"Regional systems like SVRIA (Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority) would need to have a voice in the regional interoperability considerations as well. Her previous work can be found in the Associated Press, U.S. News and World Report, Chicago Tribune and San Francisco Chronicle. You can't take the Fifth. "Just because I'm an elected official doesn't mean I don't have to follow the rules. Robert Salonga is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers criminal justice and public safety for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. Ending this policy, which has been adopted by many agencies around the state, is one of the first steps to regaining public trust through transparency, not to mention to support the freedom of the press as protected in the First Amendment," she said. All rights reserved. The incidents are listed only after officers have left the scene, however, and do not show the exact locations of the calls. "Training matters, and it influences the outcome," he said.Jonsen also said that as sheriff he would review the county jail management structure and work to implement the county's blue ribbon panel recommendations for reform.He also wants to restructure the jails to become educational facilities to help people develop skills so that they can get jobs and not offend again.TransparencyJonsen said he worked hard during the pandemic to retain a dedicated public information officer to address media inquiries, but budget cuts eliminated the position.Instead, he implemented an online system by which members of the media and the public submit a form and wait for a callback rather than talk immediately to a watch commander.Despite these changes, and the full encryption of radio communications, Jonsen said he recognizes that the media "is crucial in building trust with the community. Mobile site. ", RELATED: Researchers are honing in on potential Fentanyl vaccine amid national opioid crisis. Hm, a virtual interview from the Hawaiian Islands is being scheduled???? About Us. And yet, Dr. Sussman says they are dying from drugs more than ever before. He would establish school-outreach programs to educate children on crime prevention, gang activity, substance abuse, internet crimes and other offenses to which they can become prey. Second, I agree with HQs post, there should be a follow up on the paperwork and see how many applicants have ever been convited of possession or any other other offense vs the pile of records of violators of the law. He didn't let his experience embitter him. As the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office remains embroiled in controversy over alleged corruption and mismanagement, five candidates vying for Sheriff Laurie Smith's seat will be tasked with proving they can restore public confidence in the law enforcement agency. But Jensen faces several felony counts of conspiracy, bribery and falsification of records in a case that has also ensnared attorneys Christopher Schumb, Harpaul Nahal, gun manufacturer Michael Nichols and former AS Solution CEO Christian West. A high number of mentally ill and the unhoused need more access to social services, education, treatment and housing, she said. My mother-in-law calls me and asks, 'What is best time to go shopping?'" The false arrest "gave me the determination to become a law enforcement officer who is fair, just and treats everyone I encounter equally.". Well, the campaign where the money went had a media spokesperson as well. I'm the only candidate working the line. When Palo Alto had 13 vacancies, they were quickly filled when officers were given enhanced opportunities and there were more chances to grow professionally, he said.Jail reform and use of forceDespite the city's settlements for excessive force by his department, Jonsen noted that the city paid out less than $1 million compared to the county, which has paid more than $20 million. "We rewrote and reworked the policy to make sense for this day and age. It provides general-service law enforcement to unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County, as well as incorporated cities within the county that have contracted with the agency for law-enforcement services such as Saratoga, Cupertino, and Los Altos Hills. Bob Jonsen A track record as a leader, but not without his critics. Based upon recent changes to the law and changes to standards and practices promulgated by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, the Sheriff's Office has been undergoing a comprehensive revision of its Law Enforcement and Custodial General Orders and the Sheriff's Policy Manual. He also wants to restructure the jails to become educational facilities to help people develop skills so that they can get jobs and not offend again. He would tell his deputies: "Follow the mission. Sorry, but further commenting on this topic has been closed. That was on top of Jensens unofficial duties. When asked about SB 1000, Sen. Josh Becker's bill to limit radio encryption, Jensen expressed caution. Your contribution matters. In late 2012, he served as the initiative's statewide risk-program manager.He has been an independent consultant since his retirement and has taught new recruits and law-enforcement managers. He would be going to a lot of the lunches. The investigation found that Christian West, then CEO of the Seattle-based executive security firm AS Solution, and AS executive projects manager Martin Nielsen had begun discussing how they could get permits for their security employees after a frightening April 2018 shooting at the YouTube campus in San Bruno. To be honest, Low told Braker, I was new. All defendants have denied charges of wrongdoing and plan to fight the case. PR MediaRelease What did Disney actually lose from its Florida battle with DeSantis? Twitter Facebook. Blogs Like Glennon, Cooks described a CCW permitting system with no clear rules or set timelines. Nagaye said she would invest in much more training and in a training unit. You don't serve the master. She would also put a stop to abuses by jail staff of mentally ill inmates. Otherwise, "we're going to continue to fail those human beings," he said.Transparency"Management is the first place you have to start to change the culture," Allen said.He would search for management-level staff outside of the department when hiring to break up cronyism, he said. Allen said he has seen an increase in the number of inmates with mental illness during his career. The state Attorney General's Office cleared Christopher Schumb of two felony charges Monday morning, citing lack of evidence. On a small town road in unincorporated Gilroy on Monday, the deadly opioid crisis reared its head once again. Allen, 51, is a 32-year veteran and sergeant of the sheriff's office. It quickly became apparent that when I took over the position that (Jensen) was still kind of the go-between between the sheriff and myself. She enlisted in the U.S. Army at 19, became a medic and served five years of active duty. The city paid a $572,500 settlement for the violent 2018 arrest of Gustavo Alvarez at the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park, which also sparked an FBI investigation. Jonsen launched the Palo Alto Police Department's Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) last November, which pairs an officer with a licensed mental health clinician from the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department to provide rapid intervention to people in a mental health crisis. Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Tracking the drought: Map shows conditions across SF Bay Area, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7. Jensen, Low said processed the paperwork, figuring there must be an exemption for people who spend enough of their work week in the jurisdiction. Jonsen moved north to become Menlo Park's police chief in 2013, and then he became Palo Alto's chief in 2018. Help sustain the local news you depend on. She would provide social workers and inmate education to help address issues that cause recidivism. That's why I'm great for this position.". A&E He would support deputizing mental health professionals to work in the jails. He would support deputizing mental health professionals to work in the jails. Nagaye supports funding a mental health wellness center over building a new jail. He openly criticized the department's RedMan training of deputies, who spar with a proctor who wears a fully protective padded suit, after the 2020 death of a recruit during an intensive defensive-tactics-training session. She would hold instructors accountable for the end results if employees are not properly trained, she said.Regarding the office's use of its budget, Nagaye said that if elected, "I would hire a forensic accountant to find out where the pitfalls are with money. After attending high school in Novato, he spent 27 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Its a stretch to ask voters to believe that these are all altruistic decisions by the defendants, Percival said. Rosen has said more charges are coming in the case. An arraignment for the five defendants is scheduled for 9am Monday at the Santa Clara County Superior Court Hall of Justice. Palo Alto Online Your email address will not be published. Police said that the shooting was reported at 3:14 p.m. PT on . "We sent detectives and crime scene investigators to the residence to conduct a full and thorough investigation," Sgt. The DOJ doesn't require blanket encryption and allows for workarounds, but Jonsen did not create any, community critics have said.The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office also encrypts its radio communications.The city has also faced a number of lawsuits during Jonsen's tenure, alleging excessive use of force by Palo Alto officers. Michael Low described feeling much the same way when he came to the PIO position as a deputy in early 2019. Stay informed on important crime news. It's embarrassing, everything that has come out in the past 3 to 15 years," she said.She would also put a stop to abuses by jail staff of mentally ill inmates. He has attended city Human Relations Commission meetings and other community meetings to discuss concerns in a transparent manner and started the community advisory committee, which meets with him in private, to also address citizens' concerns. The winning applications usually came from Undersheriff Rick Sung, Capt. Regarding the office's use of its budget, Nagaye said that if elected, "I would hire a forensic accountant to find out where the pitfalls are with money. James Jensen, took a glance. She's used competitive body building to push herself to new heights. Her top brass faces charges of corruption and bribery, and the state attorney general is investigating her office for civil rights violations. Her father-in-law doesn't know if he will be targeted when he goes out. Jonsen acknowledged that excessive-force incidents have occurred, but he said they have been thoroughly reviewed and the involved officers were held accountable, including the departure of officers who were found culpable. How a really big check unraveled a well-oiled, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Los Gatos: Hundreds still without power as Black Road repair project finishes early, How a really big check unraveled a well-oiled patronage system with Santa Clara County concealed-gun permits, Jensen, Schumb, and co-defendants Harpaul Nahal and Michael Nichols are scheduled to appear in court Monday to continue their arraignment proceedings in the case. On July 21, 2019, DA investigators pulled over Nielsens car and served him with a search warrant for his home. If the records clean, they can sign up for a class to prove firearm proficiency. He is a former Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers' Association board member and a lifelong martial artist and instructor. As sheriff, he would advocate for additional funding for mental health programs to help de-escalate crisis encounters.Jonsen said he would also address lagging recruitment and retention of deputies and staff. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Four of the contenders for her seat are law-enforcement veterans, a requirement for the office: Sean Allen, Kevin Jensen, Bob Jonsen and Christine Nagaye. 2023 Mountain View Online. Jensen said reform depends on the right leadership.He would increase contracts with service providers and faith-based organizations to provide mental health assistance.He said he would also work to break the cycle of fear and intimidation in the jail, where inmates have created a self-governance culture. Mountain View City Council kicks off process of identifying priority projects for next two years. I am exposed to it. Calls friendship with Christopher Schumb a fatal conflict that cannot be ignored and impediment to fair trial. And then, you are telling us, after that you would, at the instruction of now-Capt. Be patient.. I see the problems on a day-to-day basis and problems the deputies face," she said. From day one, I would be handing over all documents to the Board of Supervisors and (Independent Police Auditor) Michael Gennaco that they have asked for. With election day less than a week away, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's race is down to two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. Community Calendar SantaClaraCoSheriff Retweeted Finally, it would be interest to know if the application of official scrutiny would ever actually fix the corruption or just stop for awhile while they are being scrutinized but will go back to oppressing individuals rights under the law. He has instituted mindfulness strategies to improve officers' well-being. However, in 2019, Jonsen and City Manager Ed Shikada pushed to remove "complaints and investigations of internal personnel or human resources matters" from review by the city's Independent Police Auditor. As coordinator of the Antelope Valley Crime Fighting Initiative, his programs reduced crime by 29%, and the initiative received the statewide James Q. Wilson Award for Community Policing in 2010, he said. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority also contracted with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement service. Christine Nagaye A reformer who supports 'full transparency'Christine Nagaye has used challenges throughout her life to achieve her goals. Palo Alto Police Department Chief Bob Jonsen. It doesn't always need to be a disciplinary approach. Jensen. Fax: (408) 286-5437. Allen said he would also focus on proper training of deputies in de-escalation techniques so that uses of force and weapons are last responses. The sheriff oversees more than $188 million and 711 staff members (and an additional 1,080 staff and $200.6 million for the Department of Corrections). Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office | San Jose CA The Sheriff's Office. In early 2022, Smith retired while under grand jury corruption charges and after a unanimous vote of no confidence by the county Board of Supervisors. He wouldn't tolerate misconduct among any personnel, regardless of rank. "It's so lacking. You said backlog, we will get to it, but did that, in reality, ever happen? [5] Two more inmates escaped from custody in Palo Alto in November 2017.[6]. "Don't be afraid to bring someone else in," she said, to help de-escalate or assess the situation.She supports California legislative bill SB 2, which creates a statewide system to revoke the license of a police officer who commits serious misconduct, and SB 16, which requires disclosure of a sustained finding of excessive use of force if an officer failed to intervene when another officer used unreasonable or excessive force.She would also make sure that all officers rotate among enforcement and custody positions so they have a well-rounded view of inmates and a broad range of experiences.Nagaye supports funding a mental health wellness center over building a new jail. Nowhere in the transcripts is there testimony that explicitly links Smith to the alleged scheme, beyond her statutory authority as the only person in her office who can approve CCW permits. He said Smiths alleged mismanagement as the longest-serving elected sheriff in Santa Clara County has destroyed lives and violated the most basic of civil rights of inmates and created a dystopian place of horrible suffering., Smith did not directly address Liccardos call for her resignation, but when asked whether she intended to step down, she said, At this time, no.. But a short time later, their cover was blown although it would take months more before the sheriffs office realized it. The change meant that disputes that involve two officers including an incident in which a police captain was accused of using a racial slur would be privately investigated by the Human Resources Department and screened from the public. Listen to each of them answer questions from the public. There he handed over a $45,000 check made out to the Santa Clara County Public Safety Alliance, a pro-Smith independent expenditure committee whose finances were co-managed by Schumb. "I've done about every job you can do. She could not be reached for an interview. "My exposure to these things has given me a different insight," he said. In the 20 years I've been in this agency I only used pepper spray one time and I was ordered to use it," she said.During her training sessions, Nagaye said she focuses on getting deputies to stop thinking about "going hands on" with inmates as a first resort. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Shortly after Smiths 2018 re-election her most competitive contest to date the Metro newspaper asked the DAs office about the $45,000 donation. Even when he caught a red flag, such as out-of-county home addresses on applications handed off by Capt. Already, with conspiracy and bribery indictments of Jensen, attorney and fundraiser Christopher Schumb and two others, the scheme stands as one of the biggest political corruption cases to hit the South Bay in more than four decades. Neither Sheriff Smith nor her PIOs are accused of any crimes. When I have my one-on ones, I lay it out very clearly. A mother of three, the San Jose resident said she would always "be there for my deputies.". When elected, I will end this policy within the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office," she said.Communities of colorNagaye's husband is of Japanese ancestry and they have biracial daughters. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo on Monday called for the resignation of Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith amid multiple use-of-force incidents and alleged misconduct under her watch, and on . As sheriff, he would work to instill a culture and ethic that is "beyond a warrior mentality." Robert Durr or the sheriff herself. In Alameda, Contra Costa and San Mateo counties, the sheriffs offices grant the permits at twice the rate of Santa Clara County and typically have twice as many active licenses at any given moment. Follow. The Department is divided into four major bureaus Field Operations, Support Services, Jail Operations and Administrative Services. "The California Highway Patrol and LAPD have shown that there are ways to work around the issues that have been brought up. The number one change she would make as sheriff is increasing transparency. The grand jury convened July 20 of this year and handed down its indictments Aug. 6. Thursday, Judge Eric Geffon. For example, when he worked on the Polly Klaas murder case, Jensen said he needed to have self-control. She said she would have an ongoing "meet the deputies" program to improve the agency's relationship with the community. Copyright 2023 San Jose Inside. This is the official Facebook page for the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. When people can't get information from the news and the sheriff is not responsive, it creates distrust in the community, she said.Encryption of police-scanner communications"I am the only candidate to call for ending the encryption of radios, and I have been calling for the end of this policy since launching my campaign. Jensen, whose wife is Hispanic, said he would sit down with members of the public, particularly the underserved, to work on problems and gain trust. According to testimony from officers who processed the licensing for Sheriff Laurie Smith, most petitions languished in a file drawer without anyone weighing their merits. I've had a really well-rounded career," he said, noting he was also assistant chief of the Department of Corrections running the jail before it was taken over by Smith. Capt. Jensen, who remained involved in CCW issuance even after getting promoted out of the PIO unit. He rose to the rank of captain and held the post of assistant chief in the Department of Correction for two years. He wouldn't tolerate misconduct among any personnel, regardless of rank. In his testimony to the grand jury, Wasserman insisted he simply didnt remember how he fulfilled the firearms safety requirement to carry two concealed pistols. He would wear the uniform and be out in the community and working alongside his deputies. He openly criticized the department's RedMan training of deputies, who spar with a proctor who wears a fully protective padded suit, after the 2020 death of a recruit during an intensive defensive-tactics-training session.Jail reform and use of forceAllen said he has seen an increase in the number of inmates with mental illness during his career. Thats how it reportedly worked for the average Joe. Who better to have in place to find where this money is going? Endorsements: The Rev. Everyone deserves equal protection "regardless of their ZIP code," he said. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. I also hear that the going rate for a CCW permit expedite fee was $20,000. Jonsen also touted his efforts to engage with every person on his staff, initiating a one-on-one meeting to gauge their training and experience and areas where they need to improve. SAN JOSE, Calif. - Just days after former Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith retired, she was found guilty of six civil counts of corruption and willful conduct. While she fights the charges against her, Smith, 69, has decided not to run for reelection in the 2022 race after 24 years at the helm.The sheriff oversees more than $188 million and 711 staff members (and an additional 1,080 staff and $200.6 million for the Department of Corrections). Allen says his broad experience as a patrol cop, training officer, jail officer and in the gang unit and as an investigator make him the most well-rounded candidate for sheriff. Jensen said he would work to build bridges with the community through greater transparency and communication. The police auditor now reviews supervisory inquiry investigations, internal employee complaints of discrimination, harassment or retaliation and any use-of-force investigation where a baton, chemical agent, Taser, less-lethal projectile, canine or firearm is used, or when a subject's injuries as a result of a police use of force require treatment beyond minor medical care in the field, his website noted. Four of the contenders for her seat are law-enforcement veterans, a requirement for the office: Sean Allen, Kevin Jensen, Bob Jonsen and Christine Nagaye. Please see the flyers for more information. While at the sheriff's office, he was the Stanford Department of Public Safety liaison, county jail administration commander, court security division commander and administrative coroner. Christine Nagaye. There have been twenty-eight persons serving in the capacity of Sheriff since 1850. "They immediately applied life-saving measures and applied Narcan to every individual in that household," Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office PIO Sgt. Did you come up with that explanation on your own or is that something that Capt. Previously, Hernandez was a summer intern for The Times in 2021, during which she covered general assignments on the Metro desk. The transcripts provide tantalizing hints although little direct evidence that the ongoing investigation is getting closer to the six-term sheriff, one of the regions best-known local politicians. She said she is concerned about hate crimes, which have dramatically increased in the Bay Area. Jensen said he would run a transparent sheriff's office that would openly communicate with the people it serves rather than hide information. There needs to be accurate information, not conjecture., On Monday, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo called on Smith who was first elected in 1998 to resign. He has instituted mindfulness strategies to improve officers' well-being.Jonsen has been criticized, however, for a lack of transparency, including his January 2021 decision to encrypt all police radio communications, without warning, which prevents the media and other members of the public from monitoring and independently verifying incidents and police activity.He took the action due to a 2020 Department of Justice directive that prohibits the public dissemination of personally identifiable information such as names and driver's license numbers. That was the explanation they were providing., But did you ever get to it? Braker continued. Leading with integrity is the biggest thing. Despite the city's settlements for excessive force by his department, Jonsen noted that the city paid out less than $1 million compared to the county, which has paid more than $20 million. I'm not above anything. "The best way for the sheriff's office to support these communities, Nagaye said, is by building relationships of familiarity and trust by getting involved with and going into the community.She said she wants to break bread with people so that they will feel they can trust and confide in the deputies when they face hate crimes or other problems in their communities.The most important quality she wants in her deputies"The biggest is honesty.