OCDA gang investigator recognized for collaborating with the O.C. Probation Dept.

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Date: October 5, 2016

OCDA GRIP INVESTIGATOR RECOGNIZED BY OC PROBATION DEPARTMENT CHIEF FOR HIS COLLABORATIVE WORK

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) Investigator Kevin Ruiz was recognized by Orange County Probation Department Chief Steven Sentman for his collaborative work at the Annual Chief’s Award Ceremony. Investigator Ruiz is currently assigned to the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP) and was recognized yesterday, Oct. 4, 2016, as a collaborative partner representing the OCDA.

Investigator Ruiz has been in law enforcement for 40 years, retiring as a corporal in the Santa Ana Police Department Gang Unit before joining the OCDA. Investigator Ruiz trains probation officers on officer safety and search and seizure methodology, and has earned respect from his peers for his dedication and teamwork skills. With OC GRIP, Investigator Ruiz partners with police departments to provide education and recreational opportunities for at-risk students, which then increases school attendance and decreases gang activity. Most of these students had never participated in teams or programs outside of school due to a lack of resources or familial support. OC GRIP also supports students by holding hundreds of parent intervention meetings, faculty presentations and gang prevention education courses prepared and delivered by law enforcement agents. OC GRIP sponsored clubs and camps provide a safe, confidence-building environment for at-risk juveniles across the county.

A probation officer recently said of him, “Investigator Ruiz is the purest example of a … true professional in law enforcement. He has always treated probation officers as equals, and emphasizes the high value they bring to many assignments in police work … he is a genuinely humble, compassionate and purpose driven professional [who] has … dedicated most of his life to public service.”

Chief Sentman stated, “Investigator Ruiz has remained committed to working with at-risk youth and their families. Upon retiring from Santa Ana PD, he chose to continue his work with this population in a different capacity – this time through the District Attorney’s Office … where he continues to positively impact at-risk youth in Orange County. Kevin, we offer our most sincere thanks for the many years of collaboration with the Orange County Probation Department.”

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TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Roxi Fyad, Spokesperson
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486