Of more than 700 people who applied for a CCW permit in Santa Clara County in the past six years, records show that fewer than 150 ever received one. Her previous work can be found in the Associated Press, U.S. News and World Report, Chicago Tribune and San Francisco Chronicle. When elected, I will end this policy within the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office," she said. Did you feel a little awkward pulling out a gun at Starbucks and showing it to Captain Jensen? Deputy District Attorney John Chase asked Sanders when he testified later before a criminal grand jury. "I'm 100% in favor of full transparency. 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.If elected, he would be a different kind of sheriff from Smith, who had once been his professional partner. He has been an independent consultant since his retirement and has taught new recruits and law-enforcement managers. Laurie Smith (born June 21, 1952) was the 28th Sheriff of Santa Clara County, California, serving from 1998 until her early retirement in 2022 when under indictment for corruption. He was later raised in San Francisco after his mother remarried a "functional alcoholic.". The city also paid out $135,000 after a Palo Alto officer directed a K-9 to repeatedly bite a man who was sleeping in a shed during a manhunt for a kidnapping suspect. You can't take the Fifth. Jensen also reportedly took private meetings with VIP applicants outside the Sheriffs Office, sometimes at a nearby Starbucks or Jamba Juice on Coleman Avenue. Can we please prosecute these people? Back-room beatings make people afraid to go against the shot-callers, he said. But hes far from convinced shes finished. [4], Two inmates escaped from custody in San Jose in November 2016. Can California's power grid handle a 15-fold increase in electric cars? 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. Santa Clara County leaders on the Fentanyl Working Group, like Santa Clara County Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine's Dr. Rachel Sussman, agrees, especially when it comes to youth drug use. A high number of mentally ill and the unhoused need more access to social services, education, treatment and housing, she said. The first witness in the civil corruption trial against Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith testified Friday. 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. Jensen faces the most serious charges in the case in large part because grand jury testimony painted him as the trusted linchpin of the operation. In this policy there's a lot of focus on mental health and the severely mentally ill. By cooling-off periods for inmates, we slowed things down a lot," she said. Did it seem a little odd that instead of this guy going to the Sheriff's Office and handling his business, he was doing it at Starbucks? Deputy District Attorney John Chase asked Cooks during his second round of testimony. "I was booked, stripped and housed on the same floor where Michael Tyree got murdered," he said, referring to a mentally ill inmate who was beaten to death by sheriff's deputies in 2015. Jensen, who remained involved in CCW issuance even after getting promoted out of the PIO unit. Sentencing in such a case could normally result in her removal from office, but the sheriff's surprise resignation two months before the end of her sixth term makes that punishment moot. Did you come up with that explanation on your own or is that something that Capt. The sheriff said her office may consider releasing the requested information in the case as long as there are no negative repercussions to the victims and their families. I have been in contact with Sen. Becker and his office about SB 1000 and support it 100%. Neither Sheriff Smith nor her PIOs are accused of any crimes. However, persons residing in a municipality other than those served by the Sheriffs Office are encouraged to first contact their local police chief and apply for the license. Under Jonsen, the department banned neck holds and advocated for the new public safety building, which is under construction. Voters either looked the other way or people didnt have a lot of knowledge or interest.. He would also work to instill an ethic of maturity and patience in correctional facility officers, who often face trying circumstances with defiant inmates, he said.He said that the sheriff's office should still run the jail, but he is willing to listen to members of the Board of Supervisors who think it should go back to the way it was before Smith took control. 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. I also hear that the going rate for a CCW permit expedite fee was $20,000. 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. Calls friendship with Christopher Schumb a fatal conflict that cannot be ignored and impediment to fair trial. If the board of supervisors says 'Why are you doing this?' He would have a no-tolerance policy for corruption, discrimination or misconduct, including racist, sexist or homophobic speech and actions.Allen said he would work to create a culture in which anyone in the sheriff's office could come forward to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. 16. A job prospect led him to San Jose, where his wife spotted a recruitment sign for deputy sheriffs. TownSquare If you've had an incident, be honest and let me know. Shortly after Smiths 2018 re-election her most competitive contest to date the Metro newspaper asked the DAs office about the $45,000 donation. Allen said he has seen an increase in the number of inmates with mental illness during his career. 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.In 2021, after outcry from the public about the council's approval of the change, Jonsen complied with the council's reversal of the prior decision. Santa Clara County sheriff candidates Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. Jonsen and his wife, a doctor, have two sons and a young grandson. Wed, Mar 01, 2023 . She was born and raised in Miami and is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she studied journalism and environmental science. Jonsen said he worked hard during the pandemic to retain a dedicated public information officer to address media . He has extensive experience working in corrections and as a trainer and isn't shy about standing up for what he believes in and speaking out about the improvements he believes are needed. Feds drop felony gun case days after defense argued SFPD illegally arrested, searched defendant His department began recording hate incidents after local hate crimes and incidents increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. A job prospect led him to San Jose, where his wife spotted a recruitment sign for deputy sheriffs. First of all, thank you for the bit honest reporting. Christine Nagaye A reformer who supports 'full transparency'Christine Nagaye has used challenges throughout her life to achieve her goals. He would tell his deputies: "Follow the mission. Jensen, you would just stick it in a filing cabinet?. The grand jury testimony gives the first inside look at the casual way the process worked: Jensen would make house calls to deliver VIPs their gun-permit paperwork, at least once to a judge, and in a few instances, to players for the San Jose Sharks. Contact Us. Nagaye said she believes in de-escalation techniques and training deputies to talk people in crisis down. In most agencies that use a 10 code, the common term is '103' to go to a different channel for confidential information. Robert was a member of the Bay Area News Group reporting team awarded the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Reporting for East Bay Times coverage of the fatal "Ghost Ship" fire. It doesn't always need to be a disciplinary approach. Jensen, Low said processed the paperwork, figuring there must be an exemption for people who spend enough of their work week in the jurisdiction. 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. Another man, Julio Arevalo, filed a $10 million federal lawsuit after an officer slammed him to the ground and shattered his eye-socket bone in 2019. Jonsen will be the 29th sheriff of Santa Clara County and the first new sheriff since 1998. James Jensen, attorneys Harpaul Nahal and Christopher Schumb and gun dealer Michael Nichols go to trial on Nov. 2. The Sheriff's Office has been dogged by allegations of corruption. We're not adequately trained to provide long-term care for people," he said.He supports more mental health care facilities for inmates with psychiatric conditions. I'm not above anything. 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. 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. I would be there and listening," she said.Nagaye said she is a born leader. "I'm 100% in favor of full transparency. "Jail reform and use of forceNagaye supports having a civilian watchdog to audit law enforcement practices and the management of the county jails. The Sheriff holds an elected office, which is voted on by the citizens of the County every four years. Reach him the low-tech way at 408-920-5002. It goes a long way. 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. It came with an implicit message: Pay up, and soon youll be packing heat. 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. Sgt. County of Santa Clara. I have been in contact with Sen. Becker and his office about SB 1000 and support it 100%. "Compassion, respect and integrity. And yet, Dr. Sussman says they are dying from drugs more than ever before. 2,995 were here. Nagaye's husband is of Japanese ancestry and they have biracial daughters. Smith said during a news conference that an in-depth review is necessary to get the true facts.. That would be a violation of state law, which requires a response be given within 90 days. He is the only candidate who has been at the helm of a law-enforcement agency, he noted. He lives in south San Jose with his wife and blended family of four children.Endorsements: The Rev. "I was booked, stripped and housed on the same floor where Michael Tyree got murdered," he said, referring to a mentally ill inmate who was beaten to death by sheriff's deputies in 2015.He didn't let his experience embitter him. General Contact Information: Main Number: (408) 299-5151 Media Line: (408) 299-5119 Office of the County Executive 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 Inside (https://www.sanjoseinside.com) Four days later, Nielsen, now cooperating with the DA and carrying a cellphone equipped with a recording app, met with Jensen at Starbucks. Again going by Jensens instructions, he said hed typically blame the delays on something out of his control. "The number one change she would make as sheriff is increasing transparency. But a short time later, their cover was blown although it would take months more before the sheriffs office realized it. She said she is concerned about hate crimes, which have dramatically increased in the Bay Area. Phone: (408) 299-7500. She's used competitive body building to push herself to new heights. He is a former president of the California Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. 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. By showing our complete transparency, it's going to build trust in the community again. There's already a common practice in law enforcement to switch to a different channel for private conversations. He would institute listening sessions with the community and hear about any problems people have with deputies or other personnel, he said.The most important quality he wants in his deputiesAllen wants employees with integrity, commitment, objectivity and who are problem solvers. He is a former Santa Clara County Correctional Peace Officers' Association board member and a lifelong martial artist and instructor. Both required discipline and commitment, attributes she said are important to achieve success and to lead. It was the first prosecutors had heard of it, and they dug in. Become a member today. Tehama County Sheriffs Office resuming daytime patrols Sunday Back-room beatings make people afraid to go against the shot-callers, he said.Jensen said the county can't incarcerate its way out of its problems, but he supports a new jail with mental health services and a collaborative approach to care by working with other agencies to address the problems that lead to crime and recidivism.TransparencyJensen said he would run a transparent sheriff's office that would openly communicate with the people it serves rather than hide information. Jonsen notes that after fully encrypting radio communications, his department launched a "Calls for Service" interactive map that shows incidents to which officers have responded in the past 24 hours. 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. The sheriff has come under attack after allegations of abuse and mismanagement in the county's jails. After attending high school in Novato, he spent 27 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "Putting mentally ill people in jail with a bunch of cops (is a bad idea). If the records clean, they can sign up for a class to prove firearm proficiency. Related Articles Jensen told you to say? Braker asked. Growing up mostly in east San Jose, he used to go to a local church for free food when he was 15 and living with his mother, who misused substances. Promotions, About Us 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.. He would support deputizing mental health professionals to work in the jails. I want to make it very clear that I support all of the investigations, Smith said Tuesday. Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff 3 years 10 months Public Information Officer (PIO) Apr 2021 - Present1 year 2 months Deputy Sheriff Aug 2018 - Apr 20212 years 9 months Office. Lets see what the truth is.. On a small town road in unincorporated Gilroy on Monday, the deadly opioid crisis reared its head once again. We spoke with a group of friends at the home who said they were going to visit one of the victims in the hospital. [5] Two more inmates escaped from custody in Palo Alto in November 2017.[6]. 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. You can't take the Fifth. A look inside San Jose politics and culture. Nagaye, 50, has been with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department for 20 years and has been a supervising sergeant for six years. "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. During his more than three-decade career, Jonsen has taken on a number of law enforcement roles, both professional and fictional: He once held an intergalactic position as a stormtrooper in the original Star Wars movie, according to his candidate webpage. While favoring "true transparency and information sharing," he also warned that there won't be enough staffing in the near future to accommodate separate encrypted communications about searches of databases for protected personal information. Santa Clara County: Who can build trust? Christine Nagaye A reformer who supports 'full transparency'. He would wear the uniform and be out in the community and working alongside his deputies. They declined to speak on camera, but they told us the fentanyl crisis is truly getting out of hand. Crime and Public Safety | If you have any questions about the videos posted on here, please contact the Public Information Officer at 408-808 . He would also work to instill an ethic of maturity and patience in correctional facility officers, who often face trying circumstances with defiant inmates, he said. If we don't have a seat at the table, we don't deserve the trust," he said. "Regional systems like SVRIA (Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority) would need to have a voice in the regional interoperability considerations as well. 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. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is a local law enforcement agency that serves Santa Clara County, California.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. She said she would have an ongoing "meet the deputies" program to improve the agency's relationship with the community. Colorado cop shot and killed unarmed man at point-blank range after struggle outside middle school, video shows Nagaye said she would also be transparent with the media and would be responsive when the media comes to an event. Thinking you can't be held accountable is narcissistic. 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. Ms. Wadsworth wrote, State law gives sheriffs sole discretion to grant the permits, known as CCWs. I see the problems on a day-to-day basis and problems the deputies face," she said. Jonsen moved north to become Menlo Park's police chief in 2013, and then he became Palo Alto's chief in 2018. As a sergeant in the jails, he has trained officers in de-escalation techniques to better handle inmates in crisis. L.A. wants to evict families living in luxury hotel since botched 2021 fireworks detonation I mean, sitting here at a grand jury after my phone has been confiscated, yes.. He has worked for a sizable chunk of his career in the same jail where he was once incarcerated as a scared teenager.Allen, 51, is a 32-year veteran and sergeant of the sheriff's office. Otherwise, your forms go into a filing cabinet on the fourth floor of the sheriffs Younger Avenue office, never to be looked at again. Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith speaks during a news conference May 26. Sign up for our. 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