Loading...
2016 FCSO Year End Reporthonoring those who gave their all SERGEANT ROD LUCAS fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office start of watch: September 9, 1996 end of watch: October 31, 2016 H eroes Live Forever2016 ANNUALREPORT fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office UNDERSHERIFF STEVE WILKINS ASSISTANT SHERIFF TOM GATTIE ASSISTANT SHERIFF ROBERT KANDARIAN CAPTAIN GREG GULARTE PATROL BUREAU CAPTAIN STEVE McCOMAS DETECTIVE BUREAU CAPTAIN RON VEGA JAIL BUREAU CAPTAIN JOHN ZANONI OPERATIONS SUPPORT TOM TRESTER ADMINISTRATION SERVICES CAPTAIN JENNIFER HORTON JAIL BUREAU ELIZABETH CERVANTES VALERIE MULL CATHY DAVIS- REY LAURIE SHAKIAN TRACEE CROZER SHERIFF/CORONER MARGARET MIMS sheriff/coroner administrative support staff 2 sheriff’s message As Sheri of Fresno County, it is my pleasure to provide this 2016 Annual Report. e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce is a large, complex organization. is report gives a brief overview of the various responsibilities and results from many of our specialty units. First and foremost, I want to recognize the diculties we faced internally as a department in 2016. In September, Correctional Ocers Toamalama Scanlan and Juanita Davila were seriously injured when an armed man attacked them as they worked inside the Fresno County Jail. In October, we lost Deputy Sergeant Rod Lucas to an in the line of duty accident. I wish to thank our community for all of its support during these tragic times. e 2016 election brought many new laws onto the books in California. Two in particular will directly impact daily law enforcement duties. Proposition 64 legalized marijuana for recreational use. It allows adults 21 and older to legally grow up to six marijuana plants inside a home, possess one ounce of marijuana and possess eight grams of concentrated marijuana. However, it is illegal to use in public, be under the inuence while driving or possess on school grounds. e law allows local jurisdictions to ban the sale of recreational marijuana and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors have done so. e Sheri’s Oce will hold those accountable who do not follow these guidelines. Proposition 57 allows prisoners who have been convicted of non-violent felonies and who have served the full term for their primary oense to be considered for early parole. In an eort to protect our citizens, we will stay apprised of those who are released and re-enter our community. We also have a new administration in Washington D.C. I have traveled to the nation’s capital and met with leaders of various federal agencies. I am encouraged by their stance to support local law enforcement, which will ultimately improve safety for our personnel and our community. As technology expands into the law enforcement arena, we continue to give you the option of making an online report for certain crimes by visiting www.fresnosheri.org . It is important to note that a deputy will always respond to all calls related to criminal activity in Fresno County because this is when we start solving crimes. We will not refuse to take a crime report by telling you that you must report online. is is part of our dedication to our citizens - that when you need us, we will respond. is is in furtherance of our Mission, Vision and Values and the commitment to Community Oriented Policing, where we work with our citizens to problem solve on criminal and quality of life issues. Community Policing stresses prevention, early identication and timely interventions to deal with issues before they become major problems. It is a philosophy, not a program, and it is not the responsibility of a specialty team or unit. Community Policing is a value system, which must permeate the entire agency. e primary goal is working cooperatively with individual citizens, groups and organizations to identify crime and quality of life issues. We recognize that law enforcement cannot eectively deal with these issues alone and must partner with our communities to achieve results. Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s personnel are all encouraged to develop and maintain relationships with citizens, businesses, schools and community organizations. Another great way we can work together is through social networking. e Sheri’s Oce routinely posts messages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We are also active on www.Nextdoor.com. is enables Sheri’s Oce personnel to directly communicate online with people living in specic neighborhoods. 2 sheriff’s message Residents and members of the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce are able to work together to improve safety and strengthen neighborhood watch eorts. is tool can be used to inform each other of problems, post photos of suspicious people and share crime tips. In another 2016 development, we expanded our ability to notify the public of disasters through the Everbridge Emergency Alert Program. Citizens can receive urgent alerts to their home phones and mobile devices by registering their information. You can sign up for free by visiting https://member.everbridge.net/index/3531635643384074#/login I encourage you to go to our excellent public website www.fresnosheri.org to access a lot of valuable information. on the sheriff’s website, you can: Get the latest news • Follow crime trends • Learn about scams Obtain inmate information • Register for notications if crimes occur in your neighborhood Apply for a Concealed Weapons Permit • Request a house check Learn what to do if there is workplace/school violence such as an active shooter Know how to talk to your kids about sexual abuse • Access optional online reporting e focus of the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce is to provide quality law enforcement and corrections services. Our mission statement and values reect what Sir Robert Peel envisioned over 180 years ago. Peel is identied as the father of modern policing and set forth what is known as “Peelian Principles,” which are still valid today. ese principles are: • e purpose of the police force is to prevent crime and maintain order. • Police depend on the approval and trust of the public in order to eectively do their jobs. • e ultimate goal of policing is to achieve voluntary compliance with the law in the community. • Police must be unwavering in their duties and adherence to the law, maintaining impartiality and avoiding the temptation to be swayed by public opinion. • e use of force and physical control is to be used only as necessary. • Police ocers must remember that they too, are members of the public and that their purpose is to serve and protect the public. • e true measure of the eectiveness of any police force is not the number of arrests or police actions taken, but the absence of criminal conduct and violations of the law. With these principles in mind, we proudly serve you. Join us and become our crime ghting partners and together we can continue to make Fresno County a safe place to live, work and raise our families. Sincerely, Margaret Mims Sheri-Coroner 3 honoring those who gave their all SERGEANT ROD LUCAS fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office start of watch: September 9, 1996 end of watch: October 31, 2016 4 In 1994, Rod Lucas began his law enforcement career with the Firebaugh Police Department. He played an active role in several community activities and was instrumental in starting the Firebaugh Boy’s and Girl’s Club. In September 1996, Rod became a member of the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. He worked as a deputy assigned to the Area 1 substation and patrolled the San Joaquin – Tranquility area. During his career with the Sheri’s oce, he worked as a patrol deputy, participated with the Patrol Chaplaincy Program, SWAT team and a narcotics detective in the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). In 2008, he promoted to the rank of Sergeant and returned as a narcotic team supervisor. Sergeant Lucas lived an exemplary life at work and in his private life. He was an eective and charismatic leader who was respected by fellow supervisors and members of law enforcement. He led his team with a sense of pride and integrity. Sergeant Lucas and his wife Jami have four children: Oscar, Ashley, Gianna and Elijah, along with their grandson Nathan. He was a faithful member of his church and was active in his community. On October 31, 2016, Sergeant Lucas was accidentally shot at his work place and did not survive. Members of the Sheri’s Oce remained by his side until he reached his nal resting place. On Wednesday, November 9, 2016, hundreds of law enforcement ocers from various parts of the state and the community celebrated the life of Sergeant Lucas. He was more than just a deputy; he was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a coach, a mentor and a friend. Sergeant Lucas’ spirit will forever live on at the Sheri-Coroner ‘s Oce and throughout the Central Valley. Jami Lucas issued the following statement: “I’m thankful for all the prayers and support we have received from the community. I am humbled and blessed. I want to thank the Sheri’s Oce for all that they have done and are still doing to make this easier for me and my family. I want to thank the rst responders, doctors and all who tried to save my husband’s life. A special thank you to those that have been by our side since day one.” we honor sergeant rod lucas for his service, dedication & valor. H eroes Live Forever community support for SERGEANT ROD LUCAS fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office november 3, 2016 Tranquillity High School honored Sergeant Lucas. Friends and family gathered at the 46-yard line for a moment of silence in honor of his service to his community. Sergeant Lucas wore the number 46 while playing football at Tranquillity High School. on november 27, 2016 e Oakland Raiders honored Sergeant Lucas as part of the fallen heroes who died in the line of duty. Sergeant Lucas’ family members were present. on november 15, 2016 Fresno Deputy Sheri’s Association (FDSA) and Famous Dave’s restaurant sponsored a Memorial Scholarship fundraiser. e Sheri’s Oce would like to say thank you to Famous Dave’s sta for their tremendous support. novembr 9, 2016 e Honor Guards escort Sergeant Lucas to People’s Church for the celebration of his life with members of Sergeant Lucas’ church participating in the ceremony. 5 correctional officers JUANITA DAVILA & TOAMALAMA SCANLAN fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who nds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” ~ christopher reeve ~ 6 On September 3, 2016, Correctional Officer Juanita Davila, an 18-year veteran, and Correctional Officer Toamalama Scanlan, a 10-year veteran, were shot while contacting a subject in the lobby of the main jail. e suspect entered the main lobby of the Fresno County Jail and began to display bizarre behavior by pacing back and forth. Correctional Officer Davila contacted the subject first and Correctional Officer Scanlan assisted in an eort to defuse the situation. e suspect became verbally combative and began to struggle. He removed a handgun from his clothing and shot correctional officer Davila. e suspect then shot correctional officer Scanlan when he attempted to assist Correctional Officer Davila. Additional correctional officers responded to the lobby. A jail lieutenant responded to the lobby, where the suspect and the lieutenant exchanged gunfire. Responding Sheri’s Deputies and Fresno Police Officers entered the jail lobby, contacted the suspect and ordered him to drop his weapon. Deputies held him at gunpoint while other officers and deputies rescued Davila and Scanlan. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transported Davila and Scanlan to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno for treatment. SUSPECT STATUS The suspect is a known Fresno gang member who is a sex registrant and parolee. In 1998, he was sentenced to 19 years in prison on multiple rape charges involving teenagers aged 14 and under. After serving 16 years, he was released on Sept. 4, 2014. The District Attorney’s Oce led attempted murder charges on the suspect for the assault on Davila and Scanlan. 7 recovery for correctional officers JUANITA DAVILA & TOAMALAMA SCANLAN fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office OFFICER DAVILA On September 16, 2016, Correctional Ocer Juanita Davila was able to walk out of the hospital. She received a warm welcome at home from her family, friends, co-workers and law enforcement ocers. Davila has a long way to go before she makes a full recovery, but she maintains a positive attitude and is looking forward to spending time with her family while she recovers. She continually prays for her partner Toamalama, hoping he can return home to his family soon. She wanted to thank the community for all the letters, cards, notes and support she received. OFFICER SCANLAN Ocer Scanlan currently remains in stable condition at a treatment facility outside of California. Although his physical recovery may take longer than Davila’s, we at the Sheri-Coroner’s oce are hopeful he too will experience the day where he can recover at home with his family. Ocer Davila leaving the hospital Sanger PD delivering owers to Ocer Davila Ocer Davila’s family greeting her at her home Ocer Scanlan with his daughters Ocer Scanlan playing football at Fresno State Ocer Scanlan coaching high school football TERRY’S HOUSE e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce would like to say thank you to the sta at Terry’s House for their assistance to Ocer Davila’s and Ocer Scanlan’s families during this tragic incident. Terry’s House is a home away from home for families of critically ill patients. It provides a place where families can eat, sleep and recharge while waiting to bring their loved one home. FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR OFFICER DAVILA & OFFICER SCANLAN Various groups in the community held fund raising events for Correctional Ocers Davila and Scanlan. e public turnout for these events was amazing. e families of the injured ocers and the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce would like to say thank you to everyone who donated. JAIL BARBEQUE FUNDRAISER On September 15, 2016, the Fresno Sheri’s Correctional Sergeant’s Association held a barbeque fundraiser for Ocer Davila and Ocer Scanlan in the jail parking lot. Several hundred people showed up and waited in line for hours to show their support and all funds were donated to Ocer Davila and Ocer Scanlan. COUNTY OF FRESNO TACO FUNDRAISER On October 12, 2016, the County of Fresno held a “Taco Fundraiser” in the parking lot in front of the Hall of Records. community support for correctional officers JUANITA DAVILA & TOAMALAMA SCANLAN fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office 8 Donors waiting in line around the Jail Parking Lot for an opportunity to participate Donors also stood in line in the heat to purchase BBQ lunches Fresno Fire Department assisting the preparation of hte BBQ lunches County of Fresno Taco Fundraising event Flyer for the Taco Fundraiser County employees and community showing support at the event CITY OF FRESNO FUNDRAISER On September 22, 2016, the City of Fresno held a fundraiser for Ocer Davil a and Ocer Scanlan on the front steps of City Hall NEW HOPE CHURCH BARBEQUE FUNDRAISER Members of the New Hope Church held a “Backing the Badge” fundraiser for Correctional Ocers Davila and Scanlan. LOCAL STUDENTS OFFERING THEIR SUPPORT Fowler FFA member, Gavin Hollins auctioned o his pig Felicia at the Big Fresno Fair. Gavin donated $1,800 to the families of Correctional Ocers Davila and Scanlan. Fresno-Central FFA member Addison Hill auctioned o her goat at the Big Fresno Fair. Addison donated $4,000 to the families of Correctional Ocers Davila and Scanlan. Isaac Delarosa, auctioned o his pig at the Caruthers Fair and he donated $500 to the families of Correctional Ocers Davila and Scanlan. Donors waiting in line around the Jail Parking Lot for an opportunity to participate Donors also stood in line in the heat to purchase BBQ lunches City of Fresno Fundraiser Flyer for the BBQ Fundraiser e public and members of law enforcement stand in line at the BBQ Fundraiser Gavin Hollins & Felicia Addison Hill and McLovin Deputy Shipman & Issac Delarosa 9 LOCAL STUDENTS OFFERING THEIR SUPPORT Two Fresno Christian school students, Dylan and Madison Moles oered to sell their pigs at the Caruthers Fair and decided to donate all proceeds from their sale to the Injured Ocers Fund for correctional ocers Davila and Scanlan. OAKLAND RAIDERS SUPPORT FOR SCANLAN On October 10, 2016, Fresno County Sheri Margaret Mims presented an autographed Oakland Raiders poster to the family of injured Correctional Ocer Toamalama Scanlan. e Oakland Raiders used this as a token of their love for Ocer Scanlan. e following is a list of those who signed the photo. SHERIFF MIMS AND CORRECTIONAL OFFICER DAVILA VISIT TOYS ”R” US On November 23, 2016, Sheri Mims, Correctional Ocer Davila met with ve children who witnessed the shooting in the jail lobby. e children were treated to a shopping spree at the Clovis Toys “R” Us. e event was made possible by donations from the Fresno County Public Safety Association and the Fresno Sheri’s Correctional Sergeant Association. 10 Madison Moles with her livestock Dylan Moles with his livestock Ocer Scanlan’s sons with autographed poster Sheri Mims and Correctional Ocer Davila at Toys “R” Us Autographed Raiders Poster Jethro Franklin, Defensive Line Coach #4 Derek Carr, Quarterback #52 Khalil Mack, Linebacker #63 Brandon Jackson, Defensive End #75 Darius Latham, Defensive Tackle #78 Justin Ellis, Defensive Tackle #90 Dan Williams, Defensive Tackle #91 Shilique Calhoun, Linebacker #92 Stacy McGee, Defensive Tackle #95 Jilhad Ward, Defensive End NOTE OF SUPPORT FOR SHERIFF MIMS It has been a dicult year at the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce with the loss of Sergeant Rod Lucas and injuries to Ocers Davila and Scanlan. e community support has been incredible during the healing process. Sheri Mims would like to say thank you to the Garcia family who created a special note and hand delivered it to the Sheri at her oce. ank you kids! 11 e Garcia Family oering their support to Sheri Margaret Mims and e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce fresno county sheriff areas & beats 12 AREA 1 AREA 3 AREA 4 AREA 2 COALINGA HURON CANTUA CREEK SAN JOAQUIN TRANQUILLITY MENDOTA FIREBAUGH DOS PALOS P41 P21 P31 P11 L11 L21 L51 L41 L31 N51 K31 K11 K21 KERMAN BIOLA FRESNO CARUTHERS RIVERDALE LATON KINGSBURG ORANGECOVE SQUAW VALLEY PRATHER AUBERRY SHAVER HUNTINGTON N41 N31 N21 N11EASTON RAISIN CITY FOWLER SELMA PARLIER REEDLEY DEL REY SANGER N 0 10 20 30 40Miles5 AREA 1 AREA 2 AREA 3 AREA 4 13 area ii headquarters Lieutenant Kathy Curtice is the Area 2 Commander. Lieutenant Curtice supervises six sergeants, 42 deputies and two community service ocers (CSO’s). Area 2 is located in the metropolitan area of Fresno and encompasses 327 square miles. Area 2 is the smallest of the geographical patrol areas, but has the highest concentration of citizens and generates approximately 60% of the total calls for service for the entire Patrol Bureau. Area 2 is the home of the famous Fig Garden Christmas Tree Lane, Kearney Park Civil War reenactment, and the Lao and Hmong New Year Festivals. 2015 300200 1000 2016 AREA 1 PART 1 CRIMES 2016Grand TheftAutoLarcenyBurglaryAssaultRobbery 20151000 5000 2016 AREA 2 PART 1 CRIMES 2016Grand TheftAutoLarcenyBurglaryAssaultRobbery 13 AREA 1 COALINGA HURON CANTUA CREEK SAN JOAQUINTRANQUILLITY MENDOTA FIREBAUGH DOS PALOS P41 P21 P31 P11KERMAN BIOLA N AREA 2 L11 L21 L51 L41 L31 FRESNO N area i headquarters Lieutenant John Reynolds is the Area 1 Commander, with six sergeants, 28 deputies and two community services ocers (CSO’s) working there. Area 1 is located in the western part of Fresno County and encompasses 2,393 square miles of rural area. Area 1 is bounded by ve dierent counties, which contains six incorporated cities, and is home to 63 miles of Interstate Highway 5. e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce provides contracted law enforcement services to the City of San Joaquin. Area 1 is known for the being one of the nation’s leading producers in the agricultural and livestock industry. LIEUTENANT JOHN REYNOLDS AREA 1 LIEUTENANT KATHY CURTICE AREA 2 14 area iv headquarters Lieutenant Louis Hernandez is the Area 4 Commander. Lieutenant Hernandez supervises three sergeants and 28 deputies. Area 4 is located in the eastern part of Fresno County and encompasses 2,719 square miles of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. e area attracts tourists during the dierent seasons of the year for activities such as backpacking, hiking, camping, skiing, the Huntington Lake High Sierra Regatta, Hume Lake campgrounds and various local festivals. 100 150 500 2016 AREA 4 PART 1 CRIMES Grand TheftAutoLarcenyBurglaryAssaultRobbery area iii headquarters Lieutenant Ryan Hushaw is the Area 3 Commander. Lieutenant Hushaw supervises nine sergeants, 37 deputies and three community service ocers (CSO’s). is command also includes the Boating and Dive Team (BDT) and the Agricultural Crimes Task Force (AGTF). Area 3 is located in the southeast portion of Fresno County and encompasses 556 square miles. e Area 3 substation is located in the city of Selma, just o Highway 99. Area 3 is famous for the Blossom Trail, recreational parks, agricultural / livestock and the Caruthers District Fair. e Caruthers Fair is California’s largest free gate fair, known for its food booths, livestock competitions and many exhibits. is year will be the 87th annual fair. e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce is committed to providing a safe environment for this family friendly event. LIEUTENANT RYAN HUSHAW AREA 3 LIEUTENANT LOUIS HERNANDEZ AREA 4 AREA 3 N51 N41 N31 N21 N11 N CARUTHERS RIVERDALE LATON EASTON RAISIN CITY FOWLER SELMA PARLIER REEDLEY DEL REY SANGER KINGSBURG K31 K11 K21 K41 SQUAW VALLEY ORANGE COVE PRATHERAUBERRY SHAVER HUNTINGTON AREA 4 N 2015 2016 400 2000 2016 AREA 3 PART 1 CRIMES Grand TheftAutoLarcenyBurglaryAssaultRobbery 2015 2016 robbery/property crimes detectives 15 e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Robbery/Property detectives are assigned throughout Fresno County and are responsible for investigating various felony and misdemeanor property related crimes. e Robbery/Property Unit is comprised of two sergeants and nine detectives. e detectives are strategically deployed to each of the four patrol areas and investigate crimes committed in their geographical boundaries. Detectives have developed a good working relationship with the community and work closely together in solving their cases. e Robbery/Property detectives were responsible for investigating 4,684 crimes in 2016. e detectives are responsible for keeping patrol deputies updated on leads and trends that they have identied on their cases. In 2016, detectives served a total of 49 search warrants related to cases they were investigating. ough the detectives worked thousands of criminal cases during the year, three cases were identied as displaying the detectives’ strong analytical and deductive reasoning along with investigative planning skills. parolee crime pattern Detectives identied multiple crimes being committed by an absconding parolee. e suspect was identied as being involved in several carjackings, robberies, stolen vehicles, pursuits and he was armed during these crimes. Detectives developed an investigative plan that included a search warrant and arresting the suspect. Due to the remote mountainous location of the residence, detectives utilized air surveillance and SWAT team assets to maintain a surveillance of the suspect. e surveillance lasted several days and ended when the SWAT team and detectives surrounded his residence and arrested him. Detectives located bombs, bomb making components, narcotics, and the rearm used in the crimes. jumpsuit bandits During the rst three months of 2016, burglaries of liquor stores were occurring. e suspects would wear blue coveralls with a mask. ey were identied as the “Jumpsuit Bandits.” e suspects would steal cigarettes, lottery tickets, and money. Detectives worked with California Lottery Investigators and located several locations where the suspects cashed lottery tickets. Detectives developed information about the suspects and authored search warrants for multiple locations. e search warrants were served and evidence was located leading to the prosecution of the three suspects involved. riverdale hot prowl pattern Detectives investigated a series of hot prowl burglaries in and around the community of Riverdale. e investigation led to the doorstep of a suspect who lived in the heart of Riverdale. e Robbery/Property Crimes detectives wrote ve search warrants as the investigation led them to Laton, Kings County, Hanford and Lemoore. e suspect was found to be in possession of stolen property that lled two mini storages and one bedroom in his home. e suspect was charged with 11 burglaries and over $50,000 in stolen property was returned to the victims. 2016 part one crimes 2011-2016 16 countywide yearly burglary summary 17 e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Agricultural Crimes Task-Force (AGTF) investigates all cases that have an impact on the agricultural community. e AGTF was created in September of 1999. e unit supervisor is Sergeant Arley Terrence and the unit is comprised of six detectives and a CHP ocer/investigator. e unit’s primary objective is to suppress criminal activity by means of proactive enforcement, thorough investigations, and crime prevention/education with our partners in the agricultural community and metal recycling yards. One out of every ve jobs in the Central Valley is related to agriculture and there are over 400 dierent commodities grown throughout our county. Because of this, the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce places a high value on the investigation of agricultural crimes and the prosecution of criminals who prey on the agricultural community. e AGTF participates in a number of organizations, some of which include A.C.T.I.O.N. (Agricultural Crime, Technology, Information, and Organizational Network), the California Rural Crime Prevention Task-Force (C.R.C.P.T.), the Fresno County Farm Bureau, and the Fresno County Ag Roundtable. A.C.T.I.O.N. is an association of thirteen central California counties that regularly share information, support and technology to help combat agricultural crime throughout the San Joaquin Valley. A portion of our unit is grant-funded through A.C.T.I.O.N. e unit’s primary goal is to maintain close working relationships with the agricultural community by fostering open lines of communication and partnerships with those they serve. part one crimes 2011-2016 agricultural crimes task force operational information technology (op.i.t.) e Operational Information Technology Unit (OP.I.T.) is under the supervision of Sergeant Adam Esmay. e unit works alongside the professional analysts and engineers of Sheri-Coroner’s Information Technology (I.T.) sta to ensure the various systems and technologies used by our personnel are functioning properly and being utilized in a manner consistent with the way in which the Sheri’s sta is deployed. patrol watch commanders e Patrol Watch Commanders oversee the daily 24-hour operation of the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce and work closely with the Area Commanders, patrol sergeants and deputies. e Watch Commanders understand the men and women of the Sheri-Coroner's Oce are our most valuable asset and are the essential ingredient to eectively ensuring the completion of Sheri's Mission, Vision and Values. e Watch Commanders are committed to providing quality law enforcement services to maintain a safer community. e Watch Commanders ensure the patrol sta have the necessary resources to enforce laws and protect the public. everbridge messaging system In 2016, the Fresno County Sheri - Coroner’s oce enrolled in the Everbridge public warning system as a means to notify the public of major public hazards and potential public safety issues. e system will allow the Sheri-Coroner’s oce to relay messages via telephone, text messages, email and social media to the public, schools, businesses and rst responders in a timely and ecient manner. e public can sign up their home phones and mobile devices by registering their information on: https://members.everbridge.net/index/3531635643384074#login In 2016, the Sheri’s Oce utilized the messaging program on six separate occasions. 18 LIEUTENANT RON HAYES LIEUTENANT BRANDON PURSELL LIEUTENANT JOE SMITH SERGEANT RYAN GILBERT ACTING WATCH COMMANDER dectective bureau Lieutenant Jose Salinas is the Person’s Crimes Unit Commander. homicide unit e Homicide unit currently has eight detectives and one detective sergeant assigned. e primary responsibility of these detectives is to investigate homicides, questionable death cases, ocer involved shootings, assaults with deadly weapons, kidnappings, assaults on ocers and weapons violations. Criminal investigations conducted by the unit during 2016 include, but are not limited to the following: 2016 statistics • 13 Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce homicides • 8 Other agency homicide investigations • 21 Total Homicides • 7 Ocer involved shooting (OIS) investigations • 224 Aggravated felony assault investigations • 58 Assaults on deputies and correctional ocers • 5 In-custody death investigations In 2016, Detectives started the year with eight homicide investigations in January (four -double homicides). e detectives stayed busy throughout the year with an additional ve homicides under the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce jurisdiction. We also investigated eight additional homicides for allied agencies, which are outside Fresno Sheri’s Oce jurisdiction. Of the 21 homicide cases investigated, fteen cases remain open. Detectives continue to work their cases to hopefully bring closure to the families who lost loved ones. e entire team continues to manage their own individual caseloads while assisting each other in the major investigations. In 2016, the Homicide unit also investigated ve in-custody deaths at the Fresno County Jail. e unit also investigated the Ocer Davila, Ocer Scanlon and Sergeant Lucas cases. domestic violence unit 2016 statistics • 859 Domestic violence incident and crime reports taken by Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce • 492 Felony domestic violence crime reports • 281 Misdemeanor domestic battery crime reports • 240 Restraining order violations • 260 Emergency protective orders issued 20 LIEUTENANT JOSE SALINAS PERSON’S CRIMES UNIT COMMANDER person’s crimes unit child sexual predator program (cspp) 2016 statistics • 318 Compliance checks • 55 Arrests • 18 Open PC 290 violations led with District Attorney’s oce sexual assault/child abuse unit e Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit consists of four detectives and one detective sergeant who are responsible for investigating all cases involving sexual assaults, both adult and juvenile, as well as cases of child abuse and neglect. Detectives from the Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit also investigate other crimes as needed and work closely with their peers throughout the department, including the Homicide Unit. 2016 statistics • 356 Cases investigated by sex crimes/child abuse detectives • 27 FBI-Part I forcible rape cases • 17 FBI-Part I forcible rape cases closed by arrest internet crimes against children (icac) 2016 statistics • 755 Reactive cases • 53 Proactive cases • 57 Arrests related to possession and distribution of child pornography • 11 Children rescued from active molestations (child victims) • 671 Cyber-tips received • 154 State search warrants executed • 1,161 Technical supports • 751 Training sessions • 50 Presentations with a total attendance of 1,956 people • 22 Public events with a total attendance of 14,868 people • 5 Cases submitted for federal prosecution • 56 Cases submitted for state prosecution pc290 sex offender registration unit 2016 statistics • 780 Registration transactions, which include; annual updates, moving or address changes in and out of jurisdiction, transients, incarcerations and deceased • 483 Of the 483 registered oenders assigned to FSO, 30 are currently in custody at Fresno County Jail (FCJ), California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), or Federal Prison • 27 Of the 27 out of compliance registered sex oenders, we have 18 active felony warrants, seven are Pre-Megan’s Law with limited information and two are out of compliance and currently under investigation. elder abuse 2016 statistics • 69 Incident reports related to elder abuse • 19 Larcenies / thefts • 24 Aggravated assaults • 2 Simple assaults • 3 Intimidations • 3 Frauds / embezzlements • 1 Burglary • 121 Total active investigations related to elder abuse in 2016 missing persons 2016 statistics • 440 Missing person/runaway juvenile cases were reported • 424 Closed cases (96%) 21 person’s crimes unit united states marshals task force unit e United States Marshals Service Pacic Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force is comprised of law enforcement ocers from the United States Marshals Service, Fresno County Sheri’s Oce, and the Fresno and Selma Police Departments. Ocers’ duties have included locating and apprehending felony fugitives based on cases generated by the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce, Fresno Police Department, Selma Police Department, allied agencies both within the State of California and agencies outside of California. We have one deputy sheri assigned to the Task Force. In 2016, the Marshals Task Force had 82 arrests for various charges. Of those arrests, 13 were homicide or attempted homicide suspects. e Task Force also recovered over three dozen rearms. e Task Force assisted our Homicide and Sex Crimes units in several high prole cases during 2016. crime scene unit e Crime Scene Unit consists of eight identication technicians and one senior identication technician. e unit is in a period of tremendous growth and transition. e unit will continue to make signicant investments in training, which will continue into 2017. e Crime Scene Unit spent most of 2016 training three new crime scene technicians who are now working by themselves. e unit will continue to train our technicians to get the most out of the tools available to them so they can continue producing excellent work. In 2016, the unit responded to and processed 495 crime scenes, which included 38 crime scenes for allied agencies who requested our assistance. property & evidence unit In 2016, the Property and Evidence unit began researching new ways to inventory several thousand pieces of evidence that are processed by the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce every year. In 2016, two part-time workers were added to help in the disposition of property that has been kept in storage for years. Currently the team is looking for a new building so all of the property can be stored under one roof. is project will hopefully be completed in 2017. Additionally, in 2016 the unit worked on updating all our current procedures to keep pace with current industry standards in the management of property and evidence. person’s crimes unit 22 Lieutenant Frances Devins is the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Commander for the Multi Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (M.A.G.E.C.) M.A.G.E.C. is part of a cohesive team of law enforcement agencies that specically target gangs and gang members with the mission of eradicating gang activity in Fresno County. e Rural Operations Team is overseen by the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce and has members from Fresno Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Clovis Police Department, Kingsburg Police Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. e investigators from these agencies work closely with the various city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies to proactively contact and arrest gang violators for a variety of gang oenses. e Rural Operations Team also works in partnership with ve deputy district attorneys that are assigned to M.A.G.E.C. is allows for a more ecient administration of cases from investigation through court ling, prosecution and sentencing. 2016 goldstar operation On June 10, 2016, the Fresno Sheri-Coroner’s Oce conducted Operation Goldstar. 142 law enforcement ocers from 18 dierent local, state and federal agencies participated in the one-day event. operation statistics • 21 Felony arrests • 39 Misdemeanor arrests • 60 Total arrests Operation Goldstar was designed to go beyond targeting gang activity, which is the primary focus of traditional M.A.G.E.C. operations. Operation Goldstar is a proactive approach, which has a signicant impact on criminal activity throughout Fresno County. It emphasizes high visibility patrol techniques geared towards identifying violent crime suspects. e operation focuses on arresting wanted fugitives, probation and parole violators and gang members. e operation conducts patrols in areas within the community burdened by high crime rates, on-going criminal activity, emerging patterns of crime and gang related violence. LIEUTENANT FRANCES DEVINS M.A.G.E.C. COMMANDER multi-agency gang enforcement consortium A deputy conducts a pat search of a detained subject Sheri Mim’s presentation prior to the start of the operation 23 m.a.g.e.c. operation ground breaker On October 28, 2016, Sheri Mims announced the results of an on-going criminal investigation that focused on a criminal street gang that was targeting citizens in the Calwa area. e group was responsible for crimes such as murder, robbery, drug dealing, human tracking, and illegal gun tracking. e Sheri’s Oce and the M.A.G.E.C. team received outstanding assistance from several law enforcement agencies. e investigation began with two cases, one involved a carjacking and sexual assault case that occurred in December of 2015. e second case occurred on January 11, 2016, involving a 77-year-old mother and her 52-year-old son who were shot and killed while they took a late night walk in the Calwa neighborhood. e mother and her son had no prior ties to gangs. ese incidents created a feeling of fear and anger in the community. e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce and the M.A.G.E.C. team conducted focused enforcement in the Calwa area in an eort to prevent any further acts of violence. On October 27, 2016, multiple agencies assisted on a large-scale operation with the service of search warrants at 16 homes, 23 arrests and recovery of 11 rearms. During the investigation, law enforcement served a total of 34 search warrants, arrested 47 people, and recovered 30 rearms. 24 multi-agency gang enforcement consortium Sheri Mim’s conducting press conference related to Operation Ground Breaker. Photos show some of the rearms seized. Sergeant Dale Baumann supervises the Fresno County Adult Compliance Team (ACT). e team has been in operation since the implementation of the Public Safety Realignment Act, under Assembly Bill (AB) 109, in October of 2011. e primary responsibility of the ACT team, as envisioned by the designers of the AB 109 implementation plan, has been to assist Fresno County Probation Ocers with oenders released to their supervision under AB 109. e ACT team consists of members from the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce, Fresno County Probation, Fresno City Police Department, Clovis City Police Department, Reedley Police Department, Selma Police Department, Kingsburg Police Department, Kerman Police Department and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Oce. ACT members assist the supervising deputy probation ocers with requests that include notications, transports, address verications, compliance checks, attempt pick-ups, attempt warrant service and arrests. e team also focuses on specic defendants who are out of compliance, or on warrant status, as well as specic geographical areas where large numbers of AB 109 oenders reside. e ACT team has also received and acted upon specic requests from Fresno County Superior Court judges. ACT assists other agencies by attending briengs, providing information on AB 109, assisting with investigations, making attempt pick-ups and arrests. In 2016, the team had 3,119 contacts at 2,095 locations, made 408 arrests and assisted on or served over 10 search warrants. SERGEANT DALE BAUMANN ADULT COMPLIANCE TEAM (ACT) SUPERVISOR adult compliance team (act) 25 26 Help Eliminate Auto eft (H.E.A.T.) team is a multi-agency law enforcement partnership that proactively identies, investigates and arrests vehicle thieves within Fresno County. e current team consists of personnel from the California Highway Patrol (C.H.P.), Fresno Sheri- Coroner’s Oce, Fresno County Juvenile Probation, Clovis Police Department, National Insurance Crime Bureau (N.I.C.B.) and a part-time Deputy District Attorney. Partial funding for the team is through vehicle registration fees. In 2016, H.E.A.T. detectives conducted an investigation of several all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) being stolen in rural Fresno County. During one theft, the suspects used a truck to steal the ATV. As the victim chased after the suspects, the suspects red several gunshots at the victim. e suspects lost control and crashed their truck into a canal. e suspects ran from the truck into an orchard, leaving behind the ATV. Detectives were able to identify the suspects. A few weeks later, a patrol sergeant spotted two subjects riding an ATV at a high rate of speed along a canal bank. e driver of the ATV rammed the front end of the patrol vehicle and the two suspects ran in dierent directions. A homeowner found one suspect trying to break into a garage. Deputies and a K-9 found the second suspect hiding in a woodpile. At one of the suspect’s residence, detectives found another stolen ATV and a rearm. e suspects were charged with auto theft, receiving stolen property, assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a rearm, evading a peace ocer and probation violations. help eliminate auto theft (heat) HEAT Team recovers a stolen classic car Stolen all terrain vehicles recovered during investigation in rural Fresno County Lieutenant Matt Alexander is the commander of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) e SIU consists of the Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Vice/ Intelligence Team. ere are three teams under the Narcotics umbrella at SIU: e Marijuana Enforcement Team, the Domestic Highway Enforcement Team, and the Parcel/General Narcotics team. marijuana enforcement team e Marijuana Enforcement Team is responsible for the detection, eradication and prosecution of illegal marijuana operations in Fresno County. In February of 2014, the County of Fresno passed an ordinance that banned marijuana cultivation in Fresno County. e Marijuana Enforcement Team has been responsible for the implementation of the ordinance including enforcement, coordination with other county agencies and testimony during appeals. For 2016, there were 311 conrmed marijuana grows in Fresno County. Of those marijuana grows, 288 were eradicated with 105,486 marijuana plants destroyed. Over 537 lbs. of processed marijuana was seized and destroyed. e Marijuana Enforcement Team served 42 marijuana related search warrants, made 68 arrests and seized 52 rearms from marijuana growers. caruthers marijuana investigation In 2016, narcotics detectives received tips from the public that a business in Caruthers was involved as a front to sell marijuana. e business had been open since 2015. e business has been operating as a clothing store / head shop. Detectives determined there was a fully stocked medical marijuana dispensary behind a closed door in the back of the shop. Dispensaries such as this are prohibited to operate under the guidelines of the Fresno County Cannabis Ordinance. Detectives served a search warrant and found a dispensary lled with many dierent varieties of marijuana products. It included marijuana, which could be smoked and eaten. ere were candy gummies, lollipops, chocolate bars and more. Detectives found professionally packaged honey oil (a concentrated form of cannabis) and oil to be used in electronic cigarettes and vape pens. ere were also asthma inhalers, which dispensed THC. Detectives located two handguns, cash and small amounts of substance suspected to be cocaine inside the dispensary. LIEUTENANT MATT ALEXANDER SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT (SIU) COMMANDER special investigations unit 27 Rural Fresno County marijuana grove Marijuana dispensary domestic highway enforcement e Domestic Highway Enforcement team spent their time split between highway operations and assisting with marijuana eradication and other narcotics investigations. In 2016, the team spent 121 days working interdiction and were assisted by a SIU K-9 handler each week. ey had seven seizures resulting in 193 pounds of processed marijuana, an increase of almost 100 pounds over 2015. ey made four arrests, and seized $322,730 in U.S. currency. vice intelligence unit e Vice Unit has one Sergeant and four detectives. eir primary responsibility is to investigate a variety of crimes and activities involving but not limited to: Gambling, bookmaking, raes, prostitution, pimping and human tracking, animal ghts, alcohol beverage control, intellectual property rights, threats to judicial and public ocials, organized crime and public corruption. In 2016, the Vice Unit was awarded an ABC grant to address the problems associated with the unlawful purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages by underage persons. e unit conducted various enforcement operations related to the grant. january-june 2016 abc grant stats: Minor Decoy 21 operations Shoulder Tap 25 operations Impact Inspections 20 operations Citations Written 38 cites Operation Dry Water BEU (June 24-26, 2016) Public Awareness 3 operations joint terrorist task force Special Investigations Unit has one detective assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorist Task Force. e detective has the responsibility to investigate cases related to domestic terrorism. e investigations originated from one of six counties (Merced, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare and Kings) which are part of our Area of Responsibility (AOR). e detectives also attended several training sessions and meetings sponsored by the Sacramento Regional reat Assessment Center (SRTAC), networked with other Terrorism Liaisons Ocers (TLO’s) regarding International and Domestic Terrorism matters. special investigations unit 28 operational support bureau Lieutenant Shawn Erwin is the unit commander of the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce’s Communications Center. e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce provides dispatch services for the unincorporated areas of Fresno County as well as the communities of Sanger, Kerman, Parlier, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, and Fowler. e Communications Center handles in excess of 1000 emergency and non-emergency calls every day. ese calls range from in-progress robberies or simple assaults to non-emergencies. In 2016, the dispatch center handled 304,072 non-emergency calls and 92,232 911-phone calls. e Communications Center upgraded its 911-phone system, which was purchased with state funds from 911-phone taxes. is phone system includes Automatic Call Distribution, which systematically distributes incoming calls to available dispatchers, reducing call answer times. In December of 2016, the Sheri’s Oce completed a remodel and technology upgrade of our Communication Center. e remodel included new motorized desks that allow the dispatchers to stand or sit while working to reduce fatigue and help reduce repetitive movement injuries. 30 LIEUTENANT SHAWN ERWIN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER UNIT COMMANDER communications In 2016, the Civil Unit remained very active with civil cases and civil services. A majority of these cases can be challenging and dangerous. e Civil Unit continues to pay attention to current events and information that can keep the unit ecient with safety in mind. 2016 statistics • Evictions – Completed 2,234 evictions, 101 foreclosures, with seven attempted evictions postponed for various reasons • Levies – Completed 2,520 and had 680 associated attempts of service • Civil Process Services – Completed 3,977 and had 7,329 associated attempts of service e Records Unit is responsible for maintaining and processing reports written by deputies, scan police related documents, teletype services and maintaining and processing warrants. e unit processes repossessed and stored vehicles, performs background and records checks, maintain and process custody and restraining orders, maintains subpoena and Public Records Act requests. ey provide counter and telephone services to law enforcement and the public. 2016 statistics • 19,657 Reports were processed • 39,743 Warrants were processed • 9,763 Restraining orders were processed • 9,483 Restraining orders in the California Courts Protective Order Registry (CCPOR) • 131 Subpoenas were processed civil unit records unit 31 internal affairs unit Lieutenant Kevin Lolkus is the commander of the Internal Aairs Unit. e Internal Aairs Unit is responsible for coordinating the investigation of citizen’s complaints and personnel matters for the Sheri-Coroner’s Office. e unit will ensure the integrity of the Sheri-Coroner’s Office by conducting complete, objective, and independent investigations of alleged employee misconduct in a timely manner. All investigations are conducted to ensure fairness and justice. e unit investigates all officer-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, allegations of misconduct of employees and other investigations as determined by the Sheri. 32 Lieutenant Brent Stalker is the unit commander of the Sheri’s Human Resource Unit. Lieutenant Brent Stalker is the unit commander of the Sheri’s Human Resource Unit. e unit is responsible for the movement of personnel within the agency via new hires and promotions. e unit is responsible for the processing and management of on the job injury claims. e unit also processes employee requests for medical and protected leaves. e Sheri-Coroner’s Office has a rigorous pre-employment screening process. All department positions are required to undergo an interview, polygraph, and background investigation. Some positions also require a medical and psychological evaluation. 2016 human resource hiring stats: Civilian Employees 20 Correctional Ocers 92 Extra Help Employees 34 Total backgrounds completed 472 Deputy Sheris 35 Total Hired 181 LIEUTENANT KEVIN LOLKUS INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMANDER LIEUTENANT BRENT STALKER SHERIFF HUMAN RESOURCES COMMANDER e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Concealed Weapons Permit Unit is staed with extra-help special investigators who are former law enforcement officers, detectives and deputies with prior investigative experience. e unit is responsible for conducting backgrounds on all concealed weapons permit applicants as well as maintaining the records of approximately 10,263 active concealed weapons permits issued. In 2016, the Sheri-Coroner’s oce processed 1677 applications. human resources concealed weapons unit (ccw) forensic laboratory Michael Koop is the Director of Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Forensic Laboratory. e forensic lab provides forensic science services to the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce and other law enforcement agencies. ere are three sections within the Forensic Laboratory of the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce: the Narcotics Analysis, DNA/Serology, and Firearms/Evidence sections. e Forensic Laboratory has been accredited since 2008 to the ISO 17025 International Standard. In 2016, the National Accreditation Board (ANAB) (our accrediting body) conducted an on-site inspection of our facility. narcotics analysis – is section provides continuous and routine controlled substances analysis for every law enforcement agency in Fresno County, with the exception of Fresno Police Department. e controlled substance analysis program is unique within the State of California. e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s oce has been able to analyze and provide a report for 99% of the drug samples within 24 hours of being submitted. is is unheard of in the Forensic community as most labs have a backlog of drug cases submitted. dna/serology – is section was instrumental in determining the identity of a bank robbery suspect this year by extracting DNA from the bank robber’s mask. e DNA type was matched to a DNA type in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database leading to the suspect’s arrest and plea bargain to his charges. Recently the lab has experienced success with DNA analysis on property crimes cases. Of the cases submitted, 13 viable and CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) acceptable DNA proles were identied on cases related to residential or commercial burglaries. Of the 13 proles that were loaded into CODIS, the team received 10 hits and the names of those 10 suspects. e information was given to the property crimes detectives for further investigation. firearms/evidence is section is one of the mainstays of the Forensic Laboratory and a unique area of expertise. is section handles the examination of rearms and toolmark evidence associated with various crimes within the county. It also involves scene response with ocer-involved shootings and other shooting scenes upon request. Fireams related examination requests have been steadily increasing over the last several years. MICHAEL KOOP FORENSIC LABORATORY DIRECTOR 33 training unit e Sheri-Coroner’s Training Unit Commander is Lieutenant Robert Salazar. e Training Unit is responsible for planning, scheduling, preparing, conducting, maintaining and coordinating initial and continual training for all sworn deputy sheris and correctional ocers. e training sta is the primary liaison with California Commission on Peace Ocer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) and the California Standards and Training (STC). In the continuing eort to improve the skills of our employees, the Training Unit oers a variety of training topics, which are both state and agency mandated. is training includes rearms, defensive tactics, rst aid /CPR and vehicle operations. e Training Unit also provides a variety of specialized training tailored to both deputy sheris and correctional ocers. e unit coordinates with guest instructors and speakers who are experts in their elds to oer training and seminars to better enhance the skills and knowledge base of our sta. e Training Unit is dedicated to assist the Sheri in providing the citizens of Fresno County with the highest qualied deputies, correctional ocers and professional sta. LIEUTENANT ROBERT SALAZAR TRAINING UNIT COMMANDER 34 aministriave services bureau coroner’s office Lieutenant Mark Padilla is the unit commander for the Coroner’s Oce. Assigned to the unit are Chief Forensic Pathologist Dr. Venu Gopal, Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Chambliss, Lead Deputy Coroner Kelly Matlock and Oce Assistant Kim Lopez. e Deputy Coroners are Loretta Andrews, Sarah Davis, Leticia Funderburk, Je Gentry and Imron Ramos e Coroner’s Oce investigates deaths falling under the guidelines of the California Government Code §27491. e sta strives to serve and protect the interests of the community by determining the cause, circumstances and manner of sudden or unexplained deaths that occur within our jurisdiction. We accomplish our mission by using pathologists, consultants, and other methods of investigation. LIEUTENANT MARK PADILLA CORONER’S OFFICE UNIT COMMANDER 36 DR. VENU GOPAL CHIEF FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST DR. MICHAEL CHAMBLIS FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST BRIAN TAYLOR FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST KIM LOPEZ OFFICE ASSISTANT KELLY MATLOCK LEAD DEPUTY CORONER LORETTA ANDREWS DEPUTY CORONER SARAH DAVIS DEPUTY CORONER LETICIA FUNDERBURK DEPUTY CORONER JEFF GENTRY DEPUTY CORONER IMRON RAMOS DEPUTY CORONER Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Sta coroner’s office fresno county sheriff-coroner 2016 statistics: • 3,574 Cases reported to the Coroner’s Oce • 1,017 Coroner cases - Any death investigation, which results in the deputy coroner certifying the death certicate and a nal Sheri-Coroner report written and led with the County Clerk. • 2,557 Non-coroner cases - A reportable death where the investigation is conducted by a deputy coroner and determined to be a natural death. A full investigation is not needed because the atten ding physician certies the death certicate. • 462 Full Forensic autopsies. e number of full autopsies has been steadily increasing in the last 5 years. A full forensic autopsy is an examination of a body of a decedent to generate medical evidence for which the cause of death is determined. • 444 External body examinations - A visual/physical examination including all necessary toxicology screens where sucient investigation determines a full autopsy is not needed to determine manner and cause of death. 37 840 2013 2014 2015 2016 906 888 1017 coroner case investigations 2013 2014 2015 2016 coroner reported deaths 3516 3454 3386 3574 Inside the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Chief Pathologist Dr. Gopal documenting a case Sta reviewing cases business office Baldomero Berber is the Business Manager for the Sheri-Coroner’s business oce. e business oce is responsible for the coordination of all activities related to the business and scal functions of the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. Major areas of responsibility include: budget preparation, general accounting, collection of department revenues, the scal control of contracts, employee payroll, and the administration of accounts payable. In 2016, the Business Oce successfully managed the Sheri’s budget of $198 million dollars. e team met their objectives for revenue collection and ended the scal year under budget. e business oce supports the Sheri-Coroner’s sta of 1,182 in their performance of a wide variety of assignments in service to the citizens of Fresno County. e sta supports the areas of travel and training along with the acquisition of services and supplies. e sta is responsible for the scal management of grants, revenue contracts and inmate welfare accounting. e accounts receivable section is responsible for the scal management of revenue from contracted law enforcement services, fees and grants totaling $96 million dollars. is requires coordination with agency sta, state, federal and local law enforcement agencies, Fresno County school districts and other county departments. e business oce has the daily accountability for the balancing and depositing of all inmate money at the time of booking, in addition to the money received by the jail mail sta for any of the 30,000 bookings throughout the year. e inmate welfare section processes all incoming revenue from Inmate Welfare revenue agreements, purchase orders, supply orders and contracts for supplies and services that benet the inmates. e sta is accountable for the prisoner trust fund and the inmate welfare fund. BALDOMERO BERBER BUSINESS MANAGER SHERIFF-CORONER’S BUSINESS OFFICE 38 fleet services unit e Fleet Services Unit is currently staed with one sergeant, one account clerk, two student workers and two automotive technicians. e unit is responsible for the management and maintenance of the existing Sheri-Coroner’s eet of 475 vehicles . Our eet includes not only our patrol vehicles, but other sedans, trucks and utility vehicles. ese utility vehicles are used to support our specialty units and other necessary functions of the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. e unit’s other responsibilities include product testing, vehicle modications, the salvaging of decommissioned vehicles that have been wrecked beyond repair or have been evaluated by our sta to be unsafe to operate in our eet due to age and mileage or other associated factors. During 2016, the Fleet Services Unit took delivery of new vehicles to replace our aged and discontinued Ford Crown Victoria patrol sedans. 2016 Ford Explorer SUVs 36 2016 Ford F-150 Trucks 22 ese new vehicles are the most substantial addition to our patrol eet since 2008. e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce, with support from the Board of Supervisors, looks forward to purchasing additional vehicles during the 2017/2018 scal year. Kal Chakravarthy is the Unit Manager for the Sheri – Coroner’s Information Technology (I.T.) Unit. Timely, accessible data is critical to eective law enforcement. e automated information systems used by the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce are interdependent and relied upon by all law enforcement sta. Some of those systems include: • Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) is a system that allows 911 call-takers and non-emergency call takers to send patrol deputies to calls for service. • Automated Field Reporting software allows ocers to enter incident information into a database. e data is transferred to the Records Management and Corrections Management Systems, whose function is to track criminal cases, warrants, and inmates once in custody. • Geographical Information Systems make further use of the data to create visual representations used for Crime Mapping, reporting, and analysis. KAL CHAKRAVARTHY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT MANAGER 39 sheriff’s information technology unit Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Ford Explorer and Ford F-150 Patrol Vehicles court services unit e Sheri’s Court Services Unit Commander is Lieutenant Richard Wilhoite. e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce is responsible for providing security and law enforcement to the judicial ocers, sta and court facilities located in Fresno County. e Fresno County Sheri Court Services Unit is one of the largest commands within the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. e Court Services Unit is comprised of approximately 138 sworn deputies and support sta. Deputies assigned to the unit have a variety of responsibilities in providing security, maintaining order in the courtroom and informing people of the courtroom rules. Deputies and community service ocers work the screening areas in an eort to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone entering the building. As a matter of safety for all court users, members of the public must enter through a security screening station before entering any of the court facilities. Cooperation is the key to maintaining a safe and secure atmosphere for everyone using court facilities. In 2016, the Court Services Unit prevented one rearm , 3,218 knives, 58 stun guns and 820 chemical agents from entering court facilities. e Fresno courthouses consist of the Main Courthouse, Trac, B.F. Sisk, North Annex and Juvenile Justice Center. LIEUTENANT RICHARD WILHOITE COURT SERVICES UNIT COMMANDER 40 traffic courthouse2317 Tuolumne Street fresno main courthouse1100 Van Ness Avenue b.f. sisk civil courthouse1130 O Street juvenile justice center3333 E. American Avenue north annex court1265 M Street Map of Fresno County courthouses in downtown Fresno jail bureau CAPTAIN RON VEGA SERVICES AND PROGRAMS BUREAU e Fresno Sheri-Coroner’s Jail Division is comprised of the Operations Bureau commanded by Captain Ron Vega, and the Services and Programs Bureau commanded by Captain Jennifer Horton. e Jail Division currently operates three jail facilities with authorized stang levels of 480 correctional ocers , 42 correctional sergeants, 9 correctional lieutenants and one program manager. Jail Operations is responsible for the safety and security of all inmates housed in the Fresno County Jail facilities. e oldest facility, the South Annex Jail was built in 1941, the Main Jail was constructed in 1989, and the North Annex Jail was opened in 1993. e average daily population of the three jails is approximately 2,800 inmates of varying classications . e jail houses approximately 700 state prisoners due to prison realignment that became eective in 2011, and about 100 federal prisoners via contract with the U.S. Marshal’s Oce. e jail is responsible for the care and custody of all inmates, which includes medical and mental health services. e contract for health services with Corizon Healthcare is administered by the Department of Public Health. e collaboration eorts between Public Health, Behavioral Health and the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce allows the Sheri to better manage the inmate population based on a continuity of care from arrest to booking, to incarceration, to release. e dedicated women and men working inside the jail provide public safety services by maintaining order, discipline and providing required services to the inmates. ese services may shape and inuence their behaviors and create a better quality of life for the inmates, their families, and the public. jail division 42 CAPTAIN JENNIFER HORTON JAIL OPERATIONS BUREAU north annex jailmain jailsouth annex jail 43 e jail watch commanders oversee the daily operations of the three jail facilities that house approximately 2,800 inmates. e watch commanders manage the personnel of each shift that vary from 70 to 110 correctional ocers and professional civilian sta. e jail watch commanders and their team of sergeants ensure that correctional ocers complete their duties in accordance with law, policy and procedures with the ultimate goal of keeping the inmates, ocers, and the public safe. jail watch commanders LIEUTENANT JOHN COPHER Jail Services and Programs Lieutenants as well as Jail Programs Manager oversee a number of specialty units within the Jail Division. ese specialty units are essential to jail operations and require special training of the ocers and the professional sta to ensure the smooth operation of jail activity. e following is a list of speciality assignments and units in the Jail Division: Jail Services Construction Mailroom Jail Chaplains Jail Lobbies American’s with Disabilities Act Population Management Medical Liason Compliance Booking and Records Clinic Transportation Transition from Jail to Community LIEUTENANT MICHAEL PORTER LIEUTENANT RUSSEL DURAN LIEUTENANT NED BURTON PROGRAM MANAGER MICHELLE LEFORS jail specialty assignments LIEUTENANT KEVIN PETERS LIEUTENANT LORENZO LARA LIEUTENANT ELIAS MENDEZ LIEUTENANT KEFER MCCOY LIEUTENANT ROY VINTON detention facilities: Main Jail: Built in 1989 operates with 1,064 total beds North Jail: Built in 1993 operates with 1,728 total beds South Annex Jail: Built in 1941 operates with 499 total beds inmate population: e Average Daily Population was 2,797 for 2016, which is broken down accordingly: yearly bookings: avergage length of salary: yearly releases: 2016: 30,100 bookings 2016: 26 days 2016: 29,837 releases inmate meals served: pounds of laundry washed: toilet paper used: 2016: 3,157,154 meals 2016: 1,025,300 pounds 2016: 209,280 rolls jail division 44 jail specialty assignments gender hispanic white black other Male: 1304 484 356 121 Female: 179 66 48 17 Overall: 1483 550 394 138 • 87.9% Males • 12.1 Females e average age of all inmates is 33 years. • 90.8% Felons • 9.2% Misdemeanants • 68.8% Pre-trial • 31.2% Sentenced inmates e Jail Training Ocer program is an intensive phase training program for newly hired correctional ocers. e purpose is to provide on-the-job training with a Jail Training Ocer (JTO), to learn agency and Jail Division policy & procedures. e JTO program is designed to be completed in 28 weeks. e program consists of an orientation week, one week to follow and observe a training ocer and three additional phases of training. During the rst two phases, the trainee is evaluated weekly on skills and policies taught by the JTO according to the phase check o list, and the trainee must pass a written test to advance to the next phase. Phase three is a period where the ocer performs the daily duties under observation of the JTO while receiving a monthly evaluation Jail Training Ocers receive training to provide them with the tools and skills needed to teach the trainees assigned to them. e JTO can use multiple techniques in the training program including visual aids, verbal instruction, practical demonstrations, reading and writing assignments. In 2016, 96 correctional ocers were hired to ll vacancies created by retirements, resignations, and positions added to comply with the Hall v. County of Fresno Federal Consent Decree. In 2016, 23 ocers completed the Jail Training Ocer program and 24 ocers remained in the training program at the end of the year. e Jail Division’s Population Management Unit is a vital component of the Jail Operations Bureau. e unit is comprised of one lieutenant, four sergeants, 16 classication ocers, and one intelligence ocer. e unit is responsible for the screening, assessment, and classication of inmates based on a formal and objective system that utilizes a point scale to determine appropriate housing assignments. Each inmate is interviewed to elicit and record information that is utilized to determine their classication level. e purpose of this classication level is to determine the most appropriate housing to maintain safety for inmates and sta. In 2016, the Population Management Sta classied 22,757 inmates. Amongst their other varied duties, the Population Management Unit is also responsible for investigating major incidents and assaults that occur within the jail facilities. In 2016, the Population Management Unit investigated over 1,000 incidents within the three jails. jail training officer program Correctional Ocer working in an observation station Search of an inmate station population management unit 45 46 e Jail Clinic Transportation Unit (CTU) is a team consisting of eight correctional ocers. e ocers receive specialized training in rearms, emergency equipment, driving, and tactical scenarios. e CTU transports inmates to various medical clinics throughout Fresno County while maintaining close supervision and custody of the inmates. e team specializes in transporting inmates with mobility issues due to the limitations of their disability. e CTU augments the Warrants & Transportation Unit in transferring inmates statewide to other correctional facilities. jail clinic transportation unit Jail population team entering information and interviewing inmates clinic transports month jan feb mar apr may jun july aug sept oct nov dec total 2016 73 53 67 65 54 80 59 81 65 72 70 72 811 100 2016 80 60 60 60 60 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC e Jail Division’s Security Emergency Response and Tactics (SERT) team was founded in 1983 under Sheri Hal McKinney, in response to the ever-increasing challenges imposed by the inmate population and overcrowded conditions within the jails. e SERT team was initially equipped with donated equipment, along with a lot of volunteered time. It has evolved into a well-organized, well-equipped and highly trained tactical unit that plays an instrumental role in ensuring the safe and orderly operation of the jail facilities. e team is comprised of correctional ocers, sergeants and commanded by a lieutenant. Members are experienced and highly disciplined ocers who have demonstrated their ability to perform under very stressful situations. All members participate in specialized training to maintain prociency of essential skills and critical incident readiness. In addition to their regular assignments, team members are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to critical incidents within the jail facilities. SERT’s primary function is the immediate response and quelling of inmate disturbances, typically large disturbances. e higher level of criminally sophisticated inmates due to prison realignment, adds to the challenges in the County jail system and the work of SERT. e team responds to major jail events with specialized weapons and tactical training that enables them to suppress facility threats. security emergency response team 47 SERT Training SERT extracting an inmate SERT Training 48 Fresno County is currently in the process of building the West Annex Jail at 2208 Merced Street, directly west of the current North Annex Jail. e County of Fresno has hired the architectural rm of DLR to design the new jail facility with coordination and design guidance from the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce, the Department of Behavioral Health and the Department of Public Health. e County has hired Kitchell, a construction management rm, to manage the construction project. e new West Annex Jail will encompass approximately 115,000 sq. feet and house 300 inmates. e West Annex Jail will have an emphasis on the treatment of mentally ill oenders as well as the eective reintegration of inmates back into the community. Construction of the West Annex Jail facility is expected to begin in 2017 with an estimated completion date of January 2020. e Services and Programs Bureau (ADA) unit, manages the accessibility needs of those inmates conned within the Fresno County Detention Facilities that have disabilities and accessibility needs in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. e ADA unit currently manages the needs of approximately 100 inmates and meets with each inmate at a minimum of once each month. During the calendar year of 2016, the ADA Unit conducted 1,855 ADA interviews to review the needs of the Jail Division’s ADA population. e managers of the ADA unit are Professional Associates of the National Association of ADA Coordinators and receive frequent training and updates. jail construction Rendering of proposed West Annex Jail americans with disabilities act (ada) e Sheri’s Inmate Labor Crew (SILC) works in partnership with the community by using inmate labor as a resource. SILC is utilized to complete beautication projects that help to improve the quality of life for the residents of Fresno County. e primary focus of the work crew is grati abatement within the county. e Inmate Programs Unit provides a number of programs and services to the inmate population with assistance from contracted service providers and more than 200 volunteers. e partnership with the Fresno County Oce of Education has resulted in nine inmates earning their high school diplomas while in custody. Our volunteers dedicated over 16,500 hours of service to jail inmates during 2016. e Inmate Programs Unit was also responsible for conducting 88 marriages and processing over 53,800 Inmate Request Slips for materials and information. Sta employed by the Inmate Programs Unit also provided parenting, life skills, relationship building, music appreciation, anger management and job readiness programs to inmates. sheriff’s inmate labor crew (silc) Transition from Jail to Community Housing An inmate worker painting over grati general population services & programs In August of 2013, the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) funded the Transition from Jail to Community (TJC) housing unit at the Fresno County Jail. e goal of the TJC model is to improve public safety and reintegration outcomes by providing services to transition oenders back into their communities. e TJC Unit partners with a myriad of community based organizations suc h as Turning Point, Sierra Educational Research Institute and the Fresno County Oce of Education as well as the Fresno County Probation Department. ese organizations along with the TJC sta provide services to the inmates including: sober living assistance, substance abuse treatment, job readiness, education, parenting and anger management. As of this report, the TJC Unit has served 298 inmates since its beginning. Of these inmates, 244 have been released from custody to supervision by Fresno County Probation. Of the men released from this program, 53 have returned to custody with a new conviction. is calculates to a 79% success rate with regard to recidivism for inmates involved in the Transition from Jail transition from jail to community (tjc) 49 specialty units e Air Support Unit (ASU) currently operates t wo McDonnell Douglas MD500E helicopters and one Cessna 206H airplane. ASU is staed with seven deputy sheris (one sergeant/tactical ight ocer (TFO), four deputy sheri pilot’s and two deputy sheri TFO’s). Over the past year, ASU aircraft have own in excess of 1,500 hours. ese hours include routine patrol ights, training, Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, marijuana detection and eradication, surveillance missions, transportation ights and requests for assistance from outside agencies and counties. Two ight crews were involved in two separate lifesaving rescues on Fresno County waterways. Both ight crews were later honored and received lifesaving commendations medals for their life saving eorts. eagle three Eagle-three is a Cessna 206 xed-wing aircraft equipped with a new Aero Computer Mapping System and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) 380HDc camera system. Eagle ree’s primary mission is assisting Narcotics Units with surveillance operations throughout Fresno County and the state of California. With the new Aero Computer and FLIR camera, Eagle-ree has recently begun conducting missions to support patrol activities. air support unit (asu) 51 Eagle ree new aircraft e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce is currently awaiting the arrival a new McDonnell Douglas MD530F helicopter. e estimated delivery date will be in May 2017. e pilots will attend helicopter transition training provided by MD Helicopters in Arizona. McDonnell Douglas MD530F Helicopter An Eagle-One ight crew giving a presentation to the children attending the Sheri’s Activity League (SAL) event. Flight crews are regularly requested to attend public events, displays and are requested to give presentations. Sergeant Robert Dutrow is the supervisor of the Boat Enforcement Unit. e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Boating Enforcement Unit has the primary responsibility for the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the operation of watercraft within the County of Fresno. e unit has one full-time sergeant and two full-time deputies. During the summer season, from roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are an additional four deputies and six reserve deputies assigned to the unit. e unit regularly patrols the areas of Shaver Lake, Pine Flat Lake, Huntington Lake and the Kings River. e unit is funded by grants from California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways. e unit also has a contract with the Army Corp of Engineers at Pine Flat Lake to provide one deputy and one reserve deputy for the busy summer months. e Boating Enforcement Unit has numerous vessels of dierent varieties and they are each specically designed for the waterways on which they patrol. e unit currently has eight patrol vessels and two personal watercrafts that are used for patrol and rescue operations. e vessels are equipped with navigation radar, depth nders, side scan sonar, communication radios, and rescue equipment. e unit’s primary goal is to educate the public on water safety, while balancing the need to enforce state and local boating laws. e Boating Enforcement Unit utilizes “e Aqua Smart Program” which is one of the most current and up to date water safety programs in the state, endorsed by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways. With the increased rain and snowfall, we saw last winter the unit was kept busy during the 2016 summer season. e unit saw a drastic increase in the number of rescues, drownings, and boating accidents as compared to years past. e unit investigated three fatal boating accidents, which occurred at the Mendota Slough, Kings River and Edison Lake. e unit was issued two new 2016 Ford F250 patrol trucks with diesel motors that allowed the unit to transport larger vessels. During the summer, the unit received a new 24’ patrol vessel, which was purchased through grant funding. is year the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce was awarded a second grant from the Division of Boating and Waterways to continue replacing our aging eet. e unit is in the process of purchasing a new lake patrol vessel, which should be deployed sometime during the 2017 boating season. boating enforcement unit Enforcement on the County waterways 52 fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office boating enforcement unit - 2016 Enforcement on the County waterways e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Dive Team was rst established in the 1960’s. e dive team is responsible for the recovery of evidence and victims in any waterway within Fresno County. e Dive Team consists of 12 certied divers , all of which are full-time deputy sheris for the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. e team is trained to perform deep-water recovery, swift water recovery, underwater retrieval, and underwater evidence recovery. e Dive Team trains monthly at a variety of locations to maintain optimal prociency. As with the boating unit, the Dive Team experienced an increase in the number of callouts due to the increased water levels. e team responded to 12 callouts throughout the county, from Hume Lake to the California aqueduct. e unit recovered the bodies of ve drowning victim s and assisted Homicide detectives in the recovery of evidence related to several murder investigations. e unit also assisted the Fresno Police Department with the recovery of two drowning victims in the City of Fresno. dive team 53 Dive team searching a canal during a call for service Dive team on a training exercise Since 1976, the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce has recognized the usefulness of canines as a vital tool to better serve and protect the citizens of Fresno County. e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce primarily deploys canines to protect citizens, deputies and to locate and apprehend criminals. In an era where attacks upon law enforcement are becoming more commonplace, the need for canines is apparent. ere are nine p atrol canine teams, two of which are cross-trained for explosive detection. e unit currently deploys canines of the German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois breed. One of the goals of the canine unit is to promote positive community relations through demonstrations at schools and various public/community events. ese demonstrations help clarify common misconceptions and dispel rumors. ey help to educate the public on the fact that canines are highly trained animals that undergo extensive control and obedience work. canine unit fallen canine partners - job well done! 54 SONNY JIMMY KAI KAJO ARCO BADY MAGGIE MIKEY TANGO TARGO UTE WE WILLALWAYSREMEMBER WE WILLALWAYSREMEMBER canine unit 55 Deputy S. Quinn and his K9 partner Ute training with the Sheri-Coroner’s helicopter, Eagle 1 overhead K9 enjoying the snow K9 Mikey at K9 Trials K9 Tango inside Eagle 1 K9 Mikey and Sergeant Messick interacting with children e Sheri’s Chaplaincy Unit supports and complements the duties and services of the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. While maintaining the high standards and ideals of the Sheri’s Oce, chaplains perform their services in a professional and humble manner, as they express empathy, dignity, and respect for all people and beliefs. Sheri’s chaplains come from a wide variety of faith groups and backgrounds. ey are clergy volunteers who are ordained, licensed, or approved members of dierent religious organizations. Although they serve in a secular setting, chaplains have the ability to provide spiritual guidance, and religious rites and practices when requested. All Sheri’s chaplains complete a Basic Chaplain Academy. Each member of the unit is approved through a California Department of Justice personal background and a FBI ngerprint investigation. Chaplains attend continuing educational classes and are equipped to deal with physical trauma and emotional crisis care. Sheri’s chaplains are available to deputies, correctional ocers, their families, Sheri-Coroner’s Oce personnel, the community, and schools for emergency or on-scene calls on an around-the-clock basis. Chaplains assist on-scene deputies by working with individuals, families, or victims of crime during times of crisis or catastrophic events. Sheri’s chaplains provide comfort and support for victims of tragedies or crimes. Chaplains also provide emergency care, obtain food, shelter, meals, communication, transportation, referrals to local agencies and resources that may help in emergencies. ey perform funerals, support family members with aftercare, assist with and provide death notications, oer immediate as well as extended grief counseling. Our chaplains serve as liaisons with other clergy in the community and are often guest speakers at events. ey also meet with community leaders, clubs, service organizations, with advocates for the needy, displaced, and homeless to insure quality of life for all. eir goal is to discover community service needs. Patrol chaplains attend daily watch briengs, and ride along with deputies on patrol as they take calls for service. Chaplains also support correctional ocers and Sheri-Coroner’s Oce sta in the Fresno County Jail. chaplaincy unit 56 e Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team consists of four bomb technicians, which currently includes a lieutenant, sergeant and two deputies. EOD members are trained by the United States Army Hazardous Devices Division in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. e bomb technicians are responsible for handling explosive related incidents within the unincorporated areas of Fresno County and 13 cities that do not have explosive remediation capabilities. In addition, the team responds to incidents in other counties via mutual aid agreements. e EOD team responds to incidents involving explosives, military ordnance, explosions, suspicious packages, bomb threats and known or suspected improvised explosive devices. In 2016, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded to 26 incidents. explosive ordnance disposal (eod) team 57 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Vehicles Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robots e Sheri-Coroner’s Honor Guard is a team of dedicated deputies and correctional ocers who strive to ensure the Sheri-Coroner’s oce is represented at ceremonies with pride, dignity and professionalism. By wearing the honor guard uniform, each member accepts the commitment to excellence. e Honor Guard participates in many ceremonies throughout the year. e team attends funerals and memorial services throughout the State of California. e members of the team understand the signicance of their role at tributes for fallen ocers. Professionalism, discipline, precision, and empathy are without compromise at memorial services, which often provide a lasting memory for the loved ones left behind. honor guard 58 Standing Guard at Peace Ocer’s Memorial Wall Honor Guard 59 e Mobile Field Force team is designed to be a ready, quick reaction team charged with the responsibility of responding to a variety of incidents to assist in maintaining the peace during large crowds and gatherings. e team also is available to assist other agencies with emergencies and supplementing patrol stang during large unplanned incidents and emergencies. e MFF consist of members from various units within the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. e members of this team undergo special and advanced training to ensure they are prepared and ready to deploy to any incident. In 2016, the MFF responded to three pre-planned events and six unplanned events. e six unplanned events were large-scale res, where the team assisted with making notications to the residences and evacuations. mobile field force (mff) Mobile Force Unit being deployed for a planned event e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce established the Mounted Patrol Unit in March of 1997. e unit currently deploys with a combination of horses owned by riders and horses owned by Fresno County. e Mounted Unit typically deploys into Fresno County areas in which it is easier and faster to move a horse than a patrol car. e Mounted Unit also assists during civil unrest incidents, searches for missing people, dignitary protection and honor guard details. e Mounted Unit serves a very special function as an ambassador of the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce to the citizens of Fresno County. Unit members and their horses visit schools, public functions and neighborhood meetings to talk about public safety and visit with the community. Mounted Unit horses and riders must complete extensive training and testing to prepare them for patrol deployment. Riders maintain prociency in conducting law enforcement operations from horseback, while the horses are specially trained to accept sights and sounds they may encounter. mounted unit Mounted Team Mounted Team assisting on a community celebration Deputy conducting a school presentationMounted Unit during a line of duty death service 60 61 e Sheri-Coroner’s O-Highway Vehicle (OHV) team patrols o-highway recreation areas in the rural areas of Fresno County. rough the education and enforcement of OHV enthusiasts, the OHV Team helps ensure safe and enjoyable OHV recreational opportunities. Fresno County oers year-round recreational riding opportunities o-highway and over-snow. e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce deploys a year-round o-road enforcement team specializing in o-road law enforcement, search and rescue missions, medical assistance, and public education throughout Fresno County. e OHV team has the ability to resolve many o-road related problems that are otherwise dicult for deputies to deal with. Specialized equipment allows deputies to rapidly move from on-road to o-road situations to locate, contact and bring closure to many problems. e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce uses motorcycles, four-wheel drive trucks, ATVs and snowmobiles for the OHV Team. off-highway vehicle (ohv) Photos of the OHV Team and some of the equipment assigned to the unit Tony Botti serves as the Sheri-Coroner Public Information Ocer (PIO). public information office Tony Botti joined the Fresno County Sheri’s Oce in 2014 to serve as its Public Information Ocer (PIO). He previously spent 10 years working as a general assignment reporter for television news stations in Fresno and Redding, CA. His background in journalism allows him to properly frame content and present critical information that is easy for the public to understand. Communication is a key component in building and maintaining a positive reputation for our professional law enforcement agency. As PIO, Tony works each day toward building trust in the Sheri’s Oce by balancing transparency with the integrity of its investigations. He is the central point of contact for disseminating timely information about Sheri’s Oce operations to the news media, citizens and county employees. rough videos, interviews and written material, he makes them aware of current events, the department’s position on issues and the achievements of its personnel. Tony manages the content on the Sheri’s Oce website, www.fresnosheri.org , as well as all of the department’s social media accounts, which includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Nextdoor. A primary goal is to engage the community and provide a path of two-way communication, which allows public safety information to be shared and problems to be solved. He often receives phone calls and emails from residents and professional groups seeking help to coordinate community events with our sta and he connects them for a successful outcome. PIO TONY BOTTI PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER public information officer (pio) 62 63 Assignment to the Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Search and Rescue team is a collateral duty for a lieutenant, sergeant and 14 deputies. Approximately 200 disaster service worker volunteers also contribute to the Search and Rescue eort. Members of this team maintain prociency in technical rope rescue, swift-water rescue, man tracking and search management. is team operates in a wide variety of environmental extremes that include high elevation and inclement weather in some of the most remote portions of Fresno County. During 2016, the Search and Rescue team handled 16 searches for missing people, 17 rescues of ill or injured people, ve recoveries of deceased people and deployed out of county 6 times on mutual aid for a total of 44 missions. During 2016, the SAR team hosted and coordinated a statewide training event known as “SAREX”. is event was attended by 602 people from 42 dierent agencies. Sixty dierent classes were oered during this three-day event. sar team In addition to sworn deputy sheris, search and rescue in Fresno County is supplemented by a strong volunteer component. Approximately 200 volunteers work on four dierent teams as a part of the SAR function. All SAR volunteers are registered as Disaster Service Workers with the state of California, and they respond to missions as requested by the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. search and rescue team (sar) 2016 SAREX Swearing In Ceremony Lt. Kathy Curtice, Miyuki Harwood and Sheri Mims Last year, SAR personnel found Ms. Harwood after she spent 10 days lost and injured in the forest. volunteer air squadron e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Air Squadron is a non-prot organization of volunteer pilots and aviation technicians oering their skills, time and aircraft to assist the Fresno County Sheri in providing public safety as well as and Search and Rescue services. e Air Squadron was formed in 1939, making it the oldest volunteer unit within the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce. Fresno Air Squadron is a member of Western States Association of Sheri’s Air Squadrons and participates in joint exercises to maintain prociency in pilot and observation skills. In the event of a regional disaster or emergency, the air squadrons of the Western States Association, in coordination with their law enforcement liaison, would mobilize to assist the citizens in need. jeep squadron e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Jeep Squadron augments and sup- ports the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce by providing o road vehicles with drivers during Search and Rescue events. A large network of o highway vehicle roads run throughout the mountain areas of Fresno County, and this team is used to search those areas as well as transport ground personnel and equipment into remote areas where others vehicle are not suitable. Members on this team are trained in navigation, man tracking and rst aid. Many members of this unit are also emergency medical technicians or paramedics. mounted posse e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce Mounted Posse provides Search and Rescue services in the backcountry environment of rural Fresno County. Members of this unit are volunteers who own their own horses and mules. ey use their own equipment to care for and transport the animals when needed. A large portion of eastern Fresno County lies in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and stock animals have historically been used when travel to those areas is necessary. is unit travels into the mountains and establishes camps as well as resupply posts for Search and Rescue eorts using horses and mules to both ride and pack equipment. Posse members are trained in search and rescue techniques, wilderness rst aid, navigation, and man tracking. mountaineering team e Fresno County Search and Rescue Mountaineer Team is made up of volunteers who are trained and equipped in land navigation, wilderness survival, technical rope rescue, swift water rescue and search techniques. ese team members remain ready to rescue and/or search for people missing or injured throughout Fresno County. Members of this team are also often requested to respond to assist other counties through the California State Mutual Aid system. search and rescue team (sar) 64 65 e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T) is utilized in high-risk operations. Specically, where there is an increased danger to public safety or law enforcement personnel, which have been caused by sophisticated or violent suspects. e team commander holds the rank of lieutenant and there are four team leaders who hold the rank of sergeant. e rest of the team is composed of deputy sheris who serve as entry team members and snipers. S.W.A.T. is a collateral assignment for all team members who must pass a vigorous testing process. e testing process includes multiple types of physical tness testing, weapon manipulation, accuracy drills, simulated rearms scenarios and an oral board with the team leaders and commander. e team’s success is derived from the determination and discipline of operators, detailed monthly training, and the assistance of the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). S.W.A.T. trains in disciplines such as land navigation, building search tactics, hostage rescue, vehicle assaults, and small unit urban and rural searching. e team’s primary missions are high-risk warrant services and barricaded suspect resolutions. In 2002, the SWAT Team began to integrate with CNT. CNT is comprised of highly trained negotiators, who through persuasion, communication and rapport building, will minimize the need for force, complement the mission of the SWAT Team, and bring the existing crisis to a successful resolution. is team has been specically trained and equipped to diuse critical incidents with verbal communication. e teams are unique to themselves but complement one another toward resolution of critical incidents that necessitate their specialty. e current team consist of eight CNT deputies. special weapons and tactics team (swat) and crisis negotiation team (cnt) SWAT Team Training employee accomplishments 2016 sheriff coroner’s 2016 assistant sheriff Robert Kandarian sheriff’s captain Steve McComas John Zanoni sheriff’s aministrative services director omas Trester sheriff’s lieutenant Matthew Alexander Ronald Hayes Ryan Hushaw Joe Smith sheriff’s sergeant Robert Buenrostro Richard Coningsby James Dunn omas Grilione Quintin Hawkins Philip Lodge Jake Jensen David Rippe James Tourner Andrew Veneman dispatch supervisor Alana Franklin dispatch specialist Brittany Falls Bridget Gonzales Maribel Tapia sheriff’s correctional sergeant Lonnie Duncan Valerie Murray sheriff’s correctional sergeant iv Annabel Baldwin Juan Bonilla Jacob Vasquez-Coy Daniel Gama Sylvia Gee Louie Gonzales Connor Henry Manpreet Kaur Christopher Lewis Elizabeth Morales-Magana Anthony Maldonado Daniel Moreno Toung Ngo Daryl Nicholas Jr. Eunice Olmos Tessa Rogers James Yang promotions retired correctional officers 68 retired professional staff OA SUPERVISOR JENNIE ANAYA IT ANALYST BOB ENGELLENNER DISPATCHER TERRILYN MYERS ADMIN SERVICES DIRECTOR STEVE FORKER DISPATCHER DIANA ROSALES CORRECTIONAL OFFICER ANGIE CUSTER CORRECTIONAL OFFICER MICHAEL GRIECO CORRECTIONAL OFFICER ROBERT HOLMES CORRECTIONAL OFFICER PETER ALBERT CORRECTIONAL OFFICER ANGIE CUSTER CORRECTIONAL OFFICER MICHAEL GRIECO CORRECTIONAL OFFICER ROBERT HOLMES CORRECTIONAL OFFICER HORACIO MAJIA retired deputy sheriffs 69 Sgt. K. Smith, Deputy IV M. Jones, Deputy C. Bayer, Deputy K. Heady and Deputy T. Cotts ank you for your hard work and service to the citizens of Fresno County! DEPUTY KYLE HEADY DEPUTY IV MICHAEL JONES DEPUTY IV DAVID LOPEZ DEPUTY RAMIRO RODRIGUEZ SERGEANT THOMAS ALBERT DEPUTY COLBURN BAYER DEPUTY IV DANIEL BRANAM DEPUTY TODD COTTA DEPUTY DANIEL DAVIES DEPUTY IV MELANIE HATHAWAY SERGEANT SCOTT CALDERA SERGEANT HANK RAMIREZ SERGEANT KEVIN SMITH 70 employee of the month for 2016 & 2016 employees of the year XAI FANG JEFF STRICKER DAVID WHITE BOB RECEK THOMAS JANUARY JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER DAN BRANAM DANIEL HERRERA LORENA MARTINEZ PATRICK BEGGS BRENT SCROGGINS KAREN LUNDSTROM TYLER HITTER KELLY FIELDING BOB RECEK THOMAS JANUARY & & community interaction sheriff reading posse Sheri Mims believes law enforcement must ght crime on many levels. Not only must we respond to calls, investigate crimes, and incarcerate oenders, we must look for opportunities to prevent crime. is eort has the most impact if we can reach our children, address needs and the issues that may keep them from committing crimes to begin with. One of these opportunities is addressing illiteracy. Sixty percent of America’s inmates are illiterate and 85% of all juvenile oenders have reading diculties. In Fresno County, incarcerated youth and those in continuation schools are typically four to ve grade levels behind. e idea of creating the reading posse was born while Sheri Mims was having a conversation with a friend about literacy. Sheri Mims thought it would be great if deputies could hand out books to children like they do badge stickers and teddy bears. Sheri Mims created a partnership with the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, the County Librarian and Central Unied. e Sheri’s Reading Posse was born with the theme, “Sheri Mims wants to deputize children to read”. e reading posse is a unique one of a kind literacy program that blends law enforcement, education and the library to encourage children to read and in turn will help to reduce crime. ose involved worked very hard and believe we can all make a real dierence especially in underserved areas of Fresno County. Sheri Mims at Chukchansi Park handing out books Deputy Hanson handing out books 72 Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. motto of the special olympicsMake a life-saving gift today! Help athletes access basic healthcare and experience the joy of sport. You can be the dierence they need! to donate, go online to: give.specialolympics.org In 2016, the Fresno County Sheri’-Coroner’s Oce partnered with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and had another successful year. Deputy Freddie Henson sits on the Executive Council for the Law Enforcement Torch Run and represents Law Enforcement in region one, which includes Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Kings Counties. Correctional Ocer Sylvia Gee and Deputy Greg Little were instrumental in their eorts to assist with attending events and helping to facilitate events along with Deputy Henson. Deputies, correctional ocers, professional sta, reserve deputies and explorers participated in several events throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. ese events include the Torch Run, Tip-a-Cop and the Polar Plunge. e eorts of the above personnel from Sheri-Coroner’s Oce raised over $13,500.00 dollars for Special Olympics athletes. e Sheri’s Oce was represented at the 2016 Summer Games located at U.C. Davis with about 60 other Law Enforcement agencies participating. e Summer Games is an annual event where athletes compete throughout the year to qualify to compete in diering sporting competitions. e Fresno area proudly had over 100 athletes participate in Summer Games. e Sheri-Coroner’s Oce was also represented at the International Conference for law enforcement torch run (LETR) where over 500 agencies from all over the world attend. e Fresno County Sheri-Coroner’s Oce received an award for being a top 5 fundraising agency in Northern California for Special Olympics. special olympics 73 Members of the Sheri-Coroner’s Oce participated in the Central Valley Honor Flight to Washington D. C. e Honor Flight program was created to give veterans from the Central Valley an opportunity to see the national memorial for World War II. Recently the group started sponsoring trips for veterans from the Korean war and Vietnam war. honor flights 74 to those who courageously gave their lives... and those who bravely fight today... We thank you. Deputy Kurt Rossi and his father at the monument in Washington D.C. Deputy Kelly Mayeld assisting a World War II veteran in Washington D.C. CSO Brian Kamlade and his father 75 operation christmas presence e Sheri-Coroner’s oce participates in the yearly Christmas presence event, which provides extra security during the holiday shopping year. sheriff-coroner’s operation santa claus travels to the marjaree mason center and to valley children’s hospital to send christmas cheer. sheriff-coroner’s office receiving award sheriff-coroner’s staff at job fair 76 Log on to our website and tell us what you think! http://www.fresnosheri.org/admin/contact-us.html 77 messages of support sent to the sheriff-coroner’s webpage messages of support sent to the sheriff-coroner’s webpage 78 79 messages of support sent to the sheriff-coroner’s webpage ank you Fresno County! We appreciate and value your support! phillips family visits the sheriff-coroner’s office 80 e Phillips family visited the Sheri-Coroner’s oce to drop o a special survival kit they created for law enforcement ocers. the survival kit included the following: LIFESAVERS: To remind you of the many times you have been one STARBURST: For the burst of energy that you need HERSHEY KISSES: To show our love for you GUM: To help everyone stick together TOOTSIE ROLLS: To help you roll with the punches DUM DUMS: For all the dumdum’s you deal with every single day PEPPERMINT PATTIES: To help you keep your cool SNICKERS: To help you keep your humor and to remember that laughter helps everything MOUNDS: For the mounds of courage and dedication you show SAFETY PIN: For all the safety you provide our community PAPER CLIP: For holding things together ank you Phillips family! fresno county sheriff-coroner’s office 2200 Fresno Street • Fresno, California Phone: (559) 600-8401 www.fresnosheri.org fhonoring those who died in the line of duty