Jonsen will be the 29th sheriff of Santa Clara County and the first new sheriff since 1998. "We rewrote and reworked the policy to make sense for this day and age. 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. Your contribution matters. A week later, the DAs office served search warrants at the sheriffs headquarters. "My exposure to these things has given me a different insight," he said. I had no discretion whether or not somebody were to get a permit. 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. Our jail is among the 100 systems nationwide with an inmate population of more than 1,000. As a sergeant in the jails, he has trained officers in de-escalation techniques to better handle inmates in crisis.As sheriff, he would make mental health treatment a priority and would work collaboratively with other police agencies and county and state agencies to address issues that lead to incarceration, including homelessness, substance abuse and mental illness.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. He rose to the rank of captain and held the post of assistant chief in the Department of Correction for two years. Its a stretch to ask voters to believe that these are all altruistic decisions by the defendants, Percival said. 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. Blogs "I know where the bad apples are. "They immediately applied life-saving measures and applied Narcan to every individual in that household," Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office PIO Sgt. Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith speaks during a news conference May 26. As a sergeant in the jails, he has trained officers in de-escalation techniques to better handle inmates in crisis. Jensen worked in the sheriff's office for more than 29 years, retiring in 2013. Smith, who announced her retirement on Monday while the jury was deliberating, faced the charges in a civil trial that had been filed by a Santa County Civil Grand Jury in December. But a short time later, their cover was blown although it would take months more before the sheriffs office realized it. Sheriff Campaign Scandal: 4 Indicted in Concealed Carry 'Pay to Play SAN JOSE, CA - AUGUST 31: Santa Clara County Sheriff's Captain James Jensen is photographed outside of the Hall of Justice on Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in San Jose, Calif. Jensen was arraigned. Newly-elected Santa Clara County Sheriff start early in wake of We spoke with a group of friends at the home who said they were going to visit one of the victims in the hospital. Jonsen said he worked hard during the pandemic to retain a dedicated public information officer to address media . "My time in the military is a key component. But absent more evidence, the biggest threat to the sheriff appears to be political rather than criminal. Mobile site. 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. The case is still pending.Jonsen and his wife, a doctor, have two sons and a young grandson.Endorsements: Police chiefs and top law enforcement including those in Los Altos and Menlo Park; multiple members of Jonsen's community advisory group, among others.Website: bob4sheriff.comWhy he says he's the best-qualified candidateJonsen pointed to his years of experience as a chief and leader of law enforcement organizations that depend on professional experience to thrive. The false arrest "gave me the determination to become a law enforcement officer who is fair, just and treats everyone I encounter equally.". In most agencies that use a 10 code, the common term is '103' to go to a different channel for confidential information. That was the process before I started, Glennon answered. Her position was if she had the application but never started the background, she was within the Penal Code, he said. Law Enforcement Agency - Serving & Protecting since 1850 - Follow us on Facebook & Twitter But, she says the next step is preventing overdoses before they happen. Allen said he would be a hands-on sheriff. I can bring together diverse groups of people. 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. 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The sheriff should hold his or herself to the same standards as the public. I would take things to heart and they would get an answer," she said. "It's scary. The sheriff should hold his or herself to the same standards as the public. God knows we need more of it. 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. He has served in patrol, the gang unit, as a reserve training officer, administrative training officer, emergency response team leader and training officer, housing unit training officer in the jails and academy instructor. Jensen told you to say? Braker asked. Police said that the shooting was reported at 3:14 p.m. PT on . A high number of mentally ill and the unhoused need more access to social services, education, treatment and housing, she said. All rights reserved. Related Articles Sheriff Robert Jonsen Sheriff's Office Facebook Page Sheriff's Office Twitter Feed Sheriff's Office Instagram Feed Contact Us 55 West Younger Avenue San Jose, CA 95110-1721 Phone: (408) 808-4400 Toll Free: (800) 211-2220 Fax: (408) 294-2467 Email: so.website@shf.sccgov.org Crime and Public Safety | He also understands both sides of the law due to his early arrest and the racism he has encountered within the system. Can we please prosecute these people? Jensen. Become a Member 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. Grand jurors were told that Jensen said in an interview with a DA investigator that it was Sung who told him to direct the first $45,000 to Schumb. Endorsements: The Rev. Jensen, you would just stick it in a filing cabinet?. If someone is getting into the job so they can chase a person, they aren't right for the job, he said. "Unfortunately, three of . "For 27 years, I worked for a sheriff's organization. The sheriff has come under attack after allegations of abuse and mismanagement in the county's jails. I can bring together diverse groups of people. When asked who was the driving force in processing CCWs, former PIO Richard Glennon testified, Captain Jensen by far. But Glennons clear understanding was that Jensen was acting at Smiths behest. It goes a long way. The Sheriff holds an elected office, which is voted on by the citizens of the County every four years. Now THAT would be a real investigative story. PR MediaRelease SAN JOSE, Calif. - Santa Clara County Sheriff-elect Bob Jonsen will assume his duties one month early after his embattled predecessor abruptly resigned in October. That was the explanation they were providing., But did you ever get to it? Braker continued. 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. I have been in contact with Sen. Becker and his office about SB 1000 and support it 100%. 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. He is the only candidate who has been at the helm of a law-enforcement agency, he noted. Her failure to produce documents to the county's Office of Correction and Law Enforcement Monitoring caused the county Board of Supervisors to unanimously confer a vote of no confidence on her last August.She now faces potential removal from office after being accused by a civil grand jury of corrupt misconduct. The incident was a brazen riff on Californias carefully crafted concealed-gun permit law, but it emerges as typical of Santa Clara Countys freewheeling, pay-to-play version of the process, as alleged in testimony detailed in 900 pages of grand jury transcripts released late last month. I'm not above anything. Supervisors Joe Simitan and Otto Lee called for the public release of a report and audio recording related to a 2018 incident involving Andrew Hogan, a mentally ill man who became severely disabled after he was repeatedly injured while riding in a jail transport van unrestrained. Garrick Percival, chair of the political science department at San Jose State University, said the public will be skeptical that the defendants acted on their own despite needing Smiths signature to carry out the plot, especially given that shes faced a multitude of accusations and lawsuits over the issue in the past. He looks for people who are willing to do the right thing even if it's not popular, he said. Reginald Cooks, the first PIO from the sheriffs custody division, assumed the role in 2017 and worked over the ensuing couple of years alongside Glennon at first and later with then-Deputy Michael Low. Jonsen moved north to become Menlo Park's police chief in 2013, and then he became Palo Alto's chief in 2018. Checking all three boxes gets a permit seeker to the next stage, a background check. 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 represent the diversity of Santa Clara County. Back-room beatings make people afraid to go against the shot-callers, he said. Newsroom - County of Santa Clara When someone sent an application through the mail or dropped it off at the Sheriffs Office headquarters off of Younger Avenue in San Jose, Glennon said hed log the information on a spreadsheet and then file it. San Jose Inside (https://www.sanjoseinside.com), The DA accuses the Sheriff's Office of offering CCW permits in exchange for political contributions. The Sheriff's Office has been dogged by allegations of corruption. This forum recording is the property of the . He supports more mental health care facilities for inmates with psychiatric conditions. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office | San Jose CA 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. California Penal Code Sec. 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. When people can't get information from the news and the sheriff is not responsive, it creates distrust in the community, she said. I have nothing to hide. They don't want someone peeking behind the curtain," he said.As sheriff, he would work to change the department's culture starting at the top through internal review and investigations and by improving training and evaluations.Jensen said he would work to build bridges with the community through greater transparency and communication.Encryption of police-scanner communicationsWhen asked about SB 1000, Sen. Josh Becker's bill to limit radio encryption, Jensen expressed caution. She's used competitive body building to push herself to new heights. Everyone deserves equal protection "regardless of their ZIP code," he said. John Arthur Getreu, 78, admitted to the 1973 murder of Lesley Perlov, 16 months after he was convicted in the 1974 killing of another woman in what proxecutors called The Stanford Murders. "Custody has one budget and enforcement has another. Otherwise, "we're going to continue to fail those human beings," he said. 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. It became his lifelong career, taking him through nearly every opportunity the profession had to offer, he said. After the murder of mentally ill jail inmate Michael Tyree by three guards, who were later convicted, Nagaye helped develop new policies. Jensen said he would work to build bridges with the community through greater transparency and communication. Russell Davis said. While I am in favor of these efforts towards transparency, I want to ensure that they will be implemented without delay in receiving vital database returns or in any way jeopardizing officers or victims due to such delays," he said. The incidents are listed only after officers have left the scene, however, and do not show the exact locations of the calls. 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. "I'm 100% in favor of full transparency. Courtesy Nagaye for Sheriff campaign. 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. On July 21, 2019, DA investigators pulled over Nielsens car and served him with a search warrant for his home. "We have to earn it. He is a former president of the California Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. "One of the first things he would do is work on changing the culture in law enforcement toward being forthcoming about bad players and incidents they see while on the job. RELATED: Are safe consumption sites part of the solution to SF's drug overdose crisis? Office of the Sheriff - Office of the Sheriff - County of Santa Clara Circulation & Delivery He looks for people who are willing to do the right thing even if it's not popular, he said. And the issue that has drawn the strongest scrutiny is the sheriffs allocation of concealed-carry weapon permits, the licenses that allow civilians to legally carry handguns in public. "Based on the evidence that we retrieve, if we have enough information to link this back to a person responsible to this incident, there will be homicide charges that will be sent over to the district attorney's office. It all seemed to unravel after an executive security agent with no history of support for Smith forced his way into the VIP realm with a really big check. Jonsen edging out Jensen in Santa Clara County sheriff's race Emergency Contact Information . Terms of Use 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. He also supports the establishment of a civilian review board with subpoena power to investigate misconduct allegations. Candidates for sheriff square off at community forum 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. Nielsen testified that the shooting was the 9/11 of Silicon Valley, where a lot of clients started to want to have armed personnel. It was also a big opportunity for security professionals: Among the firms clients were executives with Facebook. ", RELATED: Researchers are honing in on potential Fentanyl vaccine amid national opioid crisis. She would provide social workers and inmate education to help address issues that cause recidivism. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, K-Pop isnt the only hot ticket in Koreatown how trot is captivating immigrants, Los Angeles is suddenly awash in waterfalls, Officials admit being unprepared for epic mountain blizzard, leaving many trapped and desperate, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, 15 arrested across L.A. 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He would wear the uniform and be out in the community and working alongside his deputies. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Jensen, Low said processed the paperwork, figuring there must be an exemption for people who spend enough of their work week in the jurisdiction. Santa Clara County sheriff candidates Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. Bob Jonsen A track record as a leader, but not without his criticsBob Jonsen, Palo Alto's police chief, is vying for a job once held by his great-uncle, Jonathan Sweigert, who was Santa Clara County sheriff from 1887 to 1891. Become a member today. As sheriff, he would advocate for additional funding for mental health programs to help de-escalate crisis encounters. 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. He lives in south San Jose with his wife and blended family of four children.Endorsements: The Rev. The former UFC heavyweight champion is being held at the Santa Clara County Jail. He wouldn't tolerate misconduct among any personnel, regardless of rank. When elected, I will end this policy within the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office," she said. Following allegations of inmate abuse and corruption in Santa Clara County jails, Sheriff Laurie Smith on Tuesday said she stands by her staff and welcomes any investigations into her department. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office Custody Division is the fifth largest jail system in California, and among the 20 largest systems in the United States. 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. Christine Nagaye has used challenges throughout her life to achieve her goals. Laurie Smith - Wikipedia 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). It became his lifelong career, taking him through nearly every opportunity the profession had to offer, he said.Jensen, 58, is a repeat candidate for Santa Clara County sheriff, having previously fought for the seat in the 2014 election against incumbent Smith.Jensen worked in the sheriff's office for more than 29 years, retiring in 2013. The most important quality he wants in his deputies. 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. 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. He was later raised in San Francisco after his mother remarried a "functional alcoholic.". 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. Copyright 2023 San Jose Inside. Sheriff Santa Clara County - Voter's Edge California Voter Guide Christine Nagaye A reformer who supports 'full transparency'. Santa Clara County has paid out at least $20 million in settlements for the serious injury and deaths of mentally ill inmates under Sheriff Smith. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office is a local law enforcement agency that serves Santa Clara County, California. Canny said at Tuesdays news conference that a lack of mental health resources and the criminalization of mental illness has forced Smiths office to do an impossible task., Mental illness is a public health crisis, not a criminal justice problem, she said. Be patient.. Special Pubs Jonsen said he worked hard during the pandemic to retain a dedicated public information officer to address media inquiries, but budget cuts eliminated the position. According to Cooks, applications from prosecutors, judges, elected officials, San Jose Sharks players and other VIPs typically came through Capt. Your email address will not be published. She would provide social workers and inmate education to help address issues that cause recidivism.There's also a need to get more money for social services, she said. Updated: Jan 14, 2022 / 10:59 PM PST. Nielsen and AS Facebook team manager Jack Stromgren, accused of instructing his agents to fill in false in-county addresses on their CCW applications, testified they were in line for similar consideration as West. I see the problems on a day-to-day basis and problems the deputies face," she said. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. The trial against Smith stems . Follow. And yet no one was kept any safer by denying issuance of permits to the average non-criminal citizens of Santa Clara County, except for criminals who know they can randomly attack someone and face no armed resistance. Equity "is the primary issue of this election carrying the momentum of the last two years where we have done so much around race and equality," Jonsen said. 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 . 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. He didn't let his experience embitter him. I'm a veteran, a woman and I married a man of color and I'm a LGBTQ ally. "Management is the first place you have to start to change the culture," Allen said. This was how the process worked until last year when the processing of new concealed-carry weapon permits was halted amid the DA investigation. Jensen is "100% for front-end mental health services" that help keep people safe and out of jail. "In the sheriff's office, I was referred to as OJ Simpson," he said. The most important quality she wants in her deputies. 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. One may wonder how many concealed weapons are carried around SCC every day WITHOUT a permit. On a small town road in unincorporated Gilroy on Monday, the deadly opioid crisis reared its head once again. "The number one change she would make as sheriff is increasing transparency. Sean Allen He's experienced both sides of law enforcement. He also understands both sides of the law due to his early arrest and the racism he has encountered within the system.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. If additional money isn't available, she would let deputies take time off from their usual duties to have more thorough training. "Jensen said he grew up in a dysfunctional household with a troubled father who ended up incarcerated. Hernandez is a three-time Society of Professional Journalists award winner and her biggest passion is long-form investigative reporting. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live, A look at the best video roundup of snow falling across California, Has CA hit the all-time state snow record? Sitting in an office all day would drive me nuts. Thinking you can't be held accountable is narcissistic. to avoid being attacked, she said. "Regional systems like SVRIA (Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority) would need to have a voice in the regional interoperability considerations as well. Three of Jensens PIO successors prepared the permits for approval at their desks, just a few yards from Smiths own office in the sheriffs Younger Avenue headquarters. Public Information Officers - County of Santa Clara Fax: (408) 286-5437. This is the official Facebook page for the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. Both required discipline and commitment, attributes she said are important to achieve success and to lead.Nagaye, 50, has been with the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department for 20 years and has been a supervising sergeant for six years.