A l l Po i n t s B u l l e t i n February 2017, Volume 39, Issue 1 Ho n o r C o u r a g e C o m m i t m e n t L e a d e r s h i p Te a m w o r k

O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e C o n t r a C o s t a C o u n t y O f f i c e o f t h e S h e r i f f

APCO International (Association of Public-Safety Com-munications Officials) recognized the Office of the Sheriff for receiving Training Program Certification in 2016. Our agency was identified as meeting the high training stan-dards set forth by APCO International. Public safety agencies use the APCO International Agency Training Program Certification as a formal mechanism to ensure their training programs meet APCO American National Standards (ANS). Initial and continu-ing training for public safety telecommunicators is impor-tant as they provide essential services to the public in an expanding and rapidly changing environment.

"America's public safety communications agencies represent the first tier of emergency response," said APCO International President Brent Lee. "Ensuring that training programs and procedures are current, comprehensive, and effective is a key element to success in this role. Achieving APCO Agency Training Program Certification is proof of an agency's commitment to excellence and of their dedica-tion to the communities they serve."

The Office of the Sheriff was recognized at APCO’s 82nd Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando, Florida.

Office of the Sheriff Receives APCO Agency Training Program Certification

2016 Shop With a Cop This annual community holiday event took place on December 15, 2016. Deserv-ing children from the west county area were paired up with deputy sheriffs who took them out for some holiday fun and on a shopping spree for them and their families. In all, 21 children took part in the event. Shop with a Cop is a national program established to build positive relationships between law enforcement officers and the children of the community. Thank you to the YMCA in Rodeo and the many community partners who helped make this day special for the deserving children. More photos on page 2.

Annual Marsh Creek Detention Facility Wood Shop Toy Show The toy show celebrated its 25th year of bringing holiday cheer and gifts to deserving children throughout Contra Costa. Student-inmates at MCDF wood shop made over 1,100 wooden toys and refurbished 95 bicycles for non-profit agencies to select for children they serve. The toy show, a partner-ship between the Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa County Office of Education, benefits the student-inmates and community.

Sheriff’s Dispatcher II Christie Wendling recently set up a recruiting table at the annual San Ramon Bah Humbug Run. The Sheriff’s Office was one of the spon-sors of this holiday community event. Hundreds of people took part in the 5K run and walk. There was strong interest in the dispatch position.

2016 Shop With a Cop

Sheriff’s Holiday Movie NightMore than 350 Sheriff’s Office employees and their immediate family enjoyed the annual holiday movie night sponsored by Sheriff David O. Livingston and the Deputy Sheriffs Association. The event was held at the Brenden Theater in Concord. The movie was the Disney film Moana. Thank you to the Brenden Theater, sponsors, staff, and volun-teers who made the evening fun for all.

K9 CornerDEPLOYMENTS

On 11/15/16, Deputy Hadley assisted Homicide Detectives with the arrest of a murder suspect. Deputy Hadley was conducting surveillance on a house in Richmond when he saw the murder suspect exit. Deputy Hadley approached the suspect with K9 Donna at his side and gave the suspect commands to sur-render or Donna would be used to apprehend him. The suspect immediately complied with Deputy Hadley’s commands and was taken into custody. On 12/13/16, Deputy Pliler pulled up behind a stolen vehicle. The driver of the vehicle fled on foot and Deputy Pliler gave chase. The suspect ignored com-mands to stop or he would be apprehended by the K9. Deputy Pliler used the “door pop” remote to deploy K9 Argo, which apprehended the suspect by biting him on the his calf. Argo held onto the suspect until he could be handcuffed.

RETIREMENT Deputy Jeff Rodier will retire his K9 partner Gizmo in January 2017. Deputy Rodier started his career as a K9 handler in October 2011 and is the senior handler in the K9 unit. Deputy Rodier and Gizmo worked at Bay Sta-tion and Muir Station. After Gizmo is retired, Deputy Rodier will be assigned to Investigations as a Detective.

Delta Station and Santa Surpise Students at

Knightsen and Old River Elementary Schools in

Knightsen

APB is the official publication of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Identifying information: ISSN 1040-8967.

Office of the Sheriff E-Team - (left to right) Sheriff David O. Livingston, Undersheriff Mike Casten, Assistant Sheriff Elise Warren (Field Operations), Assistant Sheriff Mark Williams (Support Services), and Assistant Sheriff Matt Schuler (Custody Services).

Employees of the Month

Bay Point Holiday Party Hundreds of Bay Point residents attended the annual community holiday party at the Ambrose Community Center. 700 dinners were served while 1,400 toys were given out to children. This year’s generous donors included: Keller Canyon, Golden State Water Company, Criterion Catalysts and Technologies, Zion’s Disciples, and Walmart. Also contributing were: Henkel Aerospace, Delta Diablo Sanitation District, Contra Costa County Water District, La Aurora Market, and Mariner’s Liquors. And thanks to Captain Dan Hoffman for play-ing Santa!

Commendations Deputy Jason Giannini (Muir Station) was com-mended for the outstanding job he did consoling a little girl after her dog was vicious-ly killed by a pitbull in Bay Point. The incident was very traumatic for this little girl and her family. Deputy Gian-nini displayed a high level of compassion, professionalism, and dedication to the citizens he serves. Sergeant Justin Varady (Bay Station) was com-mended for his response to a call for service in El So-brante, where a victim had reported that someone had broken into his home and stabbed him. Sergeant Var-ady’s handling of the detail was excellent and resulted in a safe environment for all parties. This was a great demonstration of his leader-ship skills. Sergeant Michael Brown (Investigations Division) received a com-mendation for his contribu-tion as being instrumental in rebuilding the Vice Unit. Ser-geant Brown’s efforts were crucial in the negotiations of the 2016/2017 ABC GAP Grant, resulting in the award of fifty thousand dollars. He has also teamed up with the ABC to conduct LEADS training, shoulder tap opera-tions, IMPACT inspections, minor decoy operations, com-pliance checks, and line up trainings. Sergeant Brown’s continued efforts have made a significant impact on this unit. Sergeant Kevin Briggs (Investigation Division) was commended for his par-ticipation in the Community Service Unit. He has helped start numerous neighborhood watch groups, created new community partnerships, and implemented the radKIDS Personal Empowerment Safety Education program. Sergeant Briggs’ passion and dedication for the community he serves is evident in his every day work. Deputy Mario Alvernaz (Bay Station) received a commendation from long-time residents of Rodeo who witnessed an assault taking place. The couple expressed the “swift and rapid” re-sponse of Deputy Alvernaz, along with the professional-ism he displayed. The actions of Deputy Alvernaz resulted in a domestic violence investi-gation and arrest for misde-meanor domestic battery. Criminalist II Stacie Jeffries (along with Finger-print Examiner II Kathryn Novaes) was commended for developing a new procedure to upload palm prints to the national database for a wider search for potential matches. Jeffries demonstrated ini-tiative and perseverance in completing this challenging task.

Deputy Sheriff Crimi-nalist Terence Wong was selected as Forensic Services Division employee of the month for September 2016. He was nominated by Forensic Manag-er Debbie McKillop, who wrote the following: Deputy Sheriff Criminalist Wong served in both the Com-parative Evidence (Firearms) and Crime Scene Response Units. More recently, Wong received specialized computer forensics training through the FBI and is currently work-ing to help establish a Digital Evidence Unit within the Crime Laboratory. He has assisted the labo-ratory in several electronic projects aimed at modernizing and enhancing services and improving the quality and efficiency of operations. His ac-complishments include training CSI staff in the use of the 3D Leica Scanner and laboratory staff in the use and operations of Outlook. One project that has been instrumental in achieving laboratory enhancement goals is the creation and design of the electronic laboratory request form, known as the “Criminal-istics Request” form. This new document enables agenices to

submit requests for laboratory analysis using a streamlined process that ensures all neces-sary information is properly captured, eliminating unnec-essary processing delays. To support agencies through the transition from legacy carbon-based paper request forms to an electronic format, Wong designed training tools, which are available on ARIES. His contributions to our operation have assisted forensic scientists do better work and serve at the highest level of efficiency. Criminalist Richard Bowden was selected as Foren-sic Services Division employee of the month for October 2016. He was nominated by Forensic Manager Debbie McKillop, who wrote the following: Criminalist Richard Bowden joined the department in July of 2000. He has served in the Blood, Alcohol, and Toxicology Section as a Laboratory Aide, Toxicologist and Criminalist.In 2009, he attended his first JusticeTrax Users Group Meet-ing, where he learned the skills necessary to become the Admin-istrator of our laboratory infor-mation management system (LIMS). Over the past seven years, Bowden has developed a specialized set of computer skills enabling him to tailor the needs of the laboratory around his creative solutions available

through JusticeTrax. On a regular basis, Bowden uses his expertise to create and develop electronic solutions to our workflow challenges. Most recently, Bowden was chal-lenged with capturing electronic notes and designing a report for the Biology Unit, allowing staff the ability to screen biological evidence while documenting their findings using LIMS. This project required the design of note templates, report and an-nex, along with creating result types supported by extended data tables. His work prod-uct included ways to capture screening results, itemization, auto text, image capture, print-ing and traceability. During the design phase, Bowden was attentive to the needs of the Bi-ology Unit staff, and responded within days, providing draft designs and test cases for evalu-ation. He was receptive to staff feedback and acted immediately to resolve any identified issues. Due to Bowden’s diligence and focus on the immediate task, this project was able to be designed and implemented within 8 weeks, meeting the October 18, 2016 deadline. Criminalist III Da-Shing Peng was selected as Forensic Services Division employee of the month for November 2016. He was nominated by Forensic Supervisor Dawn Romano, who

wrote the following: Since 2014, Da-Shing Peng has served as the CODIS Ad-ministrator where he devotes hours out of his week to main-taining and updating our DNA database and CODIS server. He ensures that all DNA profiles being entered into CODIS are correct and meet the FBI’s requirements for entry. He up-loads the laboratory’s generated profiles to the states’ DNA data-base and handles dispositioning hits to other cases and known profiles within the DNA data-base. He is also responsible for updating the CHOP (California Hit Outcome Project) database which aids the law enforcement agenices and DA’s Office with real time notification of CODIS hits. In addition to those du-ties, Da-Shing recently has had many additonal projects, includ-ing preparing the lab for new FBI requirements. Da-Shing’s efforts help ensure that the lab provides the highest quality of services as it applies to DNA analysis and our database capabilities. Deputy J. Spiegel (WCDF) was selected as Custody Ser-vices Bureau Deputy of the Month. He was nominated by Sgt. Jacob Bell, who wrote the following:

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PROMOTIONS / UPGRADES / ASSIGNMENTSPromotions/Upgrades

Supervising Accountant Heike Anderson – FiscalBackground Investigator II – Matthew Bell

Information Systems Specialist Kevin Corson – Tech ServicesSheriff’s Communication Center Director Lisette Cortes – Dispatch

Clerk-Senior Level Rocio Echavarria – Records & IDSecretary-Advanced Level Denise Jensen – MDF Admin

Supervising Sheriff’s Dispatcher Natalie Moss – DispatchLead Detention Services Worker Jorge Perez – WCDF

AssignmentsCustody Services Bureau

Captain Kristi Butterfield – WCDF Sgt. Timothy Barden – Detention Sgt. Kimberly Cogo – Detention Sgt. David Cushman – Detention Sgt. Scott Dickerson – Detention Sgt. Mark Greenwood – Detention Sgt. William Odom – Detention Sgt. Howard Shiells – Detention Sgt. Erik Steele – Detention Sgt. James Williams – Detention Sgt. Michael Parrish – Courts Dep. Jose Arevalo – Courts Dep. Meagan Briggs – Courts Dep. Brian Cain – HSSU Dep. Zsuzsanna Danko – Courts Dep. Brian Fabel – Transportation Dep. Matthew Hernandez – Courts Dep. Edgardo Malabuen – Courts Dep. Robert Mullings – Courts Dep. Daniel Sosa – CAF

Dep. Paul Welge – Court Security Clerk-Exp. Level Angela Garvey – MDF Operations

Field Operations BureauLieutenant Kevyn Hom – Coroner Sgt. Adalberto Garibay – Patrol Sgt. Paul Harmon – Patrol Sgt. Andrew Jensen – Danville Sgt. Michael Jimenez – Patrol Sgt. Mark Johnson – Danville

Sgt. Berch Parker – Danville Sgt. Thomas Rossberg – Lafayette Sgt. Debra Williams – Patrol Dep. Darren Alcantara – Danville Dep. Neal Bassett – Lafayette Dep. Raymond Bechler – Danville Dep. Colin Balke – Investigations Dep. Andrew Hall – Danville

Dep. Tyler Hart – Blackhawk Dep. Kristine Hunter – K-9 Unit Dep. Jonathan Kirkham – Investigations Dep. Jay Melen – Investigations Dep. David McGinnis – Investigations Deputy John Potter – Orinda

Dep. Katie Rhoe – J Team Dep. Kyle Rhoton – Danville Dep. Jeff Rodier – Investigation Dep. Nikolaus Sponseller – Lafayette Dep. Alex Zonio – AC Transit CSO Daniel Jordan – Discovery Bay

Support Services BureauCaptain Jason Vorhauer – Tech Services

Sgt. Christina Holder – Recruiting & BackgroundsClerk-Senior Level Cathie Marlow – Criminalistics

Dear Captain Hoffman, I want to thank you again for allowing your staff to come to the City of Clay-ton to provide training to my officers. Your staff was informative and brought with them two very impressive pieces of police equipment, the Bearcat and the Mobile Command Vehicle. Lt. Bel-tran coordinated your staff (Deputies Patrick Mazerski, James Lang, Landy Hernan-dez-Sotelo, and Robert Dur-rer) and they did an excellent job explaining the purpose and abilities of both vehicles. I am sure these deputies represent themselves with distinction in the Sheriff’s Of-fice. If there is any time I can help your agency or if there are any resources you may require please don’t hesitate to ask. Respectfully, Chris Wenzel, Chief, Clayton PD

Dear Sheriff Livingston, On behalf of the Califor-nia Retired County Employ-ees Association (CRCEA) and the Contra Costa County Retired Employees Associa-tion (CCCREA), I would like to take a moment to thank you for allowing the members of your department who act as your department’s Color Guard and Chaplain to con-duct the opening ceremonies at our training conference in Walnut Creek in October. We are very aware that the deputies have an ex-tremely busy schedule, and we commend them for their willingness to take on this extra duty on behalf of a local community organiza-tion. Their professional appearance and performance of their requested task was flawless, and it highlighted

the start of our opening day proceedings. Our organiza-tion felt privileged that they could find time for our group. I look forward to pos-sibly working with you and your office in the future, and please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can ever repay you for the service provided to our organization. Sincerely, Mike Sloan Vice President, CRCEA President, CCCREA

Dear Sheriff Livingston, I am a student at Solano Community College. On No-vember 1, 2016, you had two of your department’s repre-sentatives attend a job fair at the college. Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department Dispatcher Jaime Enea and Deputy Devyn Hom were incredibly generous with their time and wealth of knowledge and experience. They made the students, who attended the job fair and me, feel welcomed and valued. Dispatcher Enea and Deputy Hom demonstrated teamwork, optimism, profes-sionalism, and approach-ability. I will never forget my conversation with them and their tremendous pride in their chosen profession. They clearly enjoy their work, as conveyed in their presence at the job fair, positive attitude – reflected in their demeanor and conversations with the students – and their very apparent concern and regard for the community. Thank you again for af-fording us the opportunity to meet and speak with Dis-patcher Enea and Deputy Hom. The time they spent with us was meaningful and memorable. Sincerely, Anthony Myrick Criminal Justice Student

LETTERS

Employees from previous page

Deputy Spiegel is currently assigned as a cover deputy at WCDF, with a collateral assign-ment as a S.E.R.T. member. Deputy Spiegel is always proac-tive with searching inmate cells and writing inmate disciplinary reports. One specific example of Deputy Spiegel’s work ethic and dedication is when he conducted a cell search. Deputy Spiegel randomly searched a number of printed e-mails in possession of an inmate. Deputy Spiegel be-lieved some of the e-mails may be pertinent to the inmate’s case. He gathered many emails and documented the informa-tion in a crime report. Deputy Spiegel researched the inmate’s charges and re-called seeing an informational bulletin regarding the inmate’s case. The inmate had been arrested for an armed bank rob-bery in Brentwood. Deputy Spiegel contacted the Brentwood PD Detective assigned the case, who indi-cated they had not obtained a confession from the inmate. The detective also said as a result of reading the e-mails located by Deputy Spiegel, he was able to identify two possible accomplic-es and new evidence that would strengthen the case. Deputy Sheriff Thomas Brook (Bay Station) was selected as the Field Operations Bureau Deputy of the Month for November 2016. He was nomi-nated by Sgt. Justin Varady, who wrote the following: In November, Deputy Brook conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in Pinole. Dep-uty Brook identified the driver as a known gang member, who was on active felony probation. Deputy Brook searched the driver and the vehicle. Deputy Brook found over ten thousand

dollars in cash and marijuana packaged for sale. During his investigation, Deputy Brook contacted the DA’s Office in an effort to seize the money he had located. Deputy Brook explained what he had found during his search. The DA’s Of-fice authorized the asset seizure of the currency. The driver was subsequently arrested and booked at MDF. Just two days later, Dep-uty Brook conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in El Sobrante. Deputy Brook contacted the driver and the passenger of the vehicle. Deputy Brook had Dispatch conduct a records check on the two occupants and determined they were both on probation and the driver had an active arrest warrant. Deputy Brook detained the occupants and searched their vehicle. During his search he located marijuana packaged for sale, methamphet-amine packaged for sale, a digi-tal scale and ammunition. Both occupants were subsequently arrested and booked at MDF. Detention Service Worker Justin Gillilan (MDF) was selected as the Custody Services Bureau Employee of the Month. He was nominated by Berna-dine Porche, Martinez Deten-tion Service Worker Supervisor, who wrote the following: DSW Gillilan exhibits team-work and initiative in perform-ing his daily responsibilities. In addition to his regular weekend duties in the Martinez Deten-tion Facility, he finds other areas that need attention, like shampooing carpets, buffing tiled floors, and scrubbing hard floors. DSW Gillilan is a team player and he always offers help to his co-workers. When he is finished with his own work assignments, he always looks for extra projects that need attention. DSW Gillilan always

POST Certificates AwardedBasic

John Charles BautistaDanielle CaredioAndrew Harry

IntermediateSarah Ballard

David HallJames Matthew

Public Safety Dispatcher Advanced CertificateTomeka Thomas

looks for ways to improve his personal skills, such as learn-ing new equipment and reading technical manuals. Sheriff’s Ranger Timothy Brown was selected as Custody Services Bureau Employee of the Month. He was nominated by Sgt. Jason Watkins, who wrote the following: In September, Ranger Timo-thy Brown was assigned to the security post at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse. An individual entered the courthouse and placed a metal cane on the x-ray ma-chine’s conveyor belt. Ranger Brown started the machine and scanned the cane and the person’s property. Immediately, Ranger Brown saw something he believed to be a large knife, hidden inside the cane. Ranger Brown stopped the x-ray ma-chine and took control of the cane. This action kept the cane from the subject and allowed Ranger Brown to confirm what he saw on the monitor. Ranger Brown notified the deputy working the post of what he had found. The deputy took the cane from Ranger Brown and arrested the subject for posses-sion of a cane sword. Later that day, Ranger Brown prevented a person from bringing drugs into the courthouse, leading to another arrest. In November, Ranger Brown was assigned to the same secu-rity post. A person entered the courthouse and placed her be-longings on the x-ray machine to be scanned. As the tray went through the x-ray machine, Ranger Brown saw what he believed to be a large knife with brass knuckles in the subject’s purse. Ranger Brown stopped the x-ray and took control of the purse and found a large fold-ing knife with a brass knuckle handle. Ranger Brown alerted the post deputy, and the person

was arrested for possession of a dangerous weapon. Ranger Brown’s actions pre-vented dangerous weapons and drugs from entering the court-house and protected citizens, court staff, and his co-workers. Deputy James Matthew (MDF) was selected as Custody Services Bureau Deputy of the Month. He was nominated by Sgt. Dennis Curran, who wrote the following: Deputy Matthew has been assigned to the MDF for the past year and a half. During that time, he has developed the skills necessary to work any module, including the intake module. His daily attention to detail and organization skills assure that Red Team runs as efficiently as possible. Part of

Deputy Matthew’s responsibili-ties include: processing new inmates, making sure inmates have been medically screened and seen by Classification, completing the PREA question-naires, and directing other dep-uties with various tasks. The rapport Deputy Matthew has established with his co-workers and personnel from WCDF makes inner-jail transport run smooth, with little supervision. Deputy Matthew is an FTO. Deputy Matthew provides his trainees with his knowledge of module operations to include inmate management and how to manage those inmates with the most successful outcome. These are only a few examples of Deputy Matthew’s teamwork and work product.