SANDRA HUTCHENS NAMED CHIEF OF THE OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Sandra Hutchens, a 26-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was recently promoted to Chief and will oversee the Department's Office of Homeland Security. The Office of Homeland Security is responsible for anti-terrorism efforts at the local level. Additionally, this office oversees the Department's specialized operations such as: emergency and disaster response, gang investigations, air operations, special weapons, search and rescue, community policing, reserve forces, and law enforcement partnerships.
Chief Hutchens began her career with the Sheriff's Department in 1976 as a patrol secretary. After graduating from the Training Academy as a Deputy Sheriff in 1978, she worked at various assignments, including Sybil Brand Institute, Lynwood Station, and the Metropolitan Bureau. Upon being promoted to Sergeant in 1986, Chief Hutchens worked at Sybil Brand Institute, Temple Station, Field Operations Region I Headquarters, and the Office of the Undersheriff. When she was promoted to Lieutenant in 1994, she was once again assigned to Sybil Brand Institute before transferring to Norwalk Station, where she served as a Watch Commander and as the Operations Lieutenant. Chief Hutchens promoted to Captain in July of 1999 and assumed command of Norwalk Station. In 2001, Chief Hutchens was promoted to the rank of Commander and served as a Commander for Field Operations Region III and as Sheriff Baca's Executive Assistant.
As Chief of the Office of Homeland Security, Chief Hutchens is involved with all aspects of local homeland security for the County of Los Angeles and commissioner on the Los Angeles County Emergency Preparedness Commission.
Additionally, she serves as the Department's Emergency Coordinator and is the Department's liaison to the federal government for all matters relating to homeland security and the ongoing anti-terrorism effort.
Chief Hutchens received a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne in 1998. She is also a 1992 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy and has served as an instructor for the Supervisory Ethics course taught at the Department's Training Bureau. She resides in Orange County with her husband, Larry. In her spare time, Chief Hutchens enjoys traveling, reading, and writing.
SHB-73A-03
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July 16, 2003
