Issuu

San Luis Obispo Count y Sheriff’s OFFICE 2013 Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF-CORONER

SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT DETAIL

MESSAGE FROM UNDERSHERIFF

GANG TASK FORCE

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS UNIT

NARCOTICS UNIT

TRAINING UNIT

CANINE (K-9) UNIT

STANDARDS AND TRAINING FOR

BOMB TASK FORCE

RURAL CRIME UNIT

MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT

BICYCLE PATROL TEAM

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT

PROPERTY ROOM

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION UNIT

CORRECTIONS UNIT RECORDS AND WARRANTS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

COMPUTER FORENSICS LAB

FISCAL DIVISION

CIVIL DIVISION

CUSTODY DIVISION

CRIME LABORATORY

INFORMATION UNIT

CORONER’S UNIT

DIVE TEAM

DETECTIVES DIVISION

AERO SQUADRON

SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT

EXPLORER PROGRAM

SAFE TEAM

SHERIFF’S POSSE

NORTH PATROL STATION

SHERIFF’S AUXILIARY VOLUNTEER

SOUTH PATROL STATION

COAST PATROL STATION

WATCH COMMANDER’S OFFICE

DISPATCH CENTER

CRIME PREVENTION AND PUBLIC

PATROL (SAVP)

SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM (SAR)

CONTACT

M e ss a g e f r om t h e S h e r i f f - C o r o n e r This report is intended to show the accomplishments of the Sheriff’s Office over the past year. We are very proud to report to the citizens

facility and jail programming space. These

of San Luis Obispo that the Sheriff’s

facilities have been needed for some time

Office continues to be the leader in the

and will help us not only deal with the

county. We pride ourselves on working

crowding impacts of AB 109, but will also

together with our fellow law enforcement

provide the space necessary for drug

partners, county employees and citizens

and alcohol treatment, as well as several

in order to accomplish our goal of keeping

other programs.

you safe in San Luis Obispo County.

I continue to be very proud to wear the

We have a very busy year planned. The

Sheriff’s star on my uniform and represent

most significant project will be the build-

the Sheriff’s Office. I am optimistically

ing of the new women’s jail, medical

looking forward to another great year.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Ian Parkinson San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner

M e ss a g e f r om T h e U n d e r s h e r i f f I am amazed at what we have been able to accomplish by working together as a team over the past year. By focusing on what is best for the Sheriff’s

women who make the Sheriff’s Office the

community and ensure our county remains

Office as a whole, we have been able to

great agency that it is. Collectively, we have

one of the safest places to live and visit.”

provide an even higher level of service to

made tremendous and innovative progress

our county. I am especially excited to see

and will continue to grow as we take on proj-

growth within our volunteer organizations.

ects in the year ahead. I look forward to

Without our volunteer’s high level of com-

these opportunities that will allow us to

mitment and dedication, we could not

keep moving the Sheriff’s Office toward our

provide many of the services we currently

goal of excellence.

offer. They are a true testament to the collaborative work ethic that we embrace at the Sheriff’s Office.

The new Sheriff’s Office vision statement speaks to the values we try to embrace during our daily service.

I am honored to wear the tan and green uni-

form of the Sheriff’s Office and am “Our vision is to be the most progressive and extremely proud of the dedicated men and creative leaders within the law enforcement

Tim Olivas San Luis Obispo County Undersheriff

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PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Unit Citizen Complaint Incidents Received The Professional Standards Unit that was

Between Jan 1, 2013–Dec 31,2013

created in February 2011 continued to

By Class

expand in its responsibilities. In 2013, the Sheriff’s Office training responsibilities

2.7% Unlawful

were also added to the Professional

Search: 1

Standards Unit as Sheriff Parkinson believes that there is a strong correlation

24.32%

between the training and the Professional

8.11% Dishonesty: 3

NEGLECT OF DUTY: 9

Standards Unit’s functions. W hen employees make mistakes, oftentimes a

10.81% UNAUTHORIZED TACTICS: 4

training component may be strengthened to ensure that these mistakes do not recur. In addition, professional standards investigations often reveal training

13.51%

inadequacies. For instance, in a couple of

UNAUTHORIZED FORCE: 5

use-of-force incidents, the investigation revealed that some employees were not adept at communicating with upset individuals. In response, an Effective Communication Skills class was created

21.62% DISCOURTESY: 8

UNBECOMING CONDUCT: 10

for employees to learn the strategies necessary for communicating in difficult situations. Likewise, several domestic v i o len c e investig ati o ns invo l v in g

18.92%

Complaints

employees were led to a mandate that all

The number of citizen complaints has

Sheriff’s Office employees attend a

continued to decrease under Sheriff

last year. There are two important fac-

Domestic Violence and Law Enforcement

Parkinson’s Administration. In 2013,

tors when examining these complaint

Administration and a 17% reduction from

class. The joining of the Professional

there were 38 citizen complaints com-

statistics. First, the number of citizen

Standards Unit and the Training Unit is

pared to 45 citizen complaints in 2012

complaints has continued to plummet,

a progressive step in achieving the

and 51 citizen complaints in 2011. That is

indicating professional conduct by our

highest standard possible of professional

an overall decrease of 27% when com-

employees. Second, in addition to the

law enforcement.

pared to the first year of the Parkinson

reduction of complaints, the consistent

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

number of complaints indicates that the Sheriff’s Office is being responsive to these calls. It should also be noted that there are very few sustained citizen complaints (two in 2013, three in 2012 and three in 2011). This low percentage of sustained complaints validates the professional conduct utilized by the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office. Use-of-Force

Pursuits

Use - of-force incidents have

Sheriff’s Office and were developed by

su bst anti all y inc re ase d in 2 013 ,

Sheriff Parkinson in 2012, more years of

particularly in the jail. In total, there

data need to be obtained to determine

were 6 6 repor table use - of-force

its statistical relevancy. In spite of the

incidents in 2013 compared to 38 in

increased incidents, very few were

2012. That is a 74% increase. The

d ete r mine d to b e o u t of p o li c y,

increase in use-of-force incidents in

illustrating necessary use-of-force. Also,

the jail may be linked to AB 109 that

considering the number of employees,

shifts state prison inmates to county

arrests and increased inmate population,

jails, increasing inmate sophistication

this remains a relatively low number

a n d p o s si b l y in c re a sin g v i o l e nt

of incidents. Use-of-force incidents

encounters. For instance, there were

are investig ate d by su p er v iso r s

16 reportable use-of-force incidents in

whenever there is an activation of a

2012 in the jail compared to 37 in 2013.

Taser or other control device such as a

Although the number of patrol use-of-

baton or OC spray. In addition, use-of-

force incidents rose in 2013 to 27

force investigations are conducted

compared to 21 incidents in 2012, the

when an arrestee receives a visible

increase was not as substantial.

injury or complains about an injury.

Another determining factor may be

Sheriff Parkinson wants to ensure that

overcrowding. During several months

d e p u t i e s u s e r e a s o n a b l e fo r c e

i n 2 0 13 , t h e j a i l w a s s e v e r e l y

to protect both themselves and the

The Professional Standards Unit began to monitor vehicle pursuits in 2012. There were 22 vehicle pursuits in 2012, but only 12 pursuits in 2013, a 45% decrease. This decrease in pursuits is an encouraging statistic. However, like use - of- forc e inc id ent s, pur suit s statistics were not maintained prior to the Sheriff Parkinson Administration, so more data is needed to determine statistic al relevancy. Sometimes vehicle pursuits are unavoidable, but when they are necessar y, Sheriff Parkinson wants to ensure that they abide by Sheriff’s Office policy and that deputies exercise common sense and sound judgment. Supervisors are also held accountable for pursuit oversight. Patrol and Civilian Training

overcrowded with inmates sleeping on

public, while continuing to monitor use-

The Training Unit is divided into two

floor beds, which increased tension

of-force incidents to ensure that they

sections, the Patrol and Civilian Training

and, ultimately, violence. Since use-of-

are necessary and comport with best-

Section and Standards and Training for

force statistics are relatively new for the

case practices.

Corrections. Each section is headed by

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a training coordinator who reports to the training manager. These sections were merged, reorganized and placed under the supervision of the professional standards commander in 2013. The Patrol and Civilian Training Section provides training courses developed and instructed by members of the Sheriff’s Office and certified through the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) for sworn and civilian members. Patrol deputies and dispatchers are mandated to receive 24 hours of POST certified

Standards and Training for

progressive move forward toward a

training within a two-year period. A 2013

Corrections

more proactive approach to training by

T h e S t a n d a r d s a n d Tr a i n i n g fo r

creating the first ever dedicated

POST audit revealed that the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office was 100% in compliance. This was the only law enforcement agency that obtained 100% compliance in the counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Marin, Solano and Sonoma. During 2013, the Patrol and Civilian Section provided its sworn and civilian staff 18,358 hours of training for 2,855 students including those from the Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement

Corrections Section develops and administers both current and future training for the Custody Division. The Standards and Training for Corrections Section takes a proactive approach to correctional best practices in order to maintain a high level of correctional staff job proficiency and professional standards. Highly trained correctional staff is able to maintain a high level of facility security, deputy safety and care

agencies, and volunteers.

for the welfare of county jail inmates.

Included in this training are the following

In 2013, the Standards and Training for

highlighted courses and hours:

Corrections Section continued its

Class

Custody Emergency Response Team ( C . E . R .T. ). T h i s t e a m r e c e i v e s continuous quarterly training in tactical cell entr y and p otential custo d y emergencies. Last year alone, each individual C.E.R.T. member received over 90 hours of specialized training. In 2013, the Standards and Training for Corrections Section provided over 2,300 hours of professional training for 185 students. The State of California requires at least 24 hours a year of professional training for each sworn custody employee. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office not only meets this minimum requirement, but

Students

Hours

Active Shooter

248

1,984

Effective Communication Skills

284

Driver Training EVOC Update

136

1,088

Firearm (PSP)

138

592

best practices, the Standards and

Firearms/Tactical Rifle Update

133

532

Training for Corrections Section will

Internal Affairs Investigation

117

936

continue to provide the tools for staff to

Domestic Violence and Law Enforcement

386

maintain a safe and secure county jail.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

also surpasses that requirement with the belief that additional training increases professionalism. With a proactive approach toward correctional

RECORDS & WARRANTS

The Records and Warrants Unit consists

ing to approximately 1,050 requests

employees. This unit is responsible for

annually for documents that fall within

entering criminal warrants into state and

the Public Records Act. Goals for 2014

national databases, registration of sex/

include enhancing the processing and

arson/gang/drug offenders, processing

management of our 12,000 annual crime

extraditions, concealed weapons permits,

reports, expanding the countywide crimi-

explosive permits, business licenses, and

nal justice information system, and

processing legal documents (discovery

creating new processes for handling

orders, record seals, subpoenas). This unit is also responsible for Live Scan fingerprinting of applicants, duplicate ID

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

resolution, DOJ validations, and respond-

of nine full-time and two part-time

more than 20,000 active criminal warrants issued by the San Luis Obispo Superior Court.

Located in the main headquarters build-

In 2013, the IT team was involved in sev-

ing, the Information Technology Unit (IT)

eral major projects. The implementation

is staffed by a supervisor, senior program

of a new employee scheduling system,

engineer, systems administrator, and

replacement of the radio dispatch sys-

technical support person. IT is responsi-

tem, and the on-going upgrade of the

ble for the purchase, installation,

AFIS/photo system were just some of

maintenance and support of all computer

the team’s responsibilities. Also in 2013,

systems at the Sheriff’s Office, including

the Information Technology Unit stream-

the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) sys-

lined the help desk process to incorporate

tem, critical records management

the county’s help desk. This allows us to

software, arrest records and jail manage-

more efficiently and effectively handle

ment systems. There are over 350

our increasing volume of help desk calls.

workstations, laptops and other devices, as well as 50 mobile data terminals that are maintained by the IT department.

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Computer Forensic L ab

Computer Forensics is the process of

The Sheriff’s Office works closely with

obtaining evidence from all types of digi-

allied agencies within the county to

tal media (computer hard drives, CDs,

make these specialized capabilities avail-

DVDs, cell phones, tablets, etc.) that can

able to their respective investigative

be presented in a court of law.

units. In 2013, the forensics lab assisted

The Sheriff’s Office has a dedicated computer forensics lab facility, and has trained personnel in both online crime investigations and computer forensics.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

these allied agencies with 21 cases in addition to the 45 cases managed for the Sheriff’s Office.

FISCAL Services The Fiscal Division supports the Sheriff’s Office in areas of accounting that include accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, grant reporting, quarterly financial reporting and budgeting. The division is comprised of an administrative services manager (ASM) that oversees the Fiscal Division and supervises the accounting staff with preparation and monitoring of the annual budget, quarterly reporting, and fiscal management of various grants. In addition to the ASM, the division includes: (1) an accountant II

Quick Facts

FY 13–14 Objectives

• Budget for FY 2013–14: $62 Million

• Provide better reporting to manage-

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

who monitors the budget for custody, including the Inmate Welfare Fund and Civil Division’s billings, reconciliations, account analysis and various reporting, (2) an accounting technician who is currently in charge of receivables, payables, reconciliations and monthly journal entries, and (3) two senior accounting

FY 12–13 Accomplishments • Completed the consolidation process that includes new cost centers, internal orders and changes to purchase orders to be implemented with the FY 2013– 14 budget

clerks in charge of accounts payable, pur-

• Added a senior accounting clerk to the

chase requisitions and purchase orders.

Fiscal Office due to the higher volume

ment that will include monthly, quarterly and annual budget information and statistics • Involve management in the budget process for each of the 4 divisions including monthly, quarterly and annual budget planning and monitoring • Develop a financial forecast for a twoyear period to be used as a planning tool • Work with administration and upper management on developing a committee to keep current on all grant and funding opportunities

of work • Continued to develop new processes for better efficiency and improved reporting • Continued to work on acquiring new grants and other funding opportunities

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CIVIL DIVISION

The Sheriff’s Office Civil Division serves

Superior Courts and the County of San

civil process in the manner prescribed by

Luis Obispo Courthouse. There are 15

law. The majority of procedures and laws

deput y sherif fs and one sergeant

governing the service and execution of

assigned as bailiffs to the superior

civil process are set forth in the California

courts. The Civil Division also oversees

Code of Civil Procedure. The Civil

the security checkpoints leading into the

Division works in conjunction with the

county courthouse.

civil courts in San Luis Obispo County and civil courts throughout the State of California in the execution and service of process. It is the goal of the Civil Division to serve all processes in a timely manner while maintaining an impartial position between all parties involved.

For the time period of January 1 to December 13, 2013, the following civil processes were handled by the five civil deputies and four legal clerks assigned to the Civil Division: Evictions

683

Civil process includes the service of

Levies

1,069

summons and complaints, small claims

Services of Civil Processes

4,294

documents, restraining orders, subpoenas and evictions. Other ser vices include levies on wages, bank accounts, personal property, real property, or any

The Sheriff’s Civil Division is located within the San Luis Obispo County

other asset of the judgment debtor.

Courthouse at 1050 Monterey Street,

The Civil Division also provides security

Public counter hours are Monday through

services for the San Luis Obispo County

Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, excluding holidays.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Room 236, San Luis Obispo, California.

CUSTODY DIVISION

County Jail The San Luis Obispo County Jail has come a long way. In the 1850s, Sheriff Henry J. Dally appointed his first jailer at $25 per month. The county rented one room at the west end of Mission San Luis Obispo for the jail. Today, the San Luis Obispo County Jail is located on Kansas Avenue in San Luis Obispo and is comprised of 176.5 Sheriff’s Office employees, plus medical, mental health staff, substance abuse counselors and numerous volunteers. The Custody Division’s annual budget is approximately $27,000,000 (salary/services). The primary function of the county jail is to house pre-trial arrestees and sentenced inmates in a safe and secure environment, which increases protection for the community as a whole. The county jail houses both male and female inmates in maximum, medium and minimum security housing locations. It also provides for the health and welfare of the inmates and has the responsibility of transporting those inmates to and from locations outside of the jail. The county jail operates in conformance

The county jail processes approximately 14,0 0 0 inmates per year and has a BSCC bed rated capacity of 589. With today’s inmate count at 770, the jail is overcrowded and is experiencing a steady increase in population as a result of Assembly Bill 109, Public Safety Realignment. Limited program space and population increases have required that different strategies be used such as renovating existing buildings and purchasing modular units. T his has increased the opportunities for growth in treatment and other offender support programs as well as additional bed space. The following improvements are in progress: • Relocating the Women’s Honor Farm to the Weekender Barracks on the Men’s Honor Farm, which will provide housing for up to 60 female inmates • Remodeling the programming side of the modular units and converting the programming space back into housing, which will provide an additional 48 beds to help relieve floor sleepers in the men’s main jail • Using the newly acquired modular

with all laws, guidelines, and standards

units on the Men’s Honor Farm to pro-

as established by the Board of State

vide two large classrooms for the

and Community Corrections (BSCC),

county jail in collaboration with Drug

state and federal law, and the Sheriff’s

and Alcohol Services

Office policies and procedures. The

• Enhancing programs and treatment ser-

operation of the jail provides for com-

vices to the inmates with probation and

munity safety, facility security, and the

community-based service providers

welfare of staff and inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Realignment funds have supported the creation of the Jail Program and Services Unit and their ability to work with collaborative re - entr y teams, including Restorative Partners and other community and social service providers. These partnerships have helped to prepare and support incarcerated offenders so that they can successfully return to the community. Currently, the available space at the San Luis Obispo County Jail is limited, making it difficult to meet the demand of the increased need for programming and re-entry services. situations, court-ordered evaluations, or

Twenty-five women have participated in

Medical Dispensary

various service providers and family

reading classes and 58 in writing classes.

members who are requesting immediate

This represents 305 and 149.25 received-

The Medical Dispensary is staffed 24

ev a lu at i o n fo r a n at - r isk inm ate.

instruction hours.

hours a day with additional support from

A pproximately 3 0 – 35% of the jail

local hospitals (as needed). On average,

inmates are on psychiatric medication.

3,500 inmates are taken to the dispensary each month, with three sick calls a day, in addition to emergencies and clearances needed for inmates being booked into the jail. The inmates are treated for a variety of ailments ranging from alcohol withdrawals to heart problems. With more than 64% of the inmate population on prescription medication,

at the jail since January 1, 2013 and 31 peo-

Inmate Programs

ple have passed as of October 31, 2013.

The goals of inmate programs are to

The skills learned in the classes listed

improve offender success rates and

above include:

reduce recidivism. General Educational Development (GED)

• Test-taking strategies and time management on tests • Geometry, fractions, decimals, percentages, and other GED math topics

the cost of these medications will

Ninety-eight men have participated in

exceed $500,000 in 2013.

GED and Basic Skills classes. This repre-

• Essay writing

sents 692 received-instruction hours.

• Identifying key words

Forty men have participated in reading

• Guided reading

classes and 61 in writing classes. This

• Reading comprehension

represents 215.25 and 257.38 received-

• Vocabulary development

Mental Health Services The psychiatric staff operates seven days a week, 365 days a year. Jail Psychiatric Services had over 7,000 contacts last year, which works out to be around 20-22

instruction hours.

per day. However, it is not unusual to

Thirty-two women have attended GED

receive as many as 20-50 requests per

and Basic Skills classes. This represents

day. This does not include phone calls by

239.5 received-instruction hours.

correctional deputies for emergency

Fifty-nine people have taken the GED tests

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

• Note taking • Preparing to read

English as Second Language (ESL) To date, no women have requested for-

programs: Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing,

inmate students include Career Skills

Typing Master, and Microsoft Office.

and Life Skills. Life Skills classes are also taken into the 400 and 500 housing units.

mal ESL classes. However, the instructor

Additionally, inmates can explore career

does work with women developing their

paths through interest inventories and

Seventy-eight men have participated

English skills in the GED/Basic Education

personal assessments.

in Life Skills classes in units 400 and

and Reading/Writing classes.

In 2013, 95 male inmates participated in

Classes are interactive and include con-

computer skills for a total of 859 hours

versation, reading, and writing. In

of computer study. These numbers

5 0 0 , re p re s e n t i n g 3 7 8 h o u r s o f received-learning. Fifty-five women have participated

addition, inmates learn keyboard skills

include the computer study hours of the

in Life Skills classes since January 1,

and other techniques necessary for

26 ESL students. Services are con-

2013, representing 412.50 hours of

using computers.

tracted through Cuesta College.

received instruction.

In 2013, 26 male inmates were provided

One hundred four women have partici-

Life Skills

approximately 258 hours of instruction in

pated in C areer Skills classes,

the English language. Services are con-

representing 793 hours of received

tracted through Cuesta College.

instruction. Services are contracted

Vocational Education Program The focus of vocational education has been on the acquisition of keyboarding and office software skills. Both men and women use the following software

through Cuesta College. There have been several formal classes for female inmate students, and information is made available to male inmate students as well on an as-requested basis. The classes offered to female

The Life Skills program star ted in 2011. Since then, 150 tests have been given with an 85% passing rate. Life Skills courses have a variety of components including: • Job Search Basics (writing resumes, cover letters, and thank you letters, interviewing skills, and filling out applications) • Skills needed to keep a job such as working in teams, dealing with difficult people at work, understanding job performance reviews and how to respond to them, dealing with stress, and more • Educational planning including reviewing Cuesta applic ations, FA FS A documents, the Cuesta course catalogue, and a list of colleges offering correspondence for-credit classes to incarcerated populations • Starting a business in SLO and writing a business plan and/or marketing plan • Time management, stress management, budgeting and scheduling

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• Self-esteem • Goal setting, personal vision and mission statements • Decision-making

Farm inmates. Inmates learn the latest

• Public speaking

updates to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Food Code, understand

Alternatives to Violence (AVP)

complicated food borne pathogen infor-

Workshops

mation, and identify and convey where

The AVP program is available to the male and female Honor Farm inmates. The program involves workshops to help inmates change their lives by teaching them new skills and attitudes that lead to a more fulfilling and crime-free life.

key local codes may apply. Inmates passing a written test obtain a nationally

Various classes are offered to inmates throughout the year that involve creative writing, music, and art. A New Direction CBT

recognized certificate of competence in

A New Direction is a comprehensive cog-

the food service industry. This certificate

nitive -behavioral therapy treatment

is good for five years. CA Food Handlers Card

Workshops help inmates reduce the level of unresolved conflict in their lives

This program is available to male and

and the lives of those around them. It

female Honor Farm inmates and is

helps establish a base of self-esteem,

designed to ensure that inmates receive

trust and cooperation, and teaches

a reasonable level of training in food

methods of communication that help to

safety practices to reduce the potential

resolve conflict. Workshops are volun-

for food borne illness. This program can

tary. Each of the three levels of AVP

help an inmate be more employable once

workshops runs 18 to 20 hours and is

released from custody. A California Food

facilitated by a team of volunteers.

Handler Card is good for three years.

Certified Food Safety Manager

• Started the program in 2013

Training

• 40 tests given

Certified food safety manager training is

Creative Writing, Music and Art

• 100% passing rate

available to male and female Honor

program that trains chemically-dependent offenders to challenge their thinking in order to change their criminal and addictive behavior patterns. A New Direction consists of six core modules: Intake & Orientation, Criminal & Addictive Thinking, Drug & Alcohol Education, Socialization, Relapse Prevention, and Release & Reintegration Preparation. Moral Recognition Therapy Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT) is a systematic treatment strategy that seeks to decrease recidivism among adult criminal offenders by increasing moral reasoning. The MRT workbook is structured around seven basic treatment issues: (1) confrontation of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, (2) assessment of current relationships, (3) reinforcement

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

of positive behavior and habits, (4) positive identity formation, (5) enhancement of self-concept, (6) decrease in hedonism and development of frustration tolerance, and (7) development of higher

Seeking Safety Seeking Safety is a present-focused therapy that helps people attain safety from trauma/PTSD and substance abuse.

behavior. The curriculum involves having inmates assess â€œred flagsâ€? and take responsibility for their behavior. The program also helps inmates identify goals and available resources.

stages of moral reasoning.

There are five key principles of Seeking Safety: (1) safety as the overarching goal

Reproductive Health Education and

Helping Men Recover

(helping clients attain safety in their rela-

Counseling

Helping Men Recover is the first gender-

emotions), (2) integrated treatment

responsive, trauma-informed treatment program for men. The program model is organized into four modules: self, relationships, sexuality, and spirituality. These are the four areas that recovering men have identified as triggers for relapse and that are necessar y for growth and healing. Helping Women Recover and

tionships, thinking, behavior, and (working on both PTSD and substance abuse at the same time) (3) a focus on ideals to counteract the loss of ideals in both PTSD and substance abuse, (4) four content areas (cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, case management), and

movement), psycho-education, and relaunderstand the different forms of trauma, typical reactions to abuse, and how a histor y of victimization interacts with substance use to negatively impact lives.

Stress Reduction Through Yoga

bines stretching exercises, controlled

transference, self-care, and other issues).

breathing and relaxation. Yoga can help

The parenting curriculum focus is on

tional techniques to help women

tion and disease prevention.

Yoga is a mind-body practice that com-

This curriculum uses cognitive behavioral

er y, visualization, ar t therapy, and

contraceptive methods, health promo-

ing clinicians work on counter

Parenting

experiential therapies (e.g., guided imag-

anatomy, sexually transmitted infectio ns , H I V r isk fa c to r s , avail a b le

(5) attention to clinician processes (help-

Beyond Trauma

skills training, mindfulness meditation,

This class includes lessons on basic

enhancing parenting skills. This is achieved through discussions on parenting techniques and strategies for creating a healthy family environment. Planning for Change Planning for Change is a cognitive, behavior-type treatment program targeted at changing anti-social thinking and criminal

reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve heart function. Inmates are shown how to relax and manage stress and anxiety through yoga. Substance Treatment Program The Substance Treatment Program is a twelve-week course for inmates who have struggled with addiction and alcoholism. The curriculum includes anger management, relapse prevention educ ation, release planning, selfesteem, perception checking, and tools for success.

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Thinking for Change The Thinking for Change curriculum involves motivating inmates to actively participate in their own learning and to take responsibility for their own life situations. Three components of Thinking for Change are cognitive self-change, social skills, and problem solving skills. Bridging the Gap Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a sponsored program that begins with an AA member establishing a relationship with an inmate during incarceration, which continues after the inmate’s release. The

the county. Religious volunteers work

activities, and exploration of available

AA member assists the inmate with inte-

with custody staff to coordinate special

community resources.

grating back into the community and also

religious events such as Ash Wednesday,

provides access to local meetings and

Easter service and Christmas service.

Post-Release Case Management

Vets Helping Vets

Post- Rele ase C ase M an a g ement

In Vets Helping Vets, incarcerated veter-

services for eligible inmates based on

the recovery community. Garden Project The Men’s Honor Farm is a program

ans receive one-on-one mentoring and

assessed level of need in a range of areas

involving a collaborative partnership

spiritual counseling by other veterans

such as housing, substance abuse, and

between Restorative Partners and

who oftentimes also accompany them to

medical transportation.

California Polytechnic State University

their court hearings.

that gives inmates the opportunity to prepare, design and maintain a designated garden area. Ministry

Vocational Training

Forensic Reentry Services (FRS) The Forensic Reentry Service (FRS) is a

In-custody opportunities include work-

community service/outreach program

ing for the San Luis Obispo Humane

within the Mental Health Services Act

Society, Thousand Hills Pet Resort, Jail

program of San Luis Obispo County. The

This program coordinates religious activ-

Commercial kitchen experience, and

FRS team works hand-in-hand with the

ity within the jail and ensures that

numerous other organizations.

San Luis Obispo County Jail Psychiatric

inmates have access to ministers and spiritual volunteers. The Jail Religious program includes many religious and

includes intensive case management

Reentry Planning Planning for reentry includes assessing

spiritual volunteers. All chaplain services,

the inmate’s needs upon release and

worship services, and spiritual counsel-

setting goals for obtaining the appropri-

ing for inmates are per formed by

ate assistance once released. It also

volunteer staff and clergy at no cost to

includes one-on-one reentry focused

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Services to provide services to individuals being released from jail who have a primary mental health diagnosis and/or a co-occurring disorder. Services provided are a “bridge” to help connect the person to community support services including, but not limited to, housing and

shelter services, food acquisition (temporar y or ongoing), fiscal planning, employment, medical care, mental health follow-up (appointment, medications, assessments), and social security or insurance needs. Forensic Coordination Team (FCT) The Forensic Coordination Team exists to aid mentally ill offenders. The combination of community service and law enforcement offers more intensive supervision and assists individuals and families in connecting with services. Drug Court Open to all inmates through probation, the Drug Court consists of an 18-month program designed to keep lower-risk inmates out of custody through supervision and counseling. Mental Health Court

Canine Narcotics Dog Deput y Fischer and his Narcotics Detection Canine, Dutch, have worked both inside and outside of the jail. Dutch has conducted sniffs on 378 cells, 59 vehicles, seven residences, 78 buildings, and 57 open areas. While working in the jail, they have been able to find or recover approximately 215.11 grams of marijuana, 1.6 grams of methamphetamine and 3.4 grams of heroin. Deputy Fischer has also made 11 felony arrests on arrestees who

of holding up to 192 inmates (when double-bunked) in single cells and dormitory settings. The unit will also have eight special housing cells to address inmates with mental health issues, discipline problems, and medical problems. The construction budget is anticipated to be $38.7 million dollars, with construction beginning in March 2014.

Court Services/Transportation The San Luis Obispo County Jail is located approximately five miles from the courthouse. Consequently, inmates who are required to appear in court need to be transported and supervised by correctional deputies. Additionally, the transportation team transports inmates to medical and dental appointments and to various state and local

probation, the Mental Health Court identi-

agencies. The rated capacity for court

fies mentally ill inmates and works closely

holding is 77 inmates.

Proposition 36

These two housing units will be capable

were caught bringing narcotics into the jail.

Open to aid mentally ill offenders through

to find alternatives to incarceration.

and will add a total of 32, 000 square feet configured in a double square formation.

In 2013, 13,795 inmates were transported to court, 138 to dental and medical appointments, 106 to or from

Open to all inmates, Proposition 36 is

out-of-county jails, and 216 were trans-

offered through parole, but is very similar

ported to state prison.

to the Drug Court program operated through pro b ation. T his pro gram instructs individuals that have been rearrested for a parole violation and allows them to participate in drug and alcohol counseling while being housed in the jail.

Womenâ€™s Jail Expansion Project The Womenâ€™s Jail Expansion Project consists of an expansion to the existing jail facility at the west end of the property

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

Crime L abor atory

In order to staff and equip the new DUI

The Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory received

testing program, Forensic Laboratory

more than 200 cases from outside agen-

Specialist Teri Prince wrote a successful

cies for evidence processing. These

traffic safety grant for over $226,000.

cases included fingerprint processing,

This grant is supplying equipment, sup-

trace evidence analysis, biological evi-

In 2013, the Sheriff’s Crime Laboratory

plies, and a half-time laboratory assistant

dence analysis, and a collection and

saw continuing additions to their work-

for the program.

load and capabilities. The greatest area of

change occurred in the Toxicology

T hrough December 2 3, 2013, the

Laboratory. During 2013, the Toxicology

Toxicology Laboratory tested 2,000 items

Lab added a full-time forensic laboratory

as possible controlled substances. The

specialist and a lab assistant to staff the

laboratory also processed 600 urine sam-

comparison of fingerprints. The San Luis Obispo County Automated Fingerprint Identification System produced investigative leads from 215 finger and palm print submissions.

new DUI Alcohol and Portable Evidentiary

ples to determine if the individual being

In addition, the laboratory processed 142

Breath Test section. Once the laboratory

tested was under the influence of a con-

fingerprint cases submitted by Sheriff’s

is fully functional and has received its cer-

trolled substance. Also during 2013, the

Office personnel. Forensic Specialists

tification, DUI alcohol testing is scheduled

San Luis Obispo Probation Department

Jones and West handled a variety of crime

to begin in July of 2014.

doubled the quantity of urine samples

scenes including homicides, bank robber-

submitted for testing.

ies, suspicious deaths, and burglaries.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

CORONER’S Unit Ian Parkinson is the elected SheriffCoroner of San Luis Obispo County. Sheriff-Coroner Parkinson and all of his deputy coroners perform the role of coroner in all jurisdictions in the County of San Luis Obispo. The California Government Code mandates the coroner to investigate the cause and manner of death in most cases where a death occurred outside of a hospital, outside the presence of a physician and all other cases involving homicides, suicides, accidental deaths and deaths due to suspicious circumstances. In most cases, a patrol deputy will respond to a report of death and conduct an investigation. For other cases where additional investigation and expertise is needed, the Sheriff’s Office has a Coroner Unit within the Detective Bureau. The Coroner Unit is comprised of three detectives who specialize in death investigations. In the year of 2013, the Coroner Unit had 1,385 reportable deaths in the County of San Luis Obispo. The Coroner Unit also reviews all hospice cases in the county for which there were 1,203, an increase of 74 cases from 2012. In 2013, deputies responded to 602 coroner cases countywide, which is an increase of nine percent from 2012. Of those 602 coroner cases, the Coroner Unit conducted additional

investigations on 25 4 of them, an

Coroner Unit, 117 were natural deaths, 47

increase of five percent from 2012.

were suicides, five were homicides, and

Although all 602 cases were not investi-

83 were accidental deaths, 32 of which

gated further beyond a patrol level, all

were overdoses and two that are still

were thoroughly reviewed by coroner

under investigation.

detectives who certified all death certificates. Of the remaining 783 reportable deaths, coroner detectives reviewed the causes of death provided by the treating physician before the death certificate

2013 was the first full year of operation for the Coroner Unit in a new facilit y. Construction on the new coroner facility was completed in August of 2012. All

could be certified.

aspects of the coroner are now completed

It is the responsibility of the coroner to

Coroner Unit now operates a state-of-the-

determine the necessary level of inquiry

art coroner facility capable of handling all

under one roof. The Sheriff’s Office

into any death that falls within the jurisdic-

of the needs of San Luis Obispo County

tion of the Coroner’s Office. The level of

for many years to come. Additionally, the

inquiry is determined on a case-by-case

Coroner Unit continues to educate the

basis. Of the 254 cases in 2013 in which

local community and cosponsor the inter-

the Coroner Unit conducted investigations,

nationally recognized Forensic Fire Death

165 autopsies were performed, 56 medi-

Investigations course, which is attended

cal inspections were conducted and 31 of

by students from all across the United

the deaths were certified by medical

States, Canada and Europe.

records. Of the deaths investigated by the

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

Detectives Division The Sheriff’s Office Detective Division is responsible for the investigation of criminal cases that are above and beyond the scope and resources of the Patrol Division. This includes all misdemeanor and felony crimes for both local and state laws where 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

Detectives in the Detective Division are

actively participated in a multi-jurisdic-

assigned to a specific area of investiga-

tional bank robbery investigation, leading

tions. General crime detectives are

to the capture of the “Central Coast

responsible for investigating crimes

Bandit,” as well as another armed bank

against persons and property. The sex-

robbery, which occurred in Cambria and

ual assault detectives are responsible for

resulted in the arrest of a suspect. Other

crimes that are sexual in nature, child

major investigations include child moles-

molestations, child pornography, non-

tations, rape, child pornography, robbery,

financial elder abuse, and sexual

and burglary. There are other investiga-

registrants. The Crime Lab, forensic spe-

tions that are not “major investigations”

cialists, and the Cal ID coordinator

but still require detective investigative

provide technical evidence collection

resources such as critical or at-risk miss-

and analysis. In addition to criminal

ing persons, runaway juveniles, and

investigations, the Detective Division

suspicious death investigations. New

also conducts follow-up investigations

cases requiring detective investigation

for all missing persons, runaway juve-

are constantly coming into the division.

niles, and other cases as required by law.

While carrying their case load, detec-

extend beyond a patrol deputy’s area of

In 2013, the Detective Division success-

tives must also appear in court to testify

responsibility (beat). Lastly, detectives

fully investigated two homicide cases.

on investigations which have been sub-

are able to focus on their investigation

They also investigated three attempted

mitted to the District Attorney’s Office

without the interruptions of handling

homicide cases and many other major

and filed in court. Some cases make it

calls for service as a patrol deputy.

and lesser-involved investigations. Over

through the court process in a relatively

the course of 2013, detectives also

short amount of time, while others

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

may take years. The following are only

through interviews. A subsequent man-

Division Street near Bonita School Road

two examples of the many cases in

hunt, with combined efforts from the

in rural Nipomo. The victim in the case

which detectives were called to conduct

Sheriff’s Narcotic Unit, Gang Task Force,

was a Hispanic male with no scars or tat-

an investigation and appear in court

detectives, as well as county probation

toos and attempts at a finger print

to testify to the detailed information that

officers and state parole officers resulted

identification proved negative in the

was found throughout the course of

in the location and subsequent arrest of

United States, resulting in a delay in posi-

the investigation.

the suspect for unrelated charges. With

tive identification. Three weeks into the

the help of the Crime Laboratory and

investigation, a missing person report in

continued investigation and interviews

Santa Barbara County provided detec-

by detectives, sufficient evidence and

tives a probable identification, allowing

probable cause was developed and com-

them to begin conducting a more focused

piled in order to file a complaint of

investigation. Later, the victim was posi-

murder against the suspect. The suspect

tively identified as a Mexican National

remains in custody pending court pro-

through the assistance of the Mexican

ceedings and is presumed innocent until

Consulate. Working off of the information

proven guilty.

provided by the reporting party who filed

Case #1 On June 21, 2013, at 10:44 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to 19th Street in Oceano for a report of a subject that had been stabbed with a knife and who required medical assistance. Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the location and observed the victim, Joseph Padilla, suffering from a life-threatening stab wound to his left rib cage thoracic area. Padilla

Case # 2

was transported to Arroyo Grande

On the evening of September 17, 2013,

Community Hospital where he later died

the Sheriff’s Office responded to a

from the injuries he sustained from the

“body dump” which produced multiple

stabbing. Detectives responded and

challenges to investigators. The victim

determined the identity of the suspect

was found partially submerged in a drainage ditch between agricultural fields off

the missing person report, the investigation ultimately led to the conclusion that the homicide had actually occurred inside a residence in Santa Maria. While our agency continues to assist, the homicide investigation was then turned over to the Santa Maria Police Department as they have jurisdiction.

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

Sexual Assault Unit The Sexual Assault Unit, consisting of

analyzing pieces of evidence as they per-

Part of the outreach process is having an

tain to sexual assault, and working with

active participation and presence at local

computer forensic technicians in analyz-

committees and programs. In 2013, the

ing electronic/computer-based evidence

Sexual Assault Unit attended SART

as it related to child pornography cases.

Advisory Board meetings and various

three investigators, is responsible for

In addition to their caseload, training the

investigating cases of physical and sex-

community and educational outreach

ual abuse within the unincorporated area

have become a necessary priority. These

of San Luis Obispo County, as well as

specialized trainings have assisted RISE

mittees like Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes, a public awareness benefit for victims of sexual assault.

assisting outside agencies in their inves-

(Respect / Inspire / Support / Empower)

The unit hopes to continue providing

tigations. The investigation of physical

advocates who provide support for both

complete and thorough investigations as

and sexual abuse cases are highly spe-

victims of sexual abuse and domestic vio-

they relate to these crimes, as well as

cialized and require expert training.

lence, SART (Sexual Assault Response

advocate for victims and their families in

Investigators also provide training to

Team) Nurses, Rotary Club and other non-

the coming year.

mandated reporters of child abuse, as

profit organizations, as well as the

well as community groups.

Sheriffâ€™s Office, as it relates to initial child/

Combined, the sexual assault investiga-

adult sexual assault cases.

tors handle 200 cases per year as they relate to child and adult sexual abuse/ assault, elder abuse, and child pornography. These cases can take, on average, several months to fully investigate and can last from several months to a year in the court process. Over the past year, these investigators also assisted in child forensic interviews, homicide and other investigations outside of sexual assault, search warrant preparation and service, conducted CVSA examinations in criminal and background investigations, working with Crime L ab forensic technicians in

community committees and sub-com-

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f â€™s o f f i c e

SAFE Team

-- Determine if the registrant has since

are under their supervision.

to the Sheriff’s Department

Efforts are made to interview all new reg-

-- Advise the registrant of any new changes in the law

sible for verifying the residency of all registered sex offenders within the Sheriff’s jurisdiction and to enforce the appropriate codes when those registration laws have been violated.

this interview, we discuss the registrant’s requirements with them and answer any questions they may have. Sex offenders

property have been the subject of a

that are newly released from prison are

crime due to their being a registrant

visited by members of the SAFE Team

and parole conditions Enforcement) Team members are respon-

istrants that come to our agency. During

-- Ascertain if the registrant or their

-- Enforce the appropriate probation SAFE (Sexual Assault Felony

of registered sex offenders’ homes that

moved without giving required notice

In 2013 the SAFE Team accomplished: • 434 of the previously mentioned compliance checks • 70 investigations of possible sex offender registration violations

and reminded of their registration responsibilities and requirements. SAFE Team members provide immediate response to complaints, inquiries, and information regarding registered sex offenders in the community. We provide community notifications of sexually violent predators (SVPs) and high-risk sex offenders when warranted. This is done

• 34 of these investigations filed with the

through media releases or by going door-

The SAFE Team receives information

District Attorney’s Office for failing to

to-door and passing out informational

regarding violations of sex offender regis-

flyers. Sex offenders who have warrants

tration laws from several sources including: • Tips received directly from the public or through the California Megan’s Law website, www.meganslaw.ca.gov

• 12 registered sex offender investigations for committing new crimes, unrelated to their registration requirements • Assisting and conducting 10 search warrants

• Electronic comparisons of every regis-

We have noticed a steady increase in

tered sex offender booked into the San

registered sex offenders that register

Luis Obispo County Jail, regardless of

with the San Luis Obispo Sheriff ’s

charge, to make sure that those regis-

Office. Throughout 2013, the Sheriff’s

trants are current and in compliance

Office averaged registering approxi-

with their registration requirements

mately 270 sex of fenders. T his is

• Periodic and unannounced visits, called

approximately half of the more than 500

“compliance checks”, to all registrants

registered sex offenders that live within

to achieve the following:

our communities.

-- Verify that the registered address is a

We continue to work with county proba-

valid address and that the registrant

tion and state parole by assisting with

actually resides within that address

sweeps, residential checks, and searches

for their arrest are posted on the Sheriff’s Office website as well as their local Crime Stoppers website. SAFE Team members also work closely with victim and witness advocates through the District Attorney’s Office. The needs of the victim are primary with this type of coordination and teamwork. The team is also on call to do in-service training for our rape prevention centers and local school districts, as well as give presentations to community service organizations when requested.

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

NORTH STATION

The calendar year of 2013 again showed

We have continued our proactive patrols

that the Sheriff’s North Station was the

this past year, putting unmarked units in

busiest area in the county with a total of

the field when manpower allows, as well

21,354 calls for service (CFS) and self-

as having our volunteer patrol assist in

initiated activity (SIA) by the deputies as

high-visibility patrols. Rural crime depu-

of December 3, 2013. As in the past,

ties have spent extra shifts patrolling the

Beat 4 continued to be the busiest area

eastern part of Beat 8 due to an increase

with 11,059 CFS/SIA covering Heritage

in farm and winery thefts of heavy equip-

Ranch, San Miguel, Shandon and

ment. These deputies have worked in

Templeton. Beat 5 had 9,954 CFS/SIA

conjunction with allied agencies from

and covered rural Atascadero, Santa

Kern, Kings and Santa Barbara Counties

Margarita and areas of California Valley.

who have been experiencing similar

The new Beat 8 area consisting of

problems. Directed patrol and probation

California Valley and the Carrisa Plains

sweeps have also assisted with targeting

was manned for the entire year and

high-crime areas or wanted subjects.

turned out to be surprisingly busy. This beat’s numbers are included in the statistics for Beat 5. Thefts, burglaries, and gang and drug activity continue to be our major issues.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

A reserve deputy detective and a reserve deputy Crisis Response Team member are also assigned to the North Station.

South Station

The Sheriff’s South Station utilizes one

During 2013, the Sheriff’s Office contin-

Canine Deputy, Gonzo, and his handler

u e d to s tre n g then S o u th C o unt y

Deputy Sheriff Mark Souza. Canine

community partnerships through the cre-

Deputy Gonzo is a 4 -year- old male

ation of additional Neighborhood Watch

German Shepherd and has been trained in

and continuing Rural Crime programs.

both narcotics detection and protection

Lucia Mar Unified School District stu-

duties. Gonzo is one of five canine depu-

dents in the unincorporated areas

ties deployed within the Sheriff’s Office,

completed the first year of G.R.E.A.T

originally paid for through narcotics asset

(Gang Resistance Education and Training)

forfeiture funds.

curriculum, which teaches students about

During the spring of 2013, an increase in

the dangers associated with criminal

homeless camps began impacting the

street gang participation.

communities of Oceano and Nipomo.

The G.R.E.A.T program is an effective

Utilizing community resources specializing

school-based law enforcement officer-

South Patrol Division covers 850 square

in homeless outreach support and mental

instructed classroom curriculum intended

miles with a population of approximately

health services, transient persons in both

as an immunization against delinquency,

36,000 people living in the communities

communities were offered relocating and

youth violence, and gang membership.

of Oceano, Nipomo, unincorporated

other assistance. Transient encampments

The program is introduced to children in

Arroyo Grande, Los Berros, New Cuyama,

and serious environmental concerns were

the years immediately before the prime

Huasna Valley, Blacklake-Callendar and

abated in partnership with impacted prop-

ages for introduction into gangs and delin-

The Woodlands. The area extends from

erty owners. County jail trustee laborers

quent behavior. This curriculum was

Pismo Beach to the Santa Barbara County

were utilized to restore the impacted areas

reinforced through the introduction of the

line, and from the Pacific Ocean to the

to their pristine pre-encampment condition

South County’s first G.R.E.A.T camp held

Kern County line.

at minimal public cost.

in the summer of 2013.

The patrol station for this area is located

South Station leadership remained fore-

The Sheriff’s Office completed the 2013

at 1681 Front Street in Oceano and is cur-

front in the administration of the Tobacco

calendar year having logged over 20,900

rently staffed with one commander, two

Compliance Program. In conjunction with

law enforcement and medical aid calls

sergeants, five senior deputies, 20 sheriff

Health Agency Tobacco Control Program

within the area of responsibility attributed

deputies and two station clerks. Of these

officials, quarterly compliance checks

to the South Patrol Division. From those

25 deputy sheriffs, two deputies are

monitoring tobacco retailers in the unin-

calls and field-initiated contacts, South

assigned as station investigators primar-

corporated areas of the county were

County deputies were involved in more

ily tasked with property crimes and

conducted. Minor decoys were continu-

than 250 drug enforcement arrests, 70

missing person investigations. Two depu-

ally utilized in undercover sting operations

driving under the influence (DUI) arrests,

ties are assigned as school resource

with results consistently verifying that

and more than 1,050 total arrests.

officers working at schools within the

most tobacco retailer employees are dili-

Lucia Mar School District. One deputy is

gent in their own efforts to protect youth

assigned as a rural crimes deputy focus-

from harmful tobacco products. Every vio-

ing on criminal investigations in the

lator was prosecuted without exception.

agricultural-related industry.

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

Coast Station

The Coast Station experienced ongoing

Coast Station deputy sheriffs responded

challenges in 2013 as patrol deputies

to a number of high-profile and challeng-

worked closely with narcotics detectives

ing calls for service in 2013, most notably

on maritime smuggling interdiction on the

a crime spree that spanned several days

North Coast. Panga-style vessels contin-

in the beginning of March. The suspect

ued to target the remote beaches

committed crimes throughout the Los

between Cayucos and Piedras Blancas,

Osos and Morro Bay area and actively

as well as the Montana De Oro area.

avoided capture by fleeing from law

Coast Station resources were utilized

enforcement on several occasions. His

through directed patrolling and proved

acts ranged from felony vandalism and

extremely effective in the coordinated

repeated assaults to a violent hate crime

effort to detect and apprehend suspected

when he attempted to run over a victim

drug smugglers and their cargo loads of

because of her ethnic heritage. Coast

The Coast Station provides law enforce-

illegal marijuana.

Station deputies tracked the suspect to a

ment service for all unincorporated areas

Transient encampments also emerged as

on the North Coast, which covers the

a growing problem for the communities of

region from the Monterey County Line

the North Coast and rural San Luis Obispo

south to Avila Beach and the rural San

areas, and Coast Station sergeants and

Luis Obispo area. This area encompasses

deputies were very proactive in develop-

the communities of San Simeon, Cambria,

ing innovative strategies for tackling the

Cayucos, Los Osos/Baywood Park, Avila

issue. Encampments pose a host of prob-

Beach, and the unincorporated area of

lems for the adjacent residential areas,

San Luis Obispo. Coast Station deputies

such as drug sales and use, solicitation of

also provide assistance as requested to

prostitution, sharp increases in thefts and

the cities of Morro Bay and San Luis

violent crime, and the pollution caused by

Obispo, as well as Cuesta College and

illegal dumping on rural land and water-

California Polytechnic State University.

ways. Coast Station personnel have

The patrol station is centrally located at

worked diligently to form partnerships

2099 10th Street, Los Osos, and is cur-

with the land owners and communities

rently staffed by one commander, two

commonly affected, and have utilized a

sergeants, four senior deputies, 22 dep-

variety of county resources to clear the

uty sheriffs, and two legal clerks. While

illegal camping areas while providing ser-

most of the 26 deputies are tasked with

vices and options to those living on-site.

providing patrol-based service to the com-

County Mental Health, the Forensic

munity, there are also deputies assigned

Coordination Team, and a host of local

as school resource officers, rural crime

homeless outreach programs have

deputies, canine handlers, and station

proven invaluable in creating lasting solu-

investigators who focus on at-risk missing

tions to this issue.

persons and extensive property crimes.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f â€™s o f f i c e

location where he was hiding in Los Osos, set up a containment perimeter, and negotiated his surrender without any additional danger to the public at large. Other significant calls included the takedown of a large and sophisticated identity theft and stolen vehicle ring, and two lifesaving events. In February 2013, Deputy Roger Degnan drove up on a residence fully engulfed in flame in rural San Luis Obispo and evacuated the residents to safety. He then cleared the inhabitants of an adjacent home that was in immediate danger from the fire, putting himself at great personal risk due to exploding propane tanks. In March 2013, Deputy Chad Nicholson responded to a report of an unconscious girl that had been pulled from the surf in Cambria, and with the assistance of an off-duty registered nurse successfully resuscitated the victim using CPR. In both instances, lives would have been lost if not for the quick and decisive actions of the deputies involved.

Watch Commander’s Office

The Watch Commander’s Office is

which provide communications to our

located in the Emergency Operations

county in the event of a natural disaster

Center directly adjacent to the Sheriff’s

or terrorist attack. The watch com -

Dispatch Center. It is manned by five

mander also handles all local

deputy sheriff sergeants 24 hours a day,

notifications during critical incidents and

with Sheriff’s commanders staffing the

natural disasters, including but not lim-

office during the evening hours, five

ited to the county’s Bomb Task Force,

days a week to increase the field super-

Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail,

vision of patrol deputies. Because it is

Search and Rescue, Dive Team, Aero

staffed 24 hours a day, the Watch

Squadron, and the Sheriff’s Detective

Commander’s Office is the single point

Division. The Watch Commander’s

of contact for all county departments

Office is the Diablo Canyon Nuclear

and services after business hours, on

Power Plant’s primary law enforcement

weekends and on holidays. The Watch

point of contact during any unusual

Commander’s Office has the principal

events or critical incidents occurring at

responsibility of overseeing dispatch

the plant. During an emergency, the

services and patrol operations on a daily

watch commander is authorized to acti-

basis, and serves as the point of contact

vate the C ount y Emergency A ler t

for the entire county with the Federal

System (EAS) including Reverse 9-1-1,

National Warning System (NAWAS) and

area sirens, and EAS messages on com-

the California State Warning Center,

mercial radio and television.

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

Dispatch Center The Sheriff’s Dispatch Center is a primary public safety answering point responsible for all 9-1-1 calls in the county as well as communication and dispersal of information between the public, law enforcement, paramedics and numerous county/state departments. The Dispatch Center is also responsible for receiving calls for service from the public and dispatching deputies, ambulances, EMS Helicopters and other

create incidents and direct the closest,

The Dispatch Center created and dis-

most appropriate emergency personnel

patched approximately 24,000 medical

to calls for service. The 9-1-1 system is an

calls for service.

Intrado’s Viper VoIP 9-1-1 phone system;

Besides their daily duties, dispatchers are

the system is five years old and is set to

also involved in community outreach. The

be upgraded in 2014.

dispatchers attend special events at the

In 2013, the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center

county fair, handing out information

answered 39,218 9-1-1 calls for service.

including the importance of 9 -1-1 and

The calls were answered in 10 seconds or

when this number should be used. The

less over 87% of the time. The Dispatch

children get to meet Red E. Fox, the 9-1-1

Center handled 207,636 phone calls

for Kids mascot.

and created 95,805 incidents for service. 2012 calls for service

agency personnel to the respective calls, which contributes to the several thousands of incoming and outgoing calls handled by the Sheriff’s Dispatch Center

911 Calls

each year. The Sheriff’s Dispatch Center

18% 38,483

is staffed with EMD (Emergency Medical

Non Emergency Calls

Dispatch) certified dispatchers 24 hours a

82% 170,833

day, seven days a week. The Sheriff’s Dispatch Center has the responsibility of

Total Calls for Service: 209,316

activating the Reverse 9-1-1 system in times of emergency. Within minutes, this system has the ability to notify hundreds of residences by telephone with a voice recording stating the emergency involved

2013 calls for service

and what action (if any) should be taken. The system’s database is updated monthly using current records from the 9-1-1 database. The Reverse 9-1-1 system has been activated five times this past

19% 39,218

year for emergency notifications in

Non Emergency Calls

numerous areas of the county.

81% 168,418

Technologically, the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) mobile and mapping program is a Tritech system. The Tritech software gives dispatchers the ability to

911 Calls

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Total Calls for Service: 207,636

Special Enforcement Detail

includes deputies, officers and sergeants

the team includes weapons, less lethal

under the authorit y of the Special

munitions and armored rescue vehicles.

Enforcement Detail commander.

Most critical incidents are resolved

The team was formed in the 1970s in

through negotiations carried out by our

response to the civil unrest occurring at

tactic al negotiators instead of by

that time. In 2003, the partnership with

use-of-force.

the Atascadero Police Depar tment

The Special Enforcement Detail continues

expanded the size of the team to deal with

to train with a focus on terrorism and cur-

the increasing threat of terrorism. Call-

rent tactical issues, providing the citizens

outs have included riots in Isla Vista, the

of San Luis Obispo County one of the best

Diablo Canyon Power Plant protests, riots

trained, equipped, and motivated tactical

in Los Angeles during the early 1990s and

teams in the state.

Mardi Gras riots in San Luis Obispo. The team has developed to become an integral part of emergency response in San The Sheriffâ€™s Special Enforcement Detail is a highly trained and specially equipped tactical team designed to resolve critical incidents including but not limited to hostage situations, barricaded suspects,

Luis Obispo County. The team trains 10 to 20 hours per month with team members attending basic and advanced tactical courses throughout the state. The tactical equipment supplied to

armed suicidal subjects, crowd control and high-risk warrant service. The Special Enforcement Detail is a partnership between the Sheriffâ€™s Office and the Atascadero Police Department and

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

GANG TASK FORCE

In 2013, the San Luis Obispo County Gang

that occurred in Oceano. This investiga-

Task Force, in conjunction with the

tion ended with the suspect being

Sheriffâ€™s Narcotics Unit, conducted a five-

captured in Guadalupe.

month investigation into gang-related heroin trafficking and dealing within the county. This investigation ended with multiple search warrants being served and 14

continued to work with local agencies by providing assistance in gang-related crimi-

suspects being arrested.

nal investigations and gang training and

The San Luis Obispo County Gang Task

on presentations for both law enforce-

Force assisted the Detective Unit over

ment and community organizations.

the summer in a homicide investigation

Throughout 2013, the Gang Task Force

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f â€™s o f f i c e

education. In addition, they routinely put

NARCOTICS UNIT The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office maintains a Narcotics Unit consisting of 14 detectives supervised by a sergeant. The robust staffing of this unit exists due to our partnership with local and federal agencies. Drug crimes do not follow state or county boundaries. Because of this, narcotics detectives often work cases that originate in San Luis Obispo County and then lead to other jurisdictions. Narcotics detectives regularly work with other local, state and federal drug enforcement agencies on cohesive multi-jurisdictional efforts to combat the problem of illegal drugs throughout California. Efforts this year include: conducting surveillances of suspects, managing confidential informants, gathering financial records and phone toll information, monitoring wire taps on suspects’ phones, working in undercover capacities, writing and executing search warrants and interviewing suspects regarding their crimes. The Sheriff Narcotics Unit maintains a Clandestine Laboratory Team trained and certified by the State of California.

Federal and state law require detectives

approach to developing strategies to pro-

who work with hazardous materials

tect children, Sheriff’s detectives work

(HAZMAT), such as those found in clan-

closely with the District Attorney’s Office

destine drug laboratories, to complete a

and the Department of Social Services to

total of 80 hours of instruction to learn

keep children safe and prosecute those

how to safely process a clandestine labo-

who would expose them to the dangers

ratory site for evidence as part of their

of illicit drugs.

investigation, and to ensure their compli-

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit has placed

ance with the various environmental and safety regulations that apply to clan lab seizure and dismantling. These detectives must then receive ongoing training in this field to maintain their certification. Clan labs are most often associated with methamphetamine manufacturing, but can include the manufacture of other drugs, such as LSD, honey oil extraction, steroids and organic hallucinogenic compounds such as methytryptamine. In the interest of protecting children who are exposed to drugs, drug manufacturing and the dangers that exist with this activity, the Sheriff’s Office participates in the California Multi-Jurisdictional

increased emphasis on heroin investigations in response to the increased demand. Additionally, the unit has also responded to emerging maritime smuggling operations. The maritime interdiction efforts involve leveraging state and federal partnerships in order to safeguard the community from this threat to public safety. In 2013, the following seizure totals were made as the result of over 99 investigations by Sheriff’s narcotics detectives. Some seizures were the result of multiagency investigations and occurred throughout California.

Methamphetamine Enforcement Team

Heroin

2.38 lbs.

(Cal-MMET) Program. The Cal-MMET

Cocaine

.12 lbs.

Methamphetamine

15.6 lbs.

the field of Drug Endangered Children

Processed marijuana

5,916.8 lbs.

(DEC) investigations. Because DEC

Marijuana plants

14,669 lbs.

Hashish

1.5 lbs.

grant funds two Sheriff’s narcotics detectives who receive specialized training in

investigations involve a multi-agency

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Canine (K-9) Unit

The Sheriff’s Canine Unit was established

retiring in January 2014 due to medical

in January 2001 with its first Narcotics

issues and will be replaced by Canine DJ.

Detection Canine, Jake. Jake worked

The handler will continue to be Deputy

through 2009 until he passed away from

Steve Faeth who is assigned to North

cancer. Jake left a lasting impression

Station, along with Handler Deputy John

with several narcotics units throughout

Franklin and Canine Jacco. Handler

Central and Southern California.

Deputy Mark Souza and Canine Gonzo

The Canine Mission Statement:

are assigned to South Station, and

The Mission 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. In January 2010, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office purchased our second Narcotics Detection Canine, Jack. Jack is assigned to the Sherif f ’s Special Operations Unit. On December 5, 2012, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Ian Parkinson, expanded the Canine Program by adding four additional cross-trained patrol dogs. These dogs are capable of detecting narcotics as well as handler protection, suspect apprehension, and tracking and locating missing persons. Canine Nico will be

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Handler Deputy Bryan Love and Canine Hondo are assigned to Coast Station. Canines Gonzo, Jacco and Hondo completed their narcotics detection training and were certified by the California Narcotics Canine association as 100 percent proficient at detecting the odors of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, opium and marijuana. The canines are also certified by POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) and CNCA (California Narcotics Canine Association), which encompassed obedience, apprehension, and handler protection. Canine DJ will certify upon the completion of his training. The canines have been deployed for two years and are doing a great job for the Sheriff’s Office and the community. We are continually working to improve the efficiency of the Canine Unit. One of the ways we are moving forward is by giving the canine deputies the ability to input their canine stats into the patrol car

computers, which will limit the amount of time spent in the patrol station. With the assistance of our Canine Trainer Ted Bowman, we constantly challenge the canine teams with situational scenarios to test their case-law knowledge and decision-making ability. Sheriff Parkinson also added a second narcotic detection canine to the Custody Division. Handler Correctional Deputy Joshua Fischer and Narcotics Detection Canine Dutch completed their narcotics detection training and are certified by the California Narcotics Canine Association as 100% proficient at detecting the odors of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, opium and marijuana. Josh and Dutch are doing a great job at the jail and are a valuable asset to the Custody Division.

K-9 Stats for Year 2013 Deployments

560

Calls for Service

1,834

Searches

1,613

Arrests

214

AOA (Assists other Agencies)

Apprehensions

Apprehension Bites

Cocaine

38.20 grams

Methamphetamine

6,992.37 grams

Heroin

986.76 grams

Marijuana

2,246,336.36 grams

U.S. Currency Positive

$26,646.00

Negative

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BOMB TASK FORCE

and each bomb technician is a member

• The chief of police, California

of the International Association of Bomb

Polytechnic State University

Technicians and Investigators.

Task Force Capabilities

This Bomb Task Force is accredited by

The Task Force is a fully equipped bomb

The Bomb Task Force was created in

the Federal Bureau of Investigation

1981, at a time when explosive and

Bomb Data Center in Washington, D.C.

bomb-related incidents were increasing

and is certified as a fully operational

within San Luis Obispo County. The

bomb squad, capable of rendering safe

need for a specialized team with unique

and disposing of improvised explosive

equipment and 24-hour response capa-

devices, military ordnance, and commer-

bilities was realized. Law enforcement

cially-manufactured explosives.

The San Luis Obispo County Bomb Task

Structure of the Task Force

state and federal agencies to include the

agencies within this county came to the consensus that each agency did not have the individual resources to support their own respective bomb squads and, therefore, the San Luis Obispo County Bomb Task Force was formed. The Task Force began responding to calls for service in 1982 and was a coordinated team approach with a thorough commitment from all law enforcement agencies within San Luis Obispo County. Funding resources currently come from the county, all incorporated cities, and California Polytechnic State University. Each team member is a certified bomb technician, having completed a thorough background check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Basic training consists of attending a six-week F e d e r a l B u re a u of I nve s t i g a t i o n Hazardous Devices School, located at U.S. Army Base Redstone Arsenal, in Huntsville, Alabama. Training is ongoing

The Bomb Task Force is typically comprised of four members. Currently the Task Force has three members, two of which are Sheriff’s Office senior deputies and one non-certified technician from the S an Luis O bispo Police Department. The Task Force is commanded by the Sheriff’s Office senior deputy, who is a 14-year veteran hazardous devices technician, as well as a Task Force manager, who is the rank of Sheriff’s commander. The Task Force is governed by a board of directors consisting of members of the Criminal Justice Administration Association. The board of directors includes the following positions: • The Sheriff • The chiefs of police of each municipal police agency within this county

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

squad available to respond to all bomb or explosive-related incidents within San Luis Obispo County and upon a mutual aid request, to areas outside the County of San Luis Obispo.

Force works in conjunction with various California Highway Patrol, State Parks and Recreation Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of A l c o h o l , To b a c c o , F i re a r m s a n d E x plosives, United St ates Post al Inspectors, and Depar tment of Homeland Security. In addition, the Task Force is available for informative speaking engagements, public displays and community group presentations. Task Force members are involved in consulting activities and train various segments of the public safety community on a variety of bombrelated topics. Support Team Concept Although the Bomb Task Force is a selfsufficient unit, the Task Force has an excellent working relationship with the S a n t a B a r b a r a C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s

Department Bomb Squad. A verbal

calling the San Luis Obispo County

agreement has been established to assist

Sheriff’s Office at (805) 781-4550 (non-

vised explosive devices (IEDs), illegal

each other in their respective counties

emergency line).

explosive pyrotechnics, and hoax devices.

Emergency situations may dictate a 9-1-1

The Bomb Task Force provided public

call through the local law enforcement

demonstrations during Sheriff’s Family

agency of jurisdiction.

Day at the Ranch, Cops ‘n’ Kids Day, and

during times of need. In addition, the Task Force maintains a close relationship with the 3 0 th Civil Engineer Squadron, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team at Vandenberg Air Force Base, whose military jurisdiction includes this county. Response Procedures The Bomb Task Force has the primary jurisdictional responsibility to all explosive and bomb-related incidents within San Luis Obispo County. A team member is continuously on call and the Task Force is available 24 hours a day by

2013 Calls for Service The Task Force calls for service have ranged from 19 to 95 calls per year since 1982. In the 2013 calendar year, the Task Force responded to 38 explosive devices,

suspected explosive materials, impro-

Law Enforcement Memorial Night at Farmer’s Market, Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy, SLO High School Career Day, Grizzly Academy Graduates, and the Gang Resistance Education And Training (G.R.E.A.T.) camps.

or bomb-related calls throughout San Luis Obispo County. Some of the calls included WWII, Korean, or Vietnam era military ordnance, suspicious packages,

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RURAL CRIME UNIT

The mission of the Rural Crime Unit (RCU)

may be a deterrent to would-be thieves.

is to enforce laws and provide investiga-

The application of the OAN is provided at

tive services related to theft and property

no charge.

damage involving agricultural and rural communities. To accomplish this goal, not only did this unit investigate over 425 cases in 2013, but they also proactively reached out to these communities through monthly meetings with SLO County Farm Bureau, Cattlewomen, Cattlemen, and Farm Bureau Women groups. Since rural crime trends are always evolving, frequent contact is essential in order to keep the rural community apprised of crime trends, as well as hearing directly from them about what is going on in their specific areas. These meetings have also provided an opportunity to make crime prevention recommendations, such as the formation of a Ranch Watch (RW) group, or having a Ranch/Farm Security Survey (RSS) conducted by our RCU. A valuable crime prevention tool is the application of an Owner Applied Number (OAN) to machinery and equipment. The OAN is an issued number that is unique to a particular farm/ ranch owner and provides an opportunity for recovered stolen property to be returned to the rightful owner. The OANs are cataloged in a nation-wide database. In some cases, the display of the OAN

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f â€™s o f f i c e

In a presentation for the 2013 Sheriffâ€™s Citizen Academy, the RCU conveyed the importance of the farming/ranching community as it relates to the economy in San Luis Obispo County, and informed the class of 15 citizens about the various types of crime unique to the rural community. These educational programs help to inform the public, and assist the rural community by getting the word out about the vital role they play. Community awareness is also raised, which results in improved reporting of suspicious behavior that may lead to criminal acts. Over this past year, the RCU has had numerous opportunities to share valuable information regarding the ranchers, farmers, and rural community at various public events and displays. OAN brochures and other rural-related literature were distributed, as well as Official Farm Safety Manual coloring books for children and sheets displaying the various products we use every day that are derived from cattle. Twelve days were spent at the California Mid-State Fair during the month of July, which allowed this information to be shared with thousands of people. This

same information was also distributed at

Force. Because of these meetings, the

which the suspect’s shoe prints and crime

the annual Cops ‘n’ Kids Day and Sheriff’s

Rural Crime Unit has had additional assis-

pattern were identical. The San Luis

tance when investigating agricultural

Obispo County rural crime deputies then

crimes. For example, in 2013, The San

took the lead in establishing a multi-county

Family Day at the Ranch. In an effort to network with other agencies

Luis Obispo County Rural Crime Unit initi-

pin map indicating where the crimes

and to stay informed on current rural crime

ated a meeting with surrounding counties

occurred in an effort to establish a pattern.

issues, one or more representatives from

to exchange information and evidence

These agencies are now communicating

the RCU attends trainings/meetings on a

from recent agricultural crimes affecting

and discussing any suspect leads or infor-

regular basis with the California Rural

our entire county. This meeting revealed

mation regarding these cases.

Crime Prevention Task Force and the

that five of the surrounding counties had

Central Coast Rural Crime Prevention Task

agricultural-related burglaries and thefts in

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MARINE ENFORCEMENT UNIT

Peace Officers statewide were included

The main factors resulting in the majority

in the training; the curriculum of which

of all MEU interactions with the public on

included: captaining, mooring, charting,

the county’s waterways were due to

vessel maintaining, marine law, boating

alcohol and lack of boating safety.

under the influence (BUI) training, vessel boarding, channel crossing, nighttime

This was a transitional year for the Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement Unit (MEU). New members came on board, vessels were refitted and the Mexican Cartels became more aggressive in their attempts to smuggle drugs onto our coastline. C u r r e n t l y, t h e S h e r i f f ’s M a r i n e Enforcement Unit is made up of four deputies, one sergeant, and one commander. Two of those deputies were assigned to the MEU this year as new members. They were sent to the Marine Law Enforcement Unit Training Center (MLETC) for an intensive two-week training course. MLETC is the nation’s leading

maneuvers, and high-risk stops. The heavy boating season starts on Memorial Day. There were approximately 10 arrests on Memorial Day weekend alone, along with one death from carbon monoxide poisoning and three medical call assists. The season runs from May through September. During that time, the team executed dozens of boat stops that included boating under the influence arrests, public intoxication arrests, warrant arrests, and assisting the Monterey County Rangers. The MEU’s main activity while on lake patrol is educating the public about boat safety.

Marine Law Enforcement training center located in Long Beach, California.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

On two different occasions this year, MEU team members were called to relocate Pangas on the Central Coast to the Coast Guard Station at Morro Bay. The Sheriff’s Office has four vessels in the fleet including the Christopher Meadows, the Rob Bryn (a pontoon boat), and a rigid hull inflatable. With the help of a grant, both the Christopher Meadows and the Rob Bryn were recently outfitted with new 496 Mercury Cruiser Engines.

BICYCLE PATROL TEAM

The Bicycle Patrol Team is an additional patrol function of the Sheriff’s Office that is utilized to heighten the presence of law enforcement wherever large crowds congregate, such as at parades, festivals and special events. The Bicycle Patrol Team is able to navigate in crowded areas and provide assistance faster than vehicle patrol units. Also, by using the bike patrol, it is easier for the public to approach and talk to a deputy on a bicycle, which improves positive community interaction. T he bicycle patrol deputies train together as a team twice a year. Training builds on basic bicycle riding skills and develops patrol-specific riding skills. One of the most difficult bike riding skills is slow speed maneuvering. We use the phrase “slow is pro.” Many of the events attended by the Bicycle Patrol Team involve confined locations with large numbers of people on foot. To patrol in this environment, the bicycle deputy must be able to maintain balance and control at a slow walking pace. At training, small traffic cones are set up in intricate patterns to assist in developing these skills. Other training drills include shooting while straddling a stationary bicycle, dismounting from a stationary bicycle and engaging a target while shooting.

The Bicycle Patrol Team was used several times over the course of the year. The largest event is the 4th of July/ Independence Day celebration in Cayucos. The event starts early in the day with a parade where deputies on bikes patrol up and down the closed route easily where patrol cars would otherwise be gridlocked. Later in the evening, as people flow into town to see fireworks, deputies on bicycles respond to calls for service faster than a patrol car and at greater distances than deputies on foot. The same scenario plays out at other large events such as the Morro Bay Harbor Festival. For the first time in history, the Amgen Tour of California came to Avila Beach and the Sheriff’s Bicycle Patrol Team was a major component of the massive multi-jurisdictional response plan. Much of the successful outcome of this event can be attributed to intense planning and cooperation between all the entities involved. Bicycle patrol deputies and officers from other agencies patrolled the race route, vendor booths, parking lots, spectator areas, streets and finish line to help make it a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.

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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER UNIT

warrant taking law enforcement action

School and San Margarita Elementary

against suspects. Throughout the year,

School), and a camp in Arroyo Grande for

these officers participate in many different

Lucia Mar School District. These summer

community events like Cops ‘n’ Kids Day,

camps were an additional learning compo-

Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch and the mid-

nent to the G.R.E.A.T. program. The camps

state fair in Paso Robles.

were one week long for children in fourth

During the School year of 2012-2013, the

The School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit is made up of six full-time deputies and one reserve deputy. The deputies are active on school campuses, including continuation and community school campuses throughout San Luis Obispo County. These officers frequently assist with orderly business of everyday school activities, which include monitoring and interacting with students as well as building relationships and trust with students, school staff and parents. The SROs are often involved in providing individual and group counseling

Sheriff ’s SROs began teaching the

During these week-long camps, students

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

participated in fun events like tie-dying

Education and Training) in the unincorpo-

team t-shirts, tug-of-war, sack races, and

rated areas of San Luis Obispo County.

water balloon tosses. They also experi-

After reviewing the success of the two

enced four assembly events including

Sheriff’s Office G.R.E.A .T. Summer

Magician Rich Ferguson, the Bucket

Camps in San Miguel and Shandon, the

Busters (local group of teenagers that play

Sheriff decided to sponsor four summer

music with plastic buckets and water bot-

camps covering all the school districts in

tles), Retro Bill (anti- bullying motivational

the unincorporated areas of the county.

speaker) and Law Enforcement Day,

This included a camp in San Miguel cover-

where the Sheriff’s Office and other law

ing San Miguel School District, Pleasant

enforcement agencies display their spe-

Valley School District and Shandon School

cialty units for students to learn about and

District, a camp in Cayucos covering San

experience first–hand. The last day of

Luis Coastal Unified School District,

camp was Graduation Day, where guest

Cayucos School District and Cambria

speaker Willy Stokes (an ex-gang member)

School District, a camp in Templeton for

spoke with the students about the conse-

Templeton School District, Atascadero

quences of being in a gang and how he

School District (Creston Elementary

was able to turn his life around.

with students to aid staff in redirecting student behavior and initiate student accountability. They assist school staff by regularly responding to a truant student’s home so that they may transport them to school in order to aid the school districts in minimizing student truancy. Additionally, school resource officers may be asked to sit on a School Attendance Review Board (SARB) to assist with hearing behavior and truancy cases brought to the board by school administrators. They often respond and investigate suspected criminal activity on school campuses that sometimes

through eighth grade.

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

All four camps were a huge success and were funded through donations provided by the community, which allowed these camps to be free for all 345 students who attended. In conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office school resource officers, other agencies such as the San Luis Obispo County Drug and Alcohol Services Friday Night Live Team and the San Luis Obispo County Probation Juvenile Division officers assisted in the planning, participation, and barbequing for all the students who attended the week-long camps. The Sheriff’s Office is currently in the planning stages for the 2014 G.R.E. A .T. Summer Camps.

students was referred to the program for

The following is a brief history of our local

their own unique reasons. It is through the

partnership with the Bakari Program.

For the coastal schools in the county, our

Sheriff’s Office’s partnership with the

coast school resource officer taught a pro-

Bakari Program and through the SRO’s

gram called Teen Survival Skills, to the

prompting that the local female program

Los Osos, Santa Lucia and Cayucos

began (Bakari is traditionally a male juve-

Middle School eighth graders. This pro-

nile program).

throughout San Luis Obispo County and

system, law enforcement, and juvenile

The Bakari Program has proved to be very

officers to provide the program to at-risk

law involving alcohol and drugs. Being in

successful. The students that have com-

adolescent males and females between

the classroom gives these deputies the

pleted the program truly have a different

the ages of 15 to 17 years. In order to work

unique opportunity to build trust and a

perspective and interaction with adults,

with the San Luis Obispo County Office of

positive relationship between the stu-

authority figures, and the campus, which

Education’s academic calendar, youth par-

dents and law enforcement.

demonstrates great personal growth. Each

ticipate in the program for nine months,

of the students that have been recom-

which includes six months of program-

mended for the program were, on average,

ming and a three month follow-up.

gram covers topics regarding our judicial

In addition to the G.R.E.A.T program, Nipomo High School and the San Luis

being referred to the Administration

Obispo County Sheriff’s Office have been

Building for discipline problems at least

partnering with the Bakari Youth Mentoring

once a week. Most of these students were

Program (based at Cal Poly) since January

on the brink of being arrested with a small

2012 with many successful graduates and

chance of a positive outcome. Now, most

success stories to date. During the spring

of the Bakari graduates prevent behaviors

2012 to fall 2013 school session, Nipomo

that need disciplinary action, or they come

High School has had three male students

to administration with minor issues that

and three female students successfully

are easily resolved.

graduate the program. Each of these

In January 2012, the Bakari Program entered its fourth year and developed partnerships with local school districts the Sheriff’s Office via the school resource

The Bakari Program graduated its first class of male youth through the school districts in July 2012 with an 80% graduation rate and 100% completion rate for the three month follow-up phase. Additionally, in October 2012, the program graduated its first class of female youth with an 83% graduation rate and 100% completion rate for the three month follow-up phase.

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PROPERTY ROOM

Construction was completed on the new

have to store physical DVDs from the

property/evidence location in May 2013.

patrol vehicles. Additionally, discovery

The bulk of the items in storage were

requests for this evidence will be able to

moved to the new facility, which has a

be accessed from our hard drive.

45% increased holding capacity from the old location. A small portion of the old Property Room has been retained for long-term storage.

In 2013, the Property Room was responsible for the collection and destruction of 942 pounds of prescription medication as part of Operation Medicine Cabinet.

We are staffed with three property offi-

Each Sheriff’s patrol station in the County

cers, two full-time and one part-time.

of San Luis Obispo has a designated drop

The part-time position is dedicated

box for residents to drop off unused or

to purging.

expired medications, keeping them from

The digital video system for the patrol vehicles has been installed at the Sheriff’s Templeton and Los Osos Patrol Stations. As we continue to transition to digital recording, impact on the Property

being abused or accidently ingested, as well as protecting our water system from the untreated waste. The drugs are then turned over to DEA for incineration at a licensed facility in Southern California.

Room will be great as we will no longer

Backg round Investigation Unit

The Background Investigation Unit con-

As of November 2013, the following posi-

sists of three investigators who are

tions have been filled:

responsible for the investigation of all sworn and civilian applicants within the

Correctional Deputy:

Sheriff’s Office. The background investi-

Correctional Technician:

gator compiles a report that includes the

Reserve Deputy:

applicant’s personal history, driver’s

Cook:

license record, warrant checks, credit

Program Manager:

Department Automation

history, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer Examination 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 and

Deputy:

Senior Account Clerk:

Lab Specialist:

Administrative Service

departmental statutes, as well as regula-

Manager:

tions and procedures associated with the

Legal Clerk:

investigation process.

Various Volunteers:

In 2013, there were approximately 88 background checks completed.

Specialist:

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Crime Prevention and Public Information Unit

A function of the Operations Division at

On the traditional programs side, this crime

the Sheriff’s Office is the Crime Prevention

prevention specialist maintains all the

and Public Information Unit. The office is

Neighborhood Watch programs in the

staffed by three crime prevention special-

unincorporated areas of the county, sup-

ists, each assigned to a specific area and

p o r t i n g a n d m a i nt a i n i n g o ve r 3 0

cross-trained to support the entire organi-

established groups and training others. In

zation. Assignments include rural crime,

addition, the position is responsible for the

traditional programs and acting as a liaison

annual Citizens Academy and Sheriff’s

for public information.

Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol Academy (SAVP)

The rural crime specialist coordinates with the three rural crime deputies assigned to the North, Coast and South Patrol Stations. The specialist presents crime prevention information and follow-up support to the

security surveys for home and business, public displays, as well as children’s programs and the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) review of new developments and construction.

ranching and agricultural communities,

The public information officer is the primary

Farm and Ranch Watch programs and the

liaison with local, national and international

Owner Applied Number Program, and rep-

media. The position develops programs and

resents the Sheriff at the California

support services for media, reviews depart-

Mid-State Fair, and among local cattlemen

ment web page programs and produces

and women groups such as Young Farmers

print, electronic and video presentations,

and Ranchers, Ag Venture and Farm

public service announcements (PSA) and

Bureau. This specialist also maintains the

serves as the liaison to the film and televi-

department’s Facebook page, Twitter

sion industry. The public information officer

account, and provides still photo support to

assists in scheduling speakers from the

the public information officer.

Sheriff’s executive staff for service clubs and special event presentations.

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

DIVE TEAM

The Sheriff’s Underwater Search and

and look for evidence in a broccoli field

Recovery Team, commonly referred to

irrigation ditch.

as the “Dive Team,” was extremely busy this year. There were 11 training sessions, a Diver Education Conference, an administration meeting, and eight call-outs. The team currently consists of 28 members, two sergeants, three deputy sheriffs, three correctional deputies, and 20 civilian volunteers. The Dive Team was called out five times in 2013 to aid the Sheriff’s Narcotic Unit with their apprehension of Panga boats attempting to smuggle drugs onto our coastline. On two occasions, team members were called out to search for persons who went missing in the ocean. The first search took place in May to aid Monterey County in their search for a missing tourist who fell off a 100-foot cliff at Julia Phiffer State Beach. Due to the difficulty in accessing the shoreline, divers were helo-casted into the water. The second search in June was for a college student who went missing at Spooner’s Cove. His body surfaced two weeks later. In September, the Dive Team was called out to Nipomo to recover a murder victim

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

In October, the team was called out to recover evidence for a $60,000 theft of copper wire from the solar farm in California Valley. The evidence was found in a creek of standing water. In January, training started for CPR, first aid, and the use of oxygen for near drowning and stabilization, as well as initial treatment of decompression illness and lung overexpansion injury. Also in January, the team trained with the CHP’s helicopter unit to brush up on their helo-casting skills. February’s training took advantage of Morro Bay’s high tide for swift water rescue and rigging. March’s Slam training took place at Spooner’s Cove where team members had to navigate around rocks in treacherous waters. The annual Diver Education Conference was held in April with participation from both local and statewide agencies. May’s training was to assist Monterey County in the search for a 23–year-old female who fell off a cliff in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

In June, the Dive Team trained at Lake

by providing safety divers for water

November’s night dive training took

San Antonio to help Monterey Rangers

borne pool training and boat boarding in

place at the Hartford Pier in Avila Beach.

re-attach a water outflow filter. July’s boat operations took place at Nacimiento Lake. August training also took place at Lake Nacimiento where team members located and recovered a sunken vehicle (clean and sunk for training purposes).

Morro Bay. This month also saw the Dive Team’s participation in Sheriff’s Day at The Ranch.

December was the annual meeting to review the past year and schedule 2014 trainings. Dr. Samuel Miller IV gave

October’s deep diving re-certification

a presentation on dive-related bacteria

took place at the Diablo Canyon wave

and infections.

rider buoy. Divers also dove the plant’s discharge cove, which contains a very rich ecosystem.

In September, the Dive Team assisted the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

AERO SQUADRON The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Aero Squadron is an all-volunteer group of pilots and non-pilot observers attached to the County Sheriff’s Office for the express purpose of providing airborne search, rescue, surveillance and special-

and federal assets including our SLOSAR

the PSA airliner crash west of Templeton

(Search and Rescue) and Posse ground

in the 1980s.

search teams. All Aero Squadron active mission pilots are also furnished with public service-band VHF transceivers for their observer’s communication with our ground search teams during practice and

More commonly, the Aero Squadron is called upon to assist ground search and rescue teams in searching for missing persons throughout the county. Missing

actual missions.

persons typically include hikers, cyclists,

Background

and elderly people as well as those with

dirt bikers, ATV enthusiasts, lost children mental and emotional challenges. The

ized transportation functions.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

Member-pilots utilize their privately

during World War II to provide coastal

owned aircraft, currently 11 fixed-wing

anti-submarine patrol functions operat-

models, for mission support operations.

ing out of the original Hearst Ranch

Over seven helicopters have been part of

airstrip north of Cayucos. Records indi-

The Aero Squadron now also provides an

the Aero Squadron’s fleet in the past and

cate its official founding and recognition

important airborne communication relay

hopefully there will be more in the future

as part of the county Sheriff’s Office in

platform for ground search and law

whenever a new or existing member pro-

1948. The group was reorganized in the

enforcement teams operating within the

vides such an asset for mission support.

late 1960s and is today comprised of

county’s mountainous terrain and steep

Aircraft owners are reimbursed for avia-

members from various professional and

valleys. Normally these areas block line-

tion fuel and oil only used in conjunction

business backgrounds and aviation-

of-sight radio transmission and reception

with an assigned mission. Typically, only

related skills and interests.

between ground personnel. Orbiting

aircraft owners fly their own aircraft, as they are not made available for other squadron pilots’ use. Another key asset in the Aero Squadron’s inventory is its new 2006 Ford F-150 support vehicle recently outfitted with appropriate equipment to suppor t operations including UHF, VHF and airc r a f t - b a n d V H F t r a n s c e i ve r s fo r communication with other county, state

Aero Squadron was originally formed

Squadron has also been involved in the location and recover y of personal remains of those who have taken their own lives.

Aero Squadron aircraft can communicate

Missions

with search base and remote teams, relay-

One of the Aero Squadron’s original missions was to provide airborne search, location and rescue-support for survivors of overdue and missing aircraft along the coastal range and remote inland areas. Numerous aircraft and crash scenes have

ing critical information on a real-time basis. Other missions include personnel, vehicle and vessel tracking as par t of narcotics and contraband surveillance and intervention operations.

been located over the years with varying

In the past, Aero Squadron aircraft have

degrees of support provided including

been used to transport organ transplant recipient patients to airports close to hospitals in the Los Angeles and Bay Areas

Current Assets (As of December 2011 Membership Level) Active members consisting of pilots and observers

has been suspended pending the out-

Licensed pilots

come of a review of liability insurance

Member-owned aircraft: fixed-wing

issues. Currently, higher speed Aero

(estimated current market value = $3,345,000)

on relatively short notice. This operation

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Squadron aircraft provide the Sheriff and

February 15: Huasna Valley Search for Missing 12-Year-Old Aero Squadron was contacted at 1300 hrs. to support an on-going search for a missing young lady in the vicinity of her grandfather’s ranch in the eastern portion of the Huasna Valley. She had been missing for over a day when the Squadron was activated. Ground and air teams from San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County,

his staff with a transportation asset

meeting. Many Aero Squadron members

throughout the State of California for

are qualified to PC832 standards and

business meeting attendance.

many possess CCW licenses.

The Aero Squadron also exhibits its air-

2013 Aero Squadron Oper ations

search area, we dispatched one aircraft

Obispo Farmer’s Market in May and

2013 Aero Squadron Search and

her family around 1600 hrs. while walk-

the Sheriff’s Family Day at the Ranch

Rescue Support Operations

ing across the bridge adjacent to search

craf t and ground suppor t vehicle at various local air shows, the annual Law Enforcement Night at the San Luis

in September.

California Highway Patrol, CalFire and other agencies had been searching since the prior day. Due to the relatively small and observer along with Unit 1798 and a support crew for the duration of the search. The subject was recovered by

base. Safe and central control of all the

January 21: Ragged Point Search for

aircraft involved in this search was and

Training

Overdue Hiker

remains a major cause for concern for the

The Aero Squadron trains approximately

The Aero Squadron dispatched one aircraft

two to three times each year with realis-

and its ground support Unit 1798 at 1400

tic mission scenarios typically involving

hrs. to provide ground search team com-

up to six aircraft at one time. These

munications relay functions during this

involve personnel and vehicle location in

search for a missing hiker in rugged terrain

remote parts of the county, typically in a

along the North Coast. Our aircraft was on-

missing person or vehicle surveillance

scene for approximately two hours. Unit

scenario. The Squadron also takes part in

1798 and our ground support personnel

the annual Operational Readiness Drill,

were on-scene for approximately three

which involves all search and rescue

hours. The Aero Squadron search aircraft

July 20: Marijuana Grove Discovery

assets including the Ground Search and

and ground support personnel at Unit

During Flight Training Exercise

Rescue Team and mounted Posse. Aero

1798 relayed critical information between

Squadron members are also provided

SLOSAR’s search base and their field

with limited firearms training by Sheriff’s

teams and were ultimately instrumental in

range masters at the Sheriff’s firing

leading to the eventual and successful

range two evenings every year, which

recovery of the subject.

take the place of a normal monthly

Aero Squadron since non -San Luis Obispo County aircrews (other than CHP who left the area per their internal directives for safety concerns) were unwilling to respond to our contact requests. Normally, all aircraft control functions are provided by the Aero Squadron for search operations within San Luis Obispo County unless directed otherwise.

While operating west of Paso Robles during one phase of our flight training exercise, a flight crewmember on one of our search aircraft identified what he believed to be a marijuana grove. It was

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

located in an area of steep terrain and

position marking skills, which were

Aero Squadron dispatched a twin-engine

heavy brush and not easily seen from the

becoming quite proficient.

aircraft early in the exercise to provide

air. Its position was marked with a GPS and relayed to the Sheriff’s Office. It was later determined to be much larger than seen from the air, consisting of approximately 7,000 plants, which were ultimately eradicated by narcotics personnel. 2013 Aero Squadron Personnel

On July 20, a final search and GPS position-marking exercise was conducted out of Paso Robles Airport with just two aircraft able to respond. Poor ground visibility due to the coastal marine layer precluded

Transportation Flights

the departing of another three aircraft from

The Aero Squadron provided no person-

port. Partway through this exercise, two

nel transportation flights during 2013.

search aircraft were redirected to conduct

2013 Aero Squadron Flight Training Operations The Aero Squadron conducted three internal flight-training exercises during 2013 in addition to the Fall Operational Readiness Drill. March 16: Paso Robles Airport Search Base On March 16, an internal flight-training exercise was conducted out of Paso Robles Airport involving the airborne visual identification and GPS location of several ground targets in the north and central portions of the county. Four air-

Oceano and Santa Maria airports for sup-

a fly-by of the Glen Sparks memorial service being held in Atascadero as a measure of respect for Glen and his family. As mentioned above, later this afternoon a crewmember on one of the exercise aircraft identified a large marijuana growing operation, which was ultimately eradicated.

“High Bird” communications relay between ground search teams and Search Base. Due to weather, this aircraft departed San Luis Obispo Airport under an Instrument Flight Plan but later climbed to visual flight rule conditions on top of the marine layer undercast, which initially precluded low-level flight search operations. Almost immediately upon reporting on station, High Bird provided assistance by relaying critical information between mounted Posse search personnel and Search Base. There were approximately five aircraft waiting on the ground at San Luis Obispo and Oceano for visibility to improve but due to personnel personal time constraints, only one additional aircraft was dispatched at approximately 1100 hrs. While this aircraft was en

S e p te m b e r 14: F a l l O p e ra t i o n a l

route from San Luis Obispo, an actual

Readiness Drill

search was initiated when a citizen hiking in the dunes reported a possible

On September 14, the annual Fall Joint

surfer in distress just outside the surf

Operational Readiness Drill was con-

line west of the aircraft’s position.

ducted in the northwestern portion of Montana De Oro State Park with

By that time, visibility had improved over

SLOSAR and Posse. In the months lead-

their p osition and High Bird was

ing up to the exercise, Aero Squadron

instructed to immediately descend from

planning staff worked closely with mem-

its orbiting altitude and convert to a low-

bers of the Ground Search and Rescue

level search aircraft along the beach and

Unit as well as the Posse to plan the mis-

outside the surf line to locate the surfer.

sion scenarios and to ensure the

The aircraft en route from San Luis

On May 18, another GPS location exer-

exercise’s success. Scenarios involved

Obispo was instructed to climb to

cise was conducted out of Paso Robles

the location and rescue of individuals pre-

resume the duties of High Bird to avoid

Airport with six aircraft supporting in

located in the hills and dunes east and

delay in responding to the emergency.

addition to Unit 1798. The purpose was

northeast of search base, which was set

After approximately 30 minutes, the air-

to hone our visual location and GPS

up in the Sand Spit Parking Lot.

craft was unable to locate anyone so the

craft and aircrews controlled by ground staff manning ground support vehicle Unit 1798 supported this exercise. The exercise was successful. May 18: Paso Robles Airport Search Base

July 20: Paso Robles Airport Search Base

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

roles of the two aircraft were reversed to

known as MyTopos, which provides a

We normally staff the event with ground

continue supporting the training exer-

blend of several moving map displays

support vehicle Unit 1798 at the corner

cise. During the final phase of the

and tools to easily mark GPS positions

of Osos and South Higuera Streets with

practice search, our low-level search air-

for relay to ground search teams. In addi-

a static display board depicting the

craft located the training exercise’s

tion, use of these devices in an aircraft

Aero Squadron mission profile for the

subject in a very difficult location within

utilizes a cellular telephone as a mobile

public’s viewing.

the sand dune complex and successfully

hot spot to enable our aircrews to trans-

guided ground teams to his location

mit the map to a tablet located at Search

using hand-held VHF transceivers.

Base and our ground unit for greater real-

Aero Squadron Observer Aircrew Use of GPS Devices During the early part of 2013, it became

On September 14, the Aero Squadron set up Unit 1798 in the field at the Madonna

time interaction.

Inn and provided helicopter landing zone

2013 Aero Squadron Public Relations

the California Highway Patrol, CalStar and

Operations

the United States Drug Enforcement

obvious that aircrews were having train-

The Aero Squadron did not attend the

ing and familiarization issues with the

annual county law enforcement public

various models of aircraft panel-installed

outreach event held in May in conjunction

and handheld GPS units that the pilots

with the weekly San Luis Obispo

and aircrews were using for identifying

Farmer’s Market on Thursday night. The

the positions of ground targets. During

Aero Squadron was not notified of the

our July meeting, it was suggested to

event in time to support its attendance.

control operations for helicopters from

Administration (DEA). This year, the DEA helicopter flew in from their facility in Long Beach, arriving the evening prior to the event. CHP Air 70 is based in Paso Robles at CHP’s Flight Operations facility and the CalStar helicopter is based in Santa Maria.

standardize upon one or several models of dedicated GPS units on the market. However, during August, Captain Hansen met with CHP’s flight operations in Paso Robles and witnessed their successful use of a GPS-equipped iPad operating a

2013 Aero Squadron Asset Utilization Actual Flight Search and Rescue Mission

6.5 flight-hours

Actual Flight Search and Rescue Mission

47.5 man-hours

Sheriff’s Office Personnel Transportation

0 flight-hours

relatively inexpensive GPS program. This

Sheriff’s Office Personnel Transportation

0 man-hours

option was presented to the Aero

Flight Training Missions

48 flight-hours

Squadron membership and was ulti-

Flight Training Missions

290 man-hours

mately adopted for use on both Android

Special Air Operations Unit

75 man-hours

and Apple iPad platform-based tablets

Ground Mission Training, Logistics and Coordination

81 man-hours

either presently owned by our members

Ground Event Support Functions

83 man-hours

Monthly meetings

496 man-hours

or inexpensively available. Thus began a search for downloadable, useful software similar to that used by CHP but usable on both the Android and iPad platforms for commonality of familiarization. As of the end of 2013, the Aero Squadron

2013 Totals 54.5 flight hours 1,072.5 man-hours

has adopted a free downloadable program produced by Trimble Navigation

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

EXPLORER PROGRAM

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

California Highway Patrol’s Divisional Air

Office Explorer Post 781 is comprised of

Operations Unit and learn the fundamen-

young men and women between the

tals of aerial operations. The explorers

ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in

are expected to enter the three-day-long

discovering more about law enforce-

annual Explorer Competition at the

ment. The Explorer Post currently

California Mid-State Fairgrounds where

maintains a roster of 21 members. Post

their skills are tested by competing

781 is officially chartered through the Boy

against explorers from various agencies

Scouts of America. Four advisors lend

in the Western United States.

their expertise in training the Post members under the supervision of Sheriff’s Commander Jay Donovan, while various deputies are called upon to assist with specialty trainings. Experience is gained and enhanced through many and varied community activities and public service events throughout the year. These include, but are not limited to, assisting at the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day services at the Los Osos Valley Memorial Cemetery, participating in the Cops ‘n’ Kids Day activities in Arroyo Grande, and handing out and affixing G.R.E.A.T. bracelets at many venues. This past year they toured the county jail, the Crime Lab, and Coroner’s Facility. This year, they also had the opportunity to tour the

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

They don the McGruff Crime Dog costume to share an anti- drug message with county youth and assist at the Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch activities. They also provide traffic and crowd control services to the annual Paso Robles Christmas Parade. Post members attend the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Night activities at Farmer’s Market in San Luis Obispo, provide youth leadership and small group training sessions at the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, as held in three locations throughout the County of San Luis Obispo, and assist at the California Mid-State Fair Sheriff’s Booth. They may be seen volunteering to assist with compliance operations with the

Alcoholic Beverage Control Agency and

hostage negotiations, DUI sobriety

shooting skills event, suspicious subject

the County of San Luis Obispo Tobacco

examinations, and receive an introduc-

contacts, and the team physical chal-

Program. They also partner with deputy

tion to canine handling techniques.

lenge. This year, the Explorer Post looks

teams for foot patrol at the 4th of July

Additionally, the explorers are familiar-

forward to competing in similar competi-

Fireworks Show in Cayucos, and partici-

ized with radio codes and transmissions

tions throughout the state.

pate in several patrol unit ride-a-longs

thereof, penal codes, vehicle codes and

throughout the year. In addition, many of

case law. The explorers are expected to

the explorers are bilingual and provide the

maintain high levels of moral standards,

Sheriff’s Office with interpreting services.

as well as learn discipline and the day-to-

Weekly meetings are held on Thursday evenings when the explorers receive scenario-based training and discussions on law enforcement duties such as han-

day functions of a sheriff’s deputy, characteristics that will carry on in their personal life and, should they so choose, in their career in law enforcement.

Nationwide there is a high school age competition, Skills USA, that has students from all 50 states compete in career occupations. These range from small engine repair to administration of justice. E xplorer Corporal Alfredo Jimenez competed in the criminal justice field. His hard work and dedication was

dling domestic violence calls, suspicious

During the past year, the Explorer Post

reflected throughout the competition

subject contact, vehicle traffic stops,

competed in the Central Coast Law

and was rewarded by his being the 2013

felony car stops, report taking, oral inter-

Enforcement Competition, where they

California State Gold Medal Winner.

views, and firearms handling and training.

displayed true professionalism and deter-

Corporal Jimenez went on to represent

They conduct building searches, apply

mination. Competing against over 600

our state on a national level where

fingerprinting techniques, handcuffing

other explorers, they took the challenge

he received high marks and an honor-

techniques and suspect pat- downs,

to excel. Awards were won in the team

able mention.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

mount that is mentally and physically

Posse is an all-volunteer auxiliary unit of

sound. In addition, they must possess

the Sheriff’s Office. These volunteers

appropriate tack and a vehicle and trailer

engage in active shooter scenarios,

Sheriff’s POSSE

come from all areas of San Luis Obispo

capable of transporting their mount and

County. It is the objective of the Posse to

equipment at a moment’s notice.

augment the Patrol Division, perform search and rescue operations and promote positive public relations by providing a ceremonial unit to participate in parades

Members must maintain the physical fitness necessary to ensure the safe completion of assigned tasks, in any

and other community functions.

variance of weather or working condi-

Posse members must be citizens of the

the safety of their mount, or the public.

United States and at least 18 years old.

Members must possess above average

tions, without jeopardizing their safety,

They must be of good moral character,

horsemanship skills. These skills are

reside in the County of San Luis Obispo

evaluated by a Mounted Proficiency

and pass a background investigation.

Test, which must be successfully com-

Posse members must also demonstrate

pleted annually to maintain membership

good horsemanship skills and have a

with the Posse.

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

The Posse has three areas of responsibil-

and parades. They also provide a

Pioneer Day, Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch

ity, which are organized into teams.

Mounted Honor Guard to carry the United

and Law Enforcement Night in down-

These teams are Patrol, Search and

States Flag and California State Flag in

town San Luis Obispo.

Rescue, and Ceremonial. Organization

these organized parades or events.

into teams allows members to focus on one specific task, thereby raising the level of expertise in each area. Members may choose to participate in more than

Posse strives to provide a professional

separate functions throughout the

service to the County of San Luis Obispo.

County of San Luis Obispo, expending

Posse members contribute a great deal

1,097 man-hours. The Patrol Team par-

of their time, money and energy to their

ticipated in four events this year. The

community and fellow citizens. Their ser-

The Patrol Team’s purpose is to furnish a

most challenging of these events was

vice resulted in a number of positive

qualified mount and rider to provide

the mid-state fair in Paso Robles. This

public contacts, a closer relationship with

mounted assistance and support to exist-

event is spread out over a 12-day period,

other law enforcement entities and pre-

ing Sheriff’s patrols at community

with an attendance of over 363,000 peo-

sented a visible Sheriff’s Office presence

functions and during special operations.

ple. The Ceremonial Team participated in

throughout the county.

The Search and Rescue Team conducts

17 events. These events consisted of

one team.

mounted search and rescue operations in

local parades along with community

conjunction with other auxiliary units. The

functions such as Cops ‘n’ Kids Day,

Ceremonial Team provides positive public relations representation of the Sheriff’s Office to the community at public events

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s

In 2013, the Posse participated in 25

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol (SAVP)

The Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteer Patrol

and have spent close to 200 hours on

(SAVP) was established to assist the San

these endeavors in 2013, and close to

Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office in

1,000 hours since the inception of this

meeting its law enforcement mission.

valuable program. SAVPs regularly

Citizen volunteers are trained in a variety

assume new duties and assignments as

of law enforcement topics, such as obser-

requested. They have continued their

vation skills, radio procedures, and

ef for ts with the Project Lifesaver

first-aid. They also provide supplemental

Program, which has resulted in over 500

patrol in our neighborhoods and business

hours of service in 2013. Not only do they

districts, contributing over 8,000 patrol

change the batteries each month for

hours per year and an additional 5,000

those who wear these devices, but they

hours with various other types of assign-

also spend time visiting with them, which

ments. These volunteers act as additional

enables their family members to take a

eyes and ears in an effort to identify crime

break. Annually, this dedicated group

and increase public safety. Aside from patrolling the streets, auxiliary patrol members perform over 900 vacation checks annually and regularly assist the Crime Prevention Unit in preparing materials for public displays and accom-

travels over 92,000 miles throughout the County of San Luis Obispo, completing these various tasks and requests. SAVPs have also volunteered their time to complete nearly 650 hours of various types of training to enhance their skills.

pany them to these events to enhance

The SAVP is a partnership between law

crime prevention education. Under the

enforcement and the public, which serves

direction of the SAVP graffiti abatement

to increase the impact that the Sheriff’s

coordinator, SAVPs respond to partici-

Office has in preserving our high quality of

pate in the removal of graffiti or “tagging”

life in San Luis Obispo County.

incidences throughout the entire county,

Lead the Way A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 13

Search and Rescue Team (Sar)

• Ground search teams (urban and rural) • 4x4 and ATV (quad) teams • Communications / Dispatching • Mountain Bike Team (urban and rural)

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SLOSAR) Team consists of volunteer members of our community who are trained and certified in first aid and CPR, the Incident Command System (ICS), communications, ex tensive search techniques and procedures, rescue skills, the map, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS) and wilder-

• Technical Rope Rescue Team (high and low angle) • Canine Team (area searching, trailing, and cadaver) • Medical Team (18+ members rated at EMT or higher) • Tracking Team • “Project Lifesaver” Team Because of SLOSAR’s training and

as adventure races, community events

expertise, they also support the Sheriff’s New members are probationary; in a

such as Sheriff’s Day at the Ranch or

Office by participating in crime scene

period of 12 months, a probationary

Cops ‘n’ Kids Day, and the San Luis

searches and equipment support. Some

member is trained by experienced

Obispo Christmas Parade.

of the specialty equipment and vehicles

SLOSAR team members and expected

available and supported by SLOSAR are:

Search Missions:

• 26’ communication-command vehicle

In 2013, SLOSAR received 24 callouts

ness tracking and survival.

to gain proficiency in all of the skills described above. Many members strive for perfection and have acquired advanced skills

computer mapping

for searches; nine missing person searches, one evidence search, four mutual aide requests (three from

in search theory, management, opera-

• 4x4 tow vehicle

Monterey County and one from San

tions, logistics management, advanced

• Generators and light towers

Bernardino County), one Project Lifesaver

GPS computer mapping, and advanced technical rescue. Some members have created trainings that have been

• 40’ medical trailer • Support trailers

recognized nationwide and others

• ATV / Quads

are developing trainings that will

• Mountain bikes

enhance and increase the skill levels of their teammates. SLOSAR’s current membership is 62 members strong. Most members, although all proficient in ground searching, have chosen to be part of a specialty team within the SLOSAR Team. The specialty teams within SLOSAR include:

• Detailed (topo) county maps and

• Humvee Community Involvement SLOSAR members are very involved with our community. Throughout the year they participate in community events such as: medical stand-by and first aid stations for special events such

S a n L u i s O b i s p o C o u n t y S h e r i f f ’s o f f i c e

search, and four calls to assist other agencies within our county. The cost saved by San Luis Obispo County for enjoying a professional search and rescue volunteer team is approximately $2,000 per hour. The cost saved by San Luis Obispo County for all volunteer time, which includes missions, training, meetings, and special events, is estimated at $1.5 million per year.

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

Contact information

SLO Count y Sheriff’s office