Chief named assn. president

John Hensley, Costa Mesa police leader, given top spot of police chiefs, O.C. sheriff group.The Orange County Chiefs and Sheriff Assn. has selected Costa Mesa Police Chief John Hensley as the 2006 association president.

As president, Hensley will serve as a spokesman and representative of the association, which meets once a month to discuss public safety issues that affect agencies throughout the county.

The association is comprised of police chiefs countywide and the Orange County sheriff; membership is voluntary.

“A lot good work comes out of the association,” Hensley said. “We’re advocates for law enforcement.”

Most recently the association has worked on establishing uniform communication between Orange County law enforcement agencies, using an 800-megahertz radio, Hensley said.

The association is also establishing an integrated law enforcement and justice system to share information between agencies, Hensley said.

“What we do in Costa Mesa could impact neighboring jurisdictions,” Hensley said.

Association members vote on who will serve as president. Hensley served as vice-president in 2005.

“I think John will bring a strong sense of the importance of professionalism,” said Laguna Beach Police Chief and association member Mike Sellers.

Sellers worked closely with Hensley on a dispatch communications program while he was previously with the city of Seal Beach and Hensley was working with the Cypress Police Department.

“John can be regarded as being very straightforward,” Sellers said. “I appreciate his candor.”20051221hoitt1kfMARK C. DUSTIN / DAILY PILOT(LA)Costa Mesa Police Chief John Hensley was named president of the Orange County Chiefs and Sheriff Assn.