ORANGE COUNTY
DEPARTMENT SHERIFF-CORONER DON BARNES

OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF

 

November 27, 2019

District Attorney Todd Spitzer
Office of the District Attorney

401 Civic Center Drive West

Santa Ana, CA 92701

RE: Evidence Request
Dear District Attorney Spitzer:

I am in receipt of your letter dated November 21, 2019, regarding the evidence audits conducted
by my department.

I recognize the importance of evidence retention, which is why conducting the audits was critically
important once the department learned of potential violations. The initial audit was extremely
broad and used as a basis for subsequent investigations. The secondary audit was necessary to
meet our ethical obligation to identify any global issues regarding evidence booking procedures.

Collectively, both audits have enabled my department to identify areas for improvement,
implement corrective measures and create new accountability processes. I am confident the
totality of the corrective measures taken by my office and our system of accountability have
addressed any continuing evidence booking issues.

In order to meet our shared mission, I believe the best approach to meet the request in your letter
is to designate appropriate lead staff from each of our respective departments to work
collaboratively and identify those reports that resulted in a criminal case filing.

My staff will be in contact with your office today to discuss the process for moving fonivard.

Si cerely,

 

Don Barnes
Sheriff-Coroner

550 N. FLOWER STREET, SANTA ANA, CA 92703 714?647-1800


integrity without compromise Service above self-l Professionalism in the performance of duty 3 Vigilance in safeguarding our community