Orange County Grand Jury • 2017-2018

Competition or Collaboration Orange County’s Public Agency Helicopters Competition or Collaboration – Orange County’s

Published: June 22, 2018 32 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 11 findings

F1
Operating fifteen public agency helicopters in a busy and compressed airspace necessitates close cooperation and communication.
Related Recommendations (6)
R1
By October 1, 2018, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider forming and implementing an Orange County air operations safety council under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9)
R2
By September 1, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should implement the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCFA to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F8)
R3
By September 1, 2018, Orange County Fire Authority management should develop and present its board with proposed procedures for how to work cooperatively with Orange County Sheriff’s Department as OCSD implements the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCSD to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F9)
R5
By December 15, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority should evaluate potential costs and operational benefits of colocating their air units at the Fullerton Airport. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department should plan on presenting this evaluation to the Board of Supervisors and publicly post. The Orange County Fire Authority should prepare and present this evaluation to their board and publicly post it. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F10, F11)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
R7
By January 15, 2019, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority and the cities of Huntington Beach and Anaheim air support units should consider the benefits of a leadership plan that brings a manager with pilot experience into positions above the unit level. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9, F10) RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933(c) “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head or any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. . . . ” §933.05 “(a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.” Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code §933.05 are required from: Responses Required:
F2
While responding to search and rescue events, Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Authority helicopters have flown too close to each other without adequate communication or coordination, which behavior could result in flight safety issues.
Related Recommendations (6)
R1
By October 1, 2018, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider forming and implementing an Orange County air operations safety council under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9)
R2
By September 1, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should implement the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCFA to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F8)
R3
By September 1, 2018, Orange County Fire Authority management should develop and present its board with proposed procedures for how to work cooperatively with Orange County Sheriff’s Department as OCSD implements the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCSD to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F9)
R5
By December 15, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority should evaluate potential costs and operational benefits of colocating their air units at the Fullerton Airport. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department should plan on presenting this evaluation to the Board of Supervisors and publicly post. The Orange County Fire Authority should prepare and present this evaluation to their board and publicly post it. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F10, F11)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
R7
By January 15, 2019, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority and the cities of Huntington Beach and Anaheim air support units should consider the benefits of a leadership plan that brings a manager with pilot experience into positions above the unit level. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9, F10) RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933(c) “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head or any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. . . . ” §933.05 “(a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.” Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code §933.05 are required from: Responses Required:
F3
Some air crew members and management personnel of the Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County law enforcement air support units have expressed serious concerns regarding each other’s flight safety and aerial rescue operations.
Related Recommendations (7)
R1
By October 1, 2018, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider forming and implementing an Orange County air operations safety council under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9)
R2
By September 1, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should implement the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCFA to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F8)
R3
By September 1, 2018, Orange County Fire Authority management should develop and present its board with proposed procedures for how to work cooperatively with Orange County Sheriff’s Department as OCSD implements the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCSD to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F9)
R4
By January 15, 2019, the Orange County Fire Authority in collaboration with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should identify and implement methods for its paramedics to operate jointly with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Air Support Unit in its search and rescue operations to the maximum extent practical. (F3, F6, F11).
R5
By December 15, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority should evaluate potential costs and operational benefits of colocating their air units at the Fullerton Airport. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department should plan on presenting this evaluation to the Board of Supervisors and publicly post. The Orange County Fire Authority should prepare and present this evaluation to their board and publicly post it. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F10, F11)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
R7
By January 15, 2019, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority and the cities of Huntington Beach and Anaheim air support units should consider the benefits of a leadership plan that brings a manager with pilot experience into positions above the unit level. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9, F10) RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933(c) “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head or any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. . . . ” §933.05 “(a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.” Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code §933.05 are required from: Responses Required:
F4
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has sufficient staffing, equipment, and training to implement the Board of Supervisors’ resolution that the Sheriff should be the lead agency for remote/off-road search and rescues.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
By September 1, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should implement the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCFA to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F8)
R3
By September 1, 2018, Orange County Fire Authority management should develop and present its board with proposed procedures for how to work cooperatively with Orange County Sheriff’s Department as OCSD implements the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCSD to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F9)
F5
Orange County public agencies have substantially more helicopters per square mile than any county in southern California, which provides opportunity for further cost- benefit analysis.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
F6
Sheriff’s helicopters and pilots with fire department paramedics onboard are used in many other California counties, including San Bernardino, San Diego, and Santa Barbara and have proven to be an effective combination.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4
By January 15, 2019, the Orange County Fire Authority in collaboration with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should identify and implement methods for its paramedics to operate jointly with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Air Support Unit in its search and rescue operations to the maximum extent practical. (F3, F6, F11).
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
F7
Orange County’s public aviation units lack inter-agency coordination, inhibiting efficient and cost-effective resource utilization.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
By October 1, 2018, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider forming and implementing an Orange County air operations safety council under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9)
R5
By December 15, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority should evaluate potential costs and operational benefits of colocating their air units at the Fullerton Airport. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department should plan on presenting this evaluation to the Board of Supervisors and publicly post. The Orange County Fire Authority should prepare and present this evaluation to their board and publicly post it. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F10, F11)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
R7
By January 15, 2019, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority and the cities of Huntington Beach and Anaheim air support units should consider the benefits of a leadership plan that brings a manager with pilot experience into positions above the unit level. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9, F10) RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933(c) “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head or any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. . . . ” §933.05 “(a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.” Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code §933.05 are required from: Responses Required:
F8
Orange County Sheriff’s Department does not have mid- to senior-level leadership with prior pilot experience who can provide appropriate oversight for flight operations and help resolve interagency issues.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
By October 1, 2018, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider forming and implementing an Orange County air operations safety council under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9)
R2
By September 1, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should implement the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCFA to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F8)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
R7
By January 15, 2019, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority and the cities of Huntington Beach and Anaheim air support units should consider the benefits of a leadership plan that brings a manager with pilot experience into positions above the unit level. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9, F10) RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933(c) “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head or any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. . . . ” §933.05 “(a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.” Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code §933.05 are required from: Responses Required:
F9
Orange County Fire Authority does not have mid- to senior-level leadership with prior pilot experience who can provide appropriate oversight for flight operations and help resolve interagency issues.
Related Recommendations (4)
R1
By October 1, 2018, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider forming and implementing an Orange County air operations safety council under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9)
R3
By September 1, 2018, Orange County Fire Authority management should develop and present its board with proposed procedures for how to work cooperatively with Orange County Sheriff’s Department as OCSD implements the Board of Supervisors’ resolution identifying OCSD as the lead agency for wilderness, remote/off-road Search and Rescue and work with OCSD to establish procedures for communications while either party is providing assistance or backup. (F1, F2, F3, F4, F9)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
R7
By January 15, 2019, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority and the cities of Huntington Beach and Anaheim air support units should consider the benefits of a leadership plan that brings a manager with pilot experience into positions above the unit level. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9, F10) RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933(c) “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head or any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. . . . ” §933.05 “(a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.” Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code §933.05 are required from: Responses Required:
F10
Orange County air support units could benefit from colocating at Fullerton Airport where they can leverage existing facilities.
Related Recommendations (3)
R5
By December 15, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority should evaluate potential costs and operational benefits of colocating their air units at the Fullerton Airport. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department should plan on presenting this evaluation to the Board of Supervisors and publicly post. The Orange County Fire Authority should prepare and present this evaluation to their board and publicly post it. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F10, F11)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)
R7
By January 15, 2019, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority and the cities of Huntington Beach and Anaheim air support units should consider the benefits of a leadership plan that brings a manager with pilot experience into positions above the unit level. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F8, F9, F10) RESPONSES The following excerpts from the California Penal Code provide the requirements for public agencies to respond to the findings and recommendations of this Grand Jury report: §933(c) “No later than 90 days after the grand jury submits a final report on the operations of any public agency subject to its reviewing authority, the governing body of the public agency shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body and every elected county officer or agency head for which the grand jury has responsibility pursuant to Section 914.1 shall comment to the presiding judge of the superior court, with an information copy sent to the board of supervisors, on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of that county officer or agency head or any agency or agencies which that officer or agency head supervises or controls. In any city and county, the mayor shall also comment on the findings and recommendations. All of these comments and reports shall forthwith be submitted to the presiding judge of the superior court who impaneled the grand jury. A copy of all responses to grand jury reports shall be placed on file with the clerk of the public agency and the office of the county clerk, or the mayor when applicable, and shall remain on file in those offices. . . . ” §933.05 “(a) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefor. (b) For purposes of subdivision (b) of Section 933, as to each grand jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the grand jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation therefor. (c) However, if a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the board of supervisors shall respond if requested by the grand jury, but the response of the board of supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.” Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code §933.05 are required from: Responses Required:
F11
Several nearby counties have gained efficiencies by successfully consolidating their sheriffs' and fire agencies’ air support units into one organization within each county.
Related Recommendations (3)
R4
By January 15, 2019, the Orange County Fire Authority in collaboration with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department should identify and implement methods for its paramedics to operate jointly with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Air Support Unit in its search and rescue operations to the maximum extent practical. (F3, F6, F11).
R5
By December 15, 2018, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority should evaluate potential costs and operational benefits of colocating their air units at the Fullerton Airport. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department should plan on presenting this evaluation to the Board of Supervisors and publicly post. The Orange County Fire Authority should prepare and present this evaluation to their board and publicly post it. (F1, F2, F3, F7, F10, F11)
R6
By January 15, 2019, the Board of Supervisors, in coordination with the affected agencies, should consider a plan for a centralized approach to public agency air support including colocating and eventually consolidating the various Orange County city and county aerial support units. (F1, F2, F3, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11)

Agency Responses 4

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Orange County Board of Supervisors Elected County Office