South OC Times

The Sheriff’s Department today hosted the grand opening of the new OC Sheriff’s Technology Center, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness by consolidating three divisions under one roof.

The 120,000-square-foot facility located in Tustin will house the department’s Technology Division, Operations Support and Intelligence Division, and components of the Special Operations Division. The grand opening also marks the launch of the OC Sheriff’s Real Time Operations Center, which leverages technology to improve public safety and response to critical incidents.

"The heart of providing exceptional service is our people, but giving them the space and tools they need enhances their ability to protect our community," said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. "We are driving a culture change in the way we utilize technology, and I look forward to seeing the solutions-focused ways we will prevent crime, solve cases and improve quality of life for our residents."

In June 2022, the County of Orange purchased the building. The facility is estimated to cost $110 million, including all security, audio/visual, and structural upgrades.

The Technology Division will be responsible for maintaining the county’s 800 MHz radio infrastructure, conducting information technology services, and providing technological vehicle up-fitting for more than 100 county agencies.

The Operations Support and Intelligence Division includes the Real Time Operations Center, Sheriff’s dispatch and Control One, as well as the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.

As part of the Special Enforcement Bureau, both the SWAT team and Hazardous Devices Section will operate from this new center in a space designed to support their personnel, tools, and assets effectively.