Roots & Wings Online

What are the most compelling initiatives the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is focused on?

One of the greatest strengths of the Orange County Sheriff's Department is its extensive size, which allows us to offer a wide range of specialized units staffed by experienced and professional personnel. This enables us to effectively address the diverse challenges our communities face today.

When it comes to community policing and crime prevention programs, we are proud to have specially trained staff dedicated to community engagement. They work tirelessly to strengthen our relationships with the communities we serve.

To ensure traffic safety and address related issues, we deploy our motor deputies, enlist the expertise of the Major Accident Reconstruction Team, conduct DUI checkpoints, and provide specialized training to our patrol deputies in identifying impaired driving.

In matters related to homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health crises, we have dedicated Homeless Liaison Officers and Behavioral Health Bureau deputies. These highly trained professionals work collaboratively with our social services partners, employing de-escalation tactics, and specialized approaches to effectively engage with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, or mental health challenges.

When it comes to responding to and investigating criminal events, our capabilities are vast. We rely on the expertise of our patrol deputies, K9 deputies, S.W.A.T. team, the Hazardous Devices Squad, and air support. The department also has a wide array of specialized investigative units, regularly deployed to address specific investigative incidents. Furthermore, our department maintains strong inter-departmental relationships with other county entities and collaborates closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.

The men and women of the Orange County Sheriff's Department are equipped with a diverse range of skills and resources to address any community challenge in a professional and effective manner.

What should residents be aware of when it comes to crime and promoting safety in Ladera?

• Enhancing situational awareness and promoting community involvement are valuable approaches to improving public safety.
• Education and Outreach: Educating the public on the importance of situational awareness and its role in crime prevention is a priority. The goal is to teach residents about the signs of suspicious activity, to recognize potential threats, and how to report issues.
• Neighborhood Watch Programs: These programs encourage residents to form cohesive groups and appoint community leaders who can act as liaisons between law enforcement and the community. We provide these leaders with training and resources to effectively coordinate efforts, conduct regular meetings, and share relevant information among participants.
• Use Technology: We encourage residents to install surveillance cameras, video doorbells, additional lighting, and other security devices to enhance situational awareness in their neighborhoods and around their homes. Social media can also be a powerful tool for the community to communicate and share specific activities and challenges they may be facing.
• Empowerment and Trust: We foster a sense of empowerment and trust within our community. We establish open lines of communication, so residents feel comfortable sharing information. Deputies are encouraged to attend community events, engage in positive interactions, and build personal connections with residents. We also value diversity and inclusion so our community members feel represented and supported.

By demonstrating these concepts in the work, we do every day, we strengthen the relationship with those we serve, enhance situational awareness among residents, and create a safer and more engaged neighborhood.

How does the OCSD work with other agencies and organizations to promote public safety?

As the new Southeast Operations Administrative Sergeant, I have been active in building relationships with community leaders and residents. I have accomplished this by attending and facilitating neighborhood watch meetings, and special concern meetings with LARCS and LARMAC Board members, and maintaining regular communication with business owners, property managers, and community leaders. 

Due to the unique dynamic of the unincorporated area, the Sheriff’s Department has been working together with the CHP to address traffic-related calls for service and special attention items like ebike safety and electric motorcycles.

What crime-deterring efforts do you recommend? 

Important things residents can do to deter criminal activity is to take pride in and be active within their community. It’s important to maintain situational awareness, maintain safety and security in their personal effects and property, lock windows and doors, install and utilize security technology items like alarms, video surveillance, and lighting, and strengthen communication and relationships with your neighbors.

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