Homeland Security


 
 Capt. Mark Billings 

Created in the summer of 2008, the Homeland Security Division was established to pool several of the various components of Homeland Security into a unified command. It is the sheriff's duty and responsibility to insure that all residents and guests of our county are adequately protected from the threat of any and all forms of terrorism, specific natural disasters and other critical incidents.

The division is comprised of five separate bureaus, each with a nexus to local homeland security. Each one is run by a lieutenant or administrative manager. These bureaus are:

  • Special Enforcement (SWAT Section/ K-9 Section/ Aero Section/ Hazardous Devices Section)
  • Mass Transit (OCTA Section/ Explosives Detection Unit/ Module-Rail Section)
  • Marine Operations/Harbor Patrol (Newport Section/ Dana Point Section/ Sunset-Huntington Section/ Maintenance Section)
  • Counter-Terrorism (JTTF/ OCIAC-JRIC/ Grants)
  • Emergency Management Bureau

In the event of an incident or disaster, members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will provide much of the first response. It is crucial that our first responders attend to the critically injured, initiate rescue operations, establish crime scene perimeters and develop communication lines. While assistance from state and federal personnel will eventually arrive to assist, it is imperative that our first responders are trained and ready for the initial deployment. The members of the Homeland Security Division are committed to the pursuit of a coordinated strategy of preparedness to ensure the readiness of our "first responders" who are ultimately entrusted with the mission of protecting all the citizens and visitors of our county. Speed and effectiveness of planning, prevention and mitigation, and response to significant public safety incidents is the goal of the Homeland Security Division.