The Orange County Sheriff's Department Traffic Division will target distracted drivers with enhanced patrol efforts on Friday.

In honor of National Forensic Science Week, the Orange County Crime Lab wants to educate the public on the many ways our work impacts the county and makes a difference in the life of the citizens we serve. Dating back to the late 19th century, fingerprinting served as one of...

SANTA ANA, Ca. (January 4, 2021): Please see the statement below from Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of former Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. In November 2012, Sheriff Hutchens was diagnosed with breast cancer. She courageously fought this disease while still leading this department. Her fight was successful for eight years. Unfortunately, the cancer recently returned and Sheriff Hutchens passed this morning with her loved ones by her side. “

SANTA ANA, Ca. (Jan. 19, 2021): An inmate ordered released by Orange County Judge Peter Wilson escaped at-home confinement by removing her electronic monitoring device and was re-arrested less than 24 hours later. The inmate, Sandy Gonzalez, 28 years old, was booked into custody in March 2020 by the Fullerton Police Department for felony armed robbery, shoplifting, possession of a controlled substance, child endangerment and resisting arrest.

In-custody death of inmate from Intake Release Center SANTA ANA, Ca. (January 21, 2021) –A 37-year-old male inmate housed at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana died this morning of medical complications after testing positive for COVID-19. The inmate was booked into jail in August 2017 by the Fullerton Police Department on suspicion of homicide and attempted murder. The inmate tested positive for COVID-19 in December 2020, and was transferred to a local hospital on January 6, 2021. He is the second Orange County Jail inmate to die from medical complications of COVID-19.

Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca. (February 5, 2021) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, February 5, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Rancho Santa Margarita.

Protecting your personal information online is critically important, which means familiarizing yourself with the latest ways criminals are looking to target and scam their victims. This Data Privacy Day, we want to caution our community about a commonly reported scam, known as the “romance scam,” and equip you with information...

SANTA ANA, Ca. (January 28, 2021): Effective Thursday, January 28 at 8:00 AM, an Evacuation Warning (Voluntary) for the Bond Fire burn area has been issued by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department due to potential flooding and debris flows. The Evacuation Warning is for homes located within Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska Canyon. The National Weather Service warns that significant rainfall is expected Thursday night through Friday morning, with a Flash Flood Watch currently in effect through 4:00 PM Friday. Heavy rain, subsequent flooding and debris flows are possible. Evacuation routes can quickly become impassable due to mud, debris or flooding.

An attempted traffic stop led to a multi-city pursuit ending with the arrest of two suspects who were driving an unreported stolen vehicle. At about 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of San Juan Creek and Valle roads in the city...

San Juan Capistrano, Ca. (February 16, 2021) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, February 19, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of San Juan Capistrano. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.