Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. (April 26, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Friday, Apr. 28, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

###

Lake Forest, Ca. (April 25, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Thursday, Apr. 27, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

###

Yorba Linda, Ca. (April 22, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Monday, Apr. 24, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

###

San Clemente, Ca. (April 19, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Friday, Apr. 21, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

###

Laguna Hills, Ca. (April 18, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Thursday, Apr. 20, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

###

Stanton, Ca. (April 16, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Tuesday, Apr. 18, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

###

Santa Ana, Ca. (March 31, 2023): April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

“Holding your phone and using it while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal,” Sergeant Kyle Ishii said. “Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk or back seat - anywhere you can’t reach.”

According to the 2022 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, nearly 72% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued nearly 56,000 citations for distracted driving.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text, email, or in a situation with other distractions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or riding with children in the back seat.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Lake Forest, Ca. (March 30, 2023): Captain Christine Berryman has been selected as the new Chief of Lake Forest Police Services. She began her new assignment Friday, March 24.

“I am humbled and honored to be afforded this opportunity,” Captain Berryman said. “The Lake Forest community holds a special place in my heart as I served here on patrol; and now, having the privilege to lead our dedicated men and women of Lake Forest Police Services in what I consider my hometown, magnifies those sentiments.”

Captain Berryman joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2000 and worked as a deputy in Custody Operations and Patrol Operations. As a patrol deputy, she served six years in the city of Lake Forest where she worked in numerous details including: Special Enforcement Team, Critical Incident Response Team, and assisted the Vice Unit. She was a Field Training Officer for new patrol deputies and earned the Mother’s Against Drunk Driving award, as well as, the Deputy of the Year award.

Captain Berryman promoted to investigator and worked in Background Investigations, Aliso Viejo General Investigations, and the Special Victims Detail.

In 2019, Captain Berryman promoted to sergeant where she worked Custody Operations, Patrol Operations, and Internal Affairs. She also served in Sheriff’s Administration where she worked on specific assignments from the Undersheriff and Sheriff.

Most recently, Captain Berryman served as the captain for the Professional Standards Division, overseeing the Backgrounds Unit, the Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW) Unit, and Human Resources.

Captain Berryman has a master’s degree in behavioral science from the California State University of Dominguez Hills and a bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of California, Irvine.

Laguna Hills, Ca. (March 30, 2023):  Captain Bill Burk has been selected as the new Chief of Laguna Hills Police Services. He began his new assignment Friday, Mar. 24.

“I am deeply honored to receive such an incredible opportunity,” Captain Burk said. “Laguna Hills Police Services has a reputation of hard work, perseverance and dedication toward the safety of its community, and I look forward to contributing to the continued protection and trust our citizens deserve.”

Captain Burk joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1999 and worked as a deputy in Custody Operations and Patrol Operations. As a patrol deputy, he served four years in the city of Lake Forest, where he participated in community meetings and neighborhood watch events.

In 2011, Captain Burk became a K-9 handler. For seven years, he specialized in critical incident calls throughout the county, assisted SWAT on high-risk operations, and advanced the K-9 training program with his experience, knowledge and leadership. He was promoted to sergeant where he worked a variety of assignments, including overseeing the Custody Operations K-9 team. He later became the Behavioral Health Bureau Sergeant where he supervised a multi-disciplinary team committed to assisting the homeless population and those with mental health needs through a robust program that includes proactive engagement and resource distribution.

He played a pivotal role in developing our co-response teams involving mental health clinicians collaborating with patrol deputies to address the mental health crisis in our communities.

Captain Burk promoted to Lieutenant in 2022 and was assigned to the Central Men’s Jail as the Watch Commander. Most recently, he was promoted to captain of the Behavioral Health Bureau in Custody Operations.

In addition, Captain Burk has extensive specialized law enforcement training in Critical Incident Response, Mobile Field Force and Incident Command Systems. He also is well-versed in special event management and crisis communications strategy and management.

STANTON, Ca. (March 29, 2023) – Orange County Sheriff’s Department Investigators are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect possibly associated to a fatal shooting that occurred on June 28, 2022. The homicide occurred in the 7000 block of Lessue Avenue in the City of Stanton at about 7:21 p.m. Investigators are seeking assistance in identifying a possible suspect that was captured on surveillance footage in and around the area prior to and during the timeframe of the murder.