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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 9, 2021 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4 <br /> SUBJECT: Discussion on Written Consent for Conducting Vehicle Searches <br /> DEPARTMENT: Sheriff's Office <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Attachment A: Consent to Search Form Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood, <br /> 919.245.2900 <br /> Chief Deputy Jamison Sykes, <br /> 919.245.2900 <br /> Major Kevin Jones, 919.245.2900 <br /> Jennifer Galassi, Legal Advisor to the <br /> Sheriff, 919.245.2900 <br /> PURPOSE: To discuss written consent for conducting vehicle searches. <br /> BACKGROUND: On November 1, 2016, Orange County Sheriff Blackwood announced a new <br /> directive regarding searches and formalized it by adding a section to the Sheriff's Office Policy <br /> Manual concerning obtaining written consent. The Sheriff recognized that although the US <br /> Supreme Court allows consent to be provided verbally, in writing, or by other means, he <br /> determined that his deputies should always attempt to obtain written consent prior to conducting <br /> a search, when practicable and when the safety of officers, suspects, or members of the public <br /> would not be negatively impacted by doing so. The Sheriff and his staff are prepared to report on <br /> the implementation of the written consent form. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to the County to engage in these discussions. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to <br /> this item: <br /> • GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY <br /> The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang <br /> activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. <br /> ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal <br /> impact associated with this item. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss these matters with <br /> Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood and members of his staff. <br />