santa clara county sheriff pio santa clara county sheriff pio

Who better to have in place to find where this money is going? Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. She supports California legislative bill SB 2, which creates a statewide system to revoke the license of a police officer who commits serious misconduct, and SB 16, which requires disclosure of a sustained finding of excessive use of force if an officer failed to intervene when another officer used unreasonable or excessive force. Promotions, About Us He has been an independent consultant since his retirement and has taught new recruits and law-enforcement managers. The County is aware of the issues that have arisen on Twitter and shares concerns about the increasing hateful rhetoric. But absent more evidence, the biggest threat to the sheriff appears to be political rather than criminal. It doesn't always need to be a disciplinary approach. Her failure to produce documents to the county's Office of Correction and Law Enforcement Monitoring caused the county Board of Supervisors to unanimously confer a vote of no confidence on her last August.She now faces potential removal from office after being accused by a civil grand jury of corrupt misconduct. When asked who was the driving force in processing CCWs, former PIO Richard Glennon testified, Captain Jensen by far. But Glennons clear understanding was that Jensen was acting at Smiths behest. He openly criticized the department's RedMan training of deputies, who spar with a proctor who wears a fully protective padded suit, after the 2020 death of a recruit during an intensive defensive-tactics-training session. TownSquare San Jose Inside (https://www.sanjoseinside.com), The DA accuses the Sheriff's Office of offering CCW permits in exchange for political contributions. Russell Davis said. He said Smiths alleged mismanagement as the longest-serving elected sheriff in Santa Clara County has destroyed lives and violated the most basic of civil rights of inmates and created a dystopian place of horrible suffering., Smith did not directly address Liccardos call for her resignation, but when asked whether she intended to step down, she said, At this time, no.. Courtesy Nagaye for Sheriff campaign. If the records clean, they can sign up for a class to prove firearm proficiency. The fifth candidate, Ahn Colton, 48, lists herself as a mother. He would support deputizing mental health professionals to work in the jails. Circulation & Delivery Shortly after Smiths 2018 re-election her most competitive contest to date the Metro newspaper asked the DAs office about the $45,000 donation. All rights reserved. However, as a government agency, we need to maintain our presence to share information with the public, especially if it can save lives during an emergency. These positions are broken down as follows: In addition to the full-time sworn staff, the Sheriff's Office has 65 Reserve Deputy Sheriffs. After attending high school in Novato, he spent 27 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. You have to stand up to the standards to which you took an oath," he said.He also supports the establishment of a civilian review board with subpoena power to investigate misconduct allegations.Encryption of police-scanner communicationsWhen asked for his stance on whether full encryption of radio communications is necessary, Allen said: "Radio encryption is just another way to prevent being transparent by law-enforcement agencies. He would wear the uniform and be out in the community and working alongside his deputies. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo on Monday called for the resignation of Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith amid multiple use-of-force incidents and alleged misconduct under her watch, and on . News Of more than 700 people who applied for a CCW permit in Santa Clara County in the past six years, records show that fewer than 150 ever received one. The DOJ doesn't require blanket encryption and allows for workarounds, but Jonsen did not create any, community critics have said.The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office also encrypts its radio communications.The city has also faced a number of lawsuits during Jonsen's tenure, alleging excessive use of force by Palo Alto officers. Could you look into that? A San Jose native, he graduated from UCLA with a BA degree in history and from the University of Maryland with a MA degree in journalism. How a really big check unraveled a well-oiled, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early, How a really big check unraveled a well-oiled patronage system with Santa Clara County concealed-gun permits, Jensen, Schumb, and co-defendants Harpaul Nahal and Michael Nichols are scheduled to appear in court Monday to continue their arraignment proceedings in the case. to avoid being attacked, she said. Smith said during a news conference that an in-depth review is necessary to get the true facts.. She enlisted in the U.S. Army at 19, became a medic and served five years of active duty. "Between enforcement and custody, there are 1,200 deputies, but it's rare to see someone in an executive position come down and talk to the people. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) Santa Clara County's top cop, Sheriff Laurie Smith, is in hot water because a civil grand jury leveled seven counts of . Home & Real Estate As sheriff, he would advocate for additional funding for mental health programs to help de-escalate crisis encounters. You have to stand up to the standards to which you took an oath," he said. "My time in the military is a key component. Hm, a virtual interview from the Hawaiian Islands is being scheduled???? The sheriff has come under attack after allegations of abuse and mismanagement in the countys jails. It doesn't always need to be a disciplinary approach. She said she would have an ongoing "meet the deputies" program to improve the agency's relationship with the community. It came with an implicit message: Pay up, and soon youll be packing heat. On December 15, 1998, Laurie Smith became the 28th person to hold the position of sheriff in Santa Clara County, California and the first woman law enforcement officer to hold the office of sheriff in the history of California. Regarding the office's use of its budget, Nagaye said that if elected, "I would hire a forensic accountant to find out where the pitfalls are with money. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is a local law enforcement agency that serves Santa Clara County, California. Otherwise, "we're going to continue to fail those human beings," he said. Jensen believes they have to get the idea that they are there to serve, even though emotions might sometimes want to get in the way. As coordinator of the Antelope Valley Crime Fighting Initiative, his programs reduced crime by 29%, and the initiative received the statewide James Q. Wilson Award for Community Policing in 2010, he said. In fact, none of the PIOs who testified ever recalled actually witnessing Smith sign one. "Jonsen acknowledged that excessive-force incidents have occurred, but he said they have been thoroughly reviewed and the involved officers were held accountable, including the departure of officers who were found culpable.He has attended city Human Relations Commission meetings and other community meetings to discuss concerns in a transparent manner and started the community advisory committee, which meets with him in private, to also address citizens' concerns.However, in 2019, Jonsen and City Manager Ed Shikada pushed to remove "complaints and investigations of internal personnel or human resources matters" from review by the city's Independent Police Auditor. Supervisors Joe Simitan and Otto Lee called for the public release of a report and audio recording related to a 2018 incident involving Andrew Hogan, a mentally ill man who became severely disabled after he was repeatedly injured while riding in a jail transport van unrestrained. Christine Nagaye A reformer who supports 'full transparency'. Part of that effort comes in finding out how these men got the fentanyl in the first place. He would institute listening sessions with the community and hear about any problems people have with deputies or other personnel, he said.The most important quality he wants in his deputiesAllen wants employees with integrity, commitment, objectivity and who are problem solvers. The sheriff should hold his or herself to the same standards as the public. Even after a finding of innocence, his arrest haunted him each time he applied for a job, he said. Jensen, 58, is a repeat candidate for Santa Clara County sheriff, having previously fought for the seat in the 2014 election against incumbent Smith. However, in 2019, Jonsen and City Manager Ed Shikada pushed to remove "complaints and investigations of internal personnel or human resources matters" from review by the city's Independent Police Auditor. Lets see what the truth is.. On Aug. 31, on the first arraignment date for the case, West pleaded guilty as part of a deal to help the prosecution in exchange for charging and sentencing leniency. When people can't get information from the news and the sheriff is not responsive, it creates distrust in the community, she said. Jonsen pointed to his years of experience as a chief and leader of law enforcement organizations that depend on professional experience to thrive. As coordinator of the Antelope Valley Crime Fighting Initiative, his programs reduced crime by 29%, and the initiative received the statewide James Q. Wilson Award for Community Policing in 2010, he said.Jonsen moved north to become Menlo Park's police chief in 2013, and then he became Palo Alto's chief in 2018. Already, with conspiracy and bribery indictments of Jensen, attorney and fundraiser Christopher Schumb and two others, the scheme stands as one of the biggest political corruption cases to hit the South Bay in more than four decades. "Unfortunately, three of the victims inside the house were pronounced deceased at the scene. Nagaye said she would invest in much more training and in a training unit. He was also the risk and information-sharing program manager for the Urban Area Security Initiative and was tasked with terrorism prevention, mitigation, response and recovery for the 12-county Bay Area region. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Custody Division is the fifth largest jail system in California, and among the 20 largest systems in the United States. Courtesy photos. The first witness in the civil corruption trial against Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith testified Friday. But a short time later, their cover was blown although it would take months more before the sheriffs office realized it. James Jensen, took a glance. Rosen has said more charges are coming in the case. Community Calendar Listen to each of them answer questions from the public. Her father-in-law doesn't know if he will be targeted when he goes out. "It's scary. Sheriff Smith reportedly stopped issuing them in 2018 after Rosen began serving search warrants to find links between political donations and the concealed-carry permits. After the murder of mentally ill jail inmate Michael Tyree by three guards, who were later convicted, Nagaye helped develop new policies. SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain James Jensen is photographed outside of the Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Jensen was arraigned. "Unfortunately, three of . She could not be reached for an interview. Researchers are honing in on potential Fentanyl vaccine amid national opioid crisis, 'Injecting Hope' | Watch documentary on innovative program tackling drug overdose, fentanyl epidemic. Under Smith, deputies murdered a mentally ill inmate, and others in custody have been injured, costing the county millions of dollars in settlements. Is a 2020 Biden and Harris Ticket Good for Cannabis Legalization? Mobile site. The early defining experience of his arrest taught him about the perspectives of people with criminal records and about how racism and stereotyping can destroy lives. David Sanders, the CEO of a Santa Clara computer services firm and a campaign contributor to Sheriff Laurie Smith, opened the trunk of his car and pointed to his handgun. You don't serve the master.". Since the establishment of the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office, seven officers have died while on duty.[7]. "We sent detectives and crime scene investigators to the residence to conduct a full and thorough investigation," Sgt. Instead, he implemented an online system by which members of the media and the public submit a form and wait for a callback rather than talk immediately to a watch commander. All rights reserved. Most are honest and do have integrity. Thursday, Judge Eric Geffon rejected a defense motion to disqualify District Attorney Jeff Rosen based on his past friendship with and fundraising support from Schumb. The false arrest "gave me the determination to become a law enforcement officer who is fair, just and treats everyone I encounter equally.". Jonsen has been criticized, however, for a lack of transparency, including his January 2021 decision to encrypt all police radio communications, without warning, which prevents the media and other members of the public from monitoring and independently verifying incidents and police activity. Stay informed on important crime news. He would also work to instill an ethic of maturity and patience in correctional facility officers, who often face trying circumstances with defiant inmates, he said.He said that the sheriff's office should still run the jail, but he is willing to listen to members of the Board of Supervisors who think it should go back to the way it was before Smith took control. My mother-in-law calls me and asks, 'What is best time to go shopping?'" Allen said he would be a hands-on sheriff. Fax: (408) 286-5437. On July 20the first day of criminal grand jury proceedings to hear evidence in what Santa Clara County DA Jeff Rosen believes was a bribery conspiracyDeputy District Attorney Matt Braker had just finished laying out the prosecutions theories when he called first witness to the stand: Sgt. Other agencies use cellphones, Nextel, or computers," he said. Smith invoked her Fifth Amendment rightagainst self-incrimination and refused to testify to the grand jury. investigating her office for civil rights violations, accused by a civil grand jury of corrupt misconduct, beaten to death by sheriff's deputies in 2015, Mountain View City Council kicks off process of identifying priority projects for next two years. According to testimony from officers who processed the licensing for Sheriff Laurie Smith, most petitions languished in a file drawer without anyone weighing their merits. The Sheriffs media people handled the CCW requests. "My exposure to these things has given me a different insight," he said. And the issue that has drawn the strongest scrutiny is the sheriffs allocation of concealed-carry weapon permits, the licenses that allow civilians to legally carry handguns in public. Courtesy Bob Jonsen. It became his lifelong career, taking him through nearly every opportunity the profession had to offer, he said. He looks for people who are willing to do the right thing even if it's not popular, he said. It provides general-service law enforcement to unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, as well as incorporated cities within the county that have contracted with the agency for law-enforcement services such as Saratoga, Cupertino, and Los Altos Hills. Obituaries, Send News Tips I've had a really well-rounded career," he said, noting he was also assistant chief of the Department of Corrections running the jail before it was taken over by Smith. Santa Clara County Sheriff's deputies found four men in their fifties unresponsive, likely from fentanyl use. The grand jury testimony gives the first inside look at the casual way the process worked: Jensen would make house calls to deliver VIPs their gun-permit paperwork, at least once to a judge, and in a few instances, to players for the San Jose Sharks. By showing our complete transparency, it's going to build trust in the community again. I've had a really well-rounded career," he said, noting he was also assistant chief of the Department of Corrections running the jail before it was taken over by Smith.If elected, he would be a different kind of sheriff from Smith, who had once been his professional partner. Sue Dremann is a veteran journalist who joined the Palo Alto Weekly in 2001. Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert "Bob" Jonsen and Kevin Jensen, the top-two finishers in the June primary with 31.9% and 30.4% of the vote respectively are facing off in November to replace Sheriff Laurie Smith. As a sergeant in the jails, he has trained officers in de-escalation techniques to better handle inmates in crisis.As sheriff, he would make mental health treatment a priority and would work collaboratively with other police agencies and county and state agencies to address issues that lead to incarceration, including homelessness, substance abuse and mental illness.Allen said he would also focus on proper training of deputies in de-escalation techniques so that uses of force and weapons are last responses. Jonsen acknowledged that excessive-force incidents have occurred, but he said they have been thoroughly reviewed and the involved officers were held accountable, including the departure of officers who were found culpable. And yet, Dr. Sussman says they are dying from drugs more than ever before. [1] She was convicted in November. I had no discretion whether or not somebody were to get a permit. One may wonder how many concealed weapons are carried around SCC every day WITHOUT a permit. Allen said he would also focus on proper training of deputies in de-escalation techniques so that uses of force and weapons are last responses. He was later raised in San Francisco after his mother remarried a "functional alcoholic.". She also supports the Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT). The case is still pending.Jonsen and his wife, a doctor, have two sons and a young grandson.Endorsements: Police chiefs and top law enforcement including those in Los Altos and Menlo Park; multiple members of Jonsen's community advisory group, among others.Website: bob4sheriff.comWhy he says he's the best-qualified candidateJonsen pointed to his years of experience as a chief and leader of law enforcement organizations that depend on professional experience to thrive. Endorsements: The Rev. He would tell his deputies: "Follow the mission. "It's so lacking. One of the first things he would do is work on changing the culture in law enforcement toward being forthcoming about bad players and incidents they see while on the job. Three people were found dead and one was transported to a hospital after a suspected fentanyl overdose in unincorporated Gilroy. County of Santa Clara. I just kind of tried to figure it out on my own, Low said. They don't want someone peeking behind the curtain," he said.As sheriff, he would work to change the department's culture starting at the top through internal review and investigations and by improving training and evaluations.Jensen said he would work to build bridges with the community through greater transparency and communication.Encryption of police-scanner communicationsWhen asked about SB 1000, Sen. Josh Becker's bill to limit radio encryption, Jensen expressed caution. The most important quality he wants in his deputies. He also understands both sides of the law due to his early arrest and the racism he has encountered within the system. Special Pubs The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority also contracted with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement service. Jonsen launched the Palo Alto Police Department's Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) last November, which pairs an officer with a licensed mental health clinician from the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department to provide rapid intervention to people in a mental health crisis. Did it seem a little odd that instead of this guy going to the Sheriff's Office and handling his business, he was doing it at Starbucks? Deputy District Attorney John Chase asked Cooks during his second round of testimony. Melissa Hernandez was a member of the 2021-22 Los Angeles Times Fellowship class. The sheriff said her office may consider releasing the requested information in the case as long as there are no negative repercussions to the victims and their families. Last week, two members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors called for an investigation into Smith and the Sheriffs Office after the injuries and deaths of jail inmates. In late 2012, he served as the initiative's statewide risk-program manager.He has been an independent consultant since his retirement and has taught new recruits and law-enforcement managers. She's used competitive body building to push herself to new heights. Of more than 700 people who applied for a CCW permit in Santa Clara County in the past six years, records show that fewer than 150 ever received one. Equity "is the primary issue of this election carrying the momentum of the last two years where we have done so much around race and equality," Jonsen said. Blogs It is under investigation by the state Attorney General's Office for possible. Attorney Directory - Office of the District Attorney - County of Santa Clara Home FAQ Attorney Directory Attorney Directory District Attorney Jeffrey F. Rosen Phone: (408) 299-3099 Fax: (408) 287- 5076 Email: jrosen@dao.sccgov.org Read More Chief Assistant District Attorney Jay Boyarsky Phone: (408) 299-3099 Email: jboyarsky@dao.sccgov.org There's already a common practice in law enforcement to switch to a different channel for private conversations. "I have a proven record for establishing strong community policing programs and developing strategic solutions," he said. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. Given how long this has been an issue, thats a problem.. He is a former Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers' Association board member and a lifelong martial artist and instructor. He was also the risk and information-sharing program manager for the Urban Area Security Initiative and was tasked with terrorism prevention, mitigation, response and recovery for the 12-county Bay Area region. Did you come up with that explanation on your own or is that something that Capt. SantaClaraCoSheriff Retweeted When asked about SB 1000, Sen. Josh Becker's bill to limit radio encryption, Jensen expressed caution. Your email address will not be published. The sheriff has come under attack after allegations of abuse and mismanagement in the county's jails. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. Home I'm not going to get my feelings hurt. Leading with integrity is the biggest thing. He has served in patrol, the gang unit, as a reserve training officer, administrative training officer, emergency response team leader and training officer, housing unit training officer in the jails and academy instructor. Jensen, whose wife is Hispanic, said he would sit down with members of the public, particularly the underserved, to work on problems and gain trust. A short time later, the sheriffs office gave Sanders a valuable privilege under Californias tough firearms laws: the right to carry it as a concealed weapon. After the murder of mentally ill jail inmate Michael Tyree by three guards, who were later convicted, Nagaye helped develop new policies. Can the candidates straighten out the sheriff's office, restore the public's confidence in its transparency and accountability and reform its jail system? The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) engages the whole community in assessing needs and developing strategies to achieve stronger preparedness, prevention, response, and mitigation capabilities within the Santa Clara County Operational Area. Please see the flyers for more information. It goes a long way. San Jose, CA 95110. Santa Clara County: Who can build trust? The transcripts provide tantalizing hints although little direct evidence that the ongoing investigation is getting closer to the six-term sheriff, one of the regions best-known local politicians.