Los Santos County Sheriff's Department "A TRADITION OF SERVICE" Monthly Press Release September 1st, 2024 |
- Welcome to the September 2024 edition of the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department Monthly Press Release! As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp days of fall, we're excited to bring you this month's updates. We’ve made some design changes to enhance your reading experience and look forward to continuing to keep you informed and engaged.
In this Newsletter, you’ll find messages from Sheriff Kirk, highlights of outstanding deputies, division spotlights, and a rundown of key statistics and rank adjustments. Below you can find hyperlinks if you wish to go to specific sections.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we hope you enjoy this month's newsletter!
- Another month has passed, along with a wonderful summer filled with joy and memorable moments shared not only with my colleagues in the department but also with the communities around us. I'm grateful that we've stood together through the summer's heat, taking care of one another.
Sheriff Bobby Kirk
As is customary, we've seen some great people leave the department, but we've also welcomed new talent, thanks to the excellent work of our Recruitment and Employment Division, as well as through transfers and reinstatements. Notably, we have Commander Steve Smyth rejoining our department. Commander Smyth, who previously served as a Commander here, brings an incredible enthusiasm for law enforcement. His contributions to both the Police Department and the Sheriff's Department have been significant, and I am confident that he will continue to excel in our department.
I personally enjoyed a two-week break, taking advantage of the last bit of summer to sail around in my newly acquired watercraft, exploring a variety of areas. In my absence, my Executive Staff and Command Staff have done an excellent job maintaining day-to-day operations.
As we move into September, I expect things to continue as usual, with nothing major on the horizon.
I would like to close by expressing my gratitude to each one of you, especially my employees, for the outstanding work you do, as well as to the communities we serve for their cooperative spirit and willingness to work with us.
Enjoy reading our newsletter.
Sheriff Bobby Kirk
- Investigator I James Valor originally joined the Los Santos Sheriff's Department in the beginning of August 2021, but recently reinstated in the beginning of 2024. Valor has proven to be a stable and effective Deputy, taking his tasks and responsibilities seriously. During his tenure, he has shown remarkable work within the Recruitment & Employment Division, including within the Sheriff's Investigation Bureau where he reached the rank of Investigator I in the middle of June 2024. We are excited to follow Valor's journey within the department. Congratulations!
Investigator I James Valor
When did you join the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department?
I first joined the Los Santos Sheriff's Department in 2021, I recently reinstated in January and I have been absolutely loving it, I cannot believe I ever left.
What is your favorite thing about being a deputy at the LSSD?
Well I could give the expected answer and say that it's all about helping people for me, protecting and serving and all that stuff. The truth is, the Sheriff's Department has truly become my family, and although I do love community policing, and serving the people of our great county, I cannot imagine doing anything other than what I am doing now. I love being a Gangs & Narcotics Investigator and I am extremely passionate about every other division I am apart of as well. I love helping other deputies and the people of this great county more than anything else.
What is your most memorable moment while serving as a deputy for the LSSD?
My most memorable moment in the LSSD has to be the day I was sworn in, I remember the day pretty clearly. Assistant Sheriff Jeys & Assistant Sheriff Hardy made me extremely nervous but after that day they both became important mentors to me, and played a huge part in my growth into a full fledged Gangs & Narcotics Investigator & RED Command Member.
Why did you become a deputy for the LSSD?
I became a Deputy because I have a passion for community policing, protecting others and just helping people in general. I want people to feel safe when they see me patrolling and know that they can come to me with any concerns and feel confident that I will help in any way that I can. After my time with the Los Santos Emergency Medical Services, I felt that it was really time for me to try and serve the community in other ways, and it has been the best decision I have ever made.
What is the greatest feeling about being a deputy?
The greatest feeling about being a deputy is knowing I did something good. It sounds generic or cheesy but it's the genuine and whole truth. from something as small as providing a ride for a stranded civilian to pulling someone out of a firefight. Every single time I make someone smile or get a simple "thank you" it absolutely changes my day.
Where do you see yourself in the LSSD two months from now?
Ideally, I see myself applying for the Supervisor Training Program within the next two months. I'm really doing my best to prove to everyone in the department what I am capable of, just as much as I wish to prove to the great people in our community that I am on their side.
What do you like doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to swim, go for long drives and hike! I find myself floating on my back for hours in the ocean, hiking to the top of Mount Gordo to swim in the little pond near the peak, if there's a body of water, I will swim in it. I love to listen to music and take a long drive at the end of every shift, nothing brings me more peace.
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Major Crimes Division-
The Major Crimes Division of the Sheriff's Investigations Bureau serves as the Bureau's primary division, encompassing our Crime Scene Technicians and the majority of our Investigators, as well as overseeing the Investigator Training Program.
The division is organized into three specialized units: the Vice Crimes Unit, the Robbery & Homicide Unit, and the Crime Scene Investigations Unit. The Vice Crimes Unit is responsible for handling vice-related offenses, while the Robbery & Homicide Unit focuses on robbery and homicide cases. The Crime Scene Investigations Unit is tasked with managing crime scene reports and overseeing our Crime Scene Technicians.
Every member of the Bureau is responsible for uncovering the full facts of each situation, organizing these facts into a logical summary of investigative data, and presenting this information to the unit’s command. In addition to these responsibilities, the Major Crimes Division provides criminal intelligence and forensic investigative support for Patrol Operations.
We spoke with Assistant Commanding Officer Alexander Olsson about his tenure within the Major Crimes Division;
My journey with the division began in June 2023, when I initially joined as a Crime Scene Technician. During this time, I completed my training, worked on crime reports, and assisted with case files. After a brief hiatus from the department, I was reinstated in February 2024 and rejoined the division. I applied for and successfully completed the Investigator Training Program, and I have been working with Major Crimes ever since.
Currently, my focus is on maintaining the division's caseload and ensuring operations run smoothly. I am also working on initiatives to make the role of Crime Scene Technicians more engaging and rewarding, as their efforts, alongside those of Patrol Staff, are crucial in laying the groundwork for the division’s investigative work.
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- Deputy Sheriff II Alester Carter originally joined the Los Santos Sheriff's Department in the middle of August 2022, but recently reinstated in May 2024. During his time within the department, he has shown remarkable work within the Highway Enforcement Division and is always there to assist deputies and civilians that might require it. We are happy that we got to highlight Deputy Carter in the release, as kind words and appreciation might not reach far at times.
Deputy Sheriff II Alester Carter
When did you join the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department?
I joined the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department about two years ago. From day one, I've been committed to serving and protecting the people of Los Santos with integrity and dedication.
What is your favorite thing about being a deputy at the LSSD?
My favorite thing about being a deputy at the LSSD is the camaraderie among the team. We're more than just colleagues; we're a family. Every day, we work together to keep our city safe, and there's nothing quite like knowing that your brothers and sisters in uniform have your back.
What is your most memorable moment while serving as a deputy for the LSSD?
My most memorable moment happened early in my career when I was thanked for taking the time to listen and help someone in need. This individual had a negative perception of law enforcement, but after our interaction, they told me I changed their mind. It was a powerful reminder of why I wear this badge; it means a lot that we've remained friends. Moments like these reinforce the importance of empathy and understanding in our line of work.
Why did you become a deputy for the LSSD?
I became a deputy to make a real difference in my community. Growing up in Los Santos, I saw plenty of challenges and knew that if I wanted to see change, I had to be part of it. The LSSD gave me that chance, and every day, I try to live up to the responsibility that comes with this badge.
What is the greatest feeling about being a deputy?
The most incredible feeling is knowing I can help others in their need. There’s no greater reward than knowing you positively impacted someone's life.
Where do you see yourself in the LSSD two months from now?
In two months, I see myself rejoining the HED Command Staff and becoming a member of the FTD. I’m eager to assist new deputies in acclimating to our unique work and offer guidance and support to the department in any way I can. I’ve also considered joining the ATD, but I want to get a few more flights to see if they fit me. Wherever I end up, my goal is to contribute meaningfully to our team and help maintain the high standards of the LSSD.
What do you like doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to BBQ and relax at my retreat in Sandy Shores. There's nothing quite like watching the stars in the clear night sky, feeling the cool breeze, and reflecting on how fortunate I am to be part of a great organization with such amazing colleagues. It's my way of unwinding and appreciating the simple pleasures in life.
Commander
- Steve Smyth (Transfer)
Sergeant ► 
Staff Sergeant
- Jett Jones
- Leif Helgarson
Corporal ► Sergeant
- Martin Haswell
Investigator I ► Investigator I (SiT)
- Arnold Rimmer
Master Deputy ► Corporal
- Baron Faust
- Hans Waltz
Master Deputy ► Investigator I
- Andy Schmidt
Deputy Sheriff III ► Master Deputy
- Timothee Olsen
Deputy Sheriff II ► Deputy Sheriff III
- Louise Hoffman
Deputy Sheriff II
- Luda Pegassi (Transfer)
- Ben Masseria (Transfer)
- Stefan Dobrev (Reinstatement)
- Rachel Vale (Transfer)
Deputy Sheriff I ► Deputy Sheriff II
- Jason Holt
- Tre Romanov
- Jessica Winger
Deputy Sheriff Trainee ► Deputy Sheriff I
- Mark Bloomfield
- Nicholas Rajcula
- Margaret Sinclair
Deputy Sheriff Trainee
- Justin Adams
- Jess Kay
- Kevin Peralta
- Hadrian Debose
- Paul Sawyer
- Cole Lawless
- Roscoe Sharpe
- James Sharpe
- Lilith Reichwald
- Jim Daniel (Reinstatement)
- Deputy Availability
Executive Staff | 7 | 7.07%
Sheriff | 1
Undersheriff | 2
Assistant Sheriff | 4
Command Staff | 0 | 8.08%
Commander | 4
Captain | 4
Supervisor Staff | 15 | 15.15%
Lieutenant | 4
Staff Sergeant | 4
Investigator III | 1
Sergeant | 4
Investigator II | 2
Supervisor in Training | 3 | 3.03%
Corporal | 2
Investigator I | 1
Field Staff | 66 | 66.67%
Investigator I | 4
Master Deputy | 12
Deputy Sheriff III | 5
Deputy Sheriff II | 22
Deputy Sheriff I | 6
Deputy Sheriff Trainee | 17
Internal Patrol Paperwork
Arrest Reports | 701
Impound Reports | 65
Impound Release Reports | 32
Traffic Stop Reports | 88
Use of Force Reports | 4
Warrant Reports | 45General Statistics
Promotions | 14
Reinstatement/Transfers | 6
Demotions | 0
New Trainees | 9
Discharges | 11
Recruitment & Employment
Total Number of Applications | 22
Accepted Applications | 5
Pending Interview | 2
Pending Academy Graduation | 5
Denied Applications | 14
Number of Academies | 1
Field Training Division
Number of Sessions Conducted | 60
Passed Trainees | 10
Failed Trainees | 5
Active Trainees | 9
Internal Affairs Division
Received Reports | 7
Closed Reports | 5
Sustained (Disciplinary) | 1
Other | 2
Not Resolved | 0
Exonerated | 2
Active Reports | 2
Sheriff's Investigations Bureau
Crime Scene Reports | 20
Case Files Opened | 16
Robbery & Homicide Cases | 12
Vice Cases | 4
Active Case Files | 10
Cases Concluded | 25
Prosecuted Cases | 20
Not Resolved Cases | 5
Unfounded Cases | 0
Operations | 4
Interrogations | 3
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What surprised you about being a deputy?
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- Corporal Hans Waltz
Well, one of the surprising things is the community involvement. Personally, I didn't think any other deputy or I would be involved in so many different public / local events. As well as teamwork. While working together on different situations we bond with each other and even face challenges with them.
Master Deputy Harper Flynn
I would say, the main thing that surprised me about being a deputy, is the positive interactions you have with the public. It's nice to see that a large percentage of the population have a lot of respect for LSSD.
Master Deputy Ike Vanburen
I think the thing that surprised me the most as a deputy was just the sheer size and effort that goes into protecting and serving our wonderful state. Coming from a civilian life you see a little bit of the surface, but inside there are multiple gears running around the clock to make everything work as it does.
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Captain Amelia Clark
Commanding Officer, Sheriff's Information Division
(909) 474-8130 — [email protected]
Sergeant Sayaka Yukimura
Assistant Commanding Officer, Sheriff's Information Division
(909) 304-2935 — [email protected]
Sheriff's Information Division
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
Procopio Promenade 1, Paleto Bay
Los Santos, SA, 909
