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ORET
Hotline Number:  (858) 467-4434

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE GRANT REQUEST PUBLIC NOTICE JULY 31, 2007

The San Diego County Sheriffs Department fields the Off-Road Enforcement Team, comprised of law enforcement reserve deputies specializing in off-road enforcement, medical assistance, and public education throughout the County.

The ORET Team is a highly mobile tactical unit that can quickly and effectively resolve many off-road related problems that are otherwise difficult for deputies to deal with. They can rapidly move from on-road to off-road situations to locate, contact and bring closure to many problems.

Law Enforcement - ORET is an effective deterrent to illegal off-road riding, providing extensive off-road and on-road law enforcement throughout the county. They enforce off-road laws, illegal shooting, dumping violations, stolen vehicle recovery, drug sweeps, area searches, and traffic control at civic events. The Team also provides general law enforcement services when required, and are trained in special skills like crowd control, searches, and less-lethal situations.

Public Education - ORET maintains an extensive and targeted public education program. They produce and distribute a brochure showing safety tips, riding laws and legal riding areas in San Diego County. They speak at public meetings, and attend many public events each year to further the mission of the Team and the Department.

Medical Assistance - ORET is equipped with specialized vehicles and equipment to respond to medical emergencies in hostile terrain for medical assistance and/or evacuation when required, for all citizens enjoying the off-road environment.

The Team has specialized equipment for off-road vehicle inspections, medical emergencies in remote areas, extended enforcement deployments, and off highway vehicle search & rescue missions. The Team is fully self-contained, having all necessary equipment and manpower to independently carryout it's missions. They have specially built off-road Motorcycles, Quads, Dune Buggy, High Mobility Victim Relocation Vehicle, fully self-contained Command/Communications Trailer, fully enclosed fiberglass Trailers, Patrol/Support 4x4 vehicles, high performance multi-band radios, and complete personal safety gear.

Their Services:

The Team is a county-wide unit, attached to the Special Enforcement Detail of the Emergency Services Division. 

Missions are planned and coordinated by the ORET Coordinator based on pre-determined criteria. Requests for assistance are prioritized based on patrol intelligence, citizen information, and computer statistics that are reviewed to determine those areas that require proactive attention. Special operations and/or emergencies are handed immediately through the Sheriff's emergency operations command structure.

ORET provides many types of services to the community, and have been trained and equipped for:

ORET operations for the 2000-2001 off-road season in and around the Ocotillo Wells State OHV Park area are:

ORET public displays and events for 2000-2001 in and around the San Diego County Area are:

Team Profile:

The team is comprised of highly trained Level I Reserve Deputies from throughout the county that have been brought together to provide a variety of specialized law enforcement capabilities in both the on-road and off-road environments. The staffing of the Team currently includes:

Selection - The members are selected based on their commitment to be part of the unit for 3 years and commit to 3 duties and 1 meeting/training per month. Their Reserve Level/Experience based on POST and unit level attained. Their years of one-man and two-man patrol experience, and their self initiative and ability to take on tasks to completion with little supervision. Their enthusiasm, desire and energy to be actively involved in all activities, and their physical strength and stamina to participate and complete assignments. Their riding skills based on physical skills and training to safely ride in an off-road environment.

Training - All Team members complete mandatory training in Off-Road Motorcycle POST certified training in all aspects of operation and use of off-road motorcycles in law enforcement. Support 4x4 Vehicle hands-on session in care and use of 4x4 vehicles and winch equipment, for towing motorcycle trailers and conducting law enforcement patrols. Motorcycle Street Survival training in the use and limitations of off-road motorcycles in on-road law enforcement. Tactical gear/gun training in the care and use of tactical webbed gear and weapons in off-road law enforcement.

Public Education:

ORET is dedicated to the education of the public in the lawful and safe operation and enjoyment of motorcycles, and all Off-Highway Vehicles. They publish a public education pamphlet that describes important safety tips, the various laws and regulations, and a map that shows all legal riding areas in and around San Diego County. The team regularly participates in public service events, including races, carnivals, and the County Fair. Click HERE for a PDF printable version.

Team Equipment:

GMC Yukon off-road 4-door support/patrol 4x4 Vehicles Used as a highly flexible all purpose vehicles to patrol on-road and off-road areas when weather, long distances, multiple locations, or specialized operational considerations preclude the use of other equipment, They also tow our Motorcycles, Quads, High Mobility/Victim Relocation Vehicle, and Transport/Mobile Command Trailer. They have high capacity winches, stabilized binoculars, complete off-road support equipment, the latest Mobile Data Computer and wireless data network, and 800mhz, UHF, VHF radios to communicate with public service agencies throughout the region. They have Global Positioning Systems for rescues and helicopter extractions that provide exact positions anywhere on earth.
Suzuki DRZ-400S dual-sport Motorcycles These highly versatile new technology tools are usually used in teams of two or more as the primary vehicles to patrol the off-road hard dirt and rock areas that make up much of San Diego County during daylight hours. They are equipped complete emergency lighting, and an 800mhz radio to communicate with other deputies and public service agencies within the county.
Yamaha Raptor Quads These new technology, high ground clearance, light weight vehicles are primarily used to proved added flexibility when patrolling mountainous dirt roads, sandy deserts, river beds, and beaches throughout the county at night or in marginal weather. They are equipped complete emergency lighting, and an 800mhz radio to communicate with other deputies and public service agencies within the county.
High Mobility Victim Relocation Vehicle Is being acquired to effectively respond to medical emergencies in hostile terrain when other vehicles can not access an area, and to patrol on-road and off-road areas when long distances, or special operational considerations require this unique vehicle. It is equipped with a high capacity winch, comprehensive off-road medical extraction capability, complete emergency lighting, and 800mhz, UHF and VHF radios to communicate with public service agencies.
Transport/Mobile Command Trailer Is being acquired to transport the High Mobility Victim Relocation Vehicle and other ORET vehicles. It will be used as a station office, a Command & Communications Post, and a fully self-contained living quarters for the team while on extended missions. It is equipped with emergency lighting, and the latest Mobile Data Computers, Wireless Data networks, 800mhz, UHF, VHF radios to communicate with public service agencies throughout the region.
Pape Enterprises Fully Enclosed Fiberglass Trailers They are used to transport the team's motorcycles, quads and their associated equipment, and large support equipment. They can be used as a storage area, shelter, and and as a locker room while in the field.
Bell Moto-6 Helmets Olympic Uniforms CoolMax Riding Shirts Acerbis Personal Safety Gear SIDI Trail Evolution Boots This equipment is designed to provide the deputies with maximum protection from the elements and accidental falls, while allowing them comfort and flexibility while on or off the Motorcycles, Quads, or High Mobility Victim Relocation Vehicle. The riding shirts are custom made to be durable and cool. The chest protector, elbow and knee guard personal safety gear meet our demanding mission needs. The trail boots allow maximum riding protection, and comfort when walking.
Trauma Medical Equipment With ORET increasingly the first responder to off-road related accidents, all ORET patrol vehicles are equipped with proper medical equipment, including EMT and oxygen capabilities to render medical attention or provide it to on-scene medical personnel.
Self-Contained Office & Storage Facility Is used as the Team's station facility as they are located remotely from the main SED office. It includes an office area housing the database Server computer system, radios, weapons lock-up, equipment lockers, and bulk equipment storage section.

ORET Hotline Number:  (858) 467-4434

• 21 years or older at time of academy graduation
• U.S. citizen or legal resident who has applied for citizenship
• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Valid California driver's license with motorcycle endorsement
• Pass written examination and qualifications appraisal interview
• Good physical condition; weight/height in proper proportion
• Complete medical examination required
• Hearing must be unimpaired
• Vision 20/100 or better, correctable to 20/30 or better each eye
• Good moral character. No felony conviction
• Physically and emotionally able to perform LE duties
• Pass physical capability and psychological tests
• Complete full basic academy before final acceptance
• Military personnel must be assigned to area for at least 2 years
• A Reserve Deputy position and not open to paid staff

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Last updated 10/26/07