the

unexpected death.

Coroner Unit is comprised of a

scene while conducting an

sergeant, three detectives, a legal

autopsy examination.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CIVIL DIVISION THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE CIVIL DIVISION is staffed with one commander, one sergeant, five deputy sheriffs assigned to civil process duties, three legal clerks assigned to civil process preparation, and 16 deputy sheriffs assigned to courthouse security. The Civil Division serves civil process in the manner prescribed by law, adhering to the

CIVIL PROCESS INCLUDES THE SERVICE OF SUMMONS AND COMPL AINTS, SMALL CL AIMS DOCUMENTS, RESTRAINING ORDERS, SUBPOENAS AND EVICTIONS. Other services include levies on wages, bank accounts, personal property, real property, or any other asset of the judgment debtor. The Civil Division provides security

procedures and laws set forth in the

services to the San Luis Obispo County

California Code of Civil Procedure. The

Superior Court and its staff at the

Civil Division works in conjunction with

courthouse in downtown San Luis

the Civil Courts in San Luis Obispo

Obispo, the courtroom located at the

County and Civil Courts throughout the

San Luis Obispo Veteran’s Hall, the

State of California in the execution and

juvenile court located at the Juvenile

service of process. The goal of the Civil

Services Center on Highway 1 and the

Division is to serve all processes in a

courthouse located in downtown Paso

timely manner while maintaining an

Robles. Security services include

impartial position between all

entrance screening to courthouse

parties involved.

buildings, physical security of the

From January 1, 2018 to December 1, 2018, the following civil processes were handled by the five civil deputies and three legal clerks assigned to the Civil Division:

670 594 2,963

courthouses and protection of the Superior Court judges, court staff, attorneys and the public.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Evictions

Levies

Services of Civil Processes

CUSTODY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH UNIT Until recently, the needs of the mentally ill were not being adequately met in our County Jail due to lack of facilities, staff and funding. Sheriff Parkinson had the vision to create the Behavioral Health Unit, (BHU). To accomplish this, a remodel of “Stahl Hall” began on October 18, 2018, soon after the new Medical/ Programs Unit, (MPU), opened on September 11, 2018. Stahl

a new break room, and a reconfigured

and security. The availability of satellite

layout for better supervision of inmates.

exam rooms aids in the facilitation of

Most of the plumbing and electrical

rapid response for medical staff in the

retrofit is complete in the offices and

event of man-down scenarios. A profes-

interview rooms. The next step will be

sional staff of approximately 50 County

to paint and install new flooring in all

and contract employees facilitated over

areas. A section of the exterior wall will

22,000 inmate medical contacts in the

be cut out and a new security door will

2017–2018 fiscal year. Furthermore, the

be installed connecting the Behavior

medical staff at the MPU worked

Health Unit to the Modular Dormitory.

closely with correctional deputies to

MEDICAL PROGRAMS UNIT

emergency room visits and an

Hall was previously used as the area

facilitate the transportation of 286 additional 257 off-site medical

where Behavioral and Medical Health

The Jail opened a new Medical

staff worked and tended to inmates.

Programs Unit (MPU) this September,

The remodel is 100% funded by the

in a continuing effort to provide inmates

Sheriff’s Advisory Foundation, a 501©

with comprehensive medical care that

(3) nonprofit organization through

includes medical, mental health, and

The Classification Unit consists of 1

donations from the community. The

dental services. The clinic possesses

sergeant and 6 correctional

funding is being used to retrofit approxi-

two new medical exam rooms, a

deputies. Each inmate housed in the

mately 8,500 square feet of existing

long-term observation room, a case

county jail is thoroughly interviewed by

space into a dedicated Behavioral

manager’s office, two mental health

a classification correctional deputy. The

Health Unit. This will consist of 7

offices and a state-of-the-art dental

classification correctional deputy works

remodeled offices and interview rooms,

suite. Medical staff also see inmates at

with Jail Medical and Mental Health

a secure holding cell with a toilet and

four satellite exam rooms in addition to

staff regarding issues of ADA compli-

locking door, large programming space,

the MPU’s main location, to aid in

ance for certain inmates, making sure all

proximity to the MPU, new access to

minimizing inmate transportation. The

necessary accommodations are

modular units and yard, separate and

Kansas female jail possesses two of

met. Additionally, the jail is constantly

these clinics to allow for the accommo-

evaluated by the classification sergeant

dation of the female inmates’ privacy

and the deputies of the Classification

remodeled staff and inmate bathrooms,

appointments.

CL ASSIFICATION

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

Unit, to ensure we are making the best

evening meals. Additionally, there are

use of space, while keeping safety and

designated spots for inmates such as

security of staff and inmates in

two kitchen engineers, two bakers and

mind. Several moves have been made

Total JSC and Employee Meals:

35,992

one staff cook. Generally, the special-

Total Jail JSC and Employee Meals:

663,529

over the past 12 months to

ized positions are inmates who have an

CORRECTIONAL

ensure functionality and safety for

interest in a career in the food service

deputies and inmates alike.

industry, and have a longer sentence, so

The Classification Unit is also responsible for conducting interviews of inmates who have been written up by Custody staff members for violating jail rules. If the inmate facing discipline for his/her write-up desires a hearing, one is held with the classification correctional deputy. Upon hearing the inmate’s case, the classification correctional deputy will make the final determination on the outcome.

KITCHEN The kitchen supplies two hot meals and one sack lunch a day to the San Luis Obispo County Jail and Honor Farm, as well as Juvenile Services, complying with Title 15 standards. The kitchen staff consists of six cooks and one food service supervisor. They work with and

kitchen staff have more time to work

TECHNICIANS There are 26 full-time correctional

with them. Inmates who work in the

technician positions. They are civilian

kitchen can sign up to take food safety

staff within the Custody Division

classes. The first class is the California

working in the jail. Correctional techni-

Safe Food Handlers’ Card, valid for

cians are responsible for the

three years, and a Food Safety Manage-

safekeeping of inmates’ money and

ment Certification, valid for 5 years.

property, maintaining accurate and

Upon completion of these courses, they

up-to-date records for all inmates from

receive a certificate that assists them

the beginning of incarceration to their

with full-time employment after release.

release, facilitating visitation for inmates,

The kitchen also provides food service

professionals and law enforcement

for numerous events which gives the

agencies, providing observation

opportunity to train the inmates on

security for correctional deputies,

Special Event Catering.

documenting inmate housing movement within the jail, and verifying

Fiscal Year January 2018– November 2018 Inmate Meals: Employee Meals: Total Inmate and Employee Meals:

and documenting all admittance to the 578,497 49,058

jail facility. In the past year, our correctional technicians processed through

627,537

the jail:

supervise 20 inmate workers that help

JSC Meals:

25,135

Bookings

produce the breakfast, lunch, and

JSC Employee Meals:

10,857

Releases 11,011

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

11,040

Inmates Visits with Public

8,000

Detention Program (HDP). They also oversee inmates released on

The technician position will now have a

Sheriff’s Parole.

series of three levels: Correctional Technician I, II and III.

FEMALE HONOR FARM

MEN’S HONOR FARM

The Female Honor Farm (FHF) is in the new Kansas Jail and can house 24

The Men’s Honor Farm has the capacity

4. In December 2018, we made over

inmates. Inmates housed on the FHF

to house 80 inmates. There are ten

150 lap quilts and afghans for the

perform janitorial services for the Jail,

correctional deputies assigned to the

victims of domestic violence in

Emergency Operations Center (EOC),

Honor Farm in addition to a “projects

our county who seek assistance

and Sheriff’s Administration. Female

deputy.” A commissary is operated out

through Stand Strong.

inmates also work at County Animal

of the Honor Farm with one full-time

Services daily to assist staff and

storekeeper and one part-time

volunteers in various job functions. The

storekeeper, who is in the background

Sewing Program on the FHF makes

phase of the hiring process. There is a

Donations by the Sewing Program this year also include: 1. 15 scarves and beanies for El

various items such as blankets, teddy

program manager who works out of the

Camino Homeless Shelter (ECHO)

bears, and crocheted items to donate to

Honor Farm teaching inmates job skills

many charitable organizations in San

in the construction field. The Graphic

2. 50 Christmas stockings for ECHO

Luis Obispo County. Various other

Arts Program (GAP) on the Honor Farm

Inmate Programs are available to the

teaches inmates skills needed to work

3. 50 stuffed Christmas decorations

FHF Inmates.

in the field upon their release. The GAP utilizes sublimation, laser engraving,

for ECHO

The Women’s Honor Farm Sewing

rotary engraving, embroidery, and

4. 50 Christmas stockings for Transi-

Program participated in multiple

lamination machines. The Honor Farm

tions Mental Health

donation and presentation events

has a Wood Shop, Metal Shop, and

this year:

Paint Shop to teach inmates skills in

1. In May 2018, we made 35

these trades and to facilitate projects completed by the Honor Farm. The

handcrafted teddy bears for the

Sheriff’s Christmas Bike Giveaway

“Get on the Bus Program” which

TRAINING UNIT This year, 16 correctional deputies successfully completed a 210-hour CORE Academy. The CORE curriculum

Program, an Honor Farm annual event,

assists children with visiting their

is certified through the Standards and

is in its 29th year and provides bicycles

incarcerated parents in

Training in Corrections, as required by

to underprivileged children in San Luis

local prisons.

the Board of State and Community

Obispo County. The Honor Farm

2. In August 2018, we made over 40

also supplies labor to the Kitchen as

handcrafted pillowcases with

well as runs the inmate laundry, which

pillows, as well as child and baby

supplies clothing exchanges for approxi-

clothing for the clients at

mately 150 inmates a day, 6 days a

ECHO-Atascadero

week. Inmate Programs are held in the

Homeless Shelter.

evenings after inmates return from their daily work assignments. The Alternative Sentencing Unit (ASU) is also located on the Honor Farm grounds. The unit consists of three correctional deputies who oversee the Alternative Work Program (AWP) and the Home

3. In May 2018, we made over 40

Corrections. This academy class was instructed onsite in the newly renovated Custody Training Classroom previously referred to as Annex A. In addition, 27 correctional deputies attended 40 hours of Crisis Intervention training. All sworn custody staff participated and completed 4-hour

western vests individually for

update classes on the proper and safe

children on the Central Coast

handling and deployment of the

fighting cancer who participate in

PepperBall system, as well as PREA

Jack’s Helping Hand’s summer

updates, including proper techniques

camp event.

for cross-gender pat-down searches.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

DETECTIVES THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE DETECTIVE DIVISION

Detectives in the Detective Division are

pornography cases and burglaries. There

assigned to a specific area of investiga-

are other cases that are not “major

tions. General Crime Detectives are

investigations” but still require detective

responsible for investigating crimes

resources such as critical or at-risk

against persons and property. The

missing persons, runaway juveniles, and

Sexual Assault Detectives are responsi-

suspicious death investigations. New

ble for crimes that are sexual in nature,

cases requiring detective follow up are

is responsible for the investigation of

child molestations, child pornography,

constantly coming into the division on a

criminal cases that go above and

non-financial elder abuse, and

daily basis.

beyond the scope and resources of the

sexual registrants.

Patrol Division. This includes all misdemeanor and felony crimes for both local and state laws in which other agencies do not have the primary investigative responsibility. These cases may require a large amount of resources for an extended period of time. They may need investigators with specialized training, knowledge and equipment. The investigation may extend beyond a patrol deputy’s area of responsibility or expertise. Lastly, detectives are able to focus on their investigation without the interruptions of handling calls for service as a patrol deputy.

IN ADDITION TO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS, THE DETECTIVE DIVISION ALSO CONDUCTS FOLLOW- UP INVESTIGATIONS FOR ALL MISSING PERSONS, RUNAWAY JUVENILES, AND OTHER CASES AS REQUIRED BY L AW OR AS ASSIGNED.

While carrying their case load, detectives must also appear in court to testify on investigations which have been submitted to the District Attorney’s Office and filed in court. Some cases make it through the court process in a relatively short amount of time, while others may take years. The cases handled during 2018 could not have been compiled in the fashion they were without the assistance of the Crime Lab, Coroner’s Office, and the

Detectives also assisted the Coroner’s

hard work and effort of all the men and

Office with in-custody death investiga-

women who comprise the

tions and several suspicious deaths

Detective Bureau.

during 2018. Other major investigations include child molestations, rape, child

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SAFE TEAM SAFE (SEXUAL ASSAULT FELONY ENFORCEMENT) Team members are responsible for

The SAFE Team receives information regarding violations of

has since moved without giving requisite notice to the

several sources, including:

Sheriff’s Office

•

°°

his or her property has been

The San Luis Obispo County

the subject of a crime due to him or her being a registrant

tip line •

Ascertain if the registrant or

www.meganslaw.ca.gov Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers

appropriate codes when registration

Advise the registrant of any new changes in the law

Megan’s Law website,

Sheriff’s jurisdiction and enforcing the laws have been violated. The mission of

°°

Tips received directly from the public or through the California

monitoring registered sex offenders

of all registered sex offenders within the

Determine if the registrant

sex offender registration laws from

throughout San Luis Obispo County. This is done by verifying the residency

°°

Enforce the appropriate probation and parole

Electronic comparisons of

conditions

the SAFE Team is to identify, monitor,

every registered sex offender

arrest, and assist in the prosecution of

booked into the San Luis

habitual sexual offenders, who violate

Obispo County Jail to make

the National Center for Missing

the terms and conditions of their

sure that those registrants are

and Exploited Children regarding

probation or parole, or who fail to

current and in compliance with

online predators

comply with the registration require-

their registration requirements

ments of California Penal Code 290, or who commit new sexual assault offenses through proactive investigations and surveillances, which leads to the arrest of these habitual sexual offenders. The SAFE team also investigates internet crime against children cases.

•

Periodic and unannounced compliance visits with

•

In 2018, the SAFE Team: •

Verify that the registered

•

resides at that address

Uncovered 40 possible sex offender registration violations

address is valid and that the registrant actually

Conducted 505 compliance checks

all registrants to: °°

Cyber tips are also received from

•

Filed 13 of these investigations with the District Attorney’s Office for failing to register properly

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

• •

Assisted in and conducted 10

SAFE Team members provide an

that were then analyzed at the Central

search warrants

immediate response to complaints,

Coast Cyber Forensics Lab. The investi-

inquiries and information regarding

gation found that the suspect

registered sex offenders in the

possessed thousands of images of child

community. We provide community

pornography on his cell phone and

notifications of sexually violent

laptop computer. He was arrested and

predators (SVPs) and high-risk sex

charged with multiple counts of posses-

offenders when warranted. This is

sion of child pornography.

Completed 14 investigations of internet crimes against children, four of these suspects were arrested

•

Provided Sex Offender Registration training to

accomplished through media releases

department trainees •

or by going door-to-door and passing out informational flyers.

Provided Stranger Danger training to preschool classes

•

Presented Sex Offender Registration information to the Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy

• • •

with victim/witness advocates through

his repeated pursuit of crimes

the District Attorney’s Office, prioritizing

endangering children.

the needs of the victim through coordi-

Coast Cyber Forensic Lab

call to do in-service training for our rape

Conducted random home visits of sex offenders on Halloween

faces the possibility of being labeled as a Sexually Violent Predator due to

nation and teamwork. The Team is on

crime investigations

awaiting trial for the charges. He also

SAFE Team members also work closely

Attended trainings at the Central Attended training for internet

The suspect is currently in custody

prevention centers and local school districts and community service organizations when requested. The following is one example of the many cases investigated by the

This year we have again noticed a slight decrease in registered sex offenders that register with the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office. As of November 2018, the Sheriff’s Office has 261 registered sex offenders, with 23 of those registered as transient. This is more than half of the approximately 464

SAFE Team: Detectives received a tip that a 36-yearold registered sex offender living in San Luis Obispo as a transient was in possession of hundreds of images on an internet account he had created. This sex offender had prior convictions for child molestation, and possession of

registered sex offenders that live throughout San Luis Obispo County.

child pornography. In May 2018, the

All new registrants that come to our

Sheriff’s detectives executed search

agency are interviewed. During this

warrants at multiple locations.

interview, we discuss our expectations,

Detectives seized numerous devices

SAFE team and other San Luis Obispo

the registrant’s requirements and answer any questions they may have.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT THE SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT

In 2018, these investigators: • Assisted in child forensic interviews, homicides and other

consists of three investigators and is

investigations outside of

responsible for investigating cases of

sexual assault

sexual assault involving children and/or

provide support for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) nurses and other non-profit organizations.

• Assisted in search warrant

adults, extreme cases of domestic

preparation and service

violence, extreme cases of child abuse and non-fiduciary elder abuse within the

• Conducted CVSA examinations

THIS UNIT PL ANS TO CONTINUE PROVIDING COMPLETE AND THOROUGH INVESTIGATIONS AND

unincorporated areas of San Luis

in criminal and background

Obispo County. The Unit also assists

ADVOCATING FOR VICTIMS

investigations

AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE

outside agencies in their investigations. The investigation of physical and sexual

• Worked with Crime Lab Forensic

abuse cases is highly specialized and

Technicians in analyzing

requires expert training as mandated by

electronic/computer-based

the California Penal Code. Investigators

evidence as it related to child

also provide training to mandated

pornography cases

reporters of child abuse, community groups and the military. The Sexual Assault Investigators handle an average of over 200 cases per year as they relate to child and adult sexual

• Worked with Crime Lab Technicians to analyze physical evidence • Welcomed a new investigator to the Sexual Assault Unit

abuse and assault, elder abuse, and

In addition to their caseload, community

child pornography. Individual cases can

training and educational outreach are

take several months to fully investigate

necessary priorities of our Sexual

and can last up to a year or more in the

Assault Unit. These specialized trainings

court process.

COMING YEAR.

have assisted RISE (Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower) advocates who

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

CRIME LAB THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE CRIME LABORATORY and Forensic Services Unit is responsible for the processing of a broad range of evidence types in support of the investigative efforts of law enforcement

The Chemistry/Toxicology Lab contin-

IN 2018, THE FORENSIC ALCOHOL L ABORATORY PROVIDED SERVICES FOR 11

ued to provide services for the police departments in Paso Robles, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, Cal Poly

DIFFERENT L AW

State University, Cuesta Community

ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

College and the California State Parks

THROUGHOUT SAN LUIS

stations. In addition, this section of the

OBISPO COUNT Y.

agencies throughout the County. The

Crime Laboratory provides services to the California Men’s Colony, San Luis

unit also responds to crime scenes and

The Laboratory was responsible for

Obispo County Probation, San Luis

processes and collects evidence in

maintaining the department’s 40

Obispo County Suspected Abuse

criminal cases occurring within the

Draeger Alcotest 7510 breath alcohol

Response Team and all of the Sheriff’s

County. In addition to processing crime

instruments, which are in use at 16

Office patrol stations.

scene evidence, the Lab also analyzes

different locations in the county. During

controlled substances and biological

2018, nearly 1000 evidential breath

samples for driving under the influence

alcohol tests were conducted using the

(DUI) cases. The Cal-ID program for the

department’s breath instruments. The

County is also housed within the

Forensic Alcohol Laboratory also

Forensic Services Unit and is responsi-

analyzed approximately 750 blood

ble for the identification of individuals

samples for alcohol content. Nearly

and biometric programs, and operates

19% of those blood samples were sent

the County’s Automated Fingerprint

on to Central Valley Toxicology for other

Identification System (AFIS).

toxicological analyses.

During 2018, the Chemistry/Toxicology Lab analyzed over 4000 suspected controlled substance samples and the Toxicology. section analyzed over 900 urine samples, all of which were submitted from the law enforcement agencies previously listed.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

THE CRIME L ABORATORY RECEIVED HUNDREDS OF CASES FOR EVIDENCE

homicides. The scenes required

The system currently queries the

expertise in photography, process for

approximately 80,000 records of individ-

and collection of latent prints, as well as

uals arrested and booked in San Luis

tire and shoe print impression casting,

Obispo County. Connection to the CA

ANALYSIS OTHER THAN

blood spatter analysis, and trajectory

DOJ system would allow for a query of

THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE

determination. Following examination

the 24 million-plus records in the DOJ

PREVIOUS PARAGRAPHS.

and process of the scene, evidence was

system. It would also allow for a

collected for additional analysis in the

cascaded search of the FBI’s RISC

Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory and Labora-

(Repository of Individuals of Special

tory Annex. In 2018, several cases

Concern) database, which maintains

included cursory and in-depth excava-

searchable fingerprint records for

tion of possible gravesites.

known and suspected terrorists,

These processes included testing of biological fluids and biological collection, electrostatic detection of indented writing, hair and fiber collection, tool mark comparisons, ballistic analysis, serial number restoration, tire, and footwear impression comparisons and trace evidence analysis. More than half of these cases were received from outside agencies and most contained multiple items that required more than one type of analysis. Hundreds of individual items were forensically processed. Thousands of fingerprints were analyzed resulting in numerous identifications to persons of interest. In addition, Forensic Specialists responded to crime scenes for the Sheriff’s Office, as well as outside agencies. Scenes ranged from property crimes to violent crimes, including

The Cal-ID Program began the deployment of Mobile ID fingerprint devices in the field. These devices were used to assist in identifying numerous

registered sex offenders (nationally) and individuals with extraditable felony warrants registered in the National Crime Information Center indices.

deceased individuals, and in identifying

The Cal-ID program researched several

individuals involved in illegal activity

options for maintaining and replacing

who did not have valid identification.

key technological infrastructure

Using the Mobile ID devices in the field,

components in the coming years, and

a number of these individuals were

has worked closely with the County-

found to have provided false identifica-

wide Cal-ID Board in this process.

tion to conceal the fact that they had warrants for their arrest or were on probation or parole. The Cal-ID Program continued to work with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate the addition of additional capabilities for Mobile ID use.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

NORTH STATION THE SHERIFF’S NORTH STATION

This year, we encountered five acts

is staffed by thirty personnel

A deputy responded to a call for service

comprising of a commander, two

for a vehicle that had been involved in an

sergeants, two legal clerks, three

accident. The vehicle was located, but

school resource deputies, a rural crime

the driver had not been found. The

deputy, two canines, four senior

weather on that day was cold and rainy.

purposely utilized the seatbelt to

of life-saving by our deputies at the

attempt suicide. The deputy quickly and

North Station.

safely unraveled the seatbelt, and saved the individual from the suicide attempt. The individual was treated and evaluated by mental health clinicians for the suicide attempt. Deputies responded to call for service

deputies, and fifteen deputies. Along

Despite the poor weather conditions,

on a suspected suicidal subject. When

with staff, the North Station also has an

the deputy continued to search for the

deputies entered the residence, they

active group of Sheriff’s Auxiliary

driver in an attempt to locate her. He

discovered the subject had just

Volunteer Patrol members who were a

traversed the open area in the vicinity of

attempted suicide, and was very near

valuable asset in this year’s operations.

the vehicle crash and, after a long

death. In a quick move, one of the

We service over 1,900 square miles,

period of searching, found the victim of

deputies climbed on a table and was

and provide assistance to neighboring

the crash lying unresponsive in the cold

able to cut the subject down and save

cities when requested.

and wet grass. The deputy checked the

him. After receiving proper medical

victim for vital signs and determined he

attention, the individual was able to

needed to perform life-saving

breathe, and recovered from the

LIFE SAVING This year, deputies at the Sheriff’s North Station responded to thousands of calls for service.

attempt. Mental health services were contacted, and the subject was

hospital by ambulance where she made

evaluated and given appropriate care.

a full recovery.

OUR GOAL IS TO ALWAYS PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICE POSSIBLE TO THE COMMUNIT Y WE SERVE .

measures. He initiated CPR, the victim was revived, and ultimately taken to the

Two deputies responded to a call for an

During a transport, a deputy sensed

overdose where, at the scene,

there might be a problem with the

paramedics were attempting to revive

person being transported in the rear of

the subject. Deputies with the Sheriff’s

his patrol unit. He immediately pulled

Office are trained in the administering of

over, exited his vehicle, opened the rear

Narcan, and each deputy has access to

passenger door for the patrol unit, and

a Narcan kit in their patrol unit. One of

discovered that the person had

the deputies on scene retrieved his

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Narcan kit and administered two doses.

way toward the individual’s residence in

The two acts of distinguished service

After the second dose, the subject

a way to avoid provoking him, and in an

both involved persons with mental

revived and survived the incident.

attempt to secure the area. At one point,

illness. The Sheriff’s Office instructs its

it appeared that the subject may have

deputies in Critical Incident Training

Several of the North Station deputies responded to assist with the Woolsey Fire in Ventura County during the evacuation procedures. They came upon a residence where flames were roaring in the backyard area and about to engulf the home. They made contact with the residents inside and discov-

been aiming his weapon towards one

(CIT), which is specific to addressing

of the deputies. All deputies on scene

individuals that are contacted, and

saw this, but refrained from any immedi-

suffer from mental illness. This training

ate use of force. They were ultimately

undoubtedly resulted in successful

able to speak with the subject. The

outcomes in both of these instances.

incident was resolved with no persons being injured.

The Sheriff’s North Station would like express its appreciation for the public

ered that one of the residents was a

Deputies responded to a subject that

we serve and the support and trust we

quadriplegic. With very little time to act,

was reported to have a twelve-inch

receive from community stakeholders,

they decided to carry the individual out

knife to his own neck. When they

partners and friends.

and place her in the rear of their patrol

arrived, they in fact saw the subject in

unit. They drove the subject to safety,

the roadway with a knife to his neck.

where she could receive proper care.

Deputies set up a perimeter, and began speaking to the subject in an attempt to

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE This year at the Sheriff’s North Station, there were two calls where deputies responded in ways that can be deemed distinguished service. During a call, a veteran was reported to

get him to surrender the knife. The deputies’ calm tactics succeeded in keeping the subject in a confined area where he could not harm others, and ultimately convinced the subject to put the knife down. They were then able to detain him. During this incident no one

be on his balcony, pointing a .45 caliber

was injured and the subject was

semi-automatic handgun in a threaten-

evaluated by mental health profession-

ing manner. Deputies responded in an

als and given proper care.

attempt to safely resolve the incident. Upon arrival, they saw that the subject was in fact pointing the handgun in a reckless and potentially threatening manner. Deputies safely made their

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

SOUTH STATION IN 2018, THE SHERIFF’S SOUTH STATION PROUDLY SERVED the residents and visitors of southern San Luis Obispo County. South Patrol Division covers 850 square miles with a population of approximately 40,000 people living in the communities of Oceano, Nipomo, unincorporated Cuyama, Huasna Valley, BlacklakeCallender and the Woodlands. This area extends from Pismo Beach to the Santa Barbara County line, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Kern County line. The South Station is staffed with a commander, two sergeants, four senior deputies, 18 Sheriff’s deputies and two legal clerks. South Station members of the Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol (SAVP) provide additional preventative responsibility.

have continued to afford opportunities

responded to over 23,000 calls for

to prevent issues from distracting from

service and generated about 3,200

the learning environment. The 2018

written reports. Reported criminal

G.R.E.A.T. summer camp presented at

activity ranged from armed robbery to

the Mesa Middle School provided more

theft of property from unlocked

than 100 students with a weeklong

vehicles. While crimes of violence

experience to learn a variety of life skills

remain a small percentage of the calls

in making positive choices and improv-

for service received by deputies of the

ing self-esteem.

South Station, they have a significant impact on our community and are always handled as a top priority and investigated thoroughly and professionally. More frequently, South Station deputies are called upon to investigate

Arroyo Grande, Los Berros, New

patrol resources within our area of

In 2018, South Station patrol staff

crimes involving the theft of property, public disturbances, drug abuse and other circumstances that erode the peace in our neighborhoods. The South Station’s commitment to schools within the Lucia Mar Unified School District was served in 2018 by two full-time school resource deputies and one part-time school resource reserve deputy. Programs to educate students and school staff, including G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education

For 2019, our commitment to crime prevention will be strengthened by • Effective partnerships built within our community • Engagement of community service groups • Business groups and homeowners’ associations in Neighborhood Watch programs • Campus crime prevention programs, and rural crime prevention programs will enhance communication of safety and security concerns directly from the community • Addressing these concerns, and

and Training) and an enhanced

developing strategies to mitigate

emergency incident notification system,

them, will continue to be our highest priority

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

COAST STATION THE COAST STATION PROVIDES

Renewed and sustained efforts have

Except for some minor incidents and

addressed these problematic locations.

arrests, the event was a huge success

law enforcement services for all

Strict enforcement, coupled with the

for the community.

Beach to the Monterey County line. This San Simeon, Cambria, Harmony, Cayucos, Los Osos, Baywood Park, Avila Beach, Edna Valley, and the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo. The San Luis Obispo County Airport and the Diablo Nuclear Power Plant are also contained in the jurisdiction of Coast Station. The patrol station is staffed by one commander, two sergeants, four senior deputies, 19 deputy sheriffs assigned to patrol, and two legal clerks. During 2018, Coast Station saw a nine percent drop in the overall number of reports taken by patrol deputies compared to 2017. Burglaries, identity theft and narcotic-related offenses decreased, however there was an increase in the number of thefts by six percent.

bicycle patrol teams, foot patrol teams,

transient camps have encumbered law

canine team, Posse, correctional

enforcement in the Coast area.

deputies and transportation vans.

assistance provided by the Community

unincorporated coastal areas from Avila area encompasses the communities of

Problems associated with illegal

Action Team, has resulted in positive results and a reduction of illegal transient camps and activities. This year the Sheriff’s Office initiated Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for all sworn personnel. CIT provides patrol deputies with 40 hours of training, information on resources and skills to better work with and assist individuals with mental health problems, drug and alcohol addiction, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and other conditions they might encounter.

In October, deputies located a subject in a stolen vehicle and, based on information they had and evidence in the vehicle, determined he was the suspect in five burglaries, an attempted burglary and vehicle tampering. In a different case, deputies made three arrests and have identified a fourth suspect in an armed robbery. In a separate call for service, deputies received a report of a subject brandishing a firearm in Cambria. The suspect was gone when they arrived on scene, however, through their investigation, they were able to

During 2018, Coast Station deputies

locate the suspect’s vehicle and arrest

assisted in planned events and

the suspect. Coast Station deputies will

responded to many unplanned calls for

continue to be proactive to protect and

service. The largest planned event

to serve the community.

occurs every Independence Day in Cayucos. To meet the demand for increased presence needed for the day, the Sheriff’s Office staffs a command post in Cayucos with patrol units,

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

WATCH COMMANDER THE WATCH COMMANDER’S OFFICE

THE WATCH COMMANDER’S OFFICE HAS THE PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILIT Y OF OVERSEEING DISPATCH

is located in the Emergency Operations Center directly adjacent to

SERVICES AND PATROL

the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center. Sheriff’s

OPERATIONS ON A

sergeants man the office 24 hours per

DAILY BASIS.

day. Sheriff’s commanders staff the office during the evening hours to increase the field supervision of patrol deputies. The Watch Commander’s Office is the single point of contact for all county departments and services after business hours, on weekends

handles all local notifications during critical incidents and natural disasters, including but not limited to the County’s

This year, the Watch Commander’s Office has been exceptionally busy. They have been working to train the newly promoted sergeants, coordinate and participate in the FEMA drills and assist with coordinating mutual aid efforts for the fires and mudslides in Santa Barbara, and the recent fires in Ventura and Butte Counties.

Dive Team, Aero Squadron, and the

The Office also serves as the point of

The Watch Commander’s Office is the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s primary law enforcement point of contact during any unusual events or

(NAWAS) and the California State Warning Center, which both provide communications to our county in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. The watch commander also

and television.

Enforcement Detail, Search and Rescue, Sheriff’s Detective Division.

Federal National Warning System

EAS messages on commercial radio

Bomb Task Force, Sheriff’s Special

and on holidays.

contact for the entire county with the

including Reverse 911, area sirens, and

critical incidents occurring at the plant. During an emergency, the watch commander is authorized to activate the County Emergency Alert System (EAS)

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

DISPATCH THE SHERIFF’S DISPATCH CENTER

Technologically, the Computer Aided

tion about the importance of 911 and

Dispatch (CAD) mobile and mapping

when this number should be used. The

program is a Tritech system. The

children get to meet Red E. Fox, the

Tritech software gives dispatchers the

“911 for Kids” mascot.

is a Primary Public Safety Answering

In 2018, the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center’s

Point responsible for all 911 calls in San

911 line answered 46,215 phone calls.

Luis Obispo County, the cities of Arroyo

The calls were answered in fifteen

Grande and Morro Bay, as well as

seconds or less 100% of the time. The

communication and dispersal of

California State standard is 95%. The

information among the public, law

Dispatch Center handled more than

enforcement, paramedics and

248,928 phone calls and created

numerous county/state departments.

129,551 incidents for service, and

The Dispatch Center is also responsible

created and dispatched approximately

for receiving calls for service from the public and dispatching law enforcement, probation, ambulances, EMS Helicop-

and the county fair, handing out informa-

28,500 medical calls for service.

Center installed a new reverse 911

respective calls, which contributes to

system. Vesta Alert can notify hundreds

the several thousands of incoming and

of residences within minutes by

outgoing calls handled by the Sheriff’s

telephone with a voice recording stating

Dispatch Center each year. The

the emergency and what action (if any)

Sheriff’s Dispatch Center is staffed with

should be taken. The system’s database

EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch)

is updated monthly using current

certified dispatchers 24 hours a day,

records from the 911 database. Vesta

seven days a week.

Alert has been activated 12 times this

are involved in community outreach. The dispatchers attend special events

closest, most appropriate emergency personnel to calls for service. The 911 system is a Motorola Vesta VoIP 911 phone system and has the capabilities of handling texting to 911. The Sheriff’s Dispatch Center has implemented the Rave Smart 911 software which includes the Panic Button application to be used by schools in case of an active shooter situation.

A few years ago the Sheriff’s Dispatch

ters and other agency personnel to the

Beyond their daily duties, dispatchers

ability to create incidents and direct the

past year for emergency notifications in many areas of the county, relating to numerous fires as well as for critical missing individuals and safety issues.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

46,215 129,551 100% Calls answered

Incidents for service

Calls answered in less than 15 seconds

CANINE UNIT THE MISSION

Williams and Canine Dutch assigned to the Custody Division.

of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Canine Unit is to support department operations by providing the expertise necessary to effectively search for outstanding suspects, missing persons, narcotics and evidence, while enhancing officer safety and providing outstanding service to the community. The Canine Unit consists of Senior Deputy Allen Barger and Canine Jack assigned to the Sheriff’s Narcotic Unit, Deputy Bryan Love and Canine Hondo assigned to North Station, Deputy Josh Peet and Canine DJ assigned to Coast Station, and Correctional Deputy Kelsey

ALL CANINES WITHIN THE UNIT HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED

Canines Hondo, DJ, Dutch and Jack

FOR OVER FOUR YEARS,

continually enhance their narcotics

EXEMPLIF YING SUPERIOR

detection training and are all certified by

L AW ENFORCEMENT

the California Narcotics Canine Association as 100% proficient in their detection of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin,

PERFORMANCE AND COMMUNIT Y INVOLVEMENT.

opium and marijuana odors. Canines Hondo and DJ are also certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and the California Narcotics Canine Association (CNCA) in the skillsets of obedience, apprehension, area/building searches and handler protection.

165 26 22 71 9,387.1 184.6 30

343 2 78.1

Deployments

Assisted Other Agencies

Apprehensions

Arrests

Apprehension Bite

Grams of Marijuana

Grams of Methamphetamine

Grams of Heroin

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Searches

GANG TASK FORCE THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE established the Gang Task Force (GTF) in 1989 as an effort to curb the violence and destruction that criminal street

are Sheriff’s deputies, a Pismo Beach

Those investigations led to the arrest of

Police Officer, and Probation officers

102 suspects. Those arrests consisted

who patrol communities in San Luis

of possession of controlled substances,

Obispo County, focusing their

possession of a controlled substance

enforcement and education efforts on

for sale, felons in possession of

criminal street gang members. These

firearms, robbery, both misdemeanor

Sheriff’s Deputies and Probation

and felony warrant arrests, assault with

Officers are working hard to reduce and

deadly weapons, gang member

eliminate the effects criminal street

contacts that led to probation and or

gangs have on communities in San Luis

parole violations, burglary, and felony

Obispo County.

evasion. Out of the 102 arrests, 48 arrests were gang related.

gangs have on communities. The focus

GTF has also been assigned a Vertical

of the Gang Task Force is to make a

Prosecutor by the San Luis Obispo

In January of 2018, the Sheriff’s Gang

positive difference through outreach and

County District Attorney’s Office. This

Task Force assisted the Special

education, identifying criminal street

means that GTF investigators can work

Operations Unit with apprehending a

gang members and their activities, and

with the District Attorney’s Office to

wanted felon in our county that was

appropriately applying law enforcement

ensure gang cases are prosecuted

listed as “Texas’s Top 10 Most

efforts to stop the criminal activity.

appropriately.

Wanted.” This operation was conducted

Currently, there are 775 documented

In 2018, as part of the Gang Task

gang members in San Luis Obispo

Force’s effort to control the effects of

County and 67 documented criminal

criminal street gangs, GTF

street gangs. These include White

conducted investigations that led to

supremacist gangs, Hispanic gangs,

the seizure of:

Black gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, international gangs, and others.

•

71.16 grams of methamphetamine

In 2017, four “Street Team” members

in conjunction with The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, The U.S. Marshalls, and a constable from Wood County Sheriff’s Department in Texas. In the summer of 2018, the Sheriff’s Gang Task Force also assisted the San Luis Obispo County Probation Department in two county-wide probation

•

67.22 grams of heroin

sweeps. This resulted in 16 arrests

increasing field contact with gang

•

4.7 grams of cocaine

from probationers/parolees who were

members. The Street Team members

•

11 firearms

were added to the Gang Task Force,

out of compliance.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL THE SHERIFF’S SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL (SED)

least 20 hours of monthly training, as

suspects, with no injuries to members

well as specialized tactical schools

of the public, and minimal injuries to

throughout the state.

deputies and suspects.

The specialized equipment supplied to SED includes highly accurate weapons,

THE SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT

less lethal munitions, and armored

DETAIL CONTINUES TO

is a highly trained and specially

rescue vehicles. Whenever SED is

ENHANCE ITS CAPABILITIES

equipped tactical team. The team is

activated, the Sheriff’s Tactical Negotia-

designed to resolve critical incidents

tions Team (TNT) also responds. Most

that include hostage situations,

critical incidents are resolved through

barricaded suspects, armed suicidal

negotiations carried out by TNT rather

subjects, crowd control, and high-risk

than with force.

warrant service.

This year, SED has updated the armored

The team was formed in the 1970s in

vehicle, also known as the BearCat, for

response to the civil unrest occurring at

the introduction of CS gas into buildings

that time. In 2003, the partnership with

and vehicles. This new gas system

the Atascadero Police Department

allows deputies to introduce CS gas

expanded the size of the team to deal

without leaving the safety of the

with the increasing threat of terrorism.

armored vehicle. This provides for a

SED has trained extensively at the

safer environment for SED personnel

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant and

and any potential suspects. In addition,

has become an integral part of

SED members have participated in

emergency response in San Luis

numerous call-outs throughout the year

Obispo County.

that included search warrant service,

Assignment to SED is a collateral duty

rescue situations.

THROUGH TRAINING AND SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT. The primary focus of the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail has been, and will continue to be, to provide San Luis Obispo County with the finest tactical law enforcement team possible.

barricaded suspects, and hostage for all personnel, in addition to that member’s primary assignment with the

All of these call-outs were resolved with

department. SED members attend at

the successful apprehension of the

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

CRIME PREVENTION A FUNCTION OF THE OPERATIONS DIVISION

In 2018 the Crime Prevention Unit made

The PIO is also responsible for the

over 80 presentations to schools and

design and content of the Sheriff’s

Enforcement Night at Farmers’ Market,

members an additional way to stay

at the Sheriff’s Office is the Crime

just to name a few. They also hosted an

informed of events occurring within the

Prevention and Public Information Unit.

intern from the Grizzly Youth Academy,

Sheriff’s Office and the county. In

This unit consists of both crime preven-

where they provided mentoring and

addition, the PIO coordinate all social

tion specialists and public information

opportunities to learn about a career in

media efforts on behalf of the Sheriff’s

officers. The crime prevention special-

law enforcement.

Office, including Facebook, Twitter,

community groups throughout the

Office official website, slosheriff.org.

county, held displays for Sheriff’s

This year the Sheriff’s Office released a

Family Day at the Ranch, Cops ‘N Kids

mobile app compatible with iOS and

Day, the Preparedness Expo, and Law

Android, which gives community

ists each specialize in specific areas, however cross-train to provide consis-

The role of the public information officer

tent and quality services.

(PIO) is to serve as the primary liaison with local, national and international

The crime prevention specialists are

media for any news items that directly

available to support all Neighborhood

relate to the Sheriff’s Office. Those

Watch programs in the unincorporated

responsibilities include writing and

areas of the county, and provide crime

distributing press releases, generating

prevention training and assistance to

story ideas, and acting as the primary

the ranching and agricultural communi-

spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office.

ties. In addition, they are responsible for

Other PIO responsibilities include

the annual Citizens Academy and

developing public service announce-

Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol

ments (PSAs), developing support

Academy, children’s safety programs,

services for the media, and assisting in

internet safety programs for youth,

scheduling speakers from the Sheriff’s

security surveys for homes and

executive staff for service clubs and

businesses, and public displays at

special event presentations.

YouTube and Instagram. Through the Most Wanted Wednesday campaign on social media, 39 wanted individuals were captured in 2018. This year the Sheriff’s Office has seen the way social media can be used to build bridges with the community we proudly serve.

community events.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE maintains the Special Operations Unit (SOU), which consists of two Sheriff’s Office investigators, one intelligence officer, one canine deputy, one probation officer/investigator, and two Homeland Security investigators,

Heroin

ordinance to deal with the large

Cocaine

3.8 lbs

Methamphetamine

.66 lbs

volume of medicinal marijuana cultivation sites that were springing up

Processed marijuana

drought curtailed much of the large

Marijuana plants

6,319 plants

Currency Seized

$17,469.00

Firearms Seized

outdoor illegal cultivation sites. The expansion of medicinal marijuana cultivation and its licensing, which began in January 2018, has led to an increased demand for man-hours to ensure compliance. Although much of Enforcement officers, should

The Sheriff’s SOU investigates a wide

abatement be needed of an illegal

variety of narcotics-related crimes. The

cannabis operation, SOU detectives are

most prevalent illegal narcotics

there to assist. Additionally, black

available in the county are metham-

markets for illegally grown marijuana

phetamine, cocaine and heroin. The

continue to operate on federal, state

unit employs a wide range of investiga-

and private property. With these illegal

tive techniques to combat the problem.

grow operations, some of the most

Some common techniques are surveil-

serious problems occur with the use of

lance, use of informants, controlled

illegal pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers

purchases and wiretaps. In cases

and the diversion of water.

involving large-scale illegal drug sales

8.41 lbs

throughout the county. The recent

the compliance work is done by Code

supervised by a sergeant.

6.5 grams

Obispo also passed an emergency

The SOU maintains a Clandestine Laboratory Team trained and certified by the state of California. Federal and state law require investigators who work with hazardous materials (hazmat), such as those found in clandestine drug laboratories, to complete a total of 80 hours of instruction. They learn how to safely process a clandestine laboratory site for evidence as part of their investigation and to ensure their compliance with the various environmental and safety regulations that apply to clandestine lab seizure and dismantling. These investigators must then receive ongoing training in this

In 2018, the following seizure totals

field to maintain their certification.

asset forfeiture may be utilized.

were made as a result of numerous

Clandestine labs are most often

investigations by Sheriff’s SOU investi-

associated with methamphetamine

In 2016, California voters passed an

gators. Some seizures were the result

manufacturing but can include the

initiative to legalize recreational

of multi-agency investigations and

manufacture of other drugs such as

marijuana. The County of San Luis

occurred throughout California.

where the proceeds can be located,

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

multi-agency approach to developing

various persons of interest, search

strategies to protect children. Sheriff’s

warrant service and wiretap

investigators work closely with the

investigations.

District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Social Services to keep children safe and prosecute those who would expose them to the dangers of illicit drugs. Some of the current trends in narcotics are heroin use and sales and butane honey oil extraction labs. Additionally, butane honey oil extraction, steroids

the unit has also responded to ongoing

and organic hallucinogenic compounds

maritime smuggling operations

(Dimethyltryptamine).

involving Panga boats. Drug trafficking

In the interest of protecting children

drug and human trafficking in coastal

who are exposed to drugs, drug manufacturing and the dangers that exist with this activity, the Sheriff’s Office participates in the California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team (Cal-MMET) Program. The Cal-MMET grant funds two Sheriff’s SOU investigators, (one of these positions is currently vacant due

organizations are utilizing the boats for counties in California. In 2014 and 2015, San Luis Obispo County had consistently had one of the highest numbers of confirmed Panga boat landings in the state of California. Due to aggressive detection and prosecution, no known boats landed nor were interdicted in 2018.

to low staffing levels within the

Lastly, in addition to the above duties,

department), who receive specialized

the Sheriff’s SOU also assists other

training in the field of Drug Endangered

units within the Detective Division in

Children (DEC) investigations. Many

surveillance an intelligence gathering of

DEC investigations involve a

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

6.5 3.8 .66

Grams of Heroin

Pounds of Cocaine

Pounds of Methamphetamine

8.41

Pounds of Processed Marijuana

BOMB TASK FORCE THE BOMB TASK FORCE, FORMED IN 1981, AT A TIME WHEN EXPLOSIVE AND BOMB -RELATED INCIDENTS WERE INCREASING WITHIN THE COUNTY.

The Task Force began responding to

The Task Force is governed by a Board

calls for service in 1982 and was a

of Directors consisting of members of

Local law enforcement agencies

The Task Force is currently made up of

came to the consensus that each

four members, three of which are

agency did not have the individual

Sheriff’s Office deputies and one San

resources to support its own

Luis Obispo police officer. The Bomb

respective bomb squads and

Task Force assignment is a collateral

therefore, the San Luis Obispo

duty, with each team member working

County Bomb Task Force was formed

various full-time positions with their

and the need for a specialized team

respective agency.

with unique equipment and 24-hour response capabilities was realized.

coordinated team approach with a

the Criminal Justice Administrators

thorough commitment from all law

Association of San Luis Obispo County.

enforcement agencies within San Luis Obispo County. Funding resources for equipment and training currently come from the Sheriff’s Office, city police agencies in San Luis Obispo County,

The Board of Directors are: • The County Sheriff • The Chiefs of Police of each

and Cal Poly University Police. The Task

municipal police agency

Force is governed by a Board of

within the county

Directors consisting of members of the Criminal Justice Administrators Association of San Luis Obispo County:

STRUCTURE OF THE TASK FORCE

• The Chief of Police, California State Polytechnic University Each team member is required to be a certified Hazardous Devices (Bomb) Technician, having undergone a thorough background check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The basic training for a bomb technician is a six-week course at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Devices School, located at Redstone Arsenal Army Base, in Huntsville, Alabama. Training is ongoing and the bomb technicians are required by the FBI to train a minimum of 16 hours per month.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

TASK FORCE CAPABILITIES

SUPPORT TEAM CONCEPT

The San Luis Obispo County Bomb

Although the Bomb Task Force is a

Task Force is accredited by the Federal

self-sufficient unit, the Task Force has

Bureau of Investigation and is certified

an excellent working relationship with

as a fully operational bomb squad,

the Santa Barbara County Sheriffâ€™s

capable of safe rendering and disposing

Department Bomb Squad. A verbal

of improvised explosive devices,

agreement has been established

military ordnance, and commercially

between the two counties to assist

manufactured explosives able to

each other in their respective counties

respond to all bomb- or explosive-

in times of need. In addition, the Task

related incidents within San Luis

Force maintains a close relationship

Obispo County and, upon a mutual aid

with the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron,

request, to areas outside the county of

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team at

San Luis Obispo.

Vandenberg Air Force Base, whose

This Task Force works in conjunction with various State and Federal law enforcement agencies to include the California Highway Patrol, State Parks and Recreation Department, Federal

military jurisdiction includes this County. The SLO County Bomb Task Force will also assist Sheriffâ€™s SED and Regional SWAT if requested.

2018 CALLS FOR SERVICE

Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and

The explosive-related calls consisted of

Explosives, United States Postal

hoax devices, IEDs, military ordnance,

Inspectors, and Department of

illegal fireworks, and suspicious

Homeland Security.

chemical devices.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

HONOR GUARD THIS IS THE FIFTH YEAR that the Sheriff’s Honor Guard has served the Sheriff’s Office and our community. The team is made up of 16 volunteer members of the Sheriff’s Office who train regularly to maintain their skills. Commander Nate Paul, who is one of the original Honor Guard members, will be taking over command of the unit in 2019.

IN 2018, THE SHERIFF’S HONOR GUARD ATTENDED NUMEROUS FUNCTIONS FOR THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE , SUCH AS AWARD CEREMONIES, BADGE PINNING AND PROMOTIONAL CEREMONIES. The team also attended several funerals for peace officers killed in the line of duty, the State of Califor-

PROPERTY ROOM THE PROPERTY ROOM IS CURRENTLY STAFFED with three property officers, two full-time and one part-time. Our property officers are responsible for the safe and secure storage, record keeping and disposition of property and evidence submitted to them by the Sheriff’s Office. Property is stored for a variety of reasons, such as items that are found or recovered, evidence, and for safekeeping. Our property officers are also responsible for picking up property at the Sheriff’s three patrol stations throughout the county and destroying property that is no longer needed to be held as evidence.

WE CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT NEW WAYS OF IMPROVING OUR ORGANIZATION.

nia’s Peace Officer’s Memorial in Sacramento, the San Luis Obispo County Peace Officer’s Memorial, Honor Flight and Operation Surf for veterans, September 11 memorial functions, police academy and correctional academy graduations.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

RURAL CRIMES UNIT THE MISSION OF THE SHERIFF’S RURAL CRIMES UNIT (RCU)

prevention techniques and strategies to

tural community groups in San Luis

Another valuable tool in crime prevention is the Owner Applied Number

• The SLO County Farm Bureau • Cattlewomen and Cattlemen’s

the farmers and ranchers of San Luis

Associations

Obispo County.

• The Farm Bureau Women’s Group

RCU deputies receive specific training in agricultural crime investigation. One

During these meetings, the RCU shares

RCU deputy is assigned to each patrol

information regarding crime trends

station within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. In addition to specific training, deputies are members of the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force and the Central Coast Rural Crime

Prevention Task Force (CRCPTF)

AGRICULTURAL CASES.

Obispo County. These groups include:

industries. The RCU also provides crime

the quarterly California Rural Crime

STEEP DECLINE IN

Frequent meetings are held with agricul-

crimes impacting agriculture and rural

and training on a regular basis and host

IN 2018, THE RCU SAW A

instructors during the CRCPTF Rural Crime Prevention School.

is to enforce laws and investigate

Task Force. Deputies attend meetings

Members of the RCU have served as

program (OAN), which can be customized to each individual, farmer or rancher. OANs are applied to machinery and heavy equipment, then placed in a nationwide law enforcement database at no cost. Providing OANs to machinery and equipment provides the RCU with a valuable tool to identify and recover stolen equipment.

affecting the agricultural community.

Some of the few notable reports taken

These meetings also provides the

involved a stolen Kubota tractor that

opportunity for the RCU to make crime

was later recovered in a riverbed, a

prevention recommendations, such as

subject found in possession of over

the formation of a “ranch watch” group,

$600 worth of stolen artichokes who

or completing a ranch/farm security

was cited, and a subject who was

survey conducted by our rural crime

arrested for being in possession of

prevention specialist.

stolen farm equipment.

meeting once per year in San Luis Obispo County.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM THE COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM (CAT)

In 2018, the CAT team was tasked to

Police, MBPD, Victim Witness, and

create a 40-hour Crisis Intervention

Restorative Partners. The CAT team

Training (which exceeds CA require-

will continue training those agencies

ments). The Sheriff’s Office chose to

next year and add the Atascadero and

adhere to the international CIT standard

Paso Robles Police Departments. In

(Memphis Model). Additionally, the

order to prepare for these classes, the

Sheriff’s Office committed to sending

CAT team attended a CIT International

serves several roles within the Sheriff’s

100% of its personnel from the rank of

training in Kansas City and became

Office. One is to reach out to the

Sergeant and below (custody and

certified coordinators. The SLO

homeless, the mentally ill, and those

patrol) to this 40-hour course. As every

Sheriff’s Office is also a member of a

with substance use disorders and

call for service begins with a phone call,

Regional CIT collaboration involving the

connect them with resources in an

all SLOSO dispatchers attend this

counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara,

effort to reduce recidivism and impact

course as well. After creating the

Kern, and Monterey.

to the criminal justice system. The CAT

course, the CAT Team trained approxi-

team works with the Patrol Stations, the

mately 145 members over 5 sessions.

Jail, and many County partners to

Nearly every student stated they would

complete its goals. Our tasks have

recommend the week-long class to a

ranged from delivering mental health

peer, are more knowledgeable about

medication to transportation to a

mental health issues, and that they

residential program.

would use what they learned from the

ADDITIONALLY, THE SHERIFF’S

Crime Prevention Unit, the Jail, and SAF, the CAT team organized the Sheriff’s Office effort to contribute to the United Way’s Stuff the Bus Campaign. We raised a total of $2,000 this year in school supplies and donations.

back detailing the influence CIT has had

OFFICE COMMITTED TO

The CAT Team has outreached to

to help resolve difficult calls. CIT is truly

various organizations including the local

SENDING 100% OF ITS

a collaborative effort. Over 60 individu-

chapter of the National Association of

als and 20 agencies assist CAT in

Social Workers, NAMI, the SLO Autism

teaching one 40-hour CIT course. The

Spectrum Center, and County Veteran’s

class was attended not only by our

Office. We have trained Behavioral

PERSONNEL FROM THE RANK OF SERGEANT AND BELOW (CUSTODY AND PATROL) TO THIS 40-HOUR COURSE.

class in their job. Reports are coming

In August, with the assistance of the

department but SLOPD (officers and

Health Staff and have plans to train

dispatchers), Probation, Pismo Beach

other County Workers.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

WE RAISED A TOTAL OF $2,000 THIS YEAR IN SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND DONATIONS. The CAT Team participated in a Countywide Sequential Intercept Mapping. In short, this process was created to identify gaps in our system in regard to people with mental illness and substance use disorders and develop priorities to improve our system and service. The #1 priority was to expand

have collaborated and successfully applied for a federal 5 Year Early Diversion Grant. The Sheriffâ€™s Community Action Team will be joined by a Behavioral Health Clinician to assist in diversion efforts throughout the community. The target population will be the severely mentally ill and those suffering from substance use disorders. The CAT Team is very excited for the new opportunities and challenges that await.

housing options in our county. The #2 priority was to expand the Community Action Team across agencies and establish a Countywide CIT Program. Perhaps what makes the CAT Team most proud was the opportunity to work on an Officer Wellness Program for the department through the CIT class. What is in store for the CAT Team for 2019? The Sheriffâ€™s Office, Behavioral Health, and several County Agencies

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT THE MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT (MEU) consists of six deputies, one sergeant and one commander. The MEU provides enforcement at Lake Nacimiento and Lake Lopez, working closely with rangers from both San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties.

WITH A FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND BOATING SAFETY, DEPUTIES CONTACT DOZENS OF BOATERS EACH DAY THEY PATROL THE COUNTY LAKES. The coastline of San Luis Obispo County is another area of focus that extends from Big Sur to the Santa Maria River, just north of Point Sal. Along these 90 miles of coastline is the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, just north of Avila Beach. The MEU is equipped to provide consistent enforcement patrols in the waters off of San Luis Obispo utilizing the newest vessel in the fleet,

a 27’ Defender Class patrol boat built by

emergency service agencies for rapid

SAFE Boats international of Bremerton,

transport of emergency personnel or

Washington.

injured parties. It is also used to assist the Sheriff’s Dive Team with its mission

Purchased to help combat the threat of

on all the county’s lakes and near-shore

smuggling facing coastal communities,

waters. The MEU’s third vessel, used

federal grant money was obtained to

for utility missions, or to complement

purchase this patrol boat to conduct

the other vessels, is a 22’ Zodiac

inshore and offshore patrols. First

Hurricane rigid-hulled inflatable boat.

placed into service in January 2015, this vessel has conducted more than 300

The MEU continues to provide training

hours of patrol operations. The MEU is

support in the form of vessels and

now better equipped to work with the

operators to the Sheriff’s Office Dive

Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, the Narcot-

Team and the Special Enforcement

ics Unit detectives and our state and

Detail. Separate training for both units,

federal partners with the interdiction

as well as the San Luis Obispo Regional

and safe removal of Panga Boats from

SWAT Team, was conducted in and

our county beaches. Timely removal of

around Port San Luis and Morro Bay

a Panga boat minimizes the adverse

during the year. Members of the MEU

environmental impact upon the

participated in community outreach

shoreline and significantly reduces

events like Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch,

man-hours and costs associated with

Cayucos’s Lost at Sea Memorial, Cops

other forms of removal.

‘n’ Kids Day, State Division of Boating and Waterways’ Life Jacket Trade-In,

The Defender Class boat is comple-

the Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade and

mented by a Rogue Jet Boatworks 25’

the Sheriff’s Office G.R.E.A.T. camps at

patrol boat which, is primarily assigned

local schools. Additionally, the MEU

to Lake Nacimiento and provides patrol,

provided support to the United States

enforcement and education on the

Coast Guard with vessel safety inspec-

water. While on the lake, this vessel can

tions in the waters off Morro Bay and

also operate in support of other

Avila Beach.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SCHOOL RESOURCE DEPUTIES DURING THE 2017/2018 SCHOOL YEAR, school resource deputies taught the

Revolution Speak (Motivational

2018, was the second year of the

Speaker), Retro Bill (Motivational

Sheriff’s Office sponsoring the Central

Speaker),a Service Dog assembly, and

Coast Law Enforcement Explorer

Three Screens (a motivational movie).

Competition, organized and led by

L AW ENFORCEMENT DAY

school resource deputies. This year, the competition was held at Lillian Larsen

Gang Resistance Education and

WAS A DAY AT CAMP IN

Elementary School. Over a two-day

Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program curricu-

WHICH THE SHERIFF’S

period, the Explorers participated in 22

lum at Shandon Elementary School,

OFFICE AND OTHER L AW

Creston Elementary School and Santa Margarita Elementary School, with 90 students graduating. The San Luis Obispo County Juvenile Probation Department also partnered with the Sheriff’s Office and San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol

ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES DISPL AYED THEIR SPECIALT Y UNITS FOR STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT AND EXPERIENCE FIRSTHAND.

Services’ “Friday Night Live” Team to plan and run three San Luis Obispo

The last day of camp was Graduation

County Sheriff’s Office Youth Summer

Day. The kids enjoyed Santa Maria-style

Camps. The three camps were held at

barbecue, and participated in a gradua-

Mesa Middle School, Cayucos Elemen-

tion ceremony.

tary School, and Lillian Larsen Elementary School.

separate events on which they were graded on law enforcement scenarios, tug-of-war, relay races and an obstacle course. There were nine agencies from around the state of California consisting of 83 explorers and 38 advisors who attended the competition. Because of the overwhelming success of the competition, the Sheriff’s Office will also be hosting the Explorer competition in 2019.

All three camps were a huge success. Funded by the Sheriff’s Office, these

During these weeklong camps,

camps were free for all 297 students

students participated in fun events like

who attended. The Sheriff’s Office is

Tie-Dye Team T-shirts, tug-of-war, and

already in the planning stages for the

the Carpet Square Game. They also

camps that will be held in the

attended assemblies including

summer of 2019.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

BICYCLE PATROL THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE BICYCLE PATROL TEAM

BIKE PATROL TEAM DEPUTIES TRAIN TOGETHER AS A TEAM OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR. BIKE

is a specialty unit comprising Deputies

TEAM TR AININGS BUILD ON

and Senior Deputies, who are specially

BASIC BICYCLE RIDING

trained to perform public safety patrol

SKILLS AS WELL AS

functions on a bicycle. Members of the

One of the biggest advantages to

Bike Patrol Team are trained to deploy

bicycle patrol is the ability for deputies

and provide public safety services

to navigate swiftly in various environ-

DEVELOPING PATROLSPECIFIC RIDING SKILLS.

during large events with larger crowds.

ments, avoiding obstacles and hazards

These types of events occur regularly

that would otherwise stop a patrol

The team’s instructor and supervisor

throughout San Luis Obispo County and

vehicle in its tracks. Another big

work together to develop training

include parades, holiday events,

advantage for deputies deployed on

modules that prepare members for

concerts, community events, races,

bicycles is that there are more opportu-

various bicycle patrol deployments. For

nities to engage with the public, as it is

example, since balance and control at

and various other special events.

DEPUTIES WHO PATROL ON BICYCLES CAN COVER L ARGER AREAS THAN FOOT PATROL DEPUTIES, AS THEY CAN NAVIGATE CROWDED AREAS WHICH MIGHT LIMIT

easier for the public to approach and

low speeds are essential skills needed

speak with a deputy on a bicycle, and

in confined and crowded areas, one of

equally easier for deputies to approach,

our training exercises typically requires

contact, and interact with those in the

riders to navigate a cone obstacle

public. As members of the Sheriff’s

course, at slow speeds.

Office Bike Team, we enjoy these opportunities to positively interact with our community.

BOTH A PATROL CAR’S MOBILIT Y, AS WELL AS DEPUTIES WHO MIGHT DEPLOY ON FOOT.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

patrol vehicle. The Bike Team’s

One of the challenges in maintaining a public safety bike team, or any specialty

presence at these events enabled law

unit or assignment, is keeping up with

enforcement to ensure that proceed-

the modernization of equipment,

ings were safe and successful.

technology, and uniforms, all of which

The Sheriff’s Office Bike Team also

are important in keeping deputies and

deployed on what is typically our

the public safe, as well as projecting a

biggest bike detail event of the year, the

professional image while serving. We

Annual Cayucos Fourth of July Celebra-

are proud to report that we have added

tion. This is a great community event on

a pair of Trek 29-inch patrol bicycles to

the Central Coast, which draws several

the fleet in 2018, and intend to add

thousand people to the town of

another two in 2019. We are also very

Cayucos. The Sheriff’s Office Bike

happy to report that during 2018, the

Team takes great pride in participating

Bike Team was able to upgrade its

and serving at this annual event.

uniforms to a solid tan shirt, forest green pants, and solid forest green patrol jackets, all of which are consistent with our standard Sheriff’s Office patrol uniforms. During 2018, the Bike Patrol Team deployed for several events. These included assisting the San Luis Obispo Police Department with its St. Patrick’s Day celebration,) followed by the SLO Women’s March in March, and the Templeton Wine Festival in May. Each of these events involved large crowds of people converging downtown, which would present logistical challenges for a

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

SEARCH AND RESCUE THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

This license allows SLOSAR-trained

Many members strive for perfection

EMS Staff to re-certify EMTs through

and have acquired advanced skills in

the State and also evaluate skills at the

search theory, management, operations,

state and national level. We also teach

logistics management, advanced GPS

all of our CPR training in house and

computer mapping, and advanced

teach CPR to several other departments

technical rescue. Some members have

within the Sheriff’s Office.

created trainings that have been

Search and Rescue (SLOSAR) Team consists of volunteer members of our

SLOSAR now has a strong Type 1

community who are trained and

search team, which can be deployed

certified in Emergency Medical

anywhere in the state for extreme and

Responder (EMR) and Health Care

snow search conditions. This team will

Provider CPR, the Incident Command

be an asset to the state and further our

System (ICS), communications,

important relationships with

extensive search techniques and

other counties.

procedures, rope rescue skills, map, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS) and wilderness tracking and survival. All members are certified by the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) in SAR Technician II.

SLOSAR IS ONE OF VERY

In 2019 SLOSAR will have a Type 3 USAR team and an Operational Disaster Response Guide, which will allow SLOSAR to be an important resource in the event of a disaster in our county or within the state. New members begin on probation and,

FEW COUNT Y SAR UNITS

over the course of 12–18 months, a

THAT HAVE THEIR OWN

probationary member is trained by experienced SLOSAR team members

CALIFORNIA EMS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM.

recognized nationwide and others are developing trainings that will enhance and increase the skill levels of their teammates. SLOSAR has an Out of County Incident Management Team that could deploy to another county and provide assistance or guidance on the management of their search. SLOSAR’s current membership is 61 members strong. The specialty teams within SLOSAR include: 1. 4X4 team 2. ATV (quad) team 3. Communications/Dispatching 4. Mountain Bike Team (urban and rural)

and expected to gain proficiency in all of the skills described above and many

5. Technical Rope Rescue Team

other areas on their way to becoming full members.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

(high and low angle)

6. K-9 Team (area searching, trailing, and cadaver)

7. Crew/rehab trailer

7. Medical Team (20+ members

8. ATV/Quads

rated at EMT or higher)

9. Cal OES Communications MIGU

8. Tracking Team

10. Mountain bikes

9. USAR Disaster Team (2019)

11. Metal detector equipment

10. Project Lifesaver Team

12. Humvee

Because of SLOSAR’s training and expertise, they also support the

COMMUNIT Y INVOLVEMENT

Sheriff’s Office by participating in crime scene searches and equipment support. Some of the specialty equipment and vehicles available and supported by SLOSAR are: 1. 26’ communication-command vehicle

6. Command trailers

The cost saved by San Luis Obispo County for employing a professional search & rescue volunteer team in the field is approximately $500 per hour.

SLOSAR IS ONE OF VERY FEW COUNT Y SAR UNITS THAT HAVE THEIR OWN CALIFORNIA EMS

With a total of approximately 3,600 volunteer hours spent on missions, the cost saved by San Luis Obispo County for all volunteer time is estimated at $1.8 million per year.

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER PROGRAM.

2. Detailed topographical county maps & computer mapping

Throughout the year they participate in

(Terrain Navigator Pro)

community events, such as medical

3. 4X4 tow vehicle 4. Generators and light towers 5. 40’ medical trailer

stand-by and first aid stations for special events such as adventure races, community events such as Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch or Cops ‘n’ Kids Day, and the San Luis Obispo Christmas Parade.

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

SAVP THE SHERIFF’S AUXILIARY VOLUNTEER PATROL (SAVP) program was established to assist the

neighborhoods and business districts,

In August while out patrolling, one of

and volunteer to remove graffiti

our SAVPs came across a vehicle with

throughout San Luis Obispo County,

the door wide open and no one around,

utilizing the Sheriff’s Office Graffiti

at the Bob Jones Trail parking lot. After

Abatement Vehicle. SAVPs also act as

waiting to see if someone would return,

additional “eyes and ears” to identify

he looked inside the car and found there

and report potential crime problems,

was a purse, a wallet, and phone lying

resulting in improved public safety.

on the floor. He contacted the Sheriff’s

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office

Aside from graffiti abatement and

Office watch commander and let him

in meeting its law enforcement mission.

patrolling the streets, this year auxiliary

know what he had found. Steps were

This year, SAVPs have spent approximately 3,000 hours in various types of volunteering public service and prevention activities. SAVPs out of our South Station provided 249 business checks, and 134 vacation checks for homes. Coast Station SAVPs drove over 20,000 miles patrolling the streets, and SAVPs volunteering out of North Station spent 144 hours removing graffiti throughout the county. We are honored to have members of our community within our ranks volunteering their time to better our neighborhoods.

patrol members performed 180

taken to attempt to contact the owner

residential vacation checks. Addition-

of the vehicle by using the license plate

ally, they regularly assisted the Crime

number and driver’s license information,

Prevention Unit at public displays and

and a voicemail was left for the owner.

events in order to enhance crime

The SAVP locked up the car and left a

prevention education. SAVPs are also

note on the windshield. Later that day,

utilized to assist with emergency

the Sheriff’s Office received a call back

situations that occur, including search-

from the owner of the vehicle, who was

ing for missing people, and other types

so thankful someone trustworthy had

of unforeseen circumstances. SAVPs

acted to secure her car. This is one of

play an important role in assisting with

many examples of the commendable

the “Operation Lifesaver” program, by

work being done by the Sheriff’s Office

regularly changing the batteries for

SAVP volunteers.

these devices used by those that utilize this important program. These

These dedicated men and women are

devices are extremely important for

trained in a variety of law enforcement

individuals and families of those who

topics, including observation skills, radio

wander from their home, and it

procedures, CPR and first-aid. They

provides an opportunity for volunteers

provide supplemental patrol in our

to check in on those in the program

This program is a partnership between law enforcement and the public, which serves to increase the impact that the Sheriff’s Office has in preserving safety and security in San Luis Obispo County.

and be a friendly face.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

SHERIFF’S POSSE 2018 WAS AN ACTIVE YEAR FOR THE SHERIFF’S POSSE. 10 REGUL AR MEMBERS AND FOUR ACTIVE HONORARY MEMBERS VOLUNTEERED A TOTAL OF 661 HOURS IN 2018. The Unit participated in 6 parades 1. San Miguel’s Sagebrush Days 2. Templeton’s Independence Day

The Posse also participated in the • Sheriff’s Office G.R.E.A.T. camps • Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch

The Sheriff’s Posse provided co-unit training to Search and Rescue probationary members as part of their required training, so both units can safely work together when the Posse unit is called to assist with a search.

• All Sheriff’s Town Hall Meetings • Operation Readiness Drill which is the department’s assessment day for coordinated efforts by all volunteer units. The Unit patrolled the Cal Poly Rodeo, the Templeton Fourth of July Concert in the Park, the California Mid-State Fair, the Creston Rodeo, and for the first time this year assisted in patrolling the Cayucos Beach on the Fourth of July.

3. Cambria’s Pinedorado 4. Paso Robles’s Pioneer Days 5. Atascadero’s Colony Days 6. Pismo Beach’s Clam Festival

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

AERO SQUADRON County. The Sheriff’s intent is to place

As mentioned in last year’s report, a key

this aircraft into Search, Rescue, and

feature of this aircraft is its exterior,

Surveillance service to minimize the use

gimbal-mounted high resolution, high

of privately owned aircrafts, and thus

altitude camera system, which will

the County’s risk exposure.

allow imaging of ground targets for

AERO SQUADRON SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS.

The aircraft had an aged avionics suite,

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

which was functional but in need of

Aero Squadron is an all-volunteer organization composed of licensed pilots and non-pilot trained observers. This unit is associated with the Sheriff’s Office, and is designed to support law enforcement and public safety through airborne search, rescue, surveillance and specialized transportation functions.

upgrade to contemporary standards for

and rescue operations. The Sheriff’s Office and County

funding for this work became available

completed the approval process for

in the third quarter of 2017 and the

Aero Squadron-nominated pilots with

aircraft was delivered to Helicomm, an

the qualifications and experience

aircraft avionics installer at Paso Robles

required to fly as Pilots-in-Command.

Municipal Airport in early August 2017.

Aero Squadron-nominated Flight Officer

Completion and delivery is expected in

candidates have also been evaluated

early January 2019 due to the extent of

and approved.

modifications involved. With the

member-pilots have utilized their

generous support of Helicomm, we

privately-owned aircrafts for mission

acquired a superior avionics instrumen-

support operations. Aircraft owners are

tation panel, including a Garmin G500

reimbursed only for the aviation fuel and

dual screen electronic flight display and

oil used in conjunction with assigned

a JPI electronic engine monitor. A public

missions. Squadron aircraft-owners fly

address system similar to that used by

their own aircraft as Pilots-in-Command.

CHP has also been installed. A special-

Other pilots may fly under the designa-

ized law enforcement transceiver with

tion of Flight Officer or Observer-only.

multiple law enforcement frequencies

Cessna 182 Skylane from the San

and which will significantly aid search

the aircraft’s intended missions. County

Since its founding, Aero Squadron

In 2016, the Sheriff acquired a 1982

better detection than the human eye,

was acquired and installed with funding provided by a federal grant.

BACKGROUND The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Aero Squadron was originally formed during World War II to provide coastal anti-submarine patrol functions and operated out of the original Hearst Ranch airstrip north of Cambria. Undoubtedly, this was a result of enemy submarines firing upon the oil storage facilities near Cayucos and the torpedoed sinking of the Union Oil

Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office that

tanker Montebello just offshore

year at essentially no initial cost to the

Cambria on December 23, 1941. The

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

pilots and observers providing these

More commonly, the Aero Squadron is

the county’s mountainous terrain and

airborne patrols supplemented the

called upon to assist ground search and

steep valleys. These areas normally

hundreds of “Special Deputies”

rescue teams searching for missing

block line-of-sight VHF radio transmis-

appointed by Sheriff Murray Hathaway

persons throughout the county. Missing

sion and reception between ground

to assist his relatively small number of

persons have typically included inexpe-

personnel. Orbiting Aero Squadron

sworn deputies. Our earliest written

rienced hikers, hunters, off-road

aircraft can communicate with search

records show the official founding and

mountain bicyclers, motorcyclists, ATV

base and remote teams, relaying critical

recognition of the Aero Squadron as

enthusiasts, lost children and elderly

information on a real-time basis.

part of the county’s Sheriff’s Office in

people, especially including those with

1948. The Squadron was reorganized in

mental, emotional or age-induced

the late 1960s and then again in the

challenges. The Squadron has also been

mid-1970s in its present form. It has

involved in the location and recovery of

operated continuously since then and is

personal remains of those who have

today comprises members from various

taken their own lives.

professional and business backgrounds

Fortunately for many, the introduction

with aviation-related skills and interests.

and wide availability of GPS technology in hand-held devices and mobile

MISSION

telephones over the past ten years has

One of the Aero Squadron’s vital original

led to a significant reduction in the

missions was to provide airborne

number of “lost” persons who, with a

search, location and rescue-support for

little guidance from these devices, are

survivors of overdue and missing

now better able to navigate back to

aircraft along the coastal range and

safety. Prevalence of this technology

remote inland areas. Numerous aircraft

has resulted in decreased demand for

and crash scenes have been located

assistance from our county’s search

over the years with varying degrees of

and rescue organizations.

support provided, including the Pacific Southwest Airlines crash west of Templeton in the 1980s.

The Aero Squadron also provides an

Other Aero Squadron missions also include personnel, vehicle and vessel tracking as part of narcotics and contraband surveillance and intervention operations. Currently, higher performance Aero Squadron aircraft provide the Sheriff, his staff and other county personnel with a transportation asset throughout the state of California for business meeting attendance. The Aero Squadron also exhibits its aircraft and ground support vehicle at various local airshows, the annual Law Enforcement Night at the San Luis Obispo Farmers’ Market in May and the Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch event in September.

important airborne communication relay platform for ground search and law enforcement teams operating within

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

DIVE TEAM THE SHERIFF’S UNDERWATER SEARCH AND RECOVERY TEAM

covered her with sand and rocks. Thanks

brought the Dive Team Truck loaded up

to the efforts of the Dive Team, a

with all of its equipment to the gradua-

suspect is in custody and the case is

tion ceremonies for Mesa Middle

currently being adjudicated.

School in Nipomo, Cayucos Middle School and Lillian Larsen elementary in

COMMUNIT Y OUTREACH

San Miguel.

In May of this year, school resource

Madonna Ranch was the place to be in

deputies put on “Shandon Public Safety

September for Cops and Kids.

had another busy year. The team was

Day” at Shandon Junior High School.

called out to assist another agency in a

Hundreds of families from around the

The Dive Team, along with other county

murder victim recovery. There were

county showed up for the fun. Dive

agencies, presented their equipment

eleven training sessions, an administra-

Team members displayed their diving

and answered questions posed

tive meeting, and an all-day speaker’s

gear and educated the public on the

by students.

tasks and responsibilities of the Team.

conference. Dive team members also participated in seven community outreach programs. The team is made up of 25 members, one commander, one sergeant, eight deputy sheriffs, one reserve deputy and fifteen civilian volunteers.

Farmers’ Market during the month of

Each year the Sheriff’s Office puts on

May drew a huge crowd this year and

“The Sheriff’s Citizens Academy”. This

the Sheriff’s Dive Team was there to

course is an educational outreach

display their equipment, answer

program for adults. The curriculum lasts

questions, and explain the roll the Team

for eleven weeks and includes instruc-

plays in the community.

tors from the different divisions of the

The G.R.E.A.T. Program (Gang

CALL- OUTS

Resistance Education and Training) runs

The Search and Recovery Dive Team

summer camps every year at three local

was called out to assist San Luis Obispo

schools in the county. When the

Police Department detectives to recover

students graduate from this program,

a murder victim that was found half

many of the local agencies’ specialty

Sheriff’s Office who educate the participants about the many different aspects of the Agency. Highlights of the course content included a presentation by the Dive Team and an equipment display at the graduation.

buried underwater in a streambed.

units are invited to showcase their

Divers in hazmat diving suits supervised

equipment, answer questions, and let

by forensic investigators unburied the

the kids get a look at how exciting a

In January of this year Dive Team

career as a first responder can be. In

members brushed up on basic but

female victim after a winter storm

TRAINING

June and July, Dive Team members

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

life-saving skills, including buoyancy

Dive Team training in May was at the

were picked up, dropped in the ocean,

control and donning and doffing of

bottom of Lopez Lake, where Team

and then hoisted back into the chopper

equipment while underwater. This took

members did a deep dive to 97 feet. At

and flown back to shore.

place at Hardie Pool in Cayucos.

the same time new Dive Team

Veterans as well as new members

members donned the Team’s full-face

participated in the training.

masks, dry suits, and got acclimated to their use in the shallows.

February’s location for the much-dreaded SLAM training was at

A secondary training took place at Bass

Spooner’s Cove in Montano de Oro.

Lake in Madera County in May. Three

Divers spent the day getting thrashed

sworn members and two volunteers

around by the surf. The training helps

were sent to a specialized Side-Scan

team members prepare themselves for

Sonar training where a dozen other

rescuing or recovering victims from

agencies from around the state partook

surf-covered rocks and rough ocean

in the four day event. The Sheriff’s

conditions. Also included in the training

pontoon boat was towed to Bass Lake

was an open ocean swim in the waves

for the practical portion of the training.

and surge.

Team members spent June’s training

This year’s annual Diver Education was

repairing, and renovating equipment. In

in March at the PG&E Conference

addition, dry diving and salvage

Center, which hosts both statewide and

techniques were practiced at the

local participating agencies. Speakers

Sheriff’s equipment barn.

presented subjects that included

July and August’s training sessions

dive-medicine, diving safety, and marine biology. A secondary training took place in March. Divers spent the day in the rain and the mud in Morro Bay Harbor. The training includes divers

public launch in Avila Beach. Team members practiced locating objects underwater using Side-Scan sonar. Team members who attended the Bass Lake Training were able to teach the rest of the team the skills they learned. Once the items are located divers are then sent in the water to retrieve them. Morro Bay harbor was the scene for November’s training. Pier orientation and search patterns were on the schedule. The turnout for training was light as the majority of the sworn

patterns. Newer team members were

Each December, team members spend the training day doing administrative details that include position elections and the following year’s training schedule. Emergency situation like this occurs in our county.

vessels used by the Dive Team in case

attempt to cross the muddy bottom at

of an emergency.

super low tides.

Helocasting out of CHP’s H70 helicop-

In April of this year the Dive Team practiced swift water rescue techniques at the base of the Nacimiento Lake Dam. The outflow from the lake is a great place for the team to set up and perform realistic mock rescue scenarios.

diving, boat operations and search

enough to operate one of the Sheriff’s

kayakers or paddleboarders who

pher Meadows” was launched at the

members were sent to Ventura County

member of the Team must be proficient

These skills are used to rescue stranded

In October the Sheriff’s vessel “Christo-

to aid in the fire evacuations.

become a “Public Safety Diver”. Every

themselves—and each other—from it.

month of September.

practiced hazmat protocol, black water

practice skills that are required to

harbor in low tide as well as extracting

a pool and on the ocean during the

were spent at Lake Nacimiento. Divers

partnered with Veteran divers to

traversing the muddy bottom of the

In addition, the Dive Team assisted the SED team in their water training both in

ter into the water is one of the team’s all-time favorite training sessions. This year the location was in Avila Beach, the month was September, and Unocal was kind enough to allow their property to be used as the landing zone. Divers

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

EXPLORERS EXPLORER PROGRAM HELPS YOUTH DISCOVER THE WORLD OF LAW ENFORCEMENT. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Post 781 consists of a

Responsibilities of the Explorer Post include: • Assisting our country’s veterans with parking and escorting at the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day services at the Los Osos Valley Memorial Cemetery • Participating in the Cops ‘n’ Kids Day activities in Arroyo Grande • Teaming up with deputies at the California Mid-State Fair to assist

group of young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21 who are

with their assignments throughout

interested in discovering more about

the venue, and assisting at the Fair’s

law enforcement and a possible career

Sheriff’s Booth

in the profession. The Explorer Post currently maintains a roster of 7 members and is officially chartered through the Boy Scouts of America. Four advisors lend their expertise in training post members under the supervision of a deputy sergeant.

• Assisting with the Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch activities • Providing traffic and crowd control services to the annual Paso Robles Christmas Parade • Providing youth leadership and

Various other deputies are called upon

small group training sessions at the

to assist with specialty trainings.

Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (G.R.E.A.T.)

• Volunteering to assist with compliance operations with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Agency and the County of San Luis Obispo Tobacco Program • Partnering with deputy teams for foot patrol at the 4th of July Fireworks Show in Cayucos • Participating in several patrol unit ride-a-longs throughout the year • Provide the Sheriff’s Office with interpreting services Weekly meetings provide scenariobased training and discussions on law enforcement duties, such as handling domestic violence calls, suspicious subject contact, vehicle traffic stops, felony car stops, report taking, and firearms handling and training. Members of Post 781 conduct building searches; apply fingerprinting techniques, handcuffing techniques and suspect pat-downs; engage in active shooter scenarios, hostage negotiations, and DUI sobriety examinations; and receive an introduction to canine handling techniques.

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

CONTACT INFORMATION Watch Commander’s Desk: (805) 781-4553 General Business Line (Dispatch): (805) 781-4550x3 Main Jail Information: (805) 781-4600 North Patrol Station: (805) 434-4290 Coast 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

LEAD THE WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2018

SLO COUNT Y SHERIFFâ€™S OFFICE