Home & Real Estate | About Us | Comments Policy | Advertising & Partnerships | Contact Us | Facebook | Twitter, A look inside San Jose politics and culture. You don't serve the master. 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. "Don't be afraid to bring someone else in," she said, to help de-escalate or assess the situation. 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. Best coffee city in the world? You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Here's where we stand, Armed carjacking suspect leads police on dangerous chase. When people can't get information from the news and the sheriff is not responsive, it creates distrust in the community, she said. 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. As the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office remains embroiled in controversy over alleged corruption and mismanagement, five candidates vying for Sheriff Laurie Smith's seat will be tasked with proving they can restore public confidence in the law enforcement agency. If you have any questions about the videos posted on here, please contact the Public Information Officer at 408-808 . Update: Former Palo Alto police Chief Robert "Bob" Jonsen declared victory in a tight race with Kevin. Who better to have in place to find where this money is going? 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. "I know where the bad apples are. Nagaye's husband is of Japanese ancestry and they have biracial daughters. "Jail reform and use of forceNagaye supports having a civilian watchdog to audit law enforcement practices and the management of the county jails. 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). But it has been widely noticed that at least a quarter of the recipients had contributed to Smiths campaigns, in amounts of $100 to $1,000. "Don't be afraid to bring someone else in," she said, to help de-escalate or assess the situation.She supports California legislative bill SB 2, which creates a statewide system to revoke the license of a police officer who commits serious misconduct, and SB 16, which requires disclosure of a sustained finding of excessive use of force if an officer failed to intervene when another officer used unreasonable or excessive force.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.Nagaye supports funding a mental health wellness center over building a new jail. "The biggest is honesty. The Starbucks on Coleman Avenue and Taylor Street in San Jose, a five-minute drive from sheriffs headquarters, was practically a satellite office for preferred gun permits, although one meeting, involving the alleged deal at the heart of the current indictment, happened on outdoor tables at the Jamba Juice next door the Starbucks was closed. With no formal guidance on how to handle gun permits, he simply watched and learned as he went. GILROY, Calif. (KGO) -- The fentanyl crisis continues to claim the lives of those who are using the dangerous drug, and leaders in the South Bay want to stop overdoses at the source after three men were found dead from suspected fentanyl use. A self-described "trailer-trash kid," he lived in the city of Fontana, a high-crime area then derogatorily called "Felony Flats.". The guards were convicted of second-degree murder in 2017. "I'm a talker. The agency has been stingy with the privilege about 150 permits were issued or renewed between 2014 and 2019, out of over 750 applications. I want to make it very clear that I support all of the investigations, Smith said Tuesday. I was trying to get my job done and get my portion of the process done. 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. Everyone deserves equal protection "regardless of their ZIP code," he said. On Aug. 31, on the first arraignment date for the case. Jonsen moved north to become Menlo Park's police chief in 2013, and then he became Palo Alto's chief in 2018. 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. Nagaye said she would invest in much more training and in a training unit. "Custody has one budget and enforcement has another. 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. 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. Most are honest and do have integrity. 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. 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. 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. 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. Jensen, who remained involved in CCW issuance even after getting promoted out of the PIO unit. Time to read: about 21 minutes. Kevin Jensen A well-rounded retiree who wants to rebuild trust. Santa Clara County sheriff candidates Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. Los Angeles, 17 things to do in Santa Cruz, the old-school beach town that makes for a charming getaway, 12 reasons why Sycamore Avenue is L.A.s coolest new hangout, Fox News finally reveals its kryptonite: the bottom line, The Week in Photos: California exits pandemic emergency amid a winter landscape, Snowboarder dies at South Lake Tahoe resort, California to alter COVID rules in healthcare settings: Masks and vaccinations not required, Welcome to the world, baby Winter, born amid a snowstorm in Lake Arrowhead, Gripped by grace: Thousands gather for Bishop OConnells funeral Mass. 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. "Law enforcement has always had a problem with that. 26205 requires sheriffs to process CCW petitions within 90 days of receiving them or a month after clearing a backgroundwhichever comes later. Christine Nagaye A reformer who supports 'full transparency'Christine Nagaye has used challenges throughout her life to achieve her goals. Currently, the Sheriff's Office has 586 full-time sworn staff. "I'm 100% in favor of full transparency. There's already a common practice in law enforcement to switch to a different channel for private conversations. Jensen told you to say? Braker asked. 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. Woman killed in motorcycle crash on San Antonio Road, Community briefs: Affordable housing project groundbreaking, planning for the future of COVID vaccines and the DA's annual awards, Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT). Sitting in an office all day would drive me nuts. The second public information officer (PIO) to testify took the stand on July 23. The most important quality she wants in her deputies. 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. Endorsements: The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley; multiple individual donors, many of whom are Santa Clara County Sheriff deputies. I would be there and listening," she said. When asked about SB 1000, Sen. Josh Becker's bill to limit radio encryption, Jensen expressed caution. To support the entire operation, the Department employs 223 non-sworn, civilian staff. "The earliest memory I have is of people bringing food," he said. 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. Courtesy photos. There are other ways to protect confidential information. James Jensen, took a glance. It is under investigation by the state Attorney General's Office for possible. Crime and Public Safety | Voters either looked the other way or people didnt have a lot of knowledge or interest.. A high number of mentally ill and the unhoused need more access to social services, education, treatment and housing, she said. In fact, none of the PIOs who testified ever recalled actually witnessing Smith sign one. Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert "Bob" Jonsen and Kevin Jensen, the top-two finishers in the June primary with 31.9% and 30.4% of the vote respectively are facing off in November to replace Sheriff Laurie Smith. I have nothing to hide. The meet-up went down in the parking lot of a San Jose Starbucks, as customers streamed through the front door and the faint hiss of an espresso machine offered a soundtrack. Jensen is "100% for front-end mental health services" that help keep people safe and out of jail. Jensen believes they have to get the idea that they are there to serve, even though emotions might sometimes want to get in the way. 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. Jonsen served as chief with Palo Alto Police Department starting in 2018, following five years as police . It became his lifelong career, taking him through nearly every opportunity the profession had to offer, he said. Is a 2020 Biden and Harris Ticket Good for Cannabis Legalization? You have to stand up to the standards to which you took an oath," he said.He also supports the establishment of a civilian review board with subpoena power to investigate misconduct allegations.Encryption of police-scanner communicationsWhen asked for his stance on whether full encryption of radio communications is necessary, Allen said: "Radio encryption is just another way to prevent being transparent by law-enforcement agencies. James Jensen, attorneys Harpaul Nahal and Christopher Schumb and gun dealer Michael Nichols go to trial on Nov. 2. In testifying before Braker some days later, Sgt. 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. She's used competitive body building to push herself to new heights. 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.Communities of colorJensen, whose wife is Hispanic, said he would sit down with members of the public, particularly the underserved, to work on problems and gain trust. Crime and Public Safety | With election day less than a week away, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's race is down to two candidates: Bob Jonsen and Kevin Jensen. I can bring together diverse groups of people. Jensen worked in the sheriff's office for more than 29 years, retiring in 2013. Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith speaks during a news conference May 26. 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. Please DO NOT use this. Uploaded: Fri, Apr 29, 2022, 12:04 pm Jonsen, 59, a Palo Alto resident, has worked in law enforcement for 36 years. She also supports the Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT). Back-room beatings make people afraid to go against the shot-callers, he said. "I've done about every job you can do. A high number of mentally ill and the unhoused need more access to social services, education, treatment and housing, she said. "We have to earn it. "It's scary. As a sergeant in the jails, he has trained officers in de-escalation techniques to better handle inmates in crisis. On December 15, 1998, Laurie Smith became the 28th person to hold the position of sheriff in Santa Clara County, California and the first woman law enforcement officer to hold the office of sheriff in the history of California. I have been in contact with Sen. Becker and his office about SB 1000 and support it 100%. I can bring together diverse groups of people. Even after a finding of innocence, his arrest haunted him each time he applied for a job, he said. Kevin Jensen said during a recent interview, prefacing his own of a tough upbringing.A self-described "trailer-trash kid," he lived in the city of Fontana, a high-crime area then derogatorily called "Felony Flats. She supports California legislative bill SB 2, which creates a statewide system to revoke the license of a police officer who commits serious misconduct, and SB 16, which requires disclosure of a sustained finding of excessive use of force if an officer failed to intervene when another officer used unreasonable or excessive force. I had no discretion whether or not somebody were to get a permit. "In the sheriff's office, I was referred to as OJ Simpson," he said. 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. Jensen said he grew up in a dysfunctional household with a troubled father who ended up incarcerated. 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. [2], On August 27, 2015, mentally-ill inmate Michael Tyree was beaten to death[3] by three jail guards. You said backlog, we will get to it, but did that, in reality, ever happen? If you've had an incident, be honest and let me know. The case is still pending. The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office was founded in 1850, making it one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the State of California. "I think we just need to not just work on the reactive piece, that means getting Narcan into people's hands, but really work on the preventive piece of reducing supply and demand and make sure that people have access to treatment if they developed an addiction," Sussman said. After attending high school in Novato, he spent 27 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Jensen, you would just stick it in a filing cabinet?. Privacy Policy San Jose Inside. At that point, in accordance with California law, its ultimately up to the sheriff in each jurisdiction to decide whether to grant it. 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. 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. 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. He has been married to mixed-race women who were from white, Asian and Hispanic backgrounds. Jensen met his wife at Bible college and they married at age 19. The sheriff has come under attack after allegations of abuse and mismanagement in the countys jails. San Jose, CA 95110. When people can't get information from the news and the sheriff is not responsive, it creates distrust in the community, she said.Encryption of police-scanner communications"I am the only candidate to call for ending the encryption of radios, and I have been calling for the end of this policy since launching my campaign. She would also put a stop to abuses by jail staff of mentally ill inmates. 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. County in crackdown on fraudulent benefit cards, This is me, this is my face: Actress Mimi Rogers on aging naturally, without cosmetic surgery, San Jose mayor says Santa Clara County sheriff should resign: Corruption or incompetence, Hidden, illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Elliott: Kings use their heads over hearts in trading Jonathan Quick, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids. In most agencies that use a 10 code, the common term is '103' to go to a different channel for confidential information. Now THAT would be a real investigative story. On April 21, the League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara hosted a forum for the five candidates for Sheriff of Santa Clara County: Sean Donte Allen, Kevin Jensen, Robert "Bob Jonsen, Christine Nagaye, Anh T. Colton (unable to attend). The Department is divided into four major bureaus Field Operations, Support Services, Jail Operations and Administrative Services. Thats how it reportedly worked for the average Joe. The early defining experience of his arrest taught him about the perspectives of people with criminal records and about how racism and stereotyping can destroy lives. Become a Member Nagaye said she would also be transparent with the media and would be responsive when the media comes to an event. In a Silicon Valley Public Accountability Foundation questionnaire of the candidates, Colton framed her responses in Constitutional terms: The sheriff protects the citizens and upholds their Constitutional rights. You can't take the Fifth. Blogs He would support deputizing mental health professionals to work in the jails. But Jensen faces several felony counts of conspiracy, bribery and falsification of records in a case that has also ensnared attorneys Christopher Schumb, Harpaul Nahal, gun manufacturer Michael Nichols and former AS Solution CEO Christian West. Help sustain the local news you depend on. "The stakes of making a small mistake have never been higher," Dr. Sussman said. Sheriff Smith reportedly stopped issuing them in 2018 after Rosen began serving search warrants to find links between political donations and the concealed-carry permits. Jensen said he would run a transparent sheriff's office that would openly communicate with the people it serves rather than hide information. When Palo Alto had 13 vacancies, they were quickly filled when officers were given enhanced opportunities and there were more chances to grow professionally, he said. Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office. Required fields are marked *. Other agencies use cellphones, Nextel, or computers," he said.Communities of colorAllen is the only African American in the sheriff's race, he noted. As the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office remains embroiled in controversy over alleged corruption and mismanagement, five candidates vying for Sheriff Laurie Smith's seat will be tasked with proving they can restore public confidence in the law enforcement agency. Kevin Jensen A well-rounded retiree who wants to rebuild trust"Everyone has a story," retired Santa Clara County Sheriff's Capt. "Management is the first place you have to start to change the culture," Allen said. If someone is getting into the job so they can chase a person, they aren't right for the job, he said. 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. Four days later, Nielsen, now cooperating with the DA and carrying a cellphone equipped with a recording app, met with Jensen at Starbucks. Even when he caught a red flag, such as out-of-county home addresses on applications handed off by Capt. Thursday, Judge Eric Geffon rejected a defense motion to disqualify District Attorney Jeff Rosen based on his past friendship with and fundraising support from Schumb. 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. That was on top of Jensens unofficial duties. Can California's power grid handle a 15-fold increase in electric cars? Jensen specifically characterized their deal as a quid pro quo as he cautioned Nielsen against mentioning concealed-gun permits to advisory board president Joseph Ziegler, Hyland testified. There's already a common practice in law enforcement to switch to a different channel for private conversations. He would tell his deputies: "Follow the mission. On July 21, 2019, DA investigators pulled over Nielsens car and served him with a search warrant for his home. Jonsen acknowledged that excessive-force incidents have occurred, but he said they have been thoroughly reviewed and the involved officers were held accountable, including the departure of officers who were found culpable. 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 grand jury convened July 20 of this year and handed down its indictments Aug. 6. Allen said he has seen an increase in the number of inmates with mental illness during his career. Circulation & Delivery Christine Nagaye has used challenges throughout her life to achieve her goals. He is a former president of the California Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates. Personal attorneys for Smith and Sung have said their clients have no culpability in the indicted crimes. Christine Nagaye. As coordinator of the Antelope Valley Crime Fighting Initiative, his programs reduced crime by 29%, and the initiative received the statewide James Q. Wilson Award for Community Policing in 2010, he said. Courtesy Bob Jonsen. Sorry, but further commenting on this topic has been closed. A mother of three, the San Jose resident said she would always "be there for my deputies.". Capt. 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. "It's scary. Become a member today. Investigator Lacy Hyland examined the audio from that meeting, and both she and Nielsen told the grand jury that Jensen directed Nielsen to donate the second $45,000 to the Sheriffs Advisory Board. As sheriff, he would work to instill a culture and ethic that is "beyond a warrior mentality." Terms of Use All rights reserved. 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. The fifth candidate, Ahn Colton, 48, lists herself as a mother. 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. She would retrain more deputies who are on patrol in these skills and add more mental health services onto PERT teams.TransparencyShe supports appointing a civilian watchdog to audit law-enforcement practices and management. Follow Mountain View Voice Online on Twitter @mvvoice, Facebook and on Instagram @mvvoice for breaking news, local events, photos, videos and more. 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.