Coffee with OC's Top Cop

Coffee with OC’s TOP COP Sheriff Sandra Hutchens

North Orange County Chamber (NOCC) investors recently gathered for an intimate gathering with Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, OC’s Top Cop.

Sheriff Hutchens, who is retiring this year, was elected as the 12th Sheriff-Coroner for Orange County in June 2010 after first accepting an appointment from the Orange County Board of Supervisors to serve out a two-year term of her predecessor. The Sheriff rose through the ranks of law enforcement and now leads more than 3,800 sworn and professional men and women who serve in areas as diverse as Patrol Operations, Criminal and Special Investigations, the County’s Crime Lab and the courts, Coroner’s Office. In addition, she oversees those who serve in Orange County’s five jails that collectively comprise the eighth largest jail system in the nation.

CSUF's Captains Carl Jones (left) and Scott Willey (right) with Sarah McKelvey, NOCC Director of Marketing & Community Relations.

Guests in attendance included Fullerton Mayor, Doug Chaffee, and La Habra Mayor, Tim Shaw. Javier Solis, NOCC Board Chair, opened the program by emphasizing the importance of business collaboration with agencies, such as the Orange County Sheriff Department in order to work together to find solutions to issues we face daily.

Javier Solis, NOCC Board Chair, with Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, OC's Top Cop, just before opening remarks.

During her remarks, Sheriff Hutchens gave an insider view of how the Orange County Sheriff’s Department manages difficult issues such as impacts of California criminal justice reform, efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, and school safety --- all while maintaining OC’s quality of life.

The session also addressed the guests concerns regarding public safety, especially in our schools, and how a new standardized program APT – Assess, Prepare, Train – would assist school districts and law enforcement to prepare and prevent critical incidents on campuses.

Attendees engaged in Sheriff Sandra Hutchens' insightful presentation and Q&A session

Sheriff Hutchens concluded the program stating, “One of the top ways to keep your city safe is through community engagement. You are the eyes and ears of your community.”

One of the top ways to keep your city safe is through community engagement. You are the eyes and ears of your community.”

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens