As a PSR I have been cc'd and lots of e-mails between PSR's and commands staff. For the captain to say people are taking well, bold face lie. Also why were Mike and Adam mentioned by name, my badge number is lower than there's.

This should have been handled better than it was.

This program was working so well. I cannot for the life of me understand why Sheriff Hutchens is making an issue over it when the Caronies had long ago been weeded out. The badge thing seems like a smoke screen to me, an easy excuse to get some quick attention for making changes in the department. Instead it is alienating the people she needs. Poor form.

I can understand her wanting to "fix" what was "broken" in the public's eye. But she did this is such a cowardly way and at the same time she slapped all of the PSRs in the face by associating them with previous "bad apples" that were friends of Mike.

She could have met with the PSRs first, then told then what her intientions were, then made the required changes. To do it the way she did it, only led to making 400+ people very upset. Not about the badges, but they way they were treated. Shame on her.

The Sheriff should have stood up in public and defended the PSRs!!!! Who volunteered 16,000 hours last year and now over 10,000 hours of their time this year already!!!!

The badges have never been a problem. If there was a public perception that there was a problem with the badges the Sheriff should have shown TRUE LEADERSHIP and defended them and the PSRs. She should have stood up in a news conference and told the truth!! Backing the men and women of the PSRs with her full support!!

Instead she stood up there on her high horse and thumbed her nose at the PSRs. Nice leadership Sheriff. Didn’t they teach you anything about leadership up in LA???????

This Sheriff is quickly showing she’s ready for Amateur Hour, and not much more.

Issuing an emergency revocation of credentials - badges and ID’s - tells the PSRs and the rest of the world that the PSRs don’t have the trust or confidence of the Sheriff. LAPD didn’t even do that in the Rampart scandal, when officers were moonlighting as hit-men.

If that’s what she meant to do, she did it well. She took the first step toward disbanding the unit. That’s her right if she wants to. But now she says she has complete faith in the PSRs, that they haven’t misused the badges or ID’s and and she hopes they all remain active.

She could have issued a slightly different statement. She could have said she’s changing the name of the unit, new credentials are being prepared to reflect that change, please turn in your old ones. If she’d done that nobody would have blinked. But apparently she didn’t think that far ahead and didn’t bother to ask anyone from the program what they thought. Now she’s insulted 400 people who would have been her strongest supporters, for nothing.

A boy scout troupe leader would have handled this better.

Mcreary, exactly. This is 'reform" for the sake of "reform". Nothing will really change, because any changes needed, were done a few years back, and more surprisingly, under Carona himself when the issues arose.

Also, the sheriff seems to focus on Reserve Deputies and the Volunteer program each time she speaks about past misdeeds. Sorry, but the two are seperate, and the most prominent of gaffs made in unpaid positions were with the Reserve Deputies. Let's seperate out the TRUE facts, eh sheriff?!?

"It felt like a punch to the stomach," he said."

Or a slap in the face to some very good people that are donating 1,000 of hours of VERY valuable time to the department.

4 emails blasted out 3 of them backpedaling. This was truly amateur hour run by the Counties new Top Cop! Highlighted by her lack of leadership in standing up for the PSR Program to the press....but the fact she even took the opportunity to land some low blows about the PSRs.

Makes me sick!!

Thanks a lot Orange County Board of Supervisors!

Issue 1:

The Sheriff alluded to problems with RESERVE DEPUTY badges. These are volunteer sworn law enforcement officers. The PSR's are CIVLIANS and they are non-sworn volunteers. If there was a problem with the reserve deputy badge why is she going after the PSR badges? The only thing they have in common is that they are both volunteer positions.

Issue 2:

If the badges are in violation of CPC 538d, then she needs to take action to revoke badges for ALL badges issued to non-sworn personnel not just the PSR's.

Lt. Slayton has now sent an email saying he was mistaken about the AG opinion, and really they're only being recalled for public perception.

The chief law enforcement officer of the 3rd biggest department in the United States doesn't have time to "grow in office" (as John Moorlach suggested).

She has the authority to do whatever she wants with the program. She can expand it, rename it or disband it. But there's no sign she thought through what she did here. If all she wanted was to "cut ties to the past" she should have announced a re-name, gotten new ID's ready, and exchanged them for old IDs and badges. The emergency de-certification, ordering all credentials returned immediately (then changing her mind about the IDs) shows a serious lack of judgment, foresight and leadership.

If she were doing this stuff as a captain I'd have serious doubts about her abilities. Doing this as a Sheriff is stunning.

This travesty has definitely had an impact. Before, I was considering joining as a PSR to volunteer my services, but after seeing this sheriff's lack of respect for civilian volunteers, I've decided to wait. The sheriff should stop trying to fix the parts of the department that aren't broken instead of sending sweetheart no-bid consulting contracts to her political allies in order to put off having to do anything substantive.

The original 86 had reserve deputy badges and green deputy ID. That program ended. Civilian Responders was started AFTERWARDS. Blue volunteer ID, non-LEO badge. What's the problem?

A Sheriff's official said: "The overwhelming majority of the people aren't upset that they're losing the badge."

I for one am not upset about losing the badge. I was never in it for the badge. What I am upset about is the way in which it was handled. I do not appreciate being thrown under bus by being grouped with those who have abused their position. I do not appreciate the allusion of guilt by association.

What the Sheriff did was great for her publicity. A lot of people in the county don't know what we do and don't know the difference between the reserve deputies that made it in the news and the Civilian Responders that have been denigrated by her decision. We were used for her political gain.

In Corporate America the Sheriff would be 'looking into pursueing other opportunities' at this point. The Lt. would have been canned the day he sent out his idiotic email kicking the very people in the stomach who happen to be the greatest supporters of the Sheriff's Department.

I can't believe the BOS appointed a new Sheriff against the will of the people just to now be looking the other way. I thought this was America?

Sandra Hutchens has earned herself the title Queen of OC already. I really wonder why.

Not only are there legitimate volunteers, the 86 reserve deputy badges (which is different from the PSR program) were issued 10 years ago, and were recalled long ago.This is yet another knee-jerk reaction by our new Sheriff.

There has been no abuse by the PSR volunteers. However, far from removing any suspicion of abuse, this knee-jerk reaction will only confirm the suspicion in the minds of the average citizen who doesn't know the details.

If the Sheriff wanted to remove suspicion, she should simply have stated that she has reviewed the PSR program and has found no evidence of any abuse by the current volunteers.

The PSR program is a valuable program for the OCSD, and the volunteers deserve to be treated far better than this.

If this is the way Sheriff Hutchens shows her appreciation, I'd hate to see what she does if she disapproves of something.

This is Orange County, I don't belong here. I am doing what I think is right. I think I should go back to LA County. I have no clue what I am doing. I am the corrupt one. Ship me back to LA please.

For the LA Times to say the Professional Services Responder Program has long been considered a haven for the county's rich and powerful is comical and boldface LIE. I am a PSR who lives in a two-bedroom condominium and drive a 1991 Honda Prelude. I guess that's considered rich and famous in Los Angeles.

When Search and Rescue started using PSR's it was about 10% now on a call out it's above 50%. In time it maybe all PSR's. Or no SAR at all.

Excellent history lesson OCPSR. There have been no issue with PSR's abusing their position. Throwing out Schroeder, Probolsky, and Samueli as PSR members is simply a smoke screen. Their crime had nothing to do with their PSR badges or the program. The fact that they were removed from the PSR program is as expected. If she feels that the program is tainted in some way due to membership by these three, then she should talk to UC about renaming their school of engineering. Better yet, lets revoke all the diplomas granted by the Samueli School of Engineering at both UCLA and UCI. Sound ludicrous? So is her reasoning for revoking the PSR badges.

"I am doing what I think is right. " The correct quote is "I am doing what I think is BEST"

ALTHOUGH I HAVE RESIDENCES IN LOS ANGELES AND ORANGE COUNTY AND OTHER PARTS OF THIS NATION, I CHOOSE TO SAY THE "OC" IS MY HOME. I WAS PROUD THAT WE WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN ACTIONS. HOW CAN SOMETHING THAT WAS ALREADY "CORRECTED," EVEN IF IT WAS DONE SO BY MIKE CORONA, ALL OF A SUDDEN BE "WRONG?" NOT ONLY WITH THE FINE FOLKS OF 'PSR,' BUT ALSO THE FINE RECORD OF ISSUE AND THE HANDLING OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF "CCW!!!" IT IS A.O.K. FOR THE SHERIFF TO RESPOND BY SAYING SHE ACTED TOO QUICKLY, MADE A MISTAKE, (WE ALL DO,, AND FOR HER TO ADMIT IT WOULD GO ALONG WAY FOR HER), AND WANTS TO CORRET THIS BY HONORING THE PSR SYSTEM AND CCW POLICY BY NOT CHANGING IT.

RESPECTFULLY; AND CONTINUE TO SHOW OUR SHERIFF OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

Has a shotgun approach ever worked to fix any problem???

The public doesn't even know what a PSR is. They don't care about who has a badge. They care about power being abused. Carona's alleged abuses in this matter were handled years ago. What is happening now is abuse of power too, no matter how it is spun.

If she was really looking to pull badges for abuse. She needs to pull the chaplain badges and senior volunteer badges. They are the worst. Instead she goes for the PSR's. As they say in LA, if you think you have a problem, remove it, don't fix it.

In a statement made by the Sheriff, she said the PSR is the "best kept secret". Why? Why is it a secret? Why does she not explain how, through the creativity of her staff, civilian volunteers have been successfully utilized throughout the department at great savings to the county? Instead, her reward for our combined effort is to throw us under the political bus.

She is doing this just for the publicity of distancing herself from Carona. This is a smokescreen becuase she has no other meat to her sandwich.

If she wanted it public and not a secret. She should get rid of LT. Slayton and bring back the person who really made it work.

Scott forgot the best quote:

"The program had such a bad reputation under Carona, but the truth is it's extremely positive," said Sheriff's Capt. Brian Wilkerson. "The overwhelming majority of the people aren't upset that they're losing the badge."

IT'S THE WAY THEY ARE LOSING THEM!!!!

Sandra Hucthens says the badges and identification cards are going because of her belief that the badges are too controversial and ultimately bad for public trust and for the health of the program. This is propaganda by the Board of Supervisor appointed sheriff to change the program and then take credit for it. There was never any controversy or negative public perception until Sandra Hutchens came to town. I have lived in OC for 16 years and was unaware of the PSR program until I read about it on the OC Sheriff website. Additionally, I was unaware of a badge or identification issuance until I received them at the swearing in ceremony. In my opinion, the badge is a symbolic gesture for those of us who serve the people of Orange County on behalf of the Sheriff Department. We are part of the same team! Furthermore, the badge is just a plain looking badge. Nothing on it implies we are cops. I have seen security guards with official looking badges. Maybe we should ban those too. As for the identification card, it’s just a normal looking identification card similar to what businesses issue to their employees. What’s wrong with that? At times PSR’s need to identify themselves to sheriff department personnel in the course of their volunteer work. After all, we all went through a background investigation process that proved we were law-abiding people.

Kinda like throwing the baby out with the bath water.

The public didn't know anything about the PSR program until Sheriff Hutchens put it in the news - and in a bad way. There was no public backlash against "abuses." There was no bad perception.

The the Sheriff announced that all these volunteers were breaking the law and she had to clamp down. Way to go, SH!

If she thinks the program is great, that's what she should have said. She's supposed to be a LEADER, she's supposed to help shape what the public thinks about her department. Instead she's throwing her SUCCESSFUL programs under the bus, and suddenly deciding that there isn't a problem with people making $100k in overtime.

Good God, what does it take to get a Sheriff in OC that is ready for prime time?

Scott forgot the best quote:

"The program had such a bad reputation under Carona, but the truth is it's extremely positive," said Sheriff's Capt. Brian Wilkerson. "The overwhelming majority of the people aren't upset that they're losing the badge."

IT'S THE WAY THEY ARE LOSING THEM!!!!

Well, I believe this is not about the badges, but about political grandstanding.

OCPSR wrote: "The overwhelming majority of the people aren't upset that they're losing the badge." as quoted from Capt. Wilkerson. If this is true, who are these people? Did someone take a poll? The issue of losing badges was never an issue among any PSR I personally know (and I know a lot of them) so was this "secret" poll really a lie to make people believe the sheriff handled things right?

SBResident said

"Kinda like throwing the baby out with the bath water."

More like throwing out the baby, keeping the bathwater, bringing it to a boil, adding gasoline, and jumping in with a match.

The Sheriff's Department has problem areas. To fix them takes leadership. A leader has to build political capitol by showing good successes, gaining trust, showing good judgment.

She's done the opposite.

When it comes time for her to tackle the HARD problems, like the jail, she won't have anyone who'll support her.

Trashing and eliminating the PSR program has a couple of benefits for the Appointed Sheriff - 1) it makes it appear that she is doing something to change from the previous administration and 2)the more volunteers that quit volunteering, the more overtime she will need to pay to get the work done. This means that her budget will need to get bigger, that she will need to hire more deputies, and her Empire will grow. This will make the Union leaders quite happy, and get her more Union support when she actually does have to run for an election. Expect to see more volunteer programs come under attack from this L.A. carpetbagger.

Recent actions by Sheriff Hutchens only serve to fuel the media fires that threaten to burn her department and the PSR program specifically.

She could have spoken out publicly in support of PSR. She could have reconfirmed the good work PSR's do in support of her department, And, she could have conveyed by her actions the real value the program is to the community. If nothing else, she could have stated publicly the same words she has used privately in letters and emails to PSR's.

Instead, her only public comments denigrate and diminish PSR's and support the idea that there is something terrible wrong with the program.

I for one expect more out of her then we've seen thus far.

The use of PSR's in the Search & Rescue Reserve Unit has been very successful. The reserve staff of the unit realized that not every callout requires sworn personnel and having a large pool of volunteers to call on will increase the number that are available during a mission. Because of the nature of their mission, this unit conduct monthly training involving both reserve deputies and PSR's. The reserve deputies in this unit have had a tremendous influence on attracting and maintaining PSR volunteers. Whether we are rich or poor, once we are on a mission, we are all the same. We face the same hardship and the same hope of making the find and rescue. They are in it for the glory, not of the badge but of a mission accomplished.

And the Sheriff's thanks for a job well done: a backhand slap to our faces by implying that we cannot be trusted with a piece of metal that said "CIVILIAN RESPONDER" on it because the citizens of this county are too stupid to read it.

Lt. Slayton and the Sheriff engage mouth instead of thinking logically 1st. They mess up and then try and fix what they previously said. They just B.S. to all of Orange County PSR's. They demand the badges back and say its because all of PSR's are corrupt. That is a kick in the balls (if i even had balls, i'm a girl so i don't).

I volunteer to give back, not for the badge. But the way Slayton and Hutchens portray us is sick! They should be greatful and instead they are disrepsectful.

"When it comes time for her to tackle the HARD problems, like the jail, she won't have anyone who'll support her."

Yes, she will have the support of the L.A crony friend that she gave a no-bid, $250,000 contract to review the jail problem. Then she will push another no-bid contract to her biggest political supporter who builds jails. This is looking like slime as bad as New Orleans.

I understand why most of the reserve deputies are upset. This could have been handled way better. Of course none of this stuff that is happening now would have happened if former Sheriff Carona had any integrity. This is unfortunately collateral damage.

"LazarusLong said:
Trashing and eliminating the PSR program has a couple of benefits for the Appointed Sheriff - 1) it makes it appear that she is doing something to change from the previous administration and 2)the more volunteers that quit volunteering, the more overtime she will need to pay to get the work done. This means that her budget will need to get bigger, that she will need to hire more deputies, and her Empire will grow. This will make the Union leaders quite happy, and get her more Union support when she actually does have to run for an election. Expect to see more volunteer programs come under attack from this L.A. carpetbagger."

I completely agree.

If the first few weeks are any indication, Sherriff Hutchens has shown she is WAY over her head.

For nearly a year now we've heard about the problems facing OCSD. We've read about the Jails, about the millions going to overtime, the low morale, and other significant problems... So instead of starting there, our new Sheriff decides CCW's and PSR's are what needs her attention.

She really does seem to go out of her way to make mistakes...

There have been comments about the PSR being an exclusive club for the county's rich and powerful. If that's the case, I pulled a fast one on them!

The only requirement for joining is a clean record and a willingness to help.

Why is the Sheriff targetting the successful citizen based PSR and CCW programs? The easiest answer is that she doesn't trust us. Why would the Supervisors appoint her unless they don't trust us either? Basically what we're seeing here is a very disturbing disconnect between OC law enforcement, OC leadership, and the people they purport to serve. Shameful.

I think there are far more pressing issues within the department than revoking badges from PSRs!

Allan Bartlett said:

"I understand why most of the reserve deputies are upset."

It is not the reserve deputies that are affected by her action. It is a program called Professional Service Civilian Responders. We are non-sworn volunteers. All the problems have been with members of the original 86 reserve deputies. The Sheriff has not cited any actual incidents involving PSR's.

The unfortunate collateral damage did not need to happen if it was handled properly by the Sheriff.

A majority of PSR’s received this email from Lt. Thomas Slayton:

“…as I originally understood it, the Sheriff was recalling the badges due to the AG opinion of 839, however, she has recently clarified her position, and the main reason for collecting the badges has less to do with a stricter interpretation of the law and more to do with her belief that the badges are too controversial and ultimately bad for public trust and for the health of the program. “

This boat (OCSD) has lost its rudder. We are now at the tides mercy. Reminds me of Obama’s wishy-washy stance regarding offshore drilling.

Allan Bartlett said:

"I understand why most of the reserve deputies are upset. This could have been handled way better. Of course none of this stuff that is happening now would have happened if former Sheriff Carona had any integrity. This is unfortunately collateral damage."

The sad part is that when Carona set it up as a perk for contributors, it wasn't particularly different from what Sheriffs and Chiefs did all over the state. After there were several instances of badges being misused in other counties (especially Riverside) those programs were shut down. OC's was completely changed. A few of the original contributors made the move over into the new, real program - but only a few, and there haven't been any problems with badges being used wrongly since.

Carona may be a bad person. But it wasn't a genuinely bad program to begin with, and he actually put it right a couple of years ago.

If Hutchens is actually serious about completely shutting down everything that Carona did, she's going to have to fire every deputy that was hired under Carona. (That's sarcasm.)

Allan Bartlett thinks this is about Carona's integrity. It's NOT. As has been said repeatedly, the Carona angle was handled long ago. There were no more Carona issues with either the PSR or the CCW program until Sheriff Hutchen's hauled them out into the light of the media with accussations and innuendo.

RTR2000 said:
"If Hutchens is actually serious about completely shutting down everything that Carona did, she's going to have to fire every deputy that was hired under Carona. (That's sarcasm.)"

Don't give her any ideas!

McCreary said:

Allan Bartlett thinks this is about Carona's integrity. It's NOT. As has been said repeatedly, the Carona angle was handled long ago. There were no more Carona issues with either the PSR or the CCW program until Sheriff Hutchen's hauled them out into the light of the media with UNSUBSTANTIATED accusations and innuendo.

Fixed it for you. The Sheriff has not pointed out one single incident involving a PSR and the badge. All the incidents cited by the media have involved reserve badges which is a completely different program.

There must be dozens of articles which tell a basic fact; Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has not one clue how to be an Orange County Sheriff. Before she digs her own grave, her best bet is to step down from the position of Sheriff. Baca should take her back. Orange County does NOT welcome someone who talks down to Volunteer's so the Sheriff can take the PSR program away and inflate her budget as "LazarusLong" said above.

"PSR VOLUNTEER SAID:
The unfortunate collateral damage did not need to happen if it was handled properly by the Sheriff."

Correct!

"Orange County Republican Party operators Michael Schroeder and Adam Probolsky are members."

Why were they singled out? Because they live and work in Red Country?

This isn't about fixing a problem This is about having the APPEARANCE of fixing a problem. This is to distract everyone from the fact that she is totally incompetent for the position. Now she has brought in more of her L.A. cronies to be her administrative staff, to help cover up her inadequacies. Clearly, three of the Supervisors were suffering from dementia when the picked this Appointee! It is going to be a long and ugly road to the election in 2010. Expect the OCSD to have even more significant problems in the next two years.

Allan Bartlett said:

"I understand why most of the reserve deputies are upset. This could have been handled way better. Of course none of this stuff that is happening now would have happened if former Sheriff Carona had any integrity. This is unfortunately collateral damage."

Mr. Bartlett, the PSR and Reserve program are two different entities. I could see how the media bias has you believing they are one in the same.

The Sups said they passed over a lot of the applicants because they didn't have experience running a large organization.

Did they actually verify that Hutchens ran anything large for LASD? Because if she did, it sure doesn't show up in what she's doing here.

PSRs are good people, that are doing work for her FOR FREE and haven't done a thing wrong. If she's this fast to throw THEM under the bus, how much flack is she going to take standing up for her deputies?

She is not a leader. She's way out of her depth. This wasn't a hard call, and she's showing as much spine as a ficus.

The whole situation sheds a lot of light on how she views the public. It is the elitest mentality that is really starting to come out. So much for a fair and balanced person to take over for
Carona. What she does not understand will suffer, good honest programs and citizens will take a back seat to the politics from LA county.

"McCreary said:
Allan Bartlett thinks this is about Carona's integrity. It's NOT. As has been said repeatedly, the Carona angle was handled long ago. There were no more Carona issues with either the PSR or the CCW program until Sheriff Hutchen's hauled them out into the light of the media with accussations and innuendo."

Well said!!! Yes the innuendo from the Sheriff has been anything but professional.

This is really a minor issue. There wasn't a deadline that the Sheriff had to deal with. Why did she think it had to be done in a hurry? If she'd taken a few days and talked to the PSRs this would be a non-issue.

The Sheriff is working hard to get herself a bad image. Here's a hint - don't burn your political capitol when you don't have to. Don't get your base mad at you if you can avoid it. If there are people who want to like you, let them like you. If it's not broke, don't fix it, leave it alone!

Her next test will be the CCWs. Maybe she thinks there are a bunch of liberal votes she can pick up in north county by banning them, but I don't think so. Right now they're not an issue. She can make it an issue and get on the wrong side of a bunch of well off people who care a LOT about this, for no political gain.

It is interesting that when Carona brought in people into the department, they were considered cronies. But when the new Sheriff hires an LASD friend to study the jails for $250k and then makes him the undersheriff, the "C" word was not used? The relationship between her crony and her ultimate selection by the BOS was never fully aired out by the media.

Our new Sheriff is unbelievably out of touch with the citizens of Orange County. She is acting like she was Elected, not Appointed. There is a big difference. It only took 3 out of 5 votes to appoint her. I bet the Supervisors who appointed her are now wishing they had asked more questions. What an embarrassment.

THE COPS SHOULD NOT GIVE BADGES TO RICH OLD MEN WHO GIVE MONEY. THESE WANNA BE COPS SHOULD BE IN JAIL. SANDRA THESE JERKS THINK THEY'RE BETTER THAN YOU, SHOW THEM WHO'S IN CHAGE!!

VOTE OBAMA 08!!

The LASD system of 'One Size Fits All" law enforcement has now arrived in Orange County. It's come in the form of Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

No matter the issue, no matter the demographics, and not matter the socioecomonic factors, address every problem same exact way...

Oh, and if it ain't broke, (like CCW and PSR's), do your best to break it....

Grade for first 50 days: D

The Board of Supervisor did a swell job this time....

Tanya,

You are a clueless as the Sheriff. You have no clue what you are talking about. I am not rich and I don't consider myself old. I certainly did not give Carona a dime. And why should we go to jail? For wanting to help? So WTH are you talking about.

Well, I was posting on other blogs that I supported the PSR's in their disgust on how this was handled, but thinking about it further, aren't the OC people being a bit whiney? I mean, c'mon, it's just a badge, and the Sheriff is a girl working in a man's world, right?

She can have the badge back but question my integrity? You're going to have a fight.

The Sheriff's gender does not have a bearing on the issue. We would just be as upset if the action was taken by a male Sheriff.

I wasn't going to respond until I read Tonya's remarks:
"THE COPS SHOULD NOT GIVE BADGES TO RICH OLD MEN WHO GIVE MONEY. THESE WANNA BE COPS SHOULD BE IN JAIL. SANDRA THESE JERKS THINK THEY'RE BETTER THAN YOU, SHOW THEM WHO'S IN CHAGE!!."

Are you that ignorant? Did you not read the postings of some of those PSR volunteers? These men and women of the PSR group are benefiting the PEOPLE OF OC! They volunteer on their own time and dime. Why do you think they are rich? Why would someone who is rich need to volunteer for political favors. Do you think Bill Gates needs to become a PSR to get noticed? Go back to LA and give Sandra a ride.

"TANYA said:
THE COPS SHOULD NOT GIVE BADGES TO RICH OLD MEN WHO GIVE MONEY. THESE WANNA BE COPS SHOULD BE IN JAIL. SANDRA THESE JERKS THINK THEY'RE BETTER THAN YOU, SHOW THEM WHO'S IN CHAGE!!

VOTE OBAMA 08!!"

Thanks for the laugh!!!

I am neither rich, nor old man and I have never given a penny to a candidate for Sheriff. I am a proud member of the OCSD's, Professional Service Civilian Responder volunteer unit.

I did not think it was necessary that I was associated with "by way of the Sheriff's public innuendo" and then dragged through the mud as if I was one of MC's original 68.

I did not think it was necessary that I was associated with "by way of the Sheriff's public innuendo" and then dragged through the mud as if I was one of MC's original 86.

Fixed it for you.

I agree with everything Maddy said, but i think it was 86 that were MC's original. And all those 86 have been long gone dismissed from the PSR program.

So Sheriff you had people working for free. Piss them off so they will stop working. But if they are already working for free...

It makes sense to badmouth civilian volunteers if Ms. Hutchens needs to given the unions more overtime in return for their political support. It also makes sense to badmouth civilians in general if she thinks they aren't important enough to her politically. But if a purely political move, like this badge fiasco, blows up in her face, expect to hear her flip-flop to try and cover up her rookie mistakes. The Board of Supervisors has clearly made a bad move in selecting Hutchens.

"PSR Volunteer said: I did not think it was necessary that I was associated with "by way of the Sheriff's public innuendo" and then dragged through the mud as if I was one of MC's original 86.

Fixed it for you."

Thank you kind Ser! I still had tears in my eyes from reading Tanya's post! Typo on my part! Original 86 is correct!!

This whole situation is just so upsetting. Why did the BOS not hold a special election for Sheriff? Why did a candidate that had 3% of the vote in a poll held by the OC Register become the ultimate choice???

Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!

"stupid me said:

So Sheriff you had people working for free. Piss them off so they will stop working. But if they are already working for free..."

They can be replaced with good Union dues paying employees! Follow the money. This is all about Empire Building! This has nothing to do with what is truly best for Orange County. The BOS members that are controlled by the Unions picked a Union puppet to put into this position. It is all about increasing the size of government. Wait until the tell you they are going to have to increase taxes to pay for all the new deputies they have to hire.

A few of the MC86 went on to become sworn reserve deputies after completing the necessary background check and training. A few joined the PSR program. Those that remain are still innocent until proven guilty. I have no reason to question their motivation to join just as they have no reason to question mine.

All these articles would look great as wallpaper in Sheriff Hutchen's office. Maybe then she will see the "big picture".

TANYA said: "THE COPS SHOULD NOT GIVE BADGES TO RICH OLD MEN WHO GIVE MONEY."

Tanya, rich old men who give money didn't give 16,000 hours of free time to the OC Sheriff's Department last year. The civilian volunteers of the PSR did. That's over half a million dollars of hard work for free donated to the county. Consider getting your news from a better source before you inadvertently vote for someone as clueless as Hutchens.

Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!
Sheriff Orange County is not LA! Bottom line!

LazarusLong said: "They can be replaced with good Union dues paying employees! Follow the money."

Good advice.

Looks like Carona's cronies are bummbed their toys are being taken away....

16,000 hours valued conservatively at over one million dollars in savings to the department!! This year already 10,000 hours donated YTD.

I totally understand all the frustration the PSR's feel over the badge issue. When I was appointed by Mike Carona he handed me the I.D. holder with the badge on the other side and said: 'Welcome to the Orange County Sheriff's Department'. These words mattered to me. The badge did not.
After being kicked in the groin by Slayton and the Queen for doing absolutely nothing wrong I suddenly don't feel that welcome anymore. No I don't need a badge to play cop. I have a life.
People think Mike Carona was bad for OC. You ain't seen nothing yet people.

PSR Volunteer said: "In a statement made by the Sheriff, she said the PSR is the 'best kept secret'. Why?"

And what a great way for Ms. Hutchens to publicize the great work the PSR civilian volunteers do -- pull all their badges so as to taint them all as corrupt. Nuance!

Sheriff, why not ask for all the badges back that were given to non-sworn civilians? How about the ones to the Supervisors? The Mayors of each city in the County? The City Council members? Anything that looks like it could be mistaken as a Law Enforcement badge you should be picking up, just like you did with the PSRs. Or are you saying that all of those people, the elected elite, feeding at the public trough like you, are more trustworthy than those hardworking professionals and business owners that undergo extensive background checks and give freely of their time?

I hope all PSRs slap her in the face and double/triple/quadruple the number of hours they volunteer. If she really did this boost the union, then you should bust that. Make it backfire.

Richard H said: "There was never any controversy or negative public perception until Sandra Hutchens came to town."

Exactly. Welcome to L.A. politics in OC brought to you by Ms. Hutchens.

PSR Volunteer said: "In a statement made by the Sheriff, she said the PSR is the 'best kept secret'. Why?"

And what a great way for Ms. Hutchens to publicize the great work the PSR civilian volunteers do - pull all their badges so as to taint them all as corrupt. Nuance!

So Sheriff you had people working for free. Piss them off so they will stop working. But if they are already working for free..."

They can be replaced with good Union dues paying employees! Follow the money. This is all about Empire Building! This has nothing to do with what is truly best for Orange County. The BOS members that are controlled by the Unions picked a Union puppet to put into this position. It is all about increasing the size of government. Wait until the tell you they are going to have to increase taxes to pay for all the new deputies they have to hire.

Yes. Exactly the point!

Jason B said: "Looks like Carona's cronies are bummbed their toys are being taken away...."

Sure, Jason. Those 16,000 hours of effort and hard work put in last year magically appeared all by themselves. Calling those volunteers "Carona's cronies" makes it easy to avoid having a thought.

Maddy said:

"This whole situation is just so upsetting. Why did the BOS not hold a special election for Sheriff? Why did a candidate that had 3% of the vote in a poll held by the OC Register become the ultimate choice??? "

Because they wanted someone they could control. By picking a Sheriff who could never have gotten there by a regular election, they thought they could tell her what to do about the big things and she wouldn't complain. She didn't have her own base to back her up.

They didn't count on her not being able to handle the small stuff.

JASON IS RIGHT YOU JUST WANT TO PLAY CROCKET AND TUBBS AND YOUR DONT LIKE IT THAT A STRONG WOMAN IS TAKING YOU TOYS AWAY!! YOU DONT HAVE ANY BISNESS WITH A BAGE OR A GUN. YOU SHOULD JUST CRY AND CRY LITTLE CRY BABYS. AND WEN SOMEONE COME ALONG TO TAKE YOUR TOYS YOU CALL FOR THE REAL COPS.

BAD BOYS BAD BOYS WHAT YOU GONA DO?
WHEN SHERIFF HUTCHNES COME FOR YOU?

"Marcus said:
Because they wanted someone they could control. By picking a Sheriff who could never have gotten there by a regular election, they thought they could tell her what to do about the big things and she wouldn't complain. She didn't have her own base to back her up.
They didn't count on her not being able to handle the small stuff."

And apparently they forgot that once she was in office, they couldn't do anything about it. Now Orange County has a puppet Sheriff being manipulated by Los Angeles. Or, at least I hope there is someone directing her stupidity. May be she is just totally incompetent without any outside influence.

Jason B, it isn't about toys, it's about perception, it's about trust, it's about integrity, and it's about community. Sheriff Hutchens came into this job with glowing reviews and recommendations, but so far she's damaged the public's perceptoins about the PSRs, she is rapidly losing their trust and the trust of the CCW holders, she is not showing integrity by admitting she has acted too hastily (what happened to the 120 days to review the current situation?), and the community has no stomach for sitting back and letting itself be turned into another LA County.

Tanya, let the grownups talk.

Carona did not leave office because of problems in the jails, or resign because of runaway over time. He didn't quit because of any problem facing his department... Sandra seems to understand no one really cares about the important stuff...

They care about the headlines...

So, now, she's the one making headlines...

I'd much rather she worry more about the duties of her office, but it seems that is not be be. Yes, friends, we have another headline grabbing sheriff to enjoy.

Why on earth did we vote her in office???

Oh, wait. We didn't!!!

Womder what the Board of Supervisors thank about our new Sheriff and why they are not openly defending their choice for Sherriff. Why is the Board of Supervisor staying so quiet about our new Sheriff?

Nice going, guys.

If any of you PSR's were really just in it to provide service to your community, as you all seem to want the public to believe. Then give back the badges and carry on. That is what any mature, level headed, true "volunteer" would do. You said your piece, and hopefully got it off your chest, now we'll all see if you really did do it just for the community. If not, I don't think the community wants your service anymore.

So let me get this straight...our new Sheriff has yanked the badges of PSRs at the same time they're running airplane rescue missions for free, seems to be uprooting the CCW program, what's next?

And more importantly...what the heck is she doing about the jail situation and the other real problems - oh wait, she hired a consultant (one of her old cronies) for $250k to STUDY the problem.

Meanwhile, she pisses off and loses the volunteers that are saving taxpayers 20,000 hours a year in professional services.

Way to go Hutchens.

Jason B said:
Looks like Carona's cronies are bummbed their toys are being taken away....

You couldn't be further from the truth. I never met MC. Never donated a dime to his political campaign. In fact, I didn't vote for him this last election.
My PSR badge is a joke compared to the real badge that hangs on my wall from when I was a Reserve Police Officer a few years ago. But, any badge is a symbol of public trust.
The Sheriff's Department used to trust me and presented me the PSR badge as a symbol of that trust. Now they don't trust me? I'm not OK with that. They can take the badge back it's theirs but they cannot have my integrity it's mine.
It's not about toys at all. I volunteered my time because I support law enforcement in their efforts to make our community a safer place to live. May I ask, in what way do you contribute? Never mind.

Anonymous, I'm not a PSR. I'm a volunteer firefighter in Riverside, CA http://www.rvcfire.org/opencms/quick_links/Volunteer_opportunities.html

We don't get many perks from volunteering, but we KNOW that we are respected and appreciated by the department and the full timers. If we were treated like the OC reserves have been, we'd keep volunteering but we'd do it somewhere else.

If the Sheriff want a whipping boy, she should find someone who's in it for the money. They might stick around and be quiet to keep the paychecks coming. Volunteers won't.

Sandra Hutchens is a living, breathing example of the Peter Principle in action. She may have been fine in her last job, but she doesn't have a clue what this one is all about.

Leadership. Doing the right thing, and not for the headline. If you try to manipulate the facts, they will turn around and bite you.

What the Sheriff did to the good people of the PSR is despicable. The only possible reason for her actions is that she is a megalomaniac who feels the need to throw her power and weight around to let those under her command know "who's boss."

Well, unfortunately, this is NOT effective leadership. It is a major step backwards and she needs to very quickly change her ways or be removed. I, as a taxpaying and voting citizen of Orange County, absolutely will not support a Sheriff who gives some of the county's highest-quality and most concerned and selfless citizens a slap in the face like she has.

Aime Foxxe said:
Well, I was posting on other blogs that I supported the PSR's in their disgust on how this was handled, but thinking about it further, aren't the OC people being a bit whiney? I mean, c'mon, it's just a badge, and the Sheriff is a girl working in a man's world, right?
Yeah I guess. Only on the part of the working girl because if she was a professional working woman she would of treated both sexes fairly. Shame that Orange County could of been the first to really set the standard, instead she decided to follow in the footsteps of some has been, behind the times (at least Orange County time) mentor.

The new Sheriff of Orange County, if she were male, would have been said to have been stepping all over his **** for all the mis-steps and bad handling of a lot of the issues that were "tackled" since she took office. She publicly said that she had a number of important issues that she needed to address and "fixing" the PSR program by pulling badges that were purposely designed to follow the law because a different program had issues is just one of these BIG problems...

People that volunteer for programs like the PSR program don't do it for the money. They don't do it for the prestige or anything like that. They do it because it a way for them to give back to the community and lend their expertise. To treat these people like she did is just morally wrong. Anyone, and I mean ANYONE who is truly ready to lead a large department like the OCSD wouldn't be making rookie mistakes like she has... over and over and over and over again.

Anonymous said:

If any of you PSR's were really just in it to provide service to your community, as you all seem to want the public to believe. Then give back the badges and carry on. That is what any mature, level headed, true "volunteer" would do.

If you had received the e-mail the PSR's did, maybe you would understand. Badges are not the issue, the way it was handled and the way were treated is.

Another blunder by the new sheriff. She’s already back peddling on the CCW issue, hence the need to clarify the matter before the press briefing announcing. She is however, already denying permits applications that have legitimate good cause as well as not renewing existing permits.

Rather than recalling all outstanding CCWs like she did with the badges, she’ll likely just refuse to renew them as they expire. The permits she does issue will have such severe restrictions on them that they’ll be essentially useless, but she’ll still count them as permits issues.

The honeymoon was over before it even started…

If you had received the e-mail the PSR's did, maybe you would understand

Why doesn't someone copy email here? It can be done anonymously. We'd like to see how the sheriff handles such matters.

Cut and Paste said:
Why doesn't someone copy email here? It can be done anonymously. We'd like to see how the sheriff handles such matters.

That would be against department policy, a violation of trust and cause for dismissal.
Besides, enough snippets have been posted so the readers can get a feel for the way this was handled.

That would be against department policy, a violation of trust and cause for dismissal.

You've drank too much Kool-Aid. The email/letter is a matter of public record, it's not a secret. They've already taken your badge, don't let them take your manhood.

This came out EIGHT HOURS after the article broke in the LA times.

To All PSRs,

As you may have already heard, there are some changes being made to the PSR program. Our new Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens, is very aware of the valuable service you provide to the people of Orange County. However, she would not be doing her job if she didn’t evaluate all aspects of this department with a fresh set of eyes. We recently met with the new Sheriff in order to discuss the ongoing issue of badges, and it was determined that, in light of the recent California Attorney General opinion on the subject, it would be prudent to collect all badges issued to PSRs. Although I understand that some of you may find this frustrating, I believe that it was the right thing to do and I’ll explain why.

2007 was a banner year for the PSR program. Collectively, you donated over 16,000 hours to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and to the people of Orange County. Some examples of your service include:

· Daily traveler assistance at John Wayne Airport. In this assignment, you have helped countless harried travelers navigate the terminal, and served as the Sheriff’s Department’s “eyes and ears” for dangerous and illegal activity.

· Robotic construction and programming for the Hazardous Devices Squad (Bomb Squad).

· Flying air missions for the department, using your own aircraft to do so.

· Acting as a mobile “Citizen Patrol” for some of our contract cities. In this role, you have helped to suppress property crimes and juvenile activity. You have done this safely and appropriately by serving as “eyes and ears” for the department, never making contact but reporting what you see.

· Volunteering as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher

· Search and Rescue – in this role, you work side-by-side with sworn reserves. Among other things, you respond to search for missing hikers, children, the elderly, and weapons used in the commission of a crime. Often in the middle of the night while the rest of us are sleeping.

· Performing photography and other high-tech computer services as needed. Most recently, some of you provided free assistance on the Community Services Division’s new blog as well as a complete renovation of the Orange County Training Manager’s Association, including all programming and hosting.

These are just a small sample of the most recent work for which you are responsible. This program is healthy, vital, and above reproach. Unfortunately, it had a very controversial beginning and has been shrouded in suspicion ever since. Many articles have been written on the program; unfortunately, very few of them have emphasized the good work that is being done every day. To the media (and the public), this program is still viewed in a negative light for one reason, and one reason only; the badges.

All of you are fully aware that it is against department policy to carry your credentials when not serving as a PSR. Further, you also know that displaying your badge in an effort to gain favor or preferential treatment would only infuriate a peace officer, resulting in additional complications. Unfortunately, realities such as these are completely lost on those who are on the outside, looking in. Regardless of why the badges were originally issued, they are ultimately unnecessary and serve only to drag this fine program down in the eyes of the very people who are benefiting from its services. Therefore, I ask you all not to see this as an indictment of the program, but instead as an opportunity for its redemption.

Your good work has gone unnoticed all too long and it’s time to divert the attention of the media and the public from that “shiny object” to your valuable service.

Lieutenant Tom Slayton

Community Support Bureau Commander

PSR Coordinator

To All PSR’s,

You may return your badge and ID in person or by mail to OCSD Community Services Division, 15991 Armstrong Avenue, Tustin 92782. Attn: Karen Waters. You will be issued a new ID in the near future.

I have attached a map to our facility.

Thank you,

Karen

Karen Waters

Orange County Sheriff's Department

Community Services Division

15991 Armstrong Avenue

Tustin, CA 92782

714-566-2711

To All PSRs,

I have received a number of emails from PSRs asking if the program was coming to an end. This could not be further from the truth. As I stated in the previous email, last year alone, you donated over 16,000 hours to this department and the people of Orange County. It is a vital and healthy program, and the Sheriff is very aware of your contribution. The badges are being recalled not because they have been misused (to my knowledge, they have not been misused by any of you), but simply because we must come into compliance with California law.

Although we are asking you to return your current badge and ID, rest assured, a new identification card will be issued in the very near future, and I look forward to working with all of you for many months and years to come.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please do not hesitate to reply to this email (it will come directly to me) or to call me at: 714-566-2711. If I am not available when you call, please leave a message as I will return each and every call as soon as I possibly can.

The press and the public are waiting to see how we weather this. I hope that all of you (or at least most) will prove the pundits wrong and stick with the program. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department needs you; now more than ever.

Tom Slayton

PSR Coordinator

To All PSRs,

In order to facilitate the return of the badges and Identification Cards, we will be sending each of you a self-addressed, stamped mailer. Simply place the credentials in the padded envelope and drop it in the nearest secure mailbox.

If you are currently an active PSR (regularly work, or have upcoming scheduled events), please retain your identification card as you will need it in the performance of your duties. When the new identification cards are ready, we will swap them for your current ones.

Although some of you have voiced frustration, the vast majority of calls and emails I have received have been supportive of this process. However, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize for this great inconvenience. It is obviously not your fault that you were issued credentials that were in violation of state law, and I deeply regret any embarrassment or trouble this has caused. Please bear with me as we get this issue behind us.

Expect our next PSR Operational Meeting within the next few months. I hope to see you all there as we still have a great deal of work to do in the coming months and years.

-Tom

To All PSRs,

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has requested an opportunity to meet with PSRs in order to more fully explain her reasons for the recent changes to the program. The meeting will take place on Saturday, August 16th @ 10:00 a.m. at the Orange County Sheriff’s Training Academy.

Please make every effort to attend. While she has very clearly stated her support and respect for what we do, this will be a great opportunity for the Sheriff to see firsthand, the true extent of this program’s health, vitality, and relevance.

Attachment: Facility Map, Orange County Sheriff’s Training Academy

To All PSRs,
Since assuming my responsibilities as the Sheriff of Orange County, I have been continually reminded of the value the PSR program brings to this organization. In fact, one of the first duties I performed as Sheriff was to be present at a meeting of the Villa Park City Council where PSRs were being honored for their service to that community. Since then, I have learned of the true depth and breadth of the program, and have no doubt that this is the best kept secret on the department.
With over 16,000 hours donated in 2007 and 10,000 in the first half of 2008 alone, this program is unrivaled in this county in its ability to mobilize and utilize the skills of literally hundreds of professional volunteers, yet the public perception is one of an insider’s club. This undeserved stigma is rooted in the program’s past, and is no longer accurate. However, the badges, which have become a lightning-rod for criticism and mistrust, are its most visible legacy, and serve to undermine your service and tarnish the reputation of the program.
In addition to a reevaluation of the credentials issued to program members, we are also seeking to rename it. All suggestions on both topics are welcome and will be taken into consideration as I make my decision on these issues.
It is absolutely vital that each and every one of you understand that I value this program and your service. I know from your feedback that many of you realize these changes are in the best interest of all concerned and that it is essential for us to unburden ourselves from the perceptions that have shadowed your outstanding work. Thank you for all that you do to support the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the residents we serve. I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead.
Sincerely,
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens

To All PSRs,

As you know, The Sheriff has called a meeting of the PSRs on August 16th. Those of you with questions should send them to PSR Chairman Jim Palmer as he will be working to ensure that all concerns are addressed as articulately and respectfully as possible.

Please send your questions to: jpalmer@ocsd.org

From: SLAYTON, THOMAS F

To clarify a point regarding the badges and pc 839, as I originally understood it, the Sheriff was recalling the badges due to the AG opinion of 839, however, she has recently clarified her position, and the main reason for collecting the badges has less to do with a stricter interpretation of the law and more to do with her belief that the badges are too controversial and ultimately bad for public trust and for the health of the program.

I apologize for the confusion. The responsibility for this misunderstanding is entirely mine.

LETTER TO SHERIFF HUTCHENS:
===========================================================================

Dear Sheriff Hutchens,

As a Professional Services Responder (PSR), Orange County citizen and Chairman and CEO of the Orange County based public company Aperture Health, Inc. I, along with hundreds of PSRs are not happy with your recent decision to confiscate department issued identification and badges. By now, I am certain you are aware of my email that has been sent to the PSR’s, Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) leadership and a great many Orange County citizens. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, however, we Orange County citizens whom you serve are displeased with your decision to focus attention on such an obvious political issue.

As the CEO of a public company who must be responsive to thousands of shareholders, the Securities Exchange Commission and many regulatory agencies and watchdogs, I sympathize with you and truly do not envy the challenges and scrutiny you face. The 100-day countdown timer monitoring your every move and decision, motivated by those that desire to build a case against you as “the right choice for Sheriff,” my not be fair. However, scrutiny and second-guessing simply comes with the territory. The most unfortunate mistake you seem to have made since being appointed by the Board of Supervisors is that you apparently failed to review your department’s mission statement which reads:

“It is the mission of the Orange County Sheriff's Department to provide professional, responsive, and caring law enforcement services to the residents, visitors and businesses of Orange County. We believe a safe community can only exist through a partnership with our employees, residents, businesses and other public entities.”

“We pledge to provide all services in an expeditious, effective and courteous manner while encouraging community participation in the development of goals and objectives for our organization.”

I am certain that every resident agrees with this mission statement and if asked, would set your priorities in the following order:

1) Protect the citizens of Orange County,

2) Enforce the law,

3) Manage the 4,500 person OCSD "cost effectively" and

4) Respect those of us demonstrating “community participation” that have chosen to give freely and willingly.

Recognizing that the Sheriff in Orange County is an elected position and prone to being political, it is easy to see how you and your advisors would believe it prudent to distance yourself from Michael Carona. I assure you, not one citizen of this county is happy when our leadership fails to meet our expectations or behaves inappropriately. The communications I have received from PSRs, the community, and law enforcement professionals have been consistent. They are beyond being amazed and disappointed by such an obvious political move to establish a “departure from Carona” attitude. To do so is more than insulting it is damaging to Orange County, and simply implies that those of us donating thousands of our valuable hours are considered “cronies” of prior leadership. This is an assertion that couldn’t be further from the truth. Additionally, if I am not mistaken, at least the one individual in question [Michael Carona] may have been tried in the court of public opinion, however, he is still “innocent until proven guilty.” A fact, I hope and pray is never far from both yours and the department’s core values.

As so eloquently expressed in Gordon Dillow’s recent article in the Orange County Register, “According to sheriff's officials, in the past several years there has been only one documented case of a PSR possibly trying to "badge" his way out of a jam.” Of the 400+ PSRs I would surmise that these badge carrying individuals are clearly exceeding your department’s standards, following protocols and proving that their participation is clearly selfless and charitable. Unfortunately for the citizens of Orange County, if the decision to recall badges and Identification from this “problem free program” is not rescinded most of the PSRs will dedicate their time to other charitable efforts dramatically impacting the economic benefits PSRs provide to the OCSD. When I brought this fact to the attention of the department that this course of action will dramatically raise the cost of security at venues such as the Orange County Fair, Swallows Day Parade, and John Wayne Airport to name a few the reply was an astounding “That’s the cost of doing business.” This is clearly the thinking of a bureaucrat with no fiscal responsibility who spends tax-payer (our) money with impunity. Have we so quickly forgotten the County’s bankruptcy not so long ago or other economic pressures that “we the people” must shoulder every day – California’s deficit, the cost of gasoline, bank failures, and the crashing housing market?

Sheriff Hutchens, rest assured that your constituency, we the citizens of Orange County, are an understanding, law abiding and supportive people. We don’t expect you to be perfect. Nor do we expect you not to make mistakes. What we do expect of you, however, is to be responsive to your community’s needs, manage the department cost effectively, and respect those of us that demonstrate “community participation” as so deftly articulated in the second paragraph of the department’s mission statement.

As chief executive of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department I suggest you, not your political advisors, set your priorities. Not only will the 4,500 members of the department respect you, the citizens of Orange County will support you. Do not focus on distancing yourself from Michael Carona, but focus on demonstrating that you have the skills and commitment to lead the Sheriff’s Department into the future, protect this county’s citizens, demonstrate fiscal responsibility, and allow us, your team of dedicated PSRs to contribute to your success. Simply, accept that the decision to take away the emblems of appreciation and brotherhood and sisterhood was a mistake and allow us to help you make this community safe and prosperous.

Best Regards,

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