In this episode of Behind the Star, we visit the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit to learn what it’s really like to patrol on horseback.

Master Deputy Lindsay Gonzalez and Corporal Niko Velazquez share how they joined the mounted unit, what it takes to train for the job and the strong bonds formed between deputies and their horses.

Lindsay and Niko talk about patrol work, crowd control, parades, and how horses play a role in community engagement and search and rescue. They also discuss training challenges, funny stories from the field, and what it’s like when a horse retires.

0:44 – History and purpose of the unit
2:30 – Horses: how many, how they’re assigned, and their personalities
7:20 – Daily care, barn duties, and the reality of poop patrol
10:32 – Matching horses to events and understanding their temperaments
11:34 – Where the horses come from and why most are donated
15:13 – Meet James, Justice, Grace, Alessandro, Pocket Change, Remington, Pete, and Blackjack
29:14 – Retirement: when, why, and where they go
31:00 – Law enforcement uses: presence, patrol, and search and rescue
35:12 – Memorable stories, de-escalations, and the public’s love for the unit
39:20 – Weird snacks, funny habits, and diva horses
42:00 – Horses’ intelligence, emotions, and long memories

In this episode of Behind the Star, we sit down with Hostage Negotiation team leaders Lieutenants Abby Hilley and Bill Bartlett for a look inside one of the most intense and high-stakes units at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Abby and Bill share insights into the psychology, preparation, and pressure behind the badge.

Segment Breakdown:

0:44 – Lt. Bartlett shares a real callout story and explains when the Hostage gets involved
3:49 – Who joins the team, how they train, and how the 20-person roster is managed
9:03 – The pressure of knowing lives are on the line
12:54 – What kinds of requests or demands do people make during standoffs?
14:37 – Misconceptions about hostage negotiations
16:52 – How they decide who makes the team
18:48 – Why consistent training is critical
20:17 – How long can a negotiation last?
23:12 – How often do cases involve actual hostages?
24:25 – How they make first contact—and what they’re listening for
29:52 – Most surprising encounter in the field
32:54 – Do they follow up with the people they help?
36:56 – What led Hilley and Bartlett to become negotiators

In this episode of Behind the Star, we visit with Crime Scene Investigator Mikayla Overholtzer and Forensic Firearms Specialist Marriah Herro to uncover what forensics work really looks like at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Mikayla and Marriah break down how they got into the field, what it’s like to work in their unit and how forensics plays a key role in solving everything from shootings to suspicious deaths. Marriah shares how firearms are test-fired, linked to crimes using NIBIN, and even restored when serial numbers are destroyed. Mikayla walks us through her process at crime scenes, including the tough emotional side of the job and how the team supports one another.

You’ll hear wild stories from the field and find out why some scenes smell worse than others. The episode also includes fun rapid-fire questions and heartfelt moments about what drives them to do this work and what they’re most proud of.

0:24 – TV vs. Reality: How shows shape public perception of forensics
2:16 – How Mikayla and Marriah got into the field
3:42 – Overview of the Forensics Unit and roles; why so many women in CSI
5:07 – Types of crime scenes OCSO responds to
8:08 – Marriah breaks down firearms forensics and NIBIN
11:47 – Role of forensic biologists and fingerprint analysts
14:00 – Fun questions: weirdest crime scene finds, unexpected parts of the job
16:18 – Impact of regularly seeing death and trauma as a CSI
19:56 – Mikayla’s scene-processing workflow
23:16 – Memorable moments and stories from the field
30:37 – How friends and family react to their careers
31:57 – Eureka moments, staying updated on case outcomes, proudest moments
37:24 – Testifying in court, mentoring others, advice for aspiring forensic professionals
43:57 – The unit’s family dynamic and trauma bonding
46:28 – Rapid-fire fun: worst smells, weirdest evidence, most “Florida” things
49:23 – Marriah on oddball guns and a test-firing mishap

In this episode of Behind the Star, we sit down with Drone Coordinator Mike Kleinfelt to learn how drones are transforming law enforcement at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. From assisting in critical missions to providing an eye in the sky when helicopters aren’t an option, Mike breaks down how, when, and why OCSO deploys this technology.

He also clears up common misconceptions about drones, explains how the agency addresses privacy concerns, and shares some memorable stories from the field. With a background in law enforcement and a passion for innovation, Mike offers a behind-the-scenes look at the growing role of drones in public safety and what the future might hold.

(0:30) – Introduction to drone operations at the Orange County Sheriff's Office
(1:50) – Common misconceptions about drones in law enforcement
(3:59) – When and why drones are used instead of helicopters
(5:43) – Mike Kleinfelt’s background and career in law enforcement
(9:10) – Memorable stories from the field involving drone deployments
(13:24) – How often OCSO deploys drones in real-world situations
(15:06) – Addressing public concerns about drones and surveillance
(16:24) – What it takes to become a drone operator at OCSO
(17:55) – The future of drone technology in law enforcement
(20:34) – Rapid-fire questions with Mike
(26:15) – What the public should know about drones in law enforcement

In this episode, we take you inside the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Teen Academy — a unique, hands-on summer experience for local teens. You’ll learn how the program started, who it's for, and what makes it stand out from a typical summer camp. From flying drones and meeting the K9 Unit to exploring forensics, SWAT demos, and even an obstacle course, this episode highlights the wide range of experiences teens can expect. We also talk about what the week is like for the deputies and staff who lead the program, and how the academy helps build trust and connection between law enforcement and the community. Whether your teen is thinking about a future in law enforcement or just wants an unforgettable week, this episode gives you the full picture.

• (0:00): Introductions
• (1:20): What is the Teen Academy?
• (3:38): Why does OCSO do the Teen Academy?
• (4:01): How does Teen Academy compare to a typical summer camp?
• (4:48): What happens during the week? (detailing the activities)
• (10:01): What else do parents need to know before registering?
• (10:53): What the week is like for teens and deputies
• (13:40): Dates available for the 3 Teen Academies
• (14:05): How Teen Academy has evolved over the years
• (17:13): Sometimes the camp inspires a career in law enforcement
• (19:58): Are there similar programs for adults?
• (22:35): What happens at graduation at the end of the week?

In this episode, we sit down with K9 Deputy Angie Keller to explore the incredible work she does with her Bloodhound, Wyatt. Together, they achieved 23 successful finds in 2024. Angie shares stories from the field, explains what it’s like working with Wyatt every day, and talks about personality traits that make Wyatt such a special partner. From the science of scent tracking to the way they celebrate a successful find, this episode gives you an inside look at the bond between a K9 handler and her dog.

• (0:00): Meeting Deputy Keller and her history at OCSO
• (1:10): Why the agency uses bloodhounds and the training involved
• (3:33): Dog retirement and whether Wyatt goes home with Angie
• (5:10): How Wyatt picks up a scent
• (6:44): Common cases: finding children with autism or elders with dementia
• (8:14): Stories from the 23 finds made in 2024
• (14:11): The usefulness of free scent kits

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

• (16:02): How far can Wyatt track a scent?
• (16:39): What is the weirdest item you’ve used to track someone?
• (17:03): How does Wyatt indicate he’s found someone?
• (17:33): What’s a typical day off like for Wyatt?
• (18:04): What conditions are the most difficult for Wyatt to track in?
• (20:11): Wyatt’s personality: like a toddler’s
• (21:20): Commands: What words does Angie use?
• (22:33): Does Wyatt know the difference between work and downtime?
• (23:57): How do Angie and Wyatt celebrate or reward a find?

In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant Ryan Donovan and Master Deputy Jovi Santos from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. They share insights into the purpose and history of SWAT, what their day-to-day job entails, and the camaraderie that makes the unit so unique. We also dive into the selection process, common misconceptions about SWAT, and an inside look at the annual SWAT Round-Up International competition.

• (0:00): Meeting Sgt. Donovan and MD Santos
• (2:15): Process for joining SWAT
• (4:00): How has SWAT changed over the years?
• (5:08): Explaining the origin of SWAT
• (6:36): How often is SWAT called on?
• (7:10): How big is our team?
• (7:33): What's it like when you first join?
• (9:22): Challenges and stresses of the job
• (10:10): Why is the job appealing?
• (12:36): What is a typical day like?
• (14:05): Sgt. Donovan shares some unfortunate stories
• (15:19): What is the most common call SWAT goes on?
• (15:48): What most commonly goes wrong?
• (16:36): Training is most of the job
• (17:50): Explaining the selection process
• (21:23): Camaraderie is important to the team
• (22:56): SWAT Round-up International
• (34:43): Mike Milmerstadt's legacy at the agency
• (35:38): How SWAT recruits
• (38:36): Common misconceptions about SWAT

In this episode of Behind the Star, Garbrielle Griffith, an Emergency Communications Specialist, and Nikayla Phillip , a 911 Supervisor, share their experiences from the front lines of emergency response. They recount some of the most impactful calls they've handled, offering a glimpse into the intense and often unpredictable nature of their work.

Garbrielle and Nikayla discuss what it takes to thrive in this demanding role, the kind of person best suited for the job and the preparation required to handle the constant unknowns. They also explore how many use this position as a stepping stone into law enforcement, highlighting the skills and insights gained from their experiences.

• (1:55): The seriousness and stress of the job
• (9:05): The Comm Center looks like you would expect from a TV show or movie
• (10:17): How long does it take to feel comfortable in the role?
• (11:23): Learning how to do the job
• (13:38): Traits and skills needed to be a 911 operator
• (15:24): How has this job changed you?
• (17:04): The biggest miscinceptions about 911 operators
• (18:11): Gabrielle and Nikayla share some of their most memorable calls
• (25:31): Why you should consider applying for a job here