Behind the Star

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Forensics Firearms Section is made up of specialists who test and review more than 1,000 guns each year. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Firearms Specialists Amanda Vibert and Mila Tran about the role of the firearms section, how they test-fire hundreds of guns and what happens to "crime guns".

The Orange County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit is made up of 20 dogs and handlers. The specialized unit assists patrol deputies in apprehensions, tracking and more. Master Deputy and K-9 Handler Jeff Stinson talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the role of the dogs, how the dogs are trained and how they help OCSO deputies.

Sector 2 encompasses all of East Orange County for a total of 408 square miles, making it the largest sector patrolled by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Sector 2 Captain Susan Wallis talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the challenges of patrolling a place with more than 400,000 permanent residents.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team draws some of the most dangerous assignments. The elite team is trained in the use of advanced tactics and specialized weapons and equipment. Captain Todd Payne and Lieutenant Dennis Ela talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about OCSO SWAT.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Professional Standards Section is, in essence, one of its quality control centers. Allegations of inappropriate behavior, misconduct or failure to follow agency rules and policies are typically investigated by Professional Standards. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Captain Carlos Espinoza of the Professional Standards Section.

Before any deputy or civilian begins working at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, they must go through an extensive background investigation. That process, which can take up to 5 months, includes a background check, credit check, voice stress analysis test and several rounds of interviews. Sworn staff recruiter Jeff Tramonte and Recruiting and Background Section Supervisor Jon Nichols talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the OCSO application process, which includes background checks and a voice stress analysis test.

The Sex Crimes Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office handles some of the region's most heinous crimes, including child sex crimes, sexual battery and child pornography. Detective Corporal Nikki Harper talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the unit handles cases and what it's doing to combat sex crimes in the Orange County. (Some material in this episode may not be suitable for all ages.)

The Legal Services Section at the Orange County Sheriff's Office serves as in-house counsel to the agency's 2,400 employees. General Counsel Austin Moore talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the legal staff and its role at the Sheriff's Office, from forfeiture cases to labor issues to when the agency decides to pursue a lawsuit.

Look up and you may see an Orange County Sheriff's Office helicopter. The Aviation Section patrols the skies above Orange County. Master Deputy Jason Sams, a Tactical Flight Officer, talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about catching bad guys from above, why lasers are dangerous for helicopter pilots and how the Aviation Section can save lives.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Domestic Violence Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office handles more than 5,600 domestic violence reports and 3,300 arrests each year. OCSO Corporal Jessie Bourque and Jessie Motley, Early Victim Engagement Advocate for Harbor House, talk with host Jon Busdeker about how the Sheriff's Office combats domestic violence, the signs of domestic violence and how victims in abusive relationships can get help.