A Year in Review

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2 A Year in Review A Message from Sheriff Bill Gore By any measure the year 2010 was a high profile year for the San Diego Sheriff s Department. The public watched as we launched a massive search for a missing teenage girl and then went about identifying and arresting her killer. They watched as we said good-by to a beloved colleague and friend, killed in the line of duty. They scrutinized the Department in a contested election, ultimately deciding it was on the right course. The public witnessed action, unprecedented in California and rare in public safety, as we burned to the ground a house that had become a factory for making volatile explosives. By any measure a high profile year, it was by every measure a year of successes some large, some small, all due to the professionalism of the men and women who make up the San Diego Sheriff s Department. Sworn deputies and professional staff alike embraced challenges as an attribute of their daily duty. Sheriff Bill Gore Major Challenges The year brought with it serious threats to public safety. Felons in our community - In 2009 a federal panel of judges ordered the release of State prison inmates in order to shrink California s prison population. Meanwhile, in the face of budget cuts, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation introduced measures that sharply reduce the supervision of State parolees. The Non-Revocable Parole program meant that many parolees living in our community would not have to report to a parole officer and could not be violated and incarcerated for violating terms of parole. Undersheriff Jim Cooke Together these events presented local law enforcement with a dire prospect: the release of a record number of felons and the presence of unsupervised felons in our neighborhoods. 2 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

3 Border crime, border violence - Throughout 2010, Mexico s battle with drug cartels remained at a fever pitch. Consequently, Mexico s criminals looked north. At the close of 2009 federal authorities announced that officers assigned to the southern border intercepted more than $40 million in contraband cash in a six month span, twice the amount seized the year before. Hard evidence developed that Southern California street gangs were sending weapons south in exchange for drugs. Killings among rival drug cartels in Mexico and ordered hits against Mexican law enforcement became everyday headlines in Through the Sheriff s Border Crime Suppression Team law enforcement has fought back. Our approach is regional and our multi-agency task force approach is making headway in our fight against border crime. Cited as a Best Practice in the fight against border violence, our Border Crime Suppression initiative has garnered millions of dollars in federal grant money. The battle is far from over. These public safety threats position themselves alongside crime problems that stalk every American urban area: sexual assaults, child abuse, and elder abuse; street crime burglaries, robberies, auto thefts, and assaults; drug trafficking and alcohol fueled crimes and deaths; identity theft and other white collar crimes. These ordinary crime problems threaten the quality of life in our neighborhoods. To counter them we have taken extraordinary steps to protect the public and reduce crime. Effective Strategies Patrol as priority - These are tough economic times. Families have been hurt by the downturn in our economy. And so have the budgets of governmental agencies, including the Sheriff s Department. Amidst the financial crisis I made a public commitment: to maintain a strong field presence through a fully staffed patrol operation. Today, there are more deputy sheriffs in patrol cars on more public streets than any time in the history of the Sheriff s Department. They are making a difference. In addition to responding to a record number of calls for service, they have initiated more activity than ever. The result: reduced crime and safer neighborhoods. 3 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

4 Intelligence led policing - Not only are their numbers the greatest in our history, but our patrol deputies are working smarter than ever. We have made a tactical decision to increase our reliance on the work of our Crime Analysis team. The aim is to know where parolees and probationers are living in each patrol beat and to rely upon that information to solve crimes and solve them more quickly. In 2010 we began a pilot project in North County called Watchful Eye that partners our patrol deputies with probation officers to track known offenders. This is an example of intelligence led policing and the Sheriff s Department is actively finding ways to make it a regular part of patrol and investigative operations. Forensic technology - The San Diego Sheriff s Regional Crime Laboratory has emerged as one of the foremost forensic labs in California and the nation. The Lab has pioneered the deployment of forensic DNA technology not only to solve homicides and sexual assaults, but also street crimes robberies, burglaries, and auto thefts. Our Rapid Response DNA Team, devoted to help solve these crimes, is the first of its kind in California. Regional task forces - The abiding legacy of Sheriff Bill Kolender, who served as Sheriff from 1995 until June of 2009 and served in law enforcement for half a century, was regional cooperation. The problems of street gangs, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, organized crime, computer crime, and sophisticated rip-off scams cross jurisdictional boundaries. They demand a regional approach. San Diego County law enforcement is renowned for working jointly across jurisdictional lines: the Sheriff s Department works closely with city police chiefs and their officers, with State law enforcement, and with the FBI, DEA, Customs, Border Patrol and other federal agencies. Making custody time count - In direct response to the threat posed by a rising population of felons in our community and our local jails, our Department has made a serious effort to reduce recidivism the likelihood that an offender, upon his release from custody, will continue to commit crimes. Throughout 2010 the Sheriff s Department worked with representatives of the District Attorney, the Public Defender, the Courts, and Probation to create a program designed to attack recidivism. The San Diego Local Re-entry Program (LRP) attacks those problems inmates face that typically lead to them committing new crimes: drug addiction, anger management and life skills. Commitments and Partnerships The mission of the San Diego Sheriff s Department is clear: to make San Diego the safest urban county in the nation. To achieve this mission requires strategic vision and sound tactics; it requires a commitment to professionalism; just as significantly, it requires partners who become force multipliers. In our fight against crime the Sheriff s Department is blessed with a cadre of immensely talented volunteers, who augment the efforts of our staff. Without citizen support groups such as our Search and Rescue Team, the Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association, Senior Volunteers, and the Law Enforcement Foundation, the pursuit of our mission would be at best quixotic; we would be tilting at windmills. Instead, because of them, we take steps every day that bring us closer to making achievement of our mission a practical reality. 4 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

5 Finally, I want to personally acknowledge the County s leadership. These men and women provide invaluable support to the Sheriff s Department and law enforcement regionally. I begin with the County Board of Supervisors Greg Cox, Dianne Jacob, Pam Slater-Price, Ron Roberts, and Bill Horn. Their commitment to law enforcement is second to none. That is reflected in daily operations, led by Chief Administrative Officer Walt Ekard, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins Meyer, and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Ray Fernandez, who leads the professionals at the County s Public Safety Group. Without these leaders, the Sheriff s Department could not serve. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the citizens of San Diego County. Your support, partnership and friendship make us a better organization and enable us to serve you. Thank you for your support. William D. Gore, Sheriff San Diego County 5 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

6 A Year in Review Law Enforcement Services Bureau Escondido Bomb Factory Rendered Safe In November 2010, deputies responded to 1954 Via Scott in unincorporated Escondido to assist the Escondido Fire Department with a subject injured in an explosion. They soon discovered the residence contained the largest stash of homemade explosive material ever discovered in the United States and set in motion an incident that would gain worldwide attention. Several families were forced to evacuate because of the extreme danger posed by the explosive material. Luckily, the victim survived his injuries and the suspect (resident George Jakubec) was taken into custody by Sheriff s Bomb Squad investigators in the initial response. Quick Facts Calls for Service: 150,646 Deputy Initiated: 174,223 Violent Crime: Down 12.7% Property Crime: Down 2.2% 911 Calls: 243,572 Non-emergency calls: 364, Answer time: 5 seconds DNA profile hit rate: 71% Licensing Applications: 4,000+ Registered sex offenders: 1,447 Registered narcotic offenders: 12,500 Registered gang members: 150 Registered arsonists: 42. This arrest led to a four week long operation as the residence was rendered safe. Investigators from the Sheriff s Bomb/Arson Unit led the investigation and were supported by other local, state and federal agencies. Over the course of the operation, bomb technicians countered charged and destroyed improvised explosive devices and over 9 pounds of HMTD (a volatile explosive material commonly used by terrorists). After an initial check of the residence interior, bomb technicians quickly determined the residence to be unsafe for any further render safe activities. Improvised explosive devices, large amounts of chemicals and other highexplosive compounds were located inside the house. The strong possibility of trip wires and other devices, along with the large amount of property stacked and piled throughout the house, made searching extremely dangerous. 6 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

7 Despite the danger, bomb technicians still entered the house several times to seize evidence and place devices inside the residence to incinerate it. Each time this was accomplished, the technicians were in extreme danger. As security was maintained round the clock by armed deputy sheriffs, investigators and incident commanders worked with explosive experts from around the country to determine how best to render the site safe. After extensive research, the determination was made to incinerate the residence and all contents. A proclamation declaring a state of emergency was signed by the Chief Administrative Officer of San Diego County and the Governor of California in support of the incident. On Thursday, December 9, 2010, residents were evacuated and a unified team of public safety professionals from law enforcement, fire, Hazmat, air pollution control and public health successfully incinerated the residence without incident. The burn was planned extensively, carried out flawlessly, and was captured live by national media. Surrounding structures and properties were not damaged. Soon thereafter, all evacuated neighbors were allowed back to their residences. State hazardous materials experts removed all debris and rendered the site safe for access. Teen Drinking and Driving Initiative In response to ten deaths directly related to teen drinking and driving late in 2009 and the first part of 2010, the Sheriff s Department stepped up efforts to address the problem and developed a plan to reduce collisions, injuries and deaths. The Teen Drinking and Driving Initiative evolved into a dedicated year-long effort that comprises education, enforcement, and awareness components. The Sheriff s Department presented Start Smart classes in many of its stations communities, adapting the program from one the CHP has taught for more than a decade. This is an opportunity for new drivers and their parents/guardians to clearly learn and understand their responsibilities when a teen starts to drive. The often-graphic videos and daunting statistics provide a powerful reality check that lingers long after the classroom instruction. The class also clarifies the restrictions of the Provisional License Law and explains the penalties, including possible arrest, resulting from the countywide 7 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

8 enactment of the social host ordinances now in place in each contract city. A total of 1,280 attendees have already heard the presentation. Using a powerful illustration created by Pulitzer Prize winning Union-Tribune artist and journalist, Steve Breen, as its theme, the Teen Drinking and Driving Initiative included a visual component. This consisted of large banners displayed in front of Sheriff s Stations, businesses and at local high schools, decals put on the back windows of patrol vehicles, and broad decals on the back windows of transportation buses and brochures that were distributed at appropriate venues and in schools. Sheriff Gore s Holiday Watch Sheriff Gore launched a countywide Holiday Watch program to keep communities safe during the Thanksgiving through New Year s Day time period. Sheriff Gore stated criminals do not take the holidays off and neither will our deputies. The crime fighting initiative combined the use of enforcement and education. Patrols were increased in neighborhoods, malls, trolleys, coasters, parking lots, and other hot spots for criminals. Undercover operations supported uniformed patrols to enhance their effectiveness. Deputies conducted a variety of patrols which included curfew sweeps, DUI saturation patrols and checkpoints, ABC compliance checks, and foot and bike patrols. Deputies collaborated with San Diego County Probation and State Parole to identify career criminals and repeat offenders who may be in violation of their probation or parole conditions. To increase public awareness, crime prevention specialists and senior patrol volunteers handed out flyers, and shared safety tips online through Nixle. Mobile Command Vehicles were posted around malls, and Skywatch, a cherry-picker like crime buster watched over shoppers. Overall, the program was very successful. Holiday Watch generated positive media coverage and comments from the public. Most patrol stations realized a reduction in theft related crimes. The proactive approach delivered a high number of deputy initiated activities, and an increase in calls for service. 8 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

9 Chelsea King Search and Homicide Investigation In February 2010, the Sheriff s Department conducted a multiagency search for 17-year-old Chelsea King, who was reported missing by her family after she did not return from a jog near Lake Hodges. Her vehicle was recovered in the area. Sheriff s Search and Rescue, ASTREA, divers, hundreds of law enforcement officers and community volunteers searched extensively in the streams, lake and surrounding hills. The CATCH team conducted a search of Chelsea s phone and computer for clues to her disappearance. After a five day search, Chelsea s body was discovered and Sheriff s Homicide directed the investigation. Evidence obtained by Field Evidence Technicians was further processed by Crime Lab personnel who were able to identify Chelsea s DNA. An unknown DNA profile was also located and submitted to the state CODIS database. The DNA was identified as belonging to John Albert Gardner, a registered sex offender, who was arrested a short time later. Upon further investigation, Gardner was also implicated in the murder of 14-year-old Amber Dubois. Gardner pled guilty to both murders and received multiple life sentences. The case received extensive national media coverage, and resulted in new legislation, Chelsea s Law. The law provides that a person convicted of certain sex offenses against a child in California will receive a sentence of life in prison without parole. Border Crime Suppression Team (BCST) In 2010, the San Diego Sheriff s Department again achieved national prominence with its multi-layered, all-threats, integrated approach to combating violence and crimes associated with the escalating drug cartel wars and ongoing human smuggling from Mexico into the US. In addition to being cited as a Best Practice for border violence suppression, San Diego County s Operation Stonegarden Program received $8.8 million from the US Department of Homeland Security for FY 2010, the largest single award among all applicants across the nation. In July 2009, US Attorney Eric Holder announced a two year grant of $5 million for San Diego County as part of the Justice Department s Southwest Border Strategy. 9 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

10 In 2010, the BCST conducted a variety of highway interdiction operations, surveillance operations, and parole/probation searches. The BCST posted impressive statistics which include over 1500 vehicle stops, about 500 field interviews, 275 arrests, and the seizure of over 10,000 pounds of marijuana and almost 40 pounds of methamphetamines. GREAT Program The Vista Gang Enforcement Team (GET) continued their Gang Reduction Education and Training (GREAT) program in Vista Middle Schools. This program has an anti-gang focus and helps tweeners learn how to make positive choices when dealing with issues such as peer-pressure, bullying and exposure to violent situations. In 2010, over 600 students participated in the program. The GET was awarded the American Legion Meritorious Service Award for its work with the GREAT program. Currently, the GET is the only entity teaching this program in San Diego County. Two Crime Series Ended The north county area was victimized by a series of about 100 commercial burglaries named the window smash series. A fourth waiver search was conducted at a residence on an unrelated fraud case. The resident possessed incriminating evidence related to the commercial burglary series. As a result of a combined effort with allied law enforcement agencies and the Office of the District Attorney, the suspect remains in custody awaiting a prison sentence. The CVS Pharmacy stores located in San Diego County, San Bernardino County and Riverside County were being victimized by theft by several crews of multiple suspects. The total loss of high end beauty products from CVS Pharmacy was about $100, As the result of surveillance by Vista Detectives, three suspects were tracked and arrested after completing another crime in a north county area CVS Pharmacy. 10 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

11 Prescription Drug Drop Boxes Unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs have been determined to present substantial risks to our community by either falling into the wrong hands, or by damaging our environment through improper disposal. Studies have shown that residential supplies of pharmaceutical controlled substances - those found in our home medicine cabinets - have become the supply of choice for young people and criminals. Many abusers, a high percentage of which are teens, are known to have obtained their controlled substances from the homes of family and friends. The Sheriff s Department and the Oxy- Contin Task Force have participated in prescription drug take-back days in which the public could turn in unwanted medication at specified sites. In 2010, the San Diego County Sheriff and the Board of Supervisors worked together to provide a permanent, safe alternative method to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals. A majority of Sheriff s facilities have installed secure collection drop boxes. The public may drop off unwanted or expired medications from their home medicine cabinets free of charge and without any questions asked. Once collected, evidence staff will ensure the medication is disposed of according to State and Federal laws. In 2010, over 1300 pounds of unwanted prescription medications have been collected in the drop boxes. Statistics The Department responded to 150,646 calls for service, and performed 174,223 deputyinitiated actions. FBI Part 1 Crime statistics for all areas serviced by the Department indicate a 12.7% decrease in violent crime, and a 2.2% reduction in property crime. The Communications Center received 243, /Emergency calls (a 16% increase) and 364,450 Non-emergency calls. The state average answering time recommendation for calls is within 10 seconds. The Sheriff s Communications Center has consistently maintained a 5 second average answering time for calls. The Sheriff s Regional Crime Laboratory s Forensic Biology Unit submitted DNA profiles to search against the state DNA database (CODIS). A remarkable 71% resulted in a hit or identification of a suspect. 11 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

12 The License and Criminal Registration Division processed over 4,000 regulatory license applications and maintained registrations for 1,447 registered sex offenders (6 of which are sexually violent predators), 12,500 narcotic offenders, 150 registered gang members and 42 registered arsonists. 12 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

13 A Year in Review Detention Services Bureau Inmate Services Division: Anticipating the local impacts to public safety of the justice system reforms, the County of San Diego began innovative efforts to combat the impacts of recidivism. The DSB worked closely with County Reentry Partners (the District Attorney s Office, the Public Defender s Office, the Courts, and Probation) to implement the San Diego Local Re-entry Program (LRP). Using evidence-based practices, the LRP is designed to provide wrap around services to assist, educate, and treat addictions to transition local inmates into the community with a goal of reducing recidivism through the improvement of life skills necessary for a successful transition into society. Quick Facts Budget: $209.6 Million Total Bookings: 97,920 Average Daily Population: 4,646 Average Length of Stay: Sentenced Males: 69.9 days Sentenced Females: 62.1 days Unsentenced Males: 5.5 days Unsentenced Females: 4.3 days Average for all: 18.1 days Average Daily Cost: $ Gender: Males 85%; Females 15% Meals prepared annually: 8,081,797 Average meal cost: 90.6 cents Inmate s: 531,891 Prop 69 DNA Collections: 17,002 At LRP, the participant would attend a case managed program that would include assessments; prescribed programming that includes psych/social, educational and vocational services; family reunification services and scheduled post-release services. Using the COMPAS assessment tool, completed by Probation prior to sentencing, each participant will receive an intensive program that is specifically tailored to each participant s risk/needs assessments as identified by the facility assigned Probation Officer and the Sheriff s Correctional Counselor Case Manager. During custody, LRP participants will have the opportunity to complete a portion or all of their Conditions of Probation in Substance Abuse, Anger Management, Parenting and Anti-Theft. 13 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

14 Beginning with referrals out of the Downtown Courts with inmates housed at the East Mesa Detention Facility, this program has since expanded to include the East and South County Courts and now includes the Las Colinas Detention Facility to include female participants. As of Dec. 1, 2010, the program has served over 200 participants. Of the participants who have been released, only 20% have returned to custody. Detentions Support Division: The Detentions Services Bureau fully staffed the Detentions Support Division with the addition of a Detentions Sergeant and Lieutenant. "The Detentions Support Division is committed to providing leadership, proactive support, and innovation exceeding basic standards in all facets of detention s related business, is the Mission Statement and driving force behind this division. Their primary duty includes providing support to the various Support Division Units such as Prisoner Transportation, Detentions Training Unit, and Jail Population Management Unit in the area of innovation and the utilization of technology to make each operation more efficient. They also assist DIS with facility audits, provide direction in overtime management, and complete other projects as assigned. One recent project was the implementation of the Mobile Booking Team. The Detentions Services Bureau maintains the capability of deploying a Mass Booking Team to provide Detentions intake services in the field. This team can be utilized in the case of large scale arrests where resources need to stay active in field related work and not taken out of services to transport and book arrestees into jail. In 2010, DSB added to this capability by developing a Mobile Booking function which can be utilized during pre-planned events where multiple arrests are expected and field resources need to remain in service. This new functionality provides pre-intake booking, Mugshot capability, and medical screening in a field setting. Through the use of wireless computer equipment, inmates are booked directly into the JIMS system saving time and preventing errors due to transference of information at a later time. 14 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

15 The Mobile Booking Team was requested and utilized by the San Diego Police Department during the San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders football game. The team booked and transported 35 arrestees from Qualcomm Stadium to the San Diego Central Jail or Las Colinas Detention Facility. 15 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

16 A Year in Review Court Services Bureau The Sheriff s Court Services Bureau provides judicial and courthouse security for the third largest court system in the United States. San Diego Superior Court s 1,440 employees, including 130 judges and 24 referees, work in the court system s ten court facilities. The system managed 727,971 criminal and civil filings last year. The bureau has over 336 full-time employees and a $52,753,569 budget. 283 of these employees and $29,820,981 of the bureau s budget is derived from a contract between the Sheriff s Department and the Superior Court for courthouse and judicial security making this the largest contract managed by the Sheriff s Department. The bureau s courthouse screening stations screened over 4,417,313 visitors and 4,512,356 items. More than 34,290 potential weapons were not allowed into San Diego s courthouses. The bureau is constantly evaluating its courthouse security procedures and policies, and building security measures. This allows the bureau to provide a safe environment that enables the judicial system to serve the community effectively. Last year, the bureau s investigative unit reviewed 22 judicial threats, 2,508 criminal cases, and over 1,000 Grand jury and contract employee background investigations. The unit also works with the United States Department of Justice in identifying judicial threat subjects who were trying to buy firearms. The extradition unit processed 655 extradition cases with a waiver rate of 97.21%, saving the county approximately $15 million. With nearly 2,000 field division and warrant sweep arrests, over 3,180 warrants were cleared in The bureau s civil unit handles processes such as temporary restraining orders, evictions, wage garnishments, bank levies, and sales. Residents and businesses in San Diego County use the bureau s services to help serve civil processes and enforce court orders. In 2010, the unit received and processed 54,742 civil documents. The unit processed 16 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

17 over 22 million dollars in collections and fees, involving highly complex civil processes, and paid out no monies in county claims. $2,250,946 in fees were reimbursed to the department. Since 2002, the bureau has provided security at the County Administration Center (CAC). This historic site accommodates almost 1,000 county employees and elected public officials who rely on Sheriff s personnel for their safety and security concerns. The CAC attracts over 415,000 public visitors per year who are screened for weapons prior to admittance. Over 1,200 potential weapons were kept out of the CAC. The bureau provides training for all building tenants in personal security, critical response, and emergency evacuation. 17 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

18 A Year in Review Human Resource Services Bureau During 2010, the San Diego County Sheriff s Department continued to fill vacant positions and seek qualified candidates. In addition to our Recruiting Unit there were a wide range of services provided by HRSB, including the Personnel Unit which provides background checks, Computer Voice Stress Analyzer tests, and processes all new employees. Personnel provided career path assistance for all sworn staff and had comparable services available for professional staff. They also work closely with HRSB Command Staff to process promotions and retirements. Sheriff s Personnel continued to concentrate on the County of San Diego going green initiative by reducing paper usage and scanning employee background and personnel files. Additionally, the Personnel Unit updated the Department s internal Personnel and Recruiting web sites. The Personnel and Payroll Units worked very closely to ensure all information in our system of record was accurate. HRSB is also responsible for various types of training for the Department s new and tenured employees. Personnel Division In 2010, the San Diego Sheriff s Department continued to test and screen applicants preparing for future hiring needs. The San Diego Sheriff s Recruiting Unit continued to institute novel methods of operations to adjust to significant budget and staffing cuts brought on by the State s and Nation s economic decline. The financial constraints faced by the County forced recruiters to continue using novel ways to recruit quality candidates while at the same time incurring little to no cost. Throughout the year, recruiters attended numerous free recruiting and public relations events, job fairs and educational institution events in an effort to remain in the forefront of law enforcement recruiting in San Diego County. In 2010, recruiters responded to over 7500 phone calls and s regarding San Diego County Sheriff s Department sworn employment. This resulted in the recruiters testing almost 2800 applicants in Every month, hundreds of candidates took the Sheriff s written exam, affording us the luxury of being highly selective in our hiring of employees. This allowed us to continue our long standing 18 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

19 tradition of hiring the highest quality employees. 87 sworn deputies were hired in calendar year The Sheriff s Department was able to effectively reassign personnel, following natural attrition, in order to accomplish budgetary reductions; enabling us to avoid layoffs and help retain our current department employees. Department Human Resources Officers interviewed 52 of the 60 other county department employees who were subject to being laid off by the County and conducted background investigations for each in June, The Director of Human Resources for the County of San Diego commended each of the Sheriff s DHROs for their dedication in assisting to place employees in new assignments. The Department Human Resources Officers (DHROs) conducted 696 interviews in 2010, resulting in the hiring of 75 professional staff employees compared to 38 in 2009; a 97% increase. Training Academy The San Diego Sheriff s Department continues to recruit and hire Sheriff s deputies to maintain a high level of safety and security for the public. This challenge was not easy due to the recession with its associated budget constraints and reduced funding. Despite this, the San Diego Regional Academy successfully trained 179 law enforcement cadets for various law enforcement agencies in San Diego County. This included 34 cadets for the San Diego Sheriff s Department. The Detention Court Academy trained 24 cadets and provided 624 hours for this training. These deputies were assigned to the Detentions Bureau upon graduation. The Detentions Academy also coordinated the Gap Academy, where 17 former Marshal s Office employees received 192 hours of instruction to meet the professional standards as outlined by the California s Standards and Training for Corrections. The 26th Detentions / Court Services Academy started on November 19, Recruits received a total of 592 hours of training and graduated in March In-Service The San Diego Sheriff s In-Service Training Unit continues to watch local, state and national trends to ensure our employees are highly trained with contemporary issues in mind. These classes include tactics, supervision, traffic enforcement, and drug recognition topics. In-service staff created and implemented a three day Field Training Officer Update course for the region. They started a roll-out of the safe driving program, Drive like your life depends on it. The program is geared to change the mindset of law enforcement as it relates to safe speed in an effort to reduce collisions and enhance the safety of our communities and of our deputies. We received permission to begin using the county s Learning Management System (LMS) which will assist with online training and tracking of results. 19 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

20 The Professional Staff Training Unit (PSTU) is responsible for the professional staff training needs of the San Diego Sheriff s Department. PSTU ensures the department is current with all county training mandates related to professional staff and many times both designs and delivers the training. Many of the courses include supervision and management, new employee orientation and computer-based classes. There were over 9983 hours of training offered to 926 employees. The Sheriff s Department welcomed 65 new professional staff employees in Weapons Training Unit Major facility upgrades involving the Weapons Training Unit (WTU) in 2010 included: lead mining both the Otay and Miramar firing range back berms and the construction of a baffling system for Otay Range #1 to safeguard Otay Water District equipment and personnel from stray or ricochet projectiles. The rebuilding of the Miramar Range Armory was also initiated. This armory will eventually secure in excess of 2500 firearms. Environmental testing for OSHA hearing conservation and employee safety standards was conducted at the Otay, Miramar and Vista firing ranges. This resulted in the identification of necessary upgrades required to continue the use of the Vista range. The mobile armory remained operational during 2010; visiting 11 facility armories, and providing service repairs to a total of 1018 firearms. WTU also completed the installation of 9 firearms loading barrels at various Department facilities and has coordinated the installation of 45 more with facility managers. The remaining loading barrel installations are currently pending the construction of backstops by the Department of General Services. The Weapons Training Unit conducted 20 Continuing Professional Training (CPT) firearms classes, 13 patrol rifle courses, 2 firearms instructor courses, 1 rifle instructor course, 6 HDSA safety shoot courses, and 1 safety shoot course for the department chaplains during Of particular note; a total of 130 law enforcement deputies, 14 Detentions/Courts deputies and 14 Reserve deputies were trained and certified in the use of the patrol rifle during the year. All Law Enforcement Bureau deputies who completed the course were issued a patrol rifle. Two Department-wide firearms qualifications were held during 2010, one of which consisted of the first-ever Department qualification for the Taser model X26. The WTU continued to conduct qualification testing for all holders of concealed weapon permits, lateral hire applicants and other individuals based on requests throughout the year. With the assistance of the Sheriff s Video Production Unit, 10 weapons related training videos were produced and posted on the Sheriff s intranet site by the WTU, and 4 training bulletins were published and posted during San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

21 Risk Management and Payroll The Risk Management/Medical Liaison Unit was responsible for coordinating health and safety issues for approximately 3,800 employees. During 2010, the unit handled issues with worker s compensation; all types leave of absences, and worked to ensure a safe work environment. We helped to select new body armor, provide equipment to conduct more consistent fit testing of respirators; conduct ergonomic evaluations to reduce upper extremity injuries and better coordinate with our employees who are on long term military leave. Peer Support The Peer Support Unit was reenergized and reorganized. The Peer Support Unit is designed to provide an avenue for employees to confidentially discuss their personal issues with fellow coworkers who may have had similar work and personal experiences that they can relate to. Our Peer Support personnel receive special training to improve their skill at providing needed support to their co-workers. Payroll The Payroll Division was responsible for ensuring the accurate and appropriate compensation for approximately 3,800 employees. They handled issues with regular pay, overtime and holiday pay related to the various grants managed by the Department. The Payroll Division is committed to seeking innovative ways to improve production and working relationships with all of those they support. 21 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

22 A Year in Review Management Services Bureau The Management Services Bureau (MSB) provides high quality business-related support and expertise to department personnel. In 2009/10 its budget, including the Internal Service Funds it manages totaled $91.4 million. MSB activities and accomplishments in 2010 included the following: NetRMS The Sheriff s Department made further strides in deploying its new regional law enforcement records management system known as NetRMS during The Chula Vista and Oceanside police departments have now deployed the system, and the Department is working with La Mesa, Escondido, and San Diego Harbor police departments on their deployments which will take place in NetRMS includes case management, workflow management, and crime analysis components, plus automated data exchanges with a variety of other internal and external law enforcement data systems. The Sheriff s Department negotiated a regional use license for all law enforcement agencies within the San Diego region providing each agency the opportunity to implement their own systems for a minimal setup cost. RECORDS AND IDENTIFICATION Processed 16,200 criminal history requests Processed 11,000 arrest/crime report requests Processed 135, print cards through AFIS Entered/Cleared 108,800 warrants of arrest Entered/Canceled/Updated 48,400 protective service orders Entered 25,000 arrest/juvenile contact reports and 1,700 arrest follow-up reports into ARJIS Serviced 5,000 front counter customers Processed 132,000 telephone calls through Automated Call Distribution system while placing 49,000 outgoing business calls 22 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

23 Detention Facilities Energy Upgrades In 2010, the Support Services Division of MSB implemented a series of projects that focused on increasing energy efficiency, sustainability, and reducing operating costs at the Department s detention facilities. These upgrades included: The installation of special toilet valves and ultra-efficient plumbing fixtures at the George Bailey Detention Facility (GBDF), with an estimated savings of nearly $1M annually Old metal halide light fixtures at GBDF were replaced with 6-tube fluorescent light fixtures that are brighter and which can be turned off and on with no delay A new heat recovery system at the Central Laundry recovers air exhausted from the dryers and sends it back to the dryer as heated filtered air, greatly reducing the amount of steam and electricity needed The air handlers at GBDF and Facility 8 were replaced with more efficient variable frequency drive air handlers; and The roofs at GBDF were replaced with a system that reflects up to 90% of the sun s heat, thereby reducing the load on the new AC system. This same green system was used at East Mesa Detention Facility where appropriate Sheriff s Redundant Data Center The Facilities & Special Projects Division constructed a redundant data center in the City of Vista, to the Data Services Division s specifications. The new data center is designed to ensure the continuity of business and public safety operations in the event of an emergency or disaster. San Diego County Women s Detention Facility In 2010, further progress was made on the new women s jail project. A select list of Design-Build teams was pre-qualified and they will be participating in a design competition leading to selection of a team to begin designing/constructing the new facility in The courts decided several legal challenges in favor of the County in 2010, as staff assisted the Department of General Services and County Counsel in their efforts to keep the County eligible for AB 900 funding, which should provide for up to $100 million for the project. Rancho San Diego Sheriff s Station The Rancho San Diego law enforcement facility moved closer to reality with Board of Supervisors approval of funding and authorization to qualify and contract with a Design-Build team for design and construction. Additional pockets of open space at the site were preserved through the approval of a vacation and re-zoning application in early San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

24 Regional Communications System During 2010, the Wireless Services Division began the daunting challenge of planning for the replacement of the aging RCS. This effort involved senior Division staff working together with technical consultants to develop a road map leading to the replacement of the RCS and successful migration to next generation technology to meet the public safety communications requirements of San Diego County and Imperial County agencies. Take Me Home This is a computerized database to collect information (data, pictures and contact information) for individuals with special needs (Alzheimer s, autistic, etc.) was established in Residents of San Diego County can contact their local law enforcement agency, register a family member with special needs, and in cases where the special needs person is contacted by law enforcement, the system can help in providing identification and emergency contact information to aid in their return home. Bail Status on Who s in Jail The Sheriff s Internet web site provides key information to the public regarding inmates in custody. The Data Services Division significantly enhanced this function in 2010 by adding Bail Status for each inmate. This allows both the general public and bail bonds services to get timely information regarding an inmate s status without having to call the jail information desk, thus providing a more efficient service. During 2010, the Contracts Division accomplished the following: Administered over 108 million dollars in revenue contracts Negotiated a new five year revenue contract with the Superior Court for security services Expanded the Graffiti Tracker program county-wide by adding ten cities and special districts Procured a new state of the art Allen Vanguard robot for the Sheriff s Bomb Arson Unit Awarded contracts for new body armor, weapons clearing barrels and other safety equipment Awarded over 30 million dollars in food contracts for meat, produce, bread and dairy products for use in the jails Awarded a $800,000 contract for the upgrade of an MD 500 E helicopter to an MD 500FF model 24 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

25 Grants and Financial Management Activities: Coordinated the application for and financial management of 20 new and continuing grants totaling $13.2 million. The department s grants inventory now totals 85 with a value of $73 million Successfully completed the triennial inventory as well as the Change of Department Head inventory and audit accounting for more than $53 million in Capital Assets and Equipment Prepared and managed the Department s $568 million budget 25 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

26 A Year in Review Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego County It has been an eventful year for the Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego. 95% of our Deputy Sheriffs of our are currently members. We faced internal turmoil during the contested Sheriff s race, the election of a brand new executive board and members voting in five new board members in a little over two years. We followed the example set by Sheriff when the day after he took office he told everyone that all decisions made within the department will be based on merit not political support. We are a family and like a family we might not always agree but we stand united to serve our communities. As an Association, we have put the election behind us and worked cooperatively on the problems that lie ahead of us. We have increased communications among our members by sending out an synopsis after every board meeting to keep everyone informed. In the last six months of the year, I have been on a world tour by going to every jail, court, patrol station and sub-station in the department for briefing. We are trying to improve communications among our membership through social media while conducting more business than ever before in front of the membership. We sadly lost one of our own in 2010, Deputy Sheriff Ken Collier. Our board of directors committed to sending sixty (60) Deputy Sheriffs to the State and National Law Enforcement Officer Memorials. It is an undertaking we have never tried before but one we felt was important to all of our members. We have conducted fundraising to offset some of the cost. We are reimbursing Deputies a portion of their expenses to help offset the cost but it also sets a fixed cost for the Deputy Sheriff's Association. We have tried to give back to our community so the Deputy Sheriff's Association donated over $55,000 to charitable work in San Diego County in the last year. Financially, we have never been stronger. We have paid off our building while turning a projected general fund deficit of $31,000 in 2010 into a budget surplus of $51,000 by the end of the year. We did this by significantly cutting staffing costs and reducing our board expenses. Including our building, we currently have over $5,500,000 in assets. We look forward to the challenges that face us in the next year. Remember, while there are over three million residents in San Diego County, only 2200 can call themselves a Deputy Sheriff. Harold Turner President - Deputy Sheriffs' Association 26 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

27 A Year in Review Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association In 1973, Sheriff John Duffy and seven citizens founded, what has become the Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego (HDSA) for the purpose of supporting law enforcement generally and the San Diego Sheriff s Department specifically. This organization is now composed of over 700 members, encompassing concerned San Diego citizens, retired Sheriff s Department personnel, retired Judges and others concerned with effective law enforcement. HDSA s purpose is to provide much-needed funding in support of law enforcement education, training and equipment for law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego County. In 2010, through annual dues and fundraising events, HDSA raised and funded over $200,000 in support for the San Diego Sheriff s Department. Projects supported included: $9,476 for Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) for Level II Reserve Deputies $25,000 for two new fully trained K9 dogs $74,000 for Search and Rescue SAR to procure a FEMA qualified mobile urban Search and Rescue System $5,000 for SAR and Reserve Deputy personal equipment $16,000 to purchase a portable x-ray system, a fiber optic scope and a digital camera for the Border Task Force $1,500 for 25 participants in the San Diego County Law Enforcement Explorers $50,000 for the Fallen Deputy Memorial at the Sheriff s Headquarters and $2,000 towards the County Peace Officer s Memorial 27 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report

28 In addition, the HDSA provides significant support for the Sheriff s A-Range and Duffy Town at Camp Elliott (MCAS MIRAMAR) through financial underwriting and contributed professional services of the HDSA members. HDSA also owns and operates the Sheriff s Museum in Old Town located on the site of San Diego s first jail, which provides a historical perspective of local law enforcement and conducts and educational field trip for 4th graders from throughout San Diego County. HDSA is honored to be partners with the San Diego Sheriff s Department in support of law enforcement and look forward to continuing to supports its mission. 28 San Diego County Sheriff s Department 2010 Annual Report