David - Thank you for articulating this argument. I got to meet and converse with Commander Martin several times during his 2006 primary election campaign. On those occasions Commander Martin was always calm cool and collected. Your comments only serve to reinforce my impressions of the man.

Those impressions were in stark contrast to the few times I saw Lt. Hunt in person. One of those times, at the HB Women's candidate forum Lt. Hunt exhibited--in my opinion--an abrasive attitude more typical of a person with an ax to grind. History shows us that the attitute was warranted in light of Sheriff Carona's post-election retribution scheme. Nevertheless, I do not want our next sheriff to approach his new job with departmental history clouding his judgment.

Notwithstanding the above assessment of Lt. Hunt, both gentlemen have earned my respect. It took guts to oppose the sitting sheriff when the entire establishment was looking the other way as he, his wife, and his reported mistress were, allegedly, on the take. If we only knew then what we know now. MN

It looks like the full court press is on in the Sheriff appointment. Paul Walters’ guys are out trying to strong arm Orange County Police Chiefs into endorsements (not working!) and Ralph has an endorsement here from someone who is obviously into the kool-aid.

Most people see Ralph as very aloof and overly confident. He is way too far down on the food chain at his department to have ever implemented any of the ideas he touts. His own under sheriff thinks he is an empty suit and if asked, would certainly endorse Sandra Hutchens over Ralph.

The biggest problem is he comes from a dysfunctional organization. They have been under court order for the last twenty years due to improper promotional practices. It is not a model for progressive law enforcement in California and certainly not what OC needs. What Ralph did well was connect with the OC Politicos early. Unfortunately, that is exactly what we don’t need this time around. We need a real professional with leadership experience at the top of an organization who will not feel beholding to the Lincoln club. Ralph touts his 2,000 deputies. What does he do with them? What has he personally changed, Why is crime so high in his area? This is the problem with the polictical side of the Shierff's position, we get people who now very little about what it take to do the job giving opinions based on politcal back scratching. More homework is needed by the Lincoln Club. Call a police chief or something at least. But here is one political nugget, the unions do not want and OC does not want an outsider. That has to factor into the 2010 election. Wouldn't it be better to have an appointed Sheriff who could get re-elected without wasting a bunch of money in a knock-out fight?

ROFLMAO!!! Ralph Martin is the one responsible for the "Circular Firing Squad" a couple of years ago in his city. The Oversight Commission cited gross lack of training and oversight that led to about a dozen of Martin's Deputies surrounding a car and firing over 120 rounds into it. The driver was only hit a few times and survived. Also hit were fellow Deputies as well as surrounding houses. Ralph Martin was the "Top Cop" responsible for not properly training his Deputies and this embarrassing display of law enforcement ineptitude, but was does he do? He punishes and reprimands frontline Deputies and a Sergeant or two - with the nod and approval of Carona's double, Lee Baca.

I wonder how much David Bahnsen was paid for this "advertisement" that doesn't come close to telling the whole story about Ralph Martin? I challenge you, David, or anyone else here or in the media reading this, to have Ralph Martin release his medical records to you. There's some skeleton's in this man's closet that he DOES NOT want us to know about. I won't bother posting them because I'm sure Jubal will call it a "personal attack" and remove it, but I think it's that important to know. In fact, I think one of the requirements the Board of Supervisors should have for ALL the applicants is full disclosure of Credit Reports, Tax Records and Medical Records, before making a decision in this crucial appointment.

One final thought. I also think it's important to know the attitude of the men and women in our Department Martin oversees on a daily basis. What do they think about Martin maybe getting the appointment? "TAKE HIM, PLEEEAAASE!" ...Trust me, we can't afford Ralph Martin in charge here in Orange County. Working in the same department with him is one thing. Knowing he's close to retirement makes it bearable - Having him in charge of the County I live in is a nightmare I don't want to see come true.

Seems to me that this time around this "election" is not going to be colored by back room politics. The difficulty the Sups are having with this process is clear to anybody who is paying attention. The media and public scrunity is intense. So political survival would seem me to be more important than what some donors may think. I'm sure any one of the candidates have the potential to be a good Sheriff. What concerns me is how little we actually know about Martin as he is an "outsider". I only know what I read as I have never met the man. But I have seen this:
Martin was the Region II patrol Commander in 2005 which encompasses the City of Compton. The training rendered to his troops recently cost Los Angeles County 1.3 Million dollars for what is now infamously called the “Circular firing squad” A quote from the LAT:
“A total of 66 bullets struck Hayes’ sport utility vehicle. Eleven bullets struck the deputies’ own patrol cars, and another 11 pelted nearby residences.” and that:
“The incident prompted a report by Michael Gennaco, head of the sheriff’s Office of Independent Review, who concluded that deputies violated tactical and pursuit policies. He described the scene as “mass confusion.” ”

Right after the shooting in 2005 Martin ran for OC Sheriff in 2006. "Commander" in LA may appear lofty but it is not really part of policy making command

http://www.lasd.org/aboutlasd/OrgChart/OrgChart.htm

"Seems to me that this time around this "election" is not going to be colored by back room politics"

Rocket, wanna bet?

Ha! Yeah Red. I can always dream.

Have re reached the time that the position of Sheriff (and Treasurer) should be appointed and hired by the Board of Supervisors?

Both of these positions should be beyond direct political influence. The supervisors who we elect are ultimately held responsible for the performance of these two offices. How can you manage employee's that you do not choose to hire/fire?

J...A - I think it's a worthy cause - throw in the DA, too. But you've gotta change the state constitution first.

Since Sheriff is an elected position, it's just too bad we couldn't hold a special election to fill the spot, rather than spend time and money on finding a replacement.

Adam 12, Anon, & Rocket, Come on folks you can't have it both ways. Either Martin is an ineffective low level bureaucrat with no power or he is responsible for the Compton shooting and everything else bad with LASD over the last 35 years.......make up your collective minds....

oh and Adam 12, please put up or shut up.....let's see these "skeletons"....actually I know there aren't any and that's the real reason you aren't putting anything out there because they do not exist!!

DIRECTLY FROM THE LASD MANUAL OF POLICY & PROCEDURE

-02/050.00 AREA COMMANDERS

These positions assist the Chief of a Division as an assistant Division Chief and may hold other special positions as directed by the Sheriff. As assistant Division Chief, an Area Commander is directly accountable to the appropriate Division Chief for the proper execution of assigned functions and for the management of assigned Units.

Commanders are responsible for ensuring that Units under their command are meeting Department and Division standards of operation. Commanders shall be personally versed in the Units' major operational indices (personnel, budget, incidence of force and complaints, risk management, liability, etc.) and have an affirmative obligation to provide Captains with appropriate support and direction in the maintenance of standards.

In addition, Commanders shall personally respond to specified incidents and provide insight and guidance to ensure that the interests of the Department and its individual members are protected. The specific incidents to which a Commander shall respond shall be dictated by Department policy and direction from the Executive Planning Counsel.

A Commander's leadership shall be manifested through clear and concise interpretation of existing laws (both statutory and case law) MOU's, the Department's Manual of Policy and Procedures, all Division directives in support of the manual, our Mission Statement, Core Values Statement and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, training requirements and any other direction given by appropriate authority.

The duties of this classification include the following:

Commanding an area composed of assigned Stations, Bureaus and/or facilities; providing direction, control and coordination of activities as appropriate,
Acting as Division Chief in his absence,
Acting as the incident Commander during major Department mobilization for emergencies,
Functioning as the Department Duty Commander,
Performing as Chief of Staff or Deputy Department Operations Commander in the County Emergency Operations Center,
Making recommendations for formulation of Division policy and procedures,
Developing in conjunction with their Captains, appropriate Unit goals and objectives which are consistent with Department strategic plans,
Conducting Division investigations and special research studies,
Conducting inspections and audits of Unit operational and management functions to ensure consistency and adherence to policy,
Assisting in formulating and implementing the Division budget.
In addition to position specific responsibilities, each Commander is accountable for:

His personal acts and omissions, and when reasonable and appropriate, the acts and omissions of his subordinates. In connection therewith, his supervisory and managerial responsibilities shall include, among others:
A responsibility to take appropriate corrective measures consistent with his rank and authority when he is, or reasonably should be, aware that such measures are called for,
A responsibility to use the information and management tools available to him, including, but not limited to, manual and automated personnel information, to attempt to anticipate and address, through corrective measures consistent with his authority, reasonably identifiable Departmental risks or potential employee misconduct.
Maximizing the reverence for human life by critical oversight of the reporting, reviewing and training the use of force,
Demanding nothing less than lawful behavior from subordinate command personnel and, in turn, requiring that they do the same with their subordinates,
Ensuring that Department policy and procedures are effectively communicated to all personnel.
Administration of Personnel

Knowing the strengths, weaknesses and special skills of his immediate subordinates, and where reasonably possible, those of the other subordinates in his areas of responsibility,
Rating their subordinates in a timely and objective manner,
Monitoring the administrative investigations process of his Units to ensure timely and accurate processing,
Ensuring that he is available and accessible to provide assistance, guidance and insight to his Captains,
Reinforcing, through actions and statements, the Department's position on discrimination, sexual harassment and cultural diversity.
Delivery of Service

Ensuring that the public interaction and community involvement of subordinate commands meet Department standards, are reflective of the Department's Service Oriented Policing philosophy and promote community partnerships,
Ensuring that Units deliver service at contracted or specified levels and that service is appropriate to the needs and sensitivities of the community.
Efficient and Effective Operations

Ensuring that his subordinate Captains are meeting Departmental standards for operating a Station, Bureau or facility. He should be proactive and vigilant in ensuring that subordinate Units are operating:
within budget,
within appropriate discipline and non-discrimination guidelines,
within appropriate qualitative and quantitative performance levels,
with adequate information flow upward and downward,
within given requirements for internal inspection,
with appropriate management oversight of force, liability and other areas of risk,
with appropriate care and maintenance of physical plant assets.
Advising the Chief and subordinates of any significant problems, issues or activities within their areas of responsibility.
Role Model

Ensuring that, by attitude and action, his personal integrity and work ethic meets the highest standards of the Department while ensuring the same from his subordinates,
Participating in committees and work groups with enthusiasm and insight directed at improving overall Departmental excellence,
Practicing, supporting and promoting the Department's Core Values, Service Oriented Policing philosophy, affirmative action guidelines and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics,
Maintaining, and where possible, enhancing his professional knowledge and skills, and keeping current on events that affect the Department and his areas of responsibility,
Being well groomed and appropriately attired.
Tactical Command

Responding to a variety of tactical situations to exercise oversight and/or command responsibilities as dictated by the circumstances of the situation.
Risk Management

Minimizing risk to the County, Department and its employees by monitoring, reviewing, documenting, disciplining and rewarding employee performance, as well as identifying procedures or policies that need changes and making appropriate recommendations for change,
Utilizing safe driving techniques while driving County vehicles.
Department Duty Commanders

Area Commanders of the Department are scheduled to serve as the Department Duty Commander on a rotating basis, with the assigned Commander serving a complete weekend/holiday period. Captains are scheduled on a rotating basis to assist the Duty Commander.

The Department Duty Commander scheduled for weekend/holiday duty shall assume his responsibility at 1700 hours on the last business day before the beginning of a weekend/holiday. He shall be relieved of this responsibility at 0800 hours on the first business day following the weekend/holiday.

Headquarters for the Duty Commander is the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau in the Sheriff's Headquarters Building. When not at headquarters, the Duty Commander shall be readily available either by telephone or radio car call number through the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau.

The Duty Commander shall perform a minimum of eight hours duty each day handling assigned or emergent situations, directing Department operations and visiting Department Units and their personnel.

The Duty Commander has the staff, facilities and files of the Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau under his direction during his tour of duty.

Oh I forgot, the Department Duty Commander is personally responsible for running the entire department from Friday night through Monday morning and is assigned the duty several times each year.....the commanders are 10-8 in uniform, in the field actually handling anything critical within LA County......actualy boots on the ground.....

Hey Tan and Green,

Ralph may be a good guy, but you can't have it both ways either. The original posting talks about Ralph Martin as a fresh face who has avoided scandal. That insinuates that some of the other candidates are tainted by scandal because they come from a department that has had scandal in it. LASO has had more than its fair share of scandal and if it holds true for the other candidates then it also holds true for Ralph as well.

I think we can all agree that Ralph deserves consideration for Sheriff, but to place him upon a pedestal as the righteous one is not only unfair to the good men and woman who will interview with him, but it sets Ralph up as a target when things don't go perfectly (they never do).

So let's just take a look at all of the candidates and make our minds up based on their interviews, qualifications and past performance. And may the best man/woman win.

Mr. Bahnsen, what credibility do you think this has when you havent talked to any of the other candidates?

Tan and Green. It was not my intent to bash the guy. I just recited the facts. Green machine is correct. The original poster mentions avoiding scandal and also mentions litigation. Martin is also said to be an advocate of civilian oversight (most are at this point I'm sure). I have no doubt he has had contact with Gennaco over that matter and maybe it was beneficial, maybe not. As for the rest of Green Machine's opinion, I agree.

I love my brothers in green, but really let's face facts-- The City of Compton alone is more challenging from a police tactical standpoint than the entire County of Orange. LASD is five times bigger and twenty times busier than the OCSD, so let's keep a little perspective here...

Still, the Martin detractors constantly bring up a three year old incident to try to slam Ralph. That fact alone tends to show what a great job that Martin has done policing America's toughest streets. Please come up with something fresh!

Also the Office of Independant review praised the LASD/Martin response to the incident-- they faced it squarely, made the apporiate fixes and moved forward, while being honest and open with the public. Imagine that in Orange County!

And don't even talk to me about Paul Walter's 200 bed rent-a-jail compared to LA's 20K inmate system, which even Jubal said was impressive and well run.

All things considered Ralph Martin is hands down the best candidate for OC Sheriff

So now Ralph Martin is responsible for all that is good at LASO? Please! Nobody is saying he isn't a good guy, we're just saying he's not the righteous, all mighty saviour. If his credentials are great then so be it. Let's measure the man on Tuesday and see what he's done. But let's not put him on a pedestal!

As for Paul Walters' jail. it may only be a 200 bed jail but it demonstrates that he is capable of running an entire agency and manage a jail. I don't think you should discount that. he's a quality guy and stacks up well against your guy.

Just curious why he doesn't rank higher than commander?

Tan & Green and DLW,

First of all the posting about the Commander position is pretty damning towards Ralph Martin and verifies what ADAM 12 and Rocket said about the same circular firing squad. Ralph Martin was responsible to train his men and he failed to do it. Then, instead of taking the blame upon himself, he passed the buck down to those he was responsible to look after -JUST LIKE CARONA did repeatedly. This is a very bad example of leadership and is indicitive of Martin's actions throughout his career. One doesn't have to look far to find other issues around him either. We don't need a mini-Carona from LA bringing failed policies and procedures to OC. I agree again with ADAM 12 that the Board of Supervisors needs to look into the all the records of each of the finalists. I'm sure they will be none to happy to learn about the Commander, he's too volitale and has been spood fed to his current position.

After looking at all of the applicants, as far as DLW's comments are concerned, the truth of the matter is Ralph Martin (or any of the other applicants) doesn't have anywhere near the hands-on running of a county jail like Lt. Bill Hunt does. Hunt has the most extensive command experience in Orange County jails. He was the #2 guy at Theo Lacy and ran a tight ship of 350 Deputies while overseeing a sizeable budget as well. He was efficient, disciplined, respected by his peers and there were none of the problems we are seeing today, present there when he was in charge. When you combine that with Hunt's courage to run against Carona from within, nothing short of backroom politics and the good ol' boys network can seriously detract Lt. Hunt from being our Sheriff. He is by far, the most qualified to hit the ground running and implement changes immediately with the full cooperation of the rank and file who have twiced endorsed him.

Is there anyway the LA parasites can go away and state the facts?

Your Pal, Rocket

Sorry about that last comment. A funny guy friend was over last night and I left the computer alone while logged on.

I see only one applicant for the position of Orange County Sheriff that brings to the table the experience, the leadership skill-set, and most importantly the "rock-solid integrity" needed to restore the O.C.S.D. to the level of respect it deserves. That applicant is Commander Ralph Martin.

If you truly believe that there is only one candidate then you truly have limited vision. There are several good people who can do the job. If your favorite is Ralph Martin, then so be it but don't be a lemming.

Wait as I read these comments, your kidding me. Hunt has the experience to run the department. Did you forget what he was asked in the interview by the supervisors. Him and anderson were both asked, "Why do you think you deserve the top position in the County, when you DON'T have the command qualifications for an undersheirff position."

Hunt was a LT. for a little station with little or no real activity.

Walter is $170,000 in credti card ebt, his financial issues are a hughe question adn he will not get it fo rthat reason alone.

Hunt is the biggest joke in the race. Listen to his interview.

Hunt and Anderson were both leaders in a department and jail, that allowed a child sex crime inmate to be classifed into general population a corectional 101 mistake. And lets not start talking about the Deputy on duty whow as raping prostitutes. Base don your analogy, they are responsible for both, as is Martin for Compton.

Martin is getting the nod, whether you like it or not.

Anon @ 1:46 pm
You are obviously not from this area. Here is my response to your question under the thread entitled "Suggest Sheriff question for the Supes"

You say: "One thing law enforcement personnel in OC will not face and do not like to talk about, is the simple fact, LA cops do more and know more". This is precisely the arrogance I observed in Martin throughout his interview. When Martin was asked if he would take the position of Undersheriff if offered, he said "No". He was then asked if he would run for Sheriff in 2010 if not appointed. His answer, you guessed it, "No". In other words, don't waste his time. Martin was asked if he would keep Anderson aboard as Assistant Sheriff. This was an obvious concern of the Supes as they asked the same question of all prior applicants. His answer was "yes". It was almost like he previously knew that question was coming. Later the script took a turn and his answers were not as fluid. I think Moorlach pinned him down about his vision of command structure. Martin said he thought the Department was top heavy and should be fashioned like Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. (Martin repeatedly compared the two) Martin was of the opinion there only needed to be two Assistant Sheriffs. Then the most unexpected question of all. Did Martin already have those two individuals selected. After some evasiveness, Martin identified two unnamed Los Angeles individuals. One of them Martin identified as the head of the Los Angeles County Jails. Well, there went Anderson. Martin has no jail experience whatsoever thus his selection of the head of the Los Angeles County Jail system. As luck would have it, two days later and on May 29, 2008 the Los Angeles Times ran the headline: “DISABLED INMATES SUBJECTED TO SHOCKING CONDITIONS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY JAILS ADVOCATES SAY.” I invite all to read it. It is an example of probably the most deplorable and disgusting conditions I have ever heard of. So yes, continue to do more and know more but, by all means, do it in Los Angeles.

Again, you cannot compare both departments and cities. Night and day differences betwen counties. Los Angeles has a lower overall SES,then OC. And it's not because of Martin and the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department. You are a person who reads and looks at media at the medias word as a bible. If you are in law enforcement then you should know the papers will always come with flashy headlines. One thinf you will not see in LA, is a person accused of child sex crimes being put in GP. A correctional 101 mistake.

Listen, it's not arrogance, it's confidence to handle any situation brought about by the ever changing conditions of law enforcement. Martins interview was actually one of the best one, along with Hutchens, also from LASD. How about when Hunt and Anderson had a look of anger when they were pinned down about their lack of experience and qualifications to be an undershierff, let alone a SHERIFF. Martin's answeres were the only which were specific and had a plan. Hunt and Anderson were a joke up there.

For the good of the department, Martin should get rid of Anderson and all thise appointed by the Corrupt Carona. His eight years, was that of ignorance and a lack of knowledge. He had several independent people working all kinds of deals on the side. And yes Anderson and Hunt were a few of those doing his bidding.

Walters is a good guy, but his credit issues and finances will hold him back. LIKE IT OR NOT MARTIN IS GOING TO GET THE BID. And watch how much the turn for the good OCSD takes.

Hey Anon @ 8:22 PM.
I'm still here. All I can say is Thank God that people like you are available to populate and assume the control of our corrupt Orange County Sheriff's Department! Thank You! You were so right and you were so eloquent. How can we ever thank you LA guys? What should we do with these corrupt Orange County people?

It's not OC as a whole, it's a just some bad apples in the organazation that gave you guys a bad name. Funny as it is, I just watched the head of OCSD union try and give the nod to Hunt. When they asked him for the questions the company used to poll people,to make sure their was no bias questioning, he skirted around the issue and bascially said "No". Another sign of, corruption and disgrace on the face of OCSD. If I was you, I would elect new directors on your union board. They smell and act like CARONA.