There are three Developmental Centers and one Community Facility that have Police Departments which operate under the Office of Protective Services.

Office of Protective Services (OPS) contracts with Lexipol, LLC for a subscription to Lexipol’s Law Enforcement Policy Manual and Daily Training Bulletins. Lexipol is a nationally-recognized provider of law enforcement and risk management policies. OPS staff continually work with Lexipol using the web-based Lexipol, Knowledge Management System (KMS) platform to update the OPS policy manual with the most current laws and changes to legislation that impact our policies. Effective July 1, 2015, OPS published its policy manual that is consistent with federal, state, and local laws, and reflects up-to-date, applicable industry standards and best practices. Since the initial training has been completed, daily training bulletins are provided and reviewed by OPS staff to reinforce approved policies and procedures.
OPS is working collaboratively with California Health and Human Services Agency’s Office of Law Enforcement Support (OLES) to provide independent oversight of law enforcement investigations, recruitment and hiring, and training.
The Department is committed to implementing best practices in conducting administrative and criminal investigations. The Department continues to refine the newly implemented Records Management System (RMS) to provide greater standardization and assist in measuring OPS case investigations and findings.

When an incident occurs at a developmental center/community facility (DC/CF), a number of reviews occur to determine the contributing factors, develop plans to prevent recurrence and initiate corrective actions if necessary. Special investigations are conducted by OPS as a critical element of safeguarding the DC/CF residents. In response to specific recommendations, OPS operations and organizational restructuring has occurred, and the OPS is reviewing and revising all internal operating systems to ensure ongoing improvement. The Department and OPS leadership are achieving this with subject matter expert consultants.

Meet the Commander of each Department below:

Image of Sonoma Developmental Center Interim Commander James Dimmitt

Sonoma Developmental Center Interim Commander James Dimmitt

Commander Dimmitt has served for 24 years as a Law Enforcement professional. Prior to joining the Office of Protective Services (OPS) in 2017, he worked for the Health and Human Services Agencies – Office of Law Enforcement Support, the Chico Police Department, and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Commander Dimmitt has worked as a patrol officer, Detective (investigating homicides, sexual assaults, and other serious crimes), SWAT Team Leader, Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) member, Crisis Incident Stress Management (CISM) team member, and a Use of Force instructor. In addition to the Sonoma Developmental Center’s OPS, Commander Dimmitt currently oversees the OPS Headquarters Professional Standards Branch.

Message:

As the interim Commander of the Sonoma Developmental Center, it is my goal to help each member achieve their personal best, so they may serve the community to the utmost of their ability.
I strive daily to help others understand what my father taught me each day before he dropped me off for school:

“It’s your attitude, not your aptitude, that determines your altitude.”

Image of Officer Bisacca

Porterville Developmental Center Commander Pete Bisacca

Commander Pete Bisacca started his tenure with the Office of Protective Services (OPS), Porterville Developmental Center, in November of 2013 as the Operations Lieutenant. From January 2016 to June 2016, he had the privilege of serving as the Acting Commander for the Fairview Developmental Center, Office of Protective Services. In September of 2016, he humbly accepted a promotion as the OPS Commander, Porterville Developmental Center. Prior to his career with the OPS, Commander Bisacca served in the United States Navy and was temporarily assigned as a Patrolman to the Naval Station Norfolk Waterborne Police Section. This temporary assignment sparked his interest in law enforcement and upon completing his enlistment; he proceeded to pursue a career in the law enforcement profession. During the course of his 16-year law enforcement career, he worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Field Sergeant, Watch Commander, Emergency Response Team member and Investigator for the Department of State Hospitals in Coalinga. He had the opportunity to work as a fulltime and reserve Police Officer for the City of Coalinga Police Department and as a reserve Police Officer for the City of Huron Police Department. He was also employed as a Tribal Police Officer/Sergeant for a Native American Tribal Police Department.

Message:

As the OPS Commander at the Porterville Developmental Center, it has been an ongoing honor and privilege to serve alongside the men and women of this Department who are committed to providing professional and superior Police/Fire services to our community, clientele, staff and stakeholders. I take great pride in knowing that we provide specialized Law Enforcement services for individuals who have their own unique set of challenges. We have established positive working relationships with local, county, state and federal Law Enforcement agencies, first responders, administrators, and members of the community. We will strive to build upon these professional relationships through open communication, support and cooperation.

Members of our Department will continue to work collaboratively with the diverse group of professionals who provide treatment for our residents to ensure the Police/Fire services, provided, are carried out with compassion, professionalism and integrity. The Command Staff and I will continue to implement positive changes that are in line with best law enforcement practices, policies and procedures and the law. We will continue to seek out the most modern law enforcement training courses, equipment and technology available, facilitate training courses, and recruit/retain personnel that will enhance the services rendered to our residents, staff and the community we serve. The law enforcement professionals employed by this Department are truly dedicated to fulfilling our mission statement; “Professional Excellence and Superior Service.”

Image of Headquarters Administrative Commander Chris Contreras

Headquarters Administrative Commander Chris Contreras
Interim Commander for the Canyon Springs Community Facility and the Fairview Developmental Center

Commander Chris Contreras is currently assigned as the Headquarters Administrative Commander for the Office of Protective Services, and the interim Commander for the Canyon Springs Community Facility and the Fairview Developmental Center.

Commander Contreras started his law-enforcement career in 2002 after being hired as a Patrol Officer with the Farmersville Police Department in Tulare County. While employed with the Farmersville Police Department, Commander Contreras was assigned as a Patrol Officer for approximately 1 year before being assigned as an Investigator. In March of 2005, Commander Contreras was hired by the Porterville Police Department, where he spent the next 15 ½ years. While at the Porterville Police Department, Commander Contreras started off as a Patrol Officer, and gradually held numerous different assignments, including a Field Training Officer, DUI Enforcement Officer, General Investigations Unit Detective, Gang & Narcotics Detective, K-9 Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and eventually a Lieutenant. In November 2020, Commander Contreras joined the Porterville Developmental Center, Office of Protective Services as a Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant in May 2021, and to Headquarters Administrative Commander in January 2022. Commander Contreras possesses a POST Management Certificate. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Management, and is currently working through a master’s degree program studying Business Administration. Pursuant to the retirement of former OPS Commander Kevin Martin, Commander Contreras has been assigned as the interim Commander for the Canyon Springs Community Facility and the Fairview Developmental Center since April 2022.

Message:

As the interim OPS Commander for the Canyon Springs Community Facility and the Fairview Developmental Center, I have the distinct privilege to lead the members of the OPS at both facilities on their mission to protect and serve DDS consumers, DDS staff, and DDS property. My goal is to ensure OPS delivers the highest quality of police services that consumers, staff, and members of the public deserve and expect. It is my objective to develop OPS employees as subject matter experts in crimes against those most vulnerable at each DDS facility, and to establish strong community partnerships with our community stakeholders that are crucial to securing the safest environments for DDS consumers.


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Last modified: June 13, 2025