Allow me to give my perspectives:

1. I want to thank the District Attorney, Tony Rackauckas, his staff, and the Special Grand Jury for their hard work and diligence, as well as their perseverance in the face of significant obstacles, in developing the evidence that led to the D.A.'s report on the tragic and unnecessary death of John Chamberlain.

2. This report details at least two major and disturbing issues with the Orange County Sheriff's Department:

a. While there is certainly mention of stellar performances by some jail deputies who undertake their responsibilities diligently and assiduously, there appears to have been a culture of disinterest at best and active negligence and recklessness at worst in protecting the safety of everyone--including and especially inmates--in the Orange County jail system. There is no excuse for deputies whose job it is to monitor activity in the jails to be watching television shows and movies, playing video games, texting, sleeping, or maintaining false work logs in order to cover up their failure to work and follow the policies and procedures mandated by the jail system and the Sheriff's Department.

b. There was apparent corruption by the former Sheriff and some of his command staff who invoked the 5th Amendment privilege against self-incrimination during the grand jury proceedings--something one would hope never to see from honest law enforcement officials, who altered documents to present to the D.A. and grand jury, and who undertook steps to otherwise participate in an attempted intentional violation of the protocols for investigating a custodial death and a cover-up of that violation. The current Administration appears to be taking significant steps to correct these problems.

3. This report justifies the creation by the County of the Office of Independent Review, and may well, upon further examination, justify the creation of the District Attorney's proposed civilian monitor of County Jail Facilities, but for these innovations to be truly successful, we must find ways to break the culture of sending warnings to those who are not performing their duties when inspections are imminent. This culture, as well as the admitted violation of grand jury secrecy rules by a number of testifying deputies, shows a shocking lack of respect for the rule of law and the importance of proper conduct and behavior.

4. While the District Attorney is complying with his ethical duties in deciding who to prosecute and who not to prosecute, the District Attorney's report makes it clear that there are personnel working in the Orange County Sheriff's Department who should have their employment re-evaluated. We expect Acting Sheriff Anderson to bring his goals of rectitude and transparency to that process forthwith upon his receipt of the evidence.

5. The Code of Silence so pervasive in the Orange County Sheriff's Department must end--now. Good cops must not stick up for bad cops. We look to the overwhelming number of good and dedicated deputies, sergeants, lieutenants and captains to assist Acting Sheriff Anderson and whoever is selected as Sheriff in once and for all ending this culture of silence that only protects the wrongdoer, and does nothing to aid the citizens of Orange County who pay their salaries.