Cadet Program The local police recruit training facility, Indian River Academy, developed a program called the Academy Track Program to provide better candidates for employment for criminal justice agencies.  The regimented program allows students seeking a career in the criminal justice field to enter a comprehensive two year program to allow them to obtain both a Certificate of Completion from Indian River Academy and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Indian River Community College upon completion of the program. Sheriff Mascara felt that this was a resourceful program and created the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program to further enhance the student’s exposure to the criminal justice profession.  The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Cadet Program hires a few of the students who are enrolled in the Indian River Academy Track Program as part-time employees. The students work between 20 and 30 hours a week and must remain in the Academy Track Program as a successful student while employed by the Sheriff’s Office. A Sheriff’s Office cadet receives exposure and training within all facets of the agency.  They are assigned to work in the various components of the agency to include the Administration, Criminal Investigation, Detention, and Road Patrol divisions. Each cadet is assigned to a division on a semester basis.  At the end of the semester (approximately four months) they rotate positions in the agency to allow all of the cadets exposure to as much of the agency as possible. Participating in both the Academy Track Program and being employed as a cadet with the Sheriff’s Office does not guarantee a full-time position with the agency upon completion of the program.  Cadet applicants are still required to compete with other potential candidates for a position as a deputy sheriff.  However, it is certain that with the extra knowledge obtained in the cadet program, a cadet who applies for a full-time position with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office or any other law enforcement agency will have a better understanding of how a law enforcement agency works and will make them better qualified to receive an appointment as a law enforcement officer.

For more information please contact Linda Thiery at thieryl@stluciesheriff.com.

The Davie Police Department’s Beat the Heat Racing program is a Cops and Kids oriented program, which brings young people together with the Police Officers in their community. In 2002, The Davie Police "Beat the Heat" Racing Team was created by Officer Ron Bradley and members of the Davie Police Department. The team is part of a nationwide "Cops & Kids" program called "Beat the Heat." The program uses racecars and show cars dressed up like police vehicles as a tool to help combat illegal street racing and drinking. Beat the Heat is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit organization and uses zero tax dollars in this educational program. Each year, members of Beat the Heat attended over 700 events, drive over 300,000 miles and visit with over 1.5 million kids nationwide. The car they utilized was originally a 1986 Ford Mustang 4-cylinder that was donated by a local tow company. Other local sponsors provided the necessary parts and services to convert the car into an 8-cylinder 5.0L. Work began on the car in June 2001 and took one year and over 800 hours to complete. A sponsor then donated a full tubular chassis fiberglass bodies Chevrolet Beretta to the program in April 2006. The Mustang was retired and sold and the process of converting the Beretta to a “police” car was started and completed in March 2007.The Davie Police Department utilizes the racecar to attend car shows, races and conduct displays in public, including schools, in order to educate everyone about the dangers of street racing. In addition, local and national businesses work with the Davie Police Department in an effort to increase their exposure and help reach a larger  audience. Goals of Beat The Heart Racing are to help educate the young people of the communities about the real problems of illegal drug and alcohol use, to educate everyone to the horrors of alcohol or drug impaired driving, to promote a better understanding between the police and the communities they serve,  to educate the general public about drag racing and encourage everyone not to race in the street. The theme of the program is "Racing for Education." Three of the four goals state specifically a goal of some kind of education. With this program, Davie Police Department is able to break down some of the barriers that naturally exist between youth and authority figures. Since 2003, members of the Davie Police Department Beat The Heat Racing team volunteered nearly 2500 hours to maintain the program and attend events.  Members drove almost 20,000 miles to attend 110 events, reaching out and educating over 90,000 young adults and children.

For more information please contact Lt. Wayne Boulier at wayne_boulier@davie-fl.gov.

The Career Criminal/Fugitive Unit is a unit assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and consists of five detectives and one sergeant. The primary function of this unit is to monitor and target certified career, habitual, violent or repeat offenders and wanted fugitives. Other functions of the unit are as follow: Works with the Parole and Probation to identify and monitor individuals on supervised conditional release. Coordinated the enforcement initiatives for two grants; Project Safe Streets and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Project Safe Streets – This Federally funded grant was implemented in May of 2008, with the goal of reducing violent crime in three identified hot spots by five percent. All proactive enforcement activities will conclude in June of 2009. Task: Coordinate department resources, outside agencies and Probation/Parole investigators to identify individuals responsible for violent crimes committed within targeted areas of the city. Task: Implement action plans and proactive strategies to arrest violent crime offenders. Measures: Effectiveness of efforts through reductions in violent crime. Analysis of the last eight months of 2007 to the same period in 2008 has shown an 18 percent decrease in Violent Part one crimes involving firearms.

The supervisor of the unit reviews information daily from the Department of Corrections regarding prison inmate release notifications. Those with significant criminal histories are disseminated to CCU detectives for follow-up - and BOLO flyers issued to the district where they will be residing. Monitor all career criminals living in the city via checks. Task: quarterly checks to residences listed for career criminal offenders. Monitor: Criminally charge those who fail to meet statutory requirements or the terms of their probation or parole.

At any given time, there are approximately 30 registered career criminals residing in the city. From January through December 2009, detectives conducted regular compliance checks. As a result, 17 career criminals were found to be in violation and charges were filed against them with the State Attorney’s Office. Monitor all sexual offenders in the city via address verification. Task: Conduct residential checks of sexual offenders and predators who have failed to comply with Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Measure: Ensure those not in compliance are prosecuted. In 2008, offender checks were completed resulting in the arrest of 13 sexual offenders. From January through December 2009, detectives conducted regular compliance checks. As a result, 38 sexual offenders were found to be in violation and charges were filed against them with the State Attorney’s Office.

The Juvenile Initiative targets at risk kids with referral services and diversion programs, and lectures. Enforcement targets repeat, violent and habitual juvenile offenders. There is a coordinated effort with Probation and Parole, School Recourse Officers, the State Attorney’s Office, other members of CID and the crime analysis people.

Juvenile Initiative:

• Arrest Juveniles who have pick up orders
• Monitor Juveniles who are on probation
• Conduct curfew checks on juveniles who have curfews as part of their probation
• CCU created a program that allows adult offenders to lecture high risk juvenile offenders about crime, drugs and alcohol
• Agency participates in MAGTF (Multi Agency Gang Taskforce) to identify and arrest gang members
• Attend juvenile hearings.

Detectives participate in the following task forces: Multi-Agency Gang Task Force (MAGTF), FBI Violent Crime and Fugitive Task Force, US Marshals Fugitive Task Force, ATF Gun Initiative Task Force.

From February 2009 through February 2010, CCUD Detectives participated in a year-long ATF undercover operation, which targeted drug and gun violations. A total of 87 people were charged with an assortment of felonies, including drug trafficking, carrying concealed firearm (CCF), and felons in possession of firearms (state and federal). The agency also seized: 295 firearms, 7762 MDMA pills, 2956 Oxycodone pills, 2665 grams of cocaine, and 61 stolen ID sets. In 2009 CCU / Fugitive Detectives made 279 arrests.

Other noteworthy Career Criminal Unit (CCU) investigations:

The Career Criminal Unit received information regarding a fugitive possibly living in Broward County. However, his exact location was unknown. The tip also said that the defendant who had been on the run for over six years, was using an alias by the name Scott Casey,. Upon further investigation, CCU found a subject by the name Robert Casey, who received a traffic ticket for driving without a license in Deerfield Beach on October 2008. At the time the citation was issued the subject's fingerprint was on the ticket. Fort Lauderdale Police Department Latent Fingerprint Examiners matched the fingerprint on the ticket and it matched Scott Lamb’s print. CCU and Fugitive Detectives conducted surveillance and on May 7, 2009, Lamb was arrested at his girlfriend's residence and charged with multiple warrants, including Trafficking Cocaine, Conspiracy Traffic Cocaine, Grand Theft over $100,000. Lamb was later found guilty and sentenced to 25 years FSP.

American Public Media Group notified CCU about a pirate radio station interfering with their radio station on 89.7 FM. The pirate radio station was broadcasting without a license on 89.5 FM. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was able to determine that the broadcast was coming from 1132 NW 4th Ave. A search warrant was obtained and on April 22, 2009 was executed. CCU, SWAT, FCC and Environmental Crimes units participated in executing the warrant and shutting down the radio station. Numerous broadcasting equipment was seized and the DJ Andre Mims-Shaw was arrested for Unauthorized Transmission/Interference with a Public Radio Station. Renald Joachin was arrested on the scene for a warrant.

For more information please contact Joel Winfrey at JWinfrey@fortlauderdale.gov.

Sheriff Loran Cogburn implemented a Citizens Advisory Board at the beginning of his term in officeTwelve new members are selected each year and each one becomes an honorary member at the end of their year of service. With 132 members to date, these individuals have become intimately acquainted with the operations of the Sheriff’s Office from budgets, to dispatch, to arrests and booking of suspects into the jail system. They have been the extra eyes and ears to the 28,000 residence of Hardee County. They are the sounding board to both the Sheriff and citizens creating better communication and understanding that makes the community a safer place to live. They definitely have made a positive impact on the services provided by the law enforcement agency.

For more information please contact Joe Cortez @ jcortez@hardeeso.com

The South Daytona Citizens Alert Council, Inc. is an organization of individuals and businesses that support the South Daytona Police Department and its community in a cooperative effort to help prevent crime through neighborhood watch, citizen awareness and crime prevention programs. The group has expanded its involvement to include activities with the South Daytona Fire Department and Parks and Recreation Department.

The program has been in existence since 1980. They hold monthly meetings and mail out quarterly newsletters to its members. The group also supports “Citizens Patrol,” a group of volunteer members who patrol the city. The volunteers patrol in marked units equipped with police radios, acting as additional “eyes and ears” of the department by reporting suspicious activity.

There are currently over 100 active members. The group holds annual events such as the National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs, National Crime Prevention Month/Awareness Day and the annual Bar-B-Que fundraiser. It is estimated that this group has raised an average of $5,000 per year for each of the last 29 years, which is used to help fund special needs and programs of the agency. A special commitment the group has sponsored for the past 12 years is the 50 percent funding of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Bullet Proof Vest Grant program.

For more information please contact Ron Wright @ rwright@southdaytona.org

The Citizens Marine Patrol or CMP is a volunteer staffed unit that patrols Lake County’s vast waterways and works directly with the Lake County Marine Patrol. Each potential member of the CMP must pass a background investigation, psychological testing and a drug screen as part of their application requirements. Each candidate must also have extensive boating experience and have passed a Certified Boating Safety Course.

CMP members patrol assigned areas and act as additional staffing to assist Lake County’s many boaters. These volunteers are constantly on the lookout for suspicious activity, stranded boaters, and other situations that may require a law enforcement response. Once a determination is made that a problem exists, a Marine Patrol Deputy is summoned to the scene. In addition, CMP members conduct numerous safety inspections of watercraft and often hold boater safety training classes along with Marine Patrol Deputies.

CMP members are a valuable asset to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. These volunteers have donated thousands of hours and continue to serve the citizens of Lake County.

For more information please contact Lieutenant John Herrell at jherrell@lcso.org.

Citizens on Patrol or COPS are a group of dedicated volunteers that have served since the unit’s inception in 2007. Each potential member of the COPS Program must pass a background investigation, psychological test and drug screening. Each candidate must also complete the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy, and a 60-hour Citizens on Patrol Training course.

While on patrol in marked Lake County Sheriff’s Office COPS vehicles, these dedicated members look for situations such as crimes in progress, suspicious persons or activity, abandoned/disabled vehicles, and traffic obstructions and hazardous driving conditions. In addition, they assist patrol deputies and other agencies with directing traffic at traffic crash scenes, assisting in searches for lost or missing persons or children, help with loose livestock, conducting property checks and patrolling the county’s many shopping centers and residential areas. They also assist with special events, such as Leesburg’s Bikefest and the Lake County Fair, in addition to conducting numerous educational programs, and other community service oriented tasks.  COPS members are now actively involved with the Sheriff’s Offices’ Project Lifesaver Program, which tracks persons with cognitive disorders who may have wandered from their homes or medical facility.

The COPS Unit began with 10 members in 2007, and currently has 40 active volunteers. Nine marked COPS vehicles are available to the members with additional vehicles in the process of being added to the fleet.

In 2009, COPS volunteers donated a total of 10,832 hours and patrolled over 135,653 miles.

For more information please contact Lieutenant John Herrell at jherrell@lcso.org.

The Delray Beach Police Department implemented the Clean and Safe Program over three years ago, and it consists of four police officers, who are assigned to the Business/Entertainment/ Downtown district of Delray Beach. These officers patrol the specific district either on bicycle or on foot to build relationships with business owners and their patrons. This unit utilizes problem solving and traditional styles of police work, incorporating the agency's community policing philosophy, by interacting with the business community, and ensuring that the basic quality of life issues are addressed immediately. Officers address noise complaints that emanate from a nightclub, as well as loitering, and café licensing matters, which in turn provides a clean and safe environment for the community to enjoy while they work, play, and reside within the area. The department also conducts a one-day Business Representatives’ Academy offering quick crime prevention tips to time-pressured representatives from the business community.

The assessment team was visiting the downtown district, and had the impromptu privilege of meeting Officer Rachel VanNess who is assigned to the Clean and Safe Program Unit. Within two minutes of meeting Officer VanNess, she handled a parking, and disabled vehicle issue in an expeditious, professional manner. Officer VanNess was very proud of her assignment, and it was apparent that she has developed a true partnership with the business community.

For more information please contact Maria Marino-Bollan at marino@ci.delray-beach.fl.us .

The most critical issues during any emergency have always been rapid response and reliable service.  During 2006 the Sheriff’s Office began to explore the possibility of combining the dispatch services of Highlands County’s Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Services to form one Consolidated Dispatch.  This allows each agency to be on one synchronized dispatch team for fast action.  The concept was being considered in an attempt to reduce operating costs and provide efficient call processing, and incident management while in an environment streamlined for the use of the 911 system.  The new system was completed going on-line in segments from April through October of 2006.  In April of 2007 upgraded radio consoles were installed to further enhance the system.        Mobile Data Terminals (MDT) installed in vehicles In recent years, the Sheriff’s Office became interested in equipping patrol cars and other law enforcement vehicles with in-car computers, or Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs).  The research and funding project was completed resulting in the successful purchase and installation of 82 MDTs during the months of February and March 2007.  The addition of the MDTs with printers has enhanced the response capabilities and efficiency of all patrol and other law enforcement vehicles.  Officer safety resulting from the tracking of individual units is much improved due to the integrated GPS feature. Marijuana Indoor Grow Houses Criminal Intelligence revealed that Highlands County was experiencing a substantial increase in indoor marijuana grow house operations within the last two years.  In response, a concentrated effort has been made to step up law enforcement in this specific area by the Special Investigations Unit.  As a result beginning November 2006 through February 2008, a total of 66 grow house operations have been identified and eradicated.  These efforts to date have resulted in the seizure of 3,772 plants, 81 arrests, $107,145.00 in cash, and the seizure of assorted tangible property.

For more information please contact Kim Ketchner at kketchner@highlandssheriff.org.

VOLUNTEERS HELP KEEP OUR SEBASTIAN COMMUNITY SAFER

Approximately 15 years ago, on March 25, 1992, the Community Service Volunteer Program, operating out of the Sebastian Police Department, was approved unanimously by the Sebastian City Council. The program started with three volunteers and has grown to 22 very active members in 2008.

The Community Service Volunteer Program has been an extremely important and valuable asset to the Sebastian Police Department and the residents of this community. The services provided are performed by citizens without compensation. It is an excellent opportunity and mechanism for furthering community involvement with the police operations.

Every morning a group of men and women volunteers take on the time consuming duties that would have been performed by sworn officers. These duties include residential and commercial security checks, courier and mail runs, funeral escorts, parking enforcement, code enforcement, and traffic control for special events and emergencies. The duties performed by the citizen volunteers allow the Police Officers to concentrate on priority calls necessary to keep the residents of Sebastian safe. The Volunteers are on call 24 hours a day and may also be called upon to participate in special cases such as missing persons searches, and accidents with road blocks.

The Sebastian Police Department has made training a top priority for the participating volunteers. A new volunteer will go through an orientation and training phase to learn radio protocol, codes, and signals. They attend training classes in traffic control, parking enforcement, code enforcement and some are trained as school crossing guards. They work primarily between the hours of 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Their membership is open to those who can pass a thorough background investigation and a physical exam. Current membership is made up of individuals from a diversified job market including white and blue collar workers, retired military personnel, and other professionals. While most of the members are retirees, membership is not limited to only retired people.

The volunteers utilize patrol vehicles equipped with amber warning lights, police radios, flashlights, traffic vests, rain coats, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers. The volunteers proudly wear a uniform of a light blue shirt with the Sebastian Police Department Volunteer logo, and navy pants.

The volunteers are citizens on patrol but do not carry weapons. The volunteers will call the dispatcher and request an officer to respond to their location if they observe suspicious activity or a suspicious person. Volunteers are very busy during the vacation season, checking on numerous homes while on patrol. They look for any suspicious activity, suspicious vehicles, broken windows, torn screens or unlocked doors. They perform their tasks with great pride and supply the homeowner; upon their return, with an individualized report of daily observations of their property.

The Sebastian Police Department is extremely proud of their Community Service Volunteers.

For more information please contact Michelle Morris at mmorris@cityofsebastian.org.

The Nassau County Sheriff's Office has an increasing volunteer element, including 13 volunteer Chaplains and 44 Community Volunteers. The Nassau County Sheriff's Office has found that, although their elderly residents are regularly visited by their families, the overall community greatly appreciates the Elderly In-Home Check program that is run using the Community Volunteers. Additionally, to free up sworn law enforcement deputies for more serious duties, the Community Volunteers assist by conducting Property Checks, and by assisting with the direction of traffic at crash scenes.The Community Volunteer program is well staffed by local volunteers and has proven to be a tremendous resource of great value to the community—and the taxpayer.

For more information please contact Lawanna Ware at lware@nassaucountysheriff.com.

The Palm Bay Police Department has the only computer forensics lab in Brevard County. The lab enables specially trained agency personnel to obtain and analyze digital evidence in just about any type of criminal investigation. This lab enables the agency to provide these investigative tools to its agency members so that their investigations are completed in a quicker timetable than otherwise possible.

For more information please contact Bryan Kerr at kerrb@palmbayflorida.org.

The Daytona Beach Police Department submitted its Computerized Statistical Analysis (COMPSTAT) Program as an exemplary project. COMPSTAT is modeled after the New York Police Department's COMPSTAT Program. Meetings are held twice per month and are attended by police personnel, volunteers and citizens. During the COMPSTAT meeting, not only are crime statistics discussed and analyzed, but quality of life issues are also addressed. The model holds commanders and officers responsible for crime in their geographical areas. Problems are attacked from a variety of innovative angles to bring about swift resolution.

The assessment team attended the July 24 COMPSTAT Meeting held at 10:00a.m. at the department. After the opening, the Chief introduced citizens attending and commended officers who displayed exemplary performance in solving community issues and apprehending suspects. The Daytona Beach Police Department’s COMPSTAT program is a process of applying four key principles that use technology such as mapping, charting, and statistical analysis, as a tool for targeting crime and applying officer resources based on the intelligence gathered through the technology. The four principles are:

Principle 1: Timely, Accurate Intelligence
Intelligence must be accurate and timely to be effective. Officers at all levels of the organization must have a precise understanding of when types of crimes are occurring, how and where the crimes are being committed, and who the criminals are. Traditional policing tactics are directed at apprehending the suspect. While criminal apprehension is an important part of COMPSTAT, it does not stop there. COMPSTAT requires the police to give attention to the social and environmental situation that may be adding to or creating the problem.

Principle 2: Effective Tactics
Effective tactics must be developed after studying and analyzing the intelligence. In order to bring about permanent change these tactics must be comprehensive, flexible, and adaptable to changing crime trends. Solutions, as often as possible, should be collaborative, including support units, other agencies and the public. COMPSTAT tactics encourage thinking outside the box and mandate that every resource, both internal and external, is considered when police respond to a problem. Just employing tactics that displaces the crime problem from one area to another is not acceptable.

Principle 3: Rapid Deployment
For decades, police departments have been driven by calls for service and responded with limited resources in a reactive manner. With COMPSTAT, the police department is armed with vital information regarding emerging crime trends or patterns that allow for a proactive strategic police response. Once a tactical plan is developed it is necessary to organize and put into operation an assortment of personnel and resources. By being able to quickly organize and deploy resources in the field in a timely manner, the department is able to control the crime problem before it becomes a crisis. Police can respond to problems using many forms, including traditional uniformed or plainclothes officer response as well as nontraditional stings and decoys. By breaking down the barriers among the operating units, a new spirit of cooperation and working together materializes and enables the rapid deployment of resources.

Principle 4: Relentless Follow-Up and Assessment:
An essential element in any operation is the need to critically assess past tactics and review what worked and what did not. One of the main differences between private enterprise and the public sector is the bottom line of positive returns. If a business implements an unsuccessful strategy or provides an unacceptable level of customer service, it is not long before it becomes a failed business. Much like a business, the bottom line with COMPSTAT is results. To properly implement COMPSTAT it is essential to record data before and after the tactics have been deployed in terms of reports of crimes, arrests made, and results achieved. It is necessary to assess the results from the tactics employed; establish the validity of the tactic; know how the tactic worked and state clearly which elements worked best, thereby allowing for the design of tactics addressing future crime problems.

For more information please contact Larry Lightfoot @ llightfoot@dbpd.us

The Palm Bay Police Department utilized a California based software company to provide secure, on-line access for its citizens to enter reports of a specified nature. With CopLogic, which was funded using seized criminal assets, citizens get to enter lost property, minor thefts, vandalism and other reports via the Internet. Once validated and imported into the agency’s records system, the citizen gets a copy of their report via e-mail. This system allows for police personnel to remain in the field more often while the citizens get the added convenience of being able to report an incident from the comfort of their home or office. A stand-alone kiosk is also available in the lobby of the police department for citizens who do not have access to the Internet.

For more information please contact Bryan Kerr at kerrb@palmbayflorida.org.

The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit in conjunction with St. Lucie County Television produce and air a television show called 10-8 St. Lucie.  The premise of the show is to give viewers a behind the scenes look at the inner operations of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and offer information that may help viewers reduce criminal activity.  Past episodes have highlighted specialty units such as the Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T). Team, the Traffic Unit, and the St. Lucie County Jail.  Shows covered child safety issues that may arise during the summer and around the holidays. During 2008, the 10-8 show format will expand to include more of the popular “Cops” style episodes.  Two such episodes aired in 2007 and were a success with the viewers.  This style of programming affords the viewers a first hand look at the local efforts being made by the Sheriff’s Office in keeping St. Lucie County safe.  Each episode includes three segments and features different deputy sheriffs.  Appearance on the show is voluntary and preference is given to recipients of departmental awards for exceptional duty. Currently, the 10-8 show is broadcast monthly on the St. Lucie County government access channel throughout unincorporated St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce.  Additionally, the show can be seen on the City of Port St. Lucie government access channel, unless pre-empted.  It’s estimated that close to 80,000 cable customers view the show. In an effort to further promote the 10-8 show, a website dedicated to the show will debut in the summer of 2008.  The website will provide viewers with information about the show, safety tips, frequently asked questions, and streaming videos of past episodes. Videos for the hearing impaired will also be available.

For more information please contact Linda Thiery at thieryl@stluciesheriff.com.

Governor’s Sterling Award: In May 2008, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was awarded the coveted Governor’s Sterling Award which recognizes performance excellence. The Marion County Sheriff's Office was the first law enforcement agency to receive the award.

The Sterling process examines the results of how business is conducted. Governor Charlie Crist states, "The Governor’s Sterling Award is designed specifically to recognize organizations in Florida who have achieved the status of role models for performance excellence."

The following elements of the agency were considered for the award:
DNA Screening Lab: In 2007 the Marion County Sheriff's Office established a partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to create a DNA screening laboratory staffed with personnel whose training would meet FDLE’s standards. In partnership with FDLE, the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) and the Department of Justice, the Marion County Sheriff's Office was selected to do a pilot project – creating a Level 3 DNA screening laboratory. The Sheriff’s Office made an agreement with FDLE to establish guidelines for the process, which would allow items collected from crime scenes to be screened for samples used in DNA testing. The pre-screened samples would then move directly into DNA analysis at one of the FDLE laboratories.

In January 2007, while construction of a laboratory was started at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office hired three DNA screening technicians and they began their initial two week training at the NFSTC with FDLE on February 5, 2007. Next, the technicians spent four weeks conducting supervised casework on crimes committed in Marion County at the FDLE laboratory in Jacksonville. As the partnership agreement outlined, the DNA screeners were trained by FDLE and obtained their certification. Their training encompassed the same training, testing, report-writing and report styles as FDLE screeners, which ensures consistency between FDLE and Marion County Sheriff's Office laboratory personnel. The DNA screeners are also required to meet the same educational requirements as FDLE screeners.

Marion County Sheriff's Office has been able to significantly reduce DNA turnaround time with certified Level 3 screeners, averaging six days for screening. DNA profiling at the FDLE lab also has been reduced on Marion County samples to 83 days. Besides reducing turn around time, having FDLE-trained DNA screeners at the Sheriff’s Office has proved beneficial in other ways. They can provide investigators with critical early information. For example, the presence of blood or semen at a crime scene can provide enough probable cause to make an arrest in a rape case or the sexual abuse of a child.

Critical Incident Specialist (CIS): This program consists of trained mental health professionals able to identify person(s) with mental health illnesses, provide field intervention, assist with finding appropriate placement and follow ups. They also assist deputies with 24 hour on-scene crisis intervention on calls involving substance abuse, rape victims, domestic violence, homeless persons, juveniles and elder affairs. They serve as liaisons to community providers of crisis intervention and human support. In 2007, this program was identified as an outstanding program at the annual Governor’s Sterling Award conference.

Work In Lieu of Arrest (W.I.L.A.): This is a program designed to offer the first time juvenile misdemeanants an alternative to arrest while still providing immediate consequences. To complete, students must work 20 hours spread across five Saturdays at the Sheriff’s Office Inmate Work Farm. This is one-time opportunity that keeps youthful offenders out of the court system and allows them to avoid permanent criminal record. Participation in the program requires the approval of the juvenile’s parent or guardian. This program is conducted through the Youth and Community Services Bureau.

For more information please contact Gary Harbin at gharbin@marionso.com .

The mission statement for the Key Biscayne Police Department (KBPD) is: "To work in partnership with the community we serve to solve problems and resolve conflicts. This will be accomplished by providing courteous, competent and effective delivery of law enforcement services in a fair and impartial manner."

The mission statement of KBPD is not just words on the paper. They believe in it and work towards it each day. An outstanding example of this would be a training project they completed with the private sector on customer service. Most agencies train their officers on safety issues when approaching citizens/suspects, on correct procedure for communicating during traffic stops, and when taking complaints from citizens. The Village of Key Biscayne, including the police department, took it one step further and partnered with the Ritz Carlton to put every member through their customer service program. The Ritz Carlton is the premier hotel for customer service and each member of the agency spent a day in training on how the Ritz employees approach customers and work through issues.

The motto they focused on is: ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen. Key Biscayne recognizes that most of their encounters are with citizens in a positive manner and that giving premier customer service training, like that from the Ritz Carlton, will only make the encounters better.

For more information please contact Jose Monteagudo at jmonteagudo@kbpd.net .

The Palm Bay Police Department and Washington based DataDot Technology USA have joined forces in an unprecedented effort to prevent crimes involving theft through the use of advanced microdot technology. The DataDot Revolution seeks to saturate the city with microdots on everything from vehicles to home computers, appliances, and other personal property that if stolen can easily be identified and returned to the rightful owner.

This will allow for faster resolution to criminal cases involving theft and provide critical evidence in court to enhance criminal prosecution. Burglary and theft of property is the number one crime affecting citizens in Central Florida’s second-largest municipality costing residents nearly five million dollars worth of lost property in 2008. Of that amount, more than half of the value of the stolen property was not recoverable in large part because the owners could not be identified. By making the DataDot identification kits available to its citizens, the Palm Bay Police Department is pioneering the use of this technology in the United States.

For more information please contact Bryan Kerr at kerrb@palmbayflorida.org.

Building the accreditation files digitally was an idea conceived separately, but at about the same time by OCSO Captains Steve Hurm and J.D. Peacock. In the fall of 2008, Captain Peacock, a 20 year veteran of the agency, was placed in charge of maintaining and modifying (when needed) the General Orders and Standard Operating Procedures of OCSO. He wanted to move the agency in the direction of a digital policy manual that would be available to deputies on the MCTs in their patrol vehicles. Meanwhile at FDLE in Tallahassee, Hurm had developed digital investigative files on major homicide cases and had imagined the benefits of a paperless accreditation files system during his service as legal advisor to CFA and FCAC. In 2009 when Hurm joined OCSO, the two men began collaborating on using their ideas for going paperless in the accreditation process.

Without fully knowing how they would go about accomplishing it, the two captains convinced Sheriff Spooner and the rest of the command staff to allow them to create a new digital accreditation file system as part of the agency's quest for initial accreditation. Because of the universal availability of free PDF reader software, the men determined that the file system should be based on that technology. Captain Hurm's knowledge of web page creation allowed the agency to design a directory and web page for each file. Each accreditation standard was assigned a virtual file that stored all of the agency's General Orders and proofs of compliance for that specific standard. Using hyperlinks, assessors are able to review the Standard Summary Form, the respective General Order(s) and any related proofs of compliance. Knowing that assessors are required to sign all Standards Summary Forms, a secured digital signature section was developed. An assessor assigns a password to his/her signature, and rather than physically signing the Standard Summary Form, the assessor enters his/her unique password to have his/her signature inserted onto the document.

For more information please contact Steve Hurm at shurm@sheriff-okaloosa.org.

Governor’s Sterling Award: In May 2008, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was awarded the coveted Governor’s Sterling Award which recognizes performance excellence. The Marion County Sheriff's Office was the first law enforcement agency to receive the award.

The Sterling process examines the results of how business is conducted. Governor Charlie Crist states, "The Governor’s Sterling Award is designed specifically to recognize organizations in Florida who have achieved the status of role models for performance excellence."

The following elements of the agency were considered for the award:
DNA Screening Lab: In 2007 the Marion County Sheriff's Office established a partnership with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to create a DNA screening laboratory staffed with personnel whose training would meet FDLE’s standards. In partnership with FDLE, the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) and the Department of Justice, the Marion County Sheriff's Office was selected to do a pilot project – creating a Level 3 DNA screening laboratory. The Sheriff’s Office made an agreement with FDLE to establish guidelines for the process, which would allow items collected from crime scenes to be screened for samples used in DNA testing. The pre-screened samples would then move directly into DNA analysis at one of the FDLE laboratories.

In January 2007, while construction of a laboratory was started at the Sheriff’s Office headquarters, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office hired three DNA screening technicians and they began their initial two week training at the NFSTC with FDLE on February 5, 2007. Next, the technicians spent four weeks conducting supervised casework on crimes committed in Marion County at the FDLE laboratory in Jacksonville. As the partnership agreement outlined, the DNA screeners were trained by FDLE and obtained their certification. Their training encompassed the same training, testing, report-writing and report styles as FDLE screeners, which ensures consistency between FDLE and Marion County Sheriff's Office laboratory personnel. The DNA screeners are also required to meet the same educational requirements as FDLE screeners.

Marion County Sheriff's Office has been able to significantly reduce DNA turnaround time with certified Level 3 screeners, averaging six days for screening. DNA profiling at the FDLE lab also has been reduced on Marion County samples to 83 days. Besides reducing turn around time, having FDLE-trained DNA screeners at the Sheriff’s Office has proved beneficial in other ways. They can provide investigators with critical early information. For example, the presence of blood or semen at a crime scene can provide enough probable cause to make an arrest in a rape case or the sexual abuse of a child.

Critical Incident Specialist (CIS): This program consists of trained mental health professionals able to identify person(s) with mental health illnesses, provide field intervention, assist with finding appropriate placement and follow ups. They also assist deputies with 24 hour on-scene crisis intervention on calls involving substance abuse, rape victims, domestic violence, homeless persons, juveniles and elder affairs. They serve as liaisons to community providers of crisis intervention and human support. In 2007, this program was identified as an outstanding program at the annual Governor’s Sterling Award conference.

Work In Lieu of Arrest (W.I.L.A.): This is a program designed to offer the first time juvenile misdemeanants an alternative to arrest while still providing immediate consequences. To complete, students must work 20 hours spread across five Saturdays at the Sheriff’s Office Inmate Work Farm. This is one-time opportunity that keeps youthful offenders out of the court system and allows them to avoid permanent criminal record. Participation in the program requires the approval of the juvenile’s parent or guardian. This program is conducted through the Youth and Community Services Bureau.

For more information please contact Gary Harbin at gharbin@marionso.com .

The Panama City Police Department formed the Employee Emergency Response Team in an effort to provide its members with assistance in times of distress.  The goal is to provide for the physical and emotional needs of members of the Panama City Police Department in times of crisis. Examples of this might include death of an employee, death of a family member, personal or property loss due to a natural disaster such as a hurricane, or a line of duty shooting. Members of the team are also available to assist employees who need someone to talk to about stress management whether on-duty or off-duty twenty-four hours a day. The team consists of members from each section of the agency along with a chaplain and a licensed counselor. Team members have received training in critical incident stress debriefing and stress recognition. Any member of the team may be called on by an employee to provide assistance regardless of assignment. Services provided by the team are wide ranging, but all are intended to reduce stress on the affected employee by addressing physical and emotional needs. Each team member has developed community partnerships that are able to provide specific assistance. In the event of a line of duty death, a member of the team will serve as a liaison between the family and the department coordinating resources and requests for assistance.  In another example, the team might provide food and clothing to a family who is the victim of a natural disaster by contacting Catholic Charities and local churches. Counseling for the affected family could be provided by team members and/or they could be referred to the Employee Assistance Program. In order to promote stress awareness, the team provided Dr Kevin Gilmartin’s "Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement" video presentation to all employees of the Panama City Police Department. This training was made possible through a partnership with Gulf Beach Baptist Church, who provided the funding for the video. Discussion about stress awareness was part of the presentation. This training opportunity has been extended to family members of department employees on three occasions with a positive response each time. The team is currently preparing for the upcoming hurricane season by collecting toiletries and other items that will aid in short term post storm survival. Future goals include developing a team that has the ability to secure employee’s residences in a post disaster environment which would allow them to focus their attention on their duties. Team members are also seeking to bring a "Concerns of Police Survivors" course to the area in partnership with Gulf Coast Community College.

Please forward any questions to: Sergeant Paul Powell 850-381-0508.

GAME OVER (Gangs and Major Epidemic of Violence Enforcement Response) was formed in March 2008, and is a collaborative effort addressing violent criminal activity in Brevard County communities due to gangs. It is a partnership between the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In addition, other state and federal agencies, and Central Florida’s Crime Line assist the task force. To improve program effectiveness, the Sheriff deputizes municipal police officers from agencies throughout Brevard County assigned as members of the task force.

Gang violence and other violent crimes are increasing in the State of Florida. Florida has seen a significant influx of gang activity and an increase in the number of violent crimes that are being committed throughout the state. The pace of violent criminal activity in the state has elevated at a steady rate to include increases in the number of murders, sexual batteries, robberies and home invasions. Causes of the increase in violent activity have been associated with increased gang activity and the drug trade.

Historically, violent offenders were localized and remained within certain geographic boundaries. This is no longer true as violent offenders from one city are now being connected to violent offenses in other cities, counties, and even states. The increase in criminal activity has mandated that local, state and federal criminal justice agencies develop a well-organized, proactive approach to combat the problem.

The concept of GAME OVER is a multi-pronged approach that includes intelligence collection, investigative techniques and use of technology. Each local area has identified repeat, suspected perpetrators of violent offenses that remain free to commit criminal activity. The GAME OVER Task

Force uses resources from various participating agencies to identify, monitor, track and subsequently apprehend these violent offenders during the actual commission of criminal acts. During the first six months of 2008, Brevard County realized a reduction in violent crime while crime continued to increase in surrounding areas. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office believes this success is at least partly due to the efforts of this task force.

The team works in concert with the State Attorney’s Office to prosecute the various individuals for all criminal offenses, to include violent crimes, probation violations, weapons charges, narcotics violations and other associated crimes. The involvement of the prosecutive teams as task force members ensures that each perpetrator identified as a GAME OVER Task Force arrest is given the full attention of the State Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Court Judges.

By employing recently developed technology and strong police tactics, the task force members are able to apprehend habitual violent offenders and gang members who are attempting to commit additional violent acts and remove them from the community. By maintaining vigilance over the course of prosecution and sentencing phases of the various offenders, the team’s efforts will help to eradicate violence from repeat offenders and have a positive effect on the crime rate and the quality of life for the citizens of Brevard County.

According to Sheriff Jack Parker, "It is a very small percentage of the criminals creating the majority of the violent crime. If we focus our efforts on them and ensure they are sentenced to long prison sentences, we can do more than simply take a bite out of crime."

For more information please contact Enid Bourgault at enid.bourgault@bcso.us .

The Village of Pinecrest Police Department has purchased two Hybrid fleet vehicles (Ford Fusion) in order to test the feasibility of transitioning the police vehicle fleet to one that leaves a smaller carbon footprint.  The first vehicle was purchased in July 2009, and was assigned as an unmarked vehicle for use by detectives.  The second vehicle was purchased in September 2010, and has been fully equipped as a marked police vehicle designated for patrol use.

The Department’s FY11 operating budget is $68,354,695.00, an increase of .007 percent from the previous year.  In order to continue excellent service to the community, the department has aggressively sought grant funding as a way to address budgetary shortfalls and purchase necessary equipment.   Over the past two years, $4,593,000. in grants have been applied for, including:

$1,900,000.00    Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)  Hiring for retention of six officers for a three year period.   Funding was received the previous year for the retention of four officers.

$500,000.00       Department of Justice for technology replacement

$450,000.00       Department of Justice for Mobile Command Vehicle

$400,000.00      UASI for target hardening initiatives at vulnerable city sites

$400,000.00       Department of Justice for technology replacement

$330,000.00       Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Recovery Act for laptop replacement

$301,000.00       High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)

$201,000.00       High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)

$152,000.00       Solving Cold Cases (Homicide/Sexual Battery) with DNA

$140,000.00       Secure Our Schools for enhanced school security (i.e. perimeter fencing, cameras, access control) at a high school

$76,000.00        Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for laptop replacement

$70,000.00        Bullet Proof Vest Program for Bullet Proof Vest replacement

$52,000.00        Enhanced Marine Law Enforcement Grant, funded by Broward County for marine enforcement

$49,000.00        Victims of Crime Act, Victim Advocate Salary

$20,000.00        Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Safety Belt Enforcement Program

$2,000.00          Target grant for youth programs

The CCSO is committed to a workforce that is physically fit and practices wellness as a way of life. To this end, the agency has adopted a very impressive Health and Fitness Program. The program is mandatory for sworn personnel and strongly encouraged for non-sworn members.

All employees are afforded the opportunity to receive a free bi-annual physical which includes a comprehensive blood analysis, urine analysis, cardiac stress test, medical history review with lifestyle advice, and ultrasound tests of all the major body organs including heart, liver, bladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, carotid arteries and abdominal aorta.

Since 2002, when the Sheriff’s Office began the contractual relationship with “Life Scan,” countless lives have been saved. Many employees were completely unaware of conditions related to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, tuberculosis, and many other potentially life threatening diseases. Many lives have been saved due to early detection and treatment.

Quarterly Physical Fitness Testing of all sworn personnel is a mandatory requirement for continued employment in a certified position. The course must be completed within 8 minutes and 30 seconds and is approximately one-half mile and consists of sixteen obstacles.

The agency maintains well-equipped fitness workout facilities in designated areas within the county and Sheriff Dawsy offers all employees one and one-half hours of paid time per week, to workout.

For more information please contact Wayne King at wking@sheriffcitrus.org.

The department sponsors a Citizen’s Home Firearms Safety Class four to six times a year. The class is an all day event which includes both classroom and range training. There have been 85 classes and over 1,600 graduates since its inception in 1991.

For more information please contact Ron Wright at rwright@southdaytona.org

The Wilton Manors Police Department also offers a House Check service to better protect the community and its citizens. The goal of this program is to deter potential burglars and to provide additional security while houses in the city are unoccupied. Citizens complete a House Check form in order to notify the police department that they will be gone for an extended period of time. During this absence, officers will check on the house to make certain the home is secure. By providing this service to the community, homeowners have peace of mind knowing their property is being checked while they are away from home. Wilton Manors Police Department offers this service free of charge and is easy to schedule. The form can either be printed from the Wilton Manors Police Department's website or procured in person at the police department.

Upon receiving a completed House Check form, the desk officer will provide the shift supervisor with a House Check Summary form. The shift supervisor will in turn assign an officer to perform these checks. This entails an exterior security check of the home to ensure windows and doors are locked and undamaged. House checks are done routinely every other day and are rotated among the three shifts. Houses that are unoccupied more than 30 days are checked once a week. Upon completion of these inspections, the officer generates and completes an Incident Report with an assigned case number, detailing the outcome of the house check.

For more information please contact Grant Gundle at ggundle@wmpd.org.

The JAM Program is a zero-tolerance program introduced by the Fort Pierce Police Department in December of 2008.  It was designed to intensively supervise youths on probation, who are not abiding by their court-ordered sanctions and/or are deemed as ungovernable by their parents/guardians.  Road Patrol Officers visit youth on a daily basis, ensuring that they are home while on home detention, or abiding by their curfew. The program also incorporates daily visits with and monitoring by the School Resource Deputies. Any non-compliance of court-ordered sanctions or JAM Rules results in an arrest.  Officers have started mentoring the youth they come in contact with daily, encouraging positive behavior and community involvement.  A total of 75 Fort Pierce youth have been monitored since the inception of JAM. In the first year after JAM began, the City of Fort Pierce noted a 20 percent reduction in juvenile crime.

For more information please contact Linda Blanning at lblanning@fppd.org.

The Fort Pierce Police Department (FPPD) Juvenile Diversion Program was designed to keep first time misdemeanor (and some felony) offenders out of the Juvenile Justice System and punish youths without tainting them with a criminal record.  Since its inception in 2004 to 2009, a total of 330 youth have been referred to the program by FPPD Road Patrol Officers.  Through either short-term counseling with the Juvenile Officer, or a Peer Review, youth receive various sanctions (punishments) to complete within 30 days. Of those youths referred, 94 percent have successfully completed the program.  Of those who completed the program, approximately 24 percent re-offend within four years of the initial incident. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the new offenses committed by youths are school-based offenses like disruption of a school function or simple battery.

For more information please contact Linda Blanning at lblanning@fppd.org.

For the past 13 years, the department has sponsored a “Kids Fishing Tournament.” The last ten years the event has been held in cooperation with the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety
at the Sunglow (Ocean) Fishing Pier. This event brings together “cops and kids” for a day of sun, fun and fishing. This year, 100 kids (along with parents) fished for prizes totaling over $9,000. Prizes and donations were collected from area business and the South Daytona Citizens Alert. Every child received a brand new rod and reel, fishing tackle, event t-shirt, medallion, goody bag and lunch. There is no charge for participation and the kid’s ages range from 4 to 12. The kids catch a variety of salt water fish.

For more information please contact Ron Wright at rwright@southdaytona.org

In January 2010, the Lighthouse Point Police Department implemented some of the latest innovations and technology geared to assist in crime prevention efforts and to help investigators identify criminal offenders. This new crime fighting initiative won’t cost the residents of Lighthouse Point a penny. The total cost of approximately $260,000.00 is being fully funded by the Police Department’s Federal Forfeiture Fund, which consists of monies received through the confiscation of cash and property from criminals.

New state-of-the-art license plate recognition (LPR) cameras have been installed at all roadways leading into and out of the city. These cameras capture vehicle images and important information that could prove beneficial during the investigation of criminal activity. In addition to the valuable intelligence information now accesible, the new LPR system will provide police with immediate alerts when vehicles with known affiliations to certain types of crimes (such as stolen vehicles and tags, sexual predators and offenders, wanted felons, gang members, and National terror watch list suspects) enter the city. The department has the ability to make entries into the LPR system to monitor local criminal suspects as well.

These new cameras are not being utilized to enforce traffic laws and violations, like speeding and red light violations. They are specifically designed and will be utilized to help solve crimes that occur in the community. Soon after the system went live, it identified a stolen car leaving the city, followed eight seconds later by a second car. Using the license data captured from the second car, the suspects were identified and subsequently located in Miami-Dade County and arrested. The utility of the system will continue to expand as experience is gained with using the capabilities of the system and the data collected.

For more information please contact James Wright at jwright@lighthousepoint.com .

The jurisdiction of the Hillsboro Beach Police Department extends along one main road – Hillsboro Mile, locally known as “The Mile.”  On either end of their jurisdiction, Hillsboro Beach Police Department has a system that records the vehicle license plate of each vehicle entering The Mile.  The vehicle is photographed and the tag is run through an updated FCIC/NCIC database.  Each vehicle is also displayed in Communications, which is alerted by sound and pop-up window whenever an FCIC/NCIC hit exists. 

The Hillsboro Beach Police Department credits implementation of the License Plate Recognition System with the recovery of several vehicles stolen in other jurisdictions which may have otherwise gone unnoticed.  In addition, the system can be accessed for investigatory purposes, and was used for this very purpose to develop a lead on a major crime that occurred on the eve of the accreditation assessment.

The Casselberry Police Department frequently receives calls to check on the well being of residents for a variety of reasons.  The Casselberry Fire Department receives medical calls when someone is ill or injured and needs assistance.  In both instances, upon arrival of either police or rescue personnel, the home is locked and the only way in is to force entry.

Not only can forcing entry to a home waste valuable time in reaching a victim, it also causes physical damage to the home.  The cost of repairing the damage is to the resident.

CSO Teri McDonald developed the concept and secured grant funding to start a Lock Box Program.  The initial funding for the program was derived from a Community Service grant from the Casselberry Walmart.  The grant monies allowed for the purchase of 36 wall-mounted lock boxes, tap cons for secure installation and My Med ID packets.  The total cost of the project was $1000.00.

The program provides first responders access to homes in the event of an emergency when the resident is unable to unlock the door. Participation is aimed at elderly or disabled citizens and is completely voluntary.  There is no cost for program participants.

When rescue or police repeatedly respond to the home of an elderly or disabled resident for medical or check well being calls for service, the resident is then referred to the Elder Intervention Officer at CPD.  A home visit is arranged to present the program and to determine eligibility.  At this time, the resident is also assessed by CSO McDonald for eligibility in other community-based programs.

If the resident wishes to participate, a short informational application is completed, and a liability release and permission to enter form is signed.  Each participant also completes a My Med ID packet, which contains medical history, medications, physician and emergency contact information.  The My Med ID packet is then affixed by magnet to the front of the participant’s refrigerator.

The lock box is installed outside the home in an inconspicuous location.  A “special hazards/conditions” message is attached to the address (in CAD) with both fire and rescue and law enforcement dispatching centers.  At the time of dispatch, the code for the lock box is sent via laptop message (not voiced to responding personnel).  Responding officers and rescue are then able to safely, quickly and easily use the key and immediately enter the residence.

Many local jurisdictions have followed suit and implemented a similar program.  Inquiries from agencies as far away as California have been received, expressing interest in the CPD program and have spoken with CSO McDonald about implementation in their area.

The program has been a great success. Elderly residents feel secure knowing that if they are incapacitated, public safety can get to them fast.  It has allowed the Casselberry Police Department to serve the needs of their elderly community with compassion and care.

The North Port Police Department, with the help of volunteers, provides a “loner” call service every morning. These volunteers check on the welfare of citizens who have chosen to utilize the service. To be eligible an applicant must live alone; maintain a telephone in their residence; have a local contact (close friend or neighbor); provide the department with the name, address, and telephone of next of kin or whomever is to be advised of serious illness or death; and must reside within the jurisdiction of the North Port Police Department.

The Loner Program enhances the choice of independence and freedom for senior citizens and others who are not ready to become totally dependent by living in a congregate facility. The program is available daily and requires no local, state or federal funding. It allows some of the citizens of North Port to continue living productive lives with minimal monitoring by trustworthy volunteers.

The word “trustworthy” gives the program genuine credibility. Loners must feel comfortable with the volunteer, knowing that personal information will not be revealed to any person or company targeting such a vulnerable group of people. Because of their inherent vulnerability, the information about loners is kept strictly confidential. Volunteers are selected very carefully and undergo a background investigation prior to being selected. The volunteers donate about two hours of their time each week to make the calls. At the present there are six volunteers. Calling begins at 7:00 a.m. and is over by 8:00 a.m.

If a registered loner does not answer a call, and there is no indication of where he/she may be, the volunteer notifies the Loner Program Coordinator. Should all attempts to discover why the loner is not answering fail, an officer is dispatched to determine the cause. Calls are made every 10 minutes until 8:30 a.m. If a loner has not received a call by 8:30 a.m., he/she is advised to call the department to advise that he/she is alright.

It is gratifying for the volunteers and program staff to know that if a loner cannot be reached today, he/she was reached yesterday and whatever has happened can be corrected, or he/she will not be alone in the house waiting for someone to find them when it is too late.

It is the city’s hope and desire that citizens who use the Loner Program will lead a longer, more active and productive life with the assurance that they are cared for by a group of citizens who cherish the furtherance of freedom of choice and independence. The Department feels that the peace of mind offered by the program promoted good mental as well as physical health.

The Loner Program utilized at the North Port Police Department began many years ago by Mrs. Lillian Downs, who passed away in 1983. Mrs. Downs and a group of her friends who lived alone decided to make a list and begin calling one another each morning to assure themselves that everyone was well. As the list grew, they began passing it around and taking turns with the calling. One year (no one seems to remember exactly when), Mrs. Downs was going on vacation and since she had the responsibility of assigning callers, she asked the Chief of Police if his department could handle the calls.

Nancy Quaglieri, who retired as Executive Assistant to Police Chief Yurchuck, heard of the program in 1982 from a dispatcher. Nancy then began as a volunteer with the Program calling Loners every weekday morning. In 1983, Mrs. Quaglieri became a full-time employee with the North Port Police Department and requested of former Police Chief Costello that she be allowed to oversee and supervise the Loner Program. A couple of years later the program became a volunteer group for the specific purpose of calling Loners with Mrs. Quaglieri continuing to coordinate and oversee the volunteers and the program.

For more information please contact Tammie Jacobs at tjacobs@northportpd.com .

The Sarasota Police Department’s New Day/Newtown Initiative was established to drastically reduce crime and preserve the culture and heritage of the Newtown community by eliminating street drug dealing, street gambling, gang activity, drug houses, loitering/trespassing and truancy in the North District.

The key to this plan is community involvement. A clean and prosperous neighborhood requires community/government partnership. This requires a coordinated effort with a full understanding of the agency’s goals and objectives.

Each officer, including the Chief of Police and his command staff, actively participates in uniformed patrol in Newtown during the initiative. This effort also includes all specialty units and the Criminal Investigations Division in order to have highly visible and directed patrols. The mission will be directed at the goal: to eliminate street drug dealers, street gambling, gang activity, drug houses, loitering, and truancy in the North District.

For more information please contact Scott Mayforth at scott.mayforth@sarasotagov.com .

In partnership with the Leon County Management Information System (MIS), the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) developed the North Florida Pawn Network (NFPN). The NFPN is a web-based, multijurisdictional, data-sharing system assisting law enforcement with tracking pawned and stolen property.

In the beginning the LCSO Pawn Shop Tracking System was a simple database and information was downloaded from computer disk that detectives would obtain from local area pawn shops on a weekly basis. This was a slow process and the information was usually weeks behind from being entered into the system.

In an effort to improve the system, the partnership added new features to the system. First was the electronic transfer of pawn data from the shops to LCSO via e-mail. With this new method of delivery, the pawn shops now forward their data on a daily basis instead of the detectives picking up the data and tickets. This made the system almost real time with a delayed entry time of 24 hours or less as opposed to two weeks or more. The data is already in the system usually before the detectives check their cases from the previous day. Within a couple of weeks of implementing this new feature, several arrests were made due to the information being so current. Along with the electronic transfer, LCSO was no longer required to pick up pawn tickets per statute which eliminated a big storage and disposal issue. This automated system also allowed a saving in human resource cost since the information was now being handled electronically.

Now that pawn data could be downloaded from e-mail electronically, the system was made available to other Florida law enforcement agencies through CJNET. Currently there are 22 agencies using the system and having their pawn data sent electronically. Systems like the NFPN would cost thousands of dollars for the software and computer hardware and would not be available to some agencies due to shrinking budgets. LCSO and MIS recognized the importance of this system and have provided the system and training at no cost to the agencies. MIS also provides the server space to house the data which can be viewed/searched by any law enforcement agency via CJNET.

The next added feature was an e-mail alert feature. This enables a detective to track an individual in the pawn system by flagging them. If the individual is flagged and pawns something in the system whether it was pawned in the county or another member county, an e-mail will be sent to the detective.

Another feature is the connection with NCIC/FCIC to have pawned items with serial numbers checked automatically for a 60 day time period and automatic electronic notifications of stolen property hits. The reason for the 60 day limit is in compliance with the records retention statute on gun records.

The pawn shop program which automatically checks pawned property against the FDLE stolen article files has produced over 600 matches to include stolen firearms, which has lead to at least 85 arrests throughout the state. The system has matched pawned and stolen property in over 33 Florida Counties. This would not have been possible if the North Florida Pawn Network had not been in place.

The North Florida Pawn Network (NFPN) has been recognized as an innovative program and has won two national awards:
2007 InfoWorld 2000 Top 100 Innovative Corporate Programs
2008 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACO)

In July 2008, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners presented the NFPN creative team with a county resolution recognizing the team’s contribution to combating crime.

For more information please contact Steve Harrelson at harrelss@leoncountyfl.gov .

The "Open and Empty" program was formed after noticing an upward trend in crime statistics wherein businesses were burglarized with the intent of removing the cash from the register. The Coral Springs Police Department's Community Involvement Officers meet with each business to review crime prevention tips such as investing in a quality, monitored alarm system that includes glass break detection; installing a high quality video security system; ensuring that exterior doors of the business are well lit; installing high quality locks for all exterior doors, ensuring that any landscaping is routinely
trimmed so that views of all doors and windows remain clear.

This program is voluntary and consists of business owners/managers ensuring each night all cash drawers are emptied of all cash, including coins, every night.

The Edgewood Police Department has provided a cellular telephone for use by an on-duty officer. The telephone is passed to the oncoming shift at the end of each tour. The phone number is listed on the agency's web site and it is also distributed to citizens on refrigerator magnets. Citizens are encouraged to call the phone number if they have any issues which they feel they need to discuss with an officer. This program has been well-received by the citizens who feel less inhibited to call for police advice or assistance.

For more information please contact Tim Warren at twarren@edgewood-fl.gov.

The Fort Pierce PAL is a registered non-profit 501 (c) organization dedicated to providing educational and athletic activities for area youth.  In the field of athletics, PAL offers boxing, weightlifting, martial arts, as well as basketball to boys and girls ages 5-18.  Additionally PAL offers a variety of self-development activities, to include arts and crafts, Youth Leadership Council, summer camps, drama and dance, and tutoring/mentoring.  Annually, approximately 320 youth enjoy participating in PAL activities.

Explorer Post 477 was started in February 2009, in an effort to engage area youth in positive activities tied to Law Enforcement.  A total of eighteen youths, ages 14-18, currently serve in the post.  All are equipped with basic cadet gear, and receive bi-weekly training on road patrol procedures, CPR, communication techniques, physical fitness, traffic procedures, report writing, and crime scene investigations.  The cadets, who are supervised and trained by four law enforcement officers and two civilian advisors, have been involved in community clean-ups, event parking and security, as well as regional Explorer competitions.

The Stuart Police Department has a long tradition of promoting excellence in the area’s youth. Dating back to the mid 1970’s, Stuart Police Department has sponsored a Police Explorer Post. Police exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years of age, or are 15 years of age but have not yet reached their 21st birthday.

The Stuart Police Department’s Law Enforcement Explorer Post offers young men and women who are interested in the field of law enforcement with quality learning and lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote members’ personal growth and development. Even if they are not interested in the field of law enforcement, this program teaches leadership and life skills necessary to succeed in any field.

Stuart police officers and volunteers guide youth members in Exploring's five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience. To these ends, Explorers have unique opportunities to receive training in various policing skills, ride along with officers on patrol, assist the police department at special events and parades, provide service to their community and take leadership roles within the organization.

The Stuart Police Explorers are registered with the Learning-for-Life organization, which is governed by the Gulfstream Council of the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. Learning for Life provides programs that are designed to support schools and other youth-serving organizations in their efforts toward preparing youth to successfully handle the complexities of today's society and to enhance their self-confidence, motivation, and self-worth. Learning for Life also helps youth develop social and life skills, assists in character development, and helps them formulate positive personal values.

In recent years the explorer post suffered from leadership, recruitment, and training problems. The post routinely performed very poorly at explorer competitions and most times finished last, resulting in a severe morale problem. Fundraising was also minimal. As a result, post membership dropped down to three members and the post was ready to fold entirely.

In June of 2007, the police department replaced the existing advisor with a newly promoted sergeant. He implemented a new training regimen and recruiting program. He recruited other officers from around the department to help teach, and started recruiting high school athletes and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (JROTC) members. Over the next year, the post grew from three members to 16 members. He also implemented a fee schedule for the use of explorers at community events to help raise money for future travel for training and competitions. Nearly a thousand dollars has been raised so far.

In June 2008, the explorers competed in the regional Law Enforcement Explorers Challenge and Competition. They competed in eight events. The Stuart Police Explorer Post 878 finished in the top three in six of the events, earning them an overall first place finish. They earned bronze medals in Assailant Control, Airsoft, and Police Bicycle; silver medals in Physical Fitness, and High Risk Traffic Stop, and earned a gold medal for routine Traffic Stop.

In August 2008, six of the kids, the advisor, and two associate advisors attended the very challenging Explorer Academy in Jupiter. It is an intensive, military style, week of physical and classroom training. No post from the Stuart Police Department had ever attended this event.

In one year, the program went from the verge of extinction to a thriving, competitive unit of proud and motivated kids. At their last awards ceremony, the department recognized the post’s advisors and all the other officers who helped turn this unit into the success it is today.

For more information please contact Tammy Farnham at tfarnham@ci.stuart.fl.us.

The Boynton Beach Police Department has a community outreach unit that administers the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.). The P.A.L. program serves over 700 inner city youths by maintaining athletic programs year-round. The Boynton Beach P.A.L. football and basketball teams have won national titles, and the P.A.L. coordinator, Officer Bill Tome, was named Child Advocate of the Year by the Palm Beach Post and the Palm Beach County Chiefs of Police in 2002.

P.A.L. provides after-school and weekend sports activities to children ages 8-15. The program is designed to encourage the athletic and civic development of the youth in the Boynton Beach community. The P.A.L. program has helped in the development of many outstanding athletes and more importantly, socially responsible citizens in the community. One of the first P.A.L. participants is retired St. Louis Rams Mike Rumph, who played on the league's inaugural football team. For the past nine years, Mike Rumph has returned to Boynton Beach to host a football camp and raise money for P.A.L. Approximately 100 children participate in football camp, which is held in July.

For more information please contact Henry Diehl at diehlh@ci.boynton-beach.fl.us .

The Ponce Inlet Police Department has several programs of interest for town residents. Because of the diverse population, the Department has focused on two age groups. Elderly residents comprise a large segment of the population; however, adolescents and teens are in the service population as well. The Department has developed distinct programs to provide a high level of service to all residents in an effort to enhance their partnership with the community.

The Ponce Partner program is designed for elderly and/or at-risk residents. Any resident who lives alone, has medical problems or has no one they are in contact with daily can sign up for the program. The program requires participants call the Police Department between the hours of 8:00am and 12:00 noon daily. Failure to call initiates a call from the dispatcher. If they do not make contact, an officer or volunteer is sent to the residence for well being check.

The Department is involved with the Children’s Activity Committee. This volunteer group gets together and provides activities for the children in the Town of Ponce Inlet. In addition, the Department has a Police Athletic League (PAL). The program was started a couple of years ago and has 21 children participating. Monthly activities include trips to GoKart City, Stone Edge Skate Park and miniature golf. Pro golf lessons and billiards are additional recreational activities included in the program. The Police Athletic League has also assisted the Children’s Activity Committee with Christmas, Easter and Halloween parties.

The Police Department has put on several community awareness programs for the residents, the Lions Club and the Women’s Club. The topics have included identity theft, computer protection and how to protect yourself while shopping. The Department has a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, who works with Safe Kids at an event at the town’s Community Center. They assisted in 15 car seat installations during the event.

The Ponce Inlet Police Department's dedication to providing excellent service to the community and maintaining a partnership with the residents and business owners has resulted in many programs which benefit both the community and the Department. Although a small agency, the services are comprehensive and clearly demonstrate their commitment to the community to which they serve.

For more information please contact Wayne Lurcock at wlurcock@ponce-inlet.org.

The Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Unit’s emphasis is on policing in those areas of the county that are plagued by violent crime and quality of life issues. The POP Unit directs resources into problem areas based upon community information, crime analysis, and sector long term goals. The POP Unit will utilize other county resources to include, but not limited to Code Enforcement, Animal Control, Zoning, and Nuisance Abatement. The POP Unit's goal is to address quality of life issues that eventually manifest themselves, or have manifested into crime concerns. The unit also works with Community Leaders/Activists as partners in an effort to neutralize these problems.

For more information please contact Ted Brown at ted.brown@ocfl.net.

Deputy Chief Currey stated that he is very proud of the department's radKIDS (Resist Aggression Defensively) Personal Empowerment Safety Education program. The free program is brought to children and parents by nationally certified members of the department. The program educates children on defensive and escape tactics that may be needed to avoid child abduction or violent  confrontations. Deputy Chief Currey explained that the radKIDS program is not just another program, but a true gift that empowers the community's children. The curriculum includes: home, school and vehicle safety; out and about safety; realistic defense against abduction; good-bad-uncomfortable touching; stranger tricks; and self-realization of personal power. The department offers the program on a quarterly basis and more often when  possible. Deputy Chief Currey also identified the department’s Rape Aggression Defense Systems program, also known as R.A.D. Systems, as an exemplary program. The R.A.D. System is provided free of charge and is a comprehensive, women-only, course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance training.  It progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. The system is taught by nationally certified department instructors. They provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. The manual outlines the entire physical defense program for reference and continuous personal growth. The department allows R.A.D. Systems' graduates to return and retake or practice the techniques for life, free of charge. The classes are generally offered semi-annually, and are open to women age 14 and older.

For more information please contact Lt. Jerry Karchefski at jkarchefski@vbpd.org

In 2004, Chief Jackson initiated the “RuOK Program” by assigning an Elderly Services Practitioner exclusively to the task of reaching out to those individuals with special needs in the City of Longwood. Those citizens identified with special needs are those who are above the age of 60 years old, suffering with physical and mental infirmities and also those over the age of 18 years old who are physically and mentally handicapped.

Through contact made by the patrol officers during their daily tour of duty, individuals meeting the criteria are referred immediately to the Elderly Services Practitioner for follow-up. Contact is then made at the residence of the special needs individual where emergency information is recorded in an “Elderly Special Needs” report and each individual is visited routinely. In addition to the information provided by the citizen, a current photograph is taken and included with the report, so that should an emergency arise where the identity of a special needs person is required the photograph is readily accessible to the police officers. Through this community outreach program, many of the citizens that may otherwise be overlooked are now routinely contacted and checked on.

Since its inception, the “RuOK Program” has serviced over 275 seniors, special needs and others at risk individuals. The current “well being contact list” contains over 60 Longwood citizens who receive continuous home visits by the Elderly Practitioners.

A few of the service providers currently working with the Longwood “RuOk Program” include:

- Department of Children and Families, Elder Services
- Meals on Wheels
- Multi-disciplinary team of the 18th Judicial Circuit States Attorney Office
- Nursing Homes
- At home health care providers
- At Risk Management Team (Seminole County)
- TRIAD
- Seminole Community Mental Health
- Crisis Intervention Team
- Guardian Care and Geriatric Service
- Sharing Center

An important part of the service provided through the “RuOK Program” is gathering information about those in the community who filled out special needs requests with local service providers, but for some reason were denied. Even though they did not qualify for special status with the County, they are part of the Longwood “at risk” group and therefore the “RuOk Program” follow-up where they are continually evaluated and provided with necessary assistance.

Through the “RuOK Program” an emergency team can contact each of Longwood’s at risk people quickly should the need arise; such as in the event of a hurricane or other catastrophic event. The system was tested during the 2004/2005 hurricane season with great success. On a more routine basis, the program addresses common issues such as elderly abandonment, missing and endangered “at risk” individuals, elderly exploitation, abuse and neglect of special needs citizens, as well as finding assistance with any other needs as required on an individual basis.

Included in the program are each of the city’s several nursing homes and at-home medical providers. Each are contacted and emergency and general and contact information is recorded should an emergency arise and contact be necessary.

One of the most important prongs of the program is the visitation portion of the program. Personal contact is made with each of the “RuOK Program” participants. This allows for a continuous well-being check and provides critical bench marks necessary for assessing these individuals on critical tasks such as activities of daily living (bathing, eating, mobility, etc.), as well as more complex tasks such as driving. Education and service referral information is also provided to family members who are attempting to care for these individuals.

Finally, if the Elder Service Practitioner feels there is a danger to the special needs individual, he/she must contact the Florida Department of Children and Families Adult Protective Services Team. This team performs an evaluation of the individual and living conditions and will make a determination about capacity issues, abuse, neglect, self-neglect, fraud or exploitation issues that may or may not generate criminal proceedings. The ultimate goal is the safety and well-being of the special needs individual.

For more information please contact Troy Hickson at thickson@longwoodfl.org.

In the planning phase of the department's new building, Director Dembinsky determined the need for an area to give victims a place of refuge on a 24 hour basis.  This was accomplished by building a "Safe Room" inside the department's lobby that was accessible to the general public from the outside.  As soon as the victim shuts the door to the room, it could be locked and accessed only by a responding officer who is contacted via the emergency phone located inside the room. Local citizens are aware of the Safe Room and signs are posted outside the building notifying potential victims of the availability and usage.

For more information please contact Stacie Daraio at  sdaraio@cityofdbs.org.

A vital part of the mission of a university police department is to provide safety and security services to its community, within the institutional setting that is served. While safety efforts can be observed in the form of increased lighting, wider and clear walkways, emergency phones and other such physical items, promoting the feeling of safety for community can often times only be achieved through the presence of safety personnel.

With growth of the university, buildings are replacing parking lots and parking areas have been pushed to more remote locations. As a result, members of the community expressed a concern for safety as they were being required to park farther away from campus buildings. While these concerns were being heard, other concerns were being voiced from library patrons concerning feeling uneasy about being in and around the library after hours.

With the community indicating that they were not feeling safe, the University Police Department requested special funding in 2006 to organize a Safety Ranger Program. The program was launched as a pilot program and part-time individuals were hired to patrol the remote parking lots and library from 6:00pm until 10:00pm.

Prior to being allowed to perform their duties, each Community Safety Ranger receives training concerning first aid, communications procedures, and bicycle safety. Each ranger also receives an overview of their duties and the agency expectations. Based on community feedback, the Community Safety Ranger program has proven to be a success and funding has continued to be approved. Rangers, identified by their bright green shirts, patrol the parking lots on bicycles providing escorts when requested and reporting safety concerns when observed. The rangers do not take any direct law enforcement actions or intervene in any situation requiring the presence of a police officer.

Because of the program’s success, it was expanded in 2007 to cover additional hours at the library and an additional parking area. The training for the rangers was also expanded to include traffic control. In addition to their basic duties, rangers now provide traffic control during peak afternoon traffic hours and during special events.

The Community Safety Ranger Program has not only allowed the University Police Department to employ additional personnel at a lower cost but has also provided a level of assistance that allows police officers to remain free to address law enforcement related issues.

For more information please contact John Dean at jdean@unf.edu .

Managed by the DeLand Police Department, the city of DeLand’s Second Chance Program is designed to house abandoned or lost domestic animals in a safe and secure holding area for a three day period. The holding period allows pet owners an opportunity to reclaim their pets by contacting the police department’s Animal Control Officer, and equally important, the three day period is also used to notify numerous animal advocacy groups from around the state about the adoptable animals that are available through the program. The advocacy groups are committed to finding “forever homes” for the animals and their partnership with the city is core to the program’s success. Prior to the program’s initial start, all animals captured by the Animal Control Officer would be taken directly to a local humane society. The Second Chance Program creates an opportunity for owners to be reunited with their pet and for adoptable animals to find good homes.

Anyone wanting to adopt an animal is encouraged to contact any one of the animal advocacy groups that is associated with the program.

The Agency recently began a Senior Community Police Academy. This program is overseen by the Captain of the Community Involvement Unit. The Academy is geared to all Hallandale Beach Senior condominium residents and are actually held at the premises. The program runs for two hours, one day a week, for six weeks. The course includes:

- Police Community Partnerships, and Citizen Corps Services
- Community Relations and Public Information
- Elder Abuse and Neglect
- Frauds and Scams
- Criminal Observations and How to Report a Crime
- Protecting and Securing Your Investments
- Fire Safety and Prevention Services/Hallandale Beach Fire-Rescue
- Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
- Code Compliance
- Broward County Crimestoppers

Each resident that completes the course receives a Certificate of Completion. Contact Person for this program is the Community Involvement Unit Captain.

The North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD) has implemented an exemplary program designed to shield senior citizens from fraud and unfair business practices.

The program known as, Seniors vs Crime (SVC) incorporates volunteers who assist seniors who may have a complaint against a particular business. The volunteers will research the business to determine if the business is properly licensed and if the business has been the subject of similar complaints in the past. The volunteer, if necessary, will attempt to help mediate a resolution between the senior and the business. These mediation efforts have been effective in getting jobs completed and partial refunds for services or goods not provided. Additionally, the volunteers will provide research into a particular business prior to a senior contracting for services to guarantee proper licenses are in place and the business is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

The SVC also provides additional services called Shopping Buddies. SVC volunteers, Shopping Buddies, assist seniors or a requesting individual in researching legitimacy of a business before making a purchase or signing a contract. The Shopping Buddy will also accompany a senior to a particular business to assist that individual in making an informed financial decision. The buddy does not suggest a particular transaction but reminds the senior shopper of the purpose of the transaction and ensure the senior is not taken advantage of by the business.

Shopping buddies have been effective in assisting seniors avoid a common ploy by auto dealerships in which the dealership offers a lone female shopper a free car wash. While the dealership has the senior's car keys they attempt to pressure her in a car lease contract purchase, essentially holding her hostage until she either makes the purchase or ask for the police to retrieve her car keys from the dealership. SVC volunteers have investigated 325 complaints on behalf of seniors and other participants in the SVC program services. Eighty-five cases have been settled with monetary settlements totaling $25,000 being returned to victims. An additional 122 cases have resulted in services being fully provided or jobs completed with a realized value of approximately $8,000. An additional case investigation by SVC was referred to law enforcement resulting in an arrest for fraud.

Thousands of volunteer hours have contributed to the success of this program and improved citizen contact between the community and NMBPD.

Although not listed as an exemplary program assessors noted the agency uses video conferencing with their State Attorney's Office (SAO). The video feed is in the patrol report writing room within the police department. This allows the officers to conduct interviews with the SAO from the police department without "down time" for the officer to travel to and from the county court complex. This technology also limits the amount of overtime necessary for court preparation for NMBPD police officers.

Additionally, it was observed that the city of North Miami Beach provides a vehicle repair facility specifically for law enforcement vehicles on the police department's campus. This is a rare convenience for the agency and contributes to the operational efficiency of the department's patrol fleet. It also tends to better guarantee the availability of vehicles for service and faster repairs for priority vehicles. This was observed as a rare and extremely beneficial arrangement not commonly available within the law enforcement profession.

For more information please contact Harvette Smith at harvette.smith@nmbpd.org.

The City of Belle Isle, a primarily residential community located immediately to the southeast of Edgewood, is a community comprised of approximately 6,000 residents. The city was incorporated in 1924, but had never had its own police department. Law enforcement was achieved through a contractual agreement with the Orange County Sheriff.In 2008, after contract negotiations with the Sheriff reached an impasse, the Belle Isle City Council voted to establish their own police department. The city hired the former Edgewood Chief of Police to be the first Chief of their fledgling agency.After much conversation/discussion between the new Belle Isle Chief and the Edgewood Chief, it was determined that it would be in the best interest of both agencies to "share services". Edgewood Police Department, a CFA accredited agency, had several basic infrastructure services that could be adapted for use by both agencies. Additionally, Edgewood was looking to upgrade their facility security and fuel dispensing equipment but they did not have the funding for these upgrades. Belle Isle, on the other hand, had funding for the establishment of their new police department but they were faced with a tremendous amount of start-up costs. An agreement was reached, which was codified in a formal document signed by the mayors of both cities, providing for the following:

 - All evidence for both agencies would be handled by Edgewood Police Department. Evidence collected by officers from both cities would be submitted at the Edgewood Police Department and stored in the evidence room at the Edgewood Police Department

- The Edgewood Police Department evidence custodian would be responsible for all evidence from both cities.

- Belle Isle paid 50% of the cost of the installation of a new computer controlled access system and entrance doors for the Edgewood police station. This enabled access to the evidence submission area by Belle Isle officers in addition to Edgewood personnel.

- Belle Isle agreed to pay a set amount monthly to offset costs incurred by the evidence custodian while handling Belle Isle evidence.

- The fuel dispensing system at the Edgewood fuel facility was upgraded to a computer controlled system. Belle Isle paid 50% of the cost of the upgrade.

- Utilizing the new state of the art fuel dispensing system Belle Isle vehicles were integrated into the Edgewood fuel system thus allowing fuel usage to be tracked. Belle Isle was billed on a monthly basis for fuel used and Belle Isle was able to ensure a constant fuel source for their vehicles for less money than through the commercial purchase of fuel.

In addition to the formal, signed document between the mayors memorializing the agreement, the Police Chiefs of both agencies, working from a long term professional relationship agreed to the following:

- The markings on the new Belle Isle police vehicles would replicate in all ways (with the exception of the insertion of Belle Isle in lieu of Edgewood) the markings of the Edgewood police vehicles.

- The shoulder patch for the new Belle Isle police uniform would replicate in all ways (with the exception of the insertion of Belle Isle in lieu of Edgewood) the Edgewood shoulder patch.

- The uniform for the new Belle Isle police officers would replicate in all ways (with the exception of the insertion of Belle Isle in lieu of Edgewood) the Edgewood police uniforms.

The reasoning for the above was that since the cities are adjacent there would be many instances wherein Belle Isle vehicles would be traversing Edgewood and vice versa. It was decided by the Chiefs that this would result in a force multiplier for both jurisdictions. With similarly marked vehicles the service population of both cities would see an increase in patrol presence through the addition of the extra vehicles provided by the sister cities' police.

In practice the "shared services" concept has worked extremely well and has saved the citizens of both cities tax dollars.

For more information please contact Tim Warren at twarren@edgewood-fl.gov.

Palm Bay’s SOAR (Search Operations Aerial Response) program launched in September under a Federal grant through the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and its Law Enforcement Aviation Technology Program. The NIJ is providing the Palm Bay Police Department with a “Pegasus” model Powrachute valued at approximately $30,000 at no cost to the agency. The Pegasus is a two-seater powered parachute that weighs 400-pounds and is capable of carrying up to 1000-pounds and can fly search operation missions for less than $35 per hour. “These inexpensive aircraft will greatly increase the capacity of state and local law enforcement,” said Michael O’Shea, Aviation Technology Manager for the NIJ’s Office of Science and Technology. “They are now better equipped to search for illegal drug operations, find missing people, and patrol critical infrastructure.” The SOAR team will be used to conduct search operations involving missing persons, support crime scene documentation, evidence searches and aerial support as needed. SOAR is not considered a rapid deployment vehicle and will not be used in attempts to capture fleeing suspects in which a helicopter is more appropriate. Each of the four SOAR pilots must obtain a sport pilot license in order to fly with a passenger. SOAR is also approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly anywhere within the boundaries of the city for law enforcement purposes. The program should be operational by early November once training and licensing obligations are met. The NIJ is funding all training and equipment in support of the SOAR Team.

For more information please contact Bryan Kerr at kerrb@palmbayflorida.org.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue and Fort Lauderdale Police Department have established this program to provide immediate emergency medical service. Tactical medics will accompany the Fort Lauderdale Police Department S.W.A.T. Team on all call-outs and training for the purpose of rendering medical care to injured officers, fire personnel, victims, and civilians.

Incidents may include but are not limited to the following:

1.) High risk warrant service
2.) Hostage situations
3.) Barricaded suspects
4.) Armed felon suspect arrests
5.) Sniper situations
6.) Dignitary protection details
7.) Civil disturbances
8.) Undercover operations
9.) Cooperative operations including other law enforcement requests; FBI, DEA, ATF, other local agencies.

For more information please contact Joel Winfrey at JWinfrey@fortlauderdale.gov.

The Tallahassee Police Department is proud to announce a new student leaership program: T.A.C. Students. This program is designed to prepare high school students to be leaders in every phase of their lives. It is a program that was inspired by and is led by members of both the Chaplain's Unit and the Tallahassee Police Department's Tactical Apprehension and Control (T.A.C.) Team.

The T.A.C. Students program originated in the Tallahassee Police Department because officers saw a need to reach out to our community to help mold the leaders of tomorrow. The idea is not to recruit future law enforcement officers, but rather to have a positive influence on students who will work in all areas of our community. Students who apply, compete and are accepted to the T.A.C. Students team wil attend four challenging classes: Decision Making, Defining Relationships, Planning for the Future, and Becoming a Leader. In addition, the students will experience events that are community focused and emphasize team-building.

Police department tactical teams, like T.A.C. and S.W.A.T., are specialized groups of officers highly trained in the control of volatile situations. When the Tallahassee Police Department's T.A.C. Team receives a call-out, the officers never know exactly what they are going to face. It is through training, skill, and teamwork that they have the confidence to overcome any situation. These men and women are the best at what they do because they prepare.

The acronym in T.A.C. Students represents: Training, Achievement, and Confidence. The goal of the program is to prepare students to have the skill and knowledge to be leaders now and in the future. Students never know exactly what they are going to face in life. It is through training and achievements that students develop the confidence to overcome any situation. Becoming a part of this team is challenging, but the experience students receive is one of a kind.

For more information on the T.A.C. Students program please contact Inspector Danny Jeter at 850-891-4208 or visit the T.A.C. Students web page at: http://www.talgov.com/tpd/tac-students.cfm .

Recent studies estimate that approximately 18,000 to 50,000 people are trafficked into the United States annually. Florida is one of the top three "destination states" within the U.S. for trafficking. In the last five years, law enforcement and social service providers have identified multiple cases of human trafficking in the Clearwater/Tampa Bay area.In October 2006, the Clearwater Police Department was awarded a Department of Justice grant to fund the creation of the Clearwater Area Task Force on Human Trafficking (CATFHT). The mission of the task force is to identify and rescue victims, create a coordinated law enforcement system to investigate and prosecute these crimes, and to deliver social, legal and immigration services to human trafficking victims. In addition, the Task Force serves as a mechanism for communication and strategic collaboration between law enforcement agencies and service providers, coordination of community resources, the promotion of community awareness of the human trafficking, and training the community on human trafficking indicators and responses.

Since 2006, the Clearwater Police Department has investigated many cases that pointed to human trafficking and has made numerous arrests that lead to the successful prosecution of traffickers. In one particular case, two female victims were rescued who had been trafficked into the U.S. by a large, organized criminal prostitution enterprise operating out of Guatemala and Columbia. The defendants in this case were convicted and sentenced up to 20 years in federal prison. Other cases have yielded successful prosecutions and the program has met many of its goals and objectives. It continues to be a very important component of the Clearwater Police Department.

For more information please contact Laura Spelman at Laura.Spelman@myclearwater.com.

Through General Obligation Bond funding, the department has built a comprehensive technology program that enhances officer safety and enhances efficiency and effectiveness.  All members assigned in the field are assigned a Panasonic Toughbook (CF-29, 30 or 19).  Microphones are used to verbally query license plates and an automated voice response advises the registered owner and if he/she has a valid license and possible warrants. 

Effectiveness is enhanced because members have access to all necessary local, state and federal databases and have access to crime mapping programs.  Crisis plans for schools, hospitals, courthouse and city facilities are available on every computer.  Members can electronically issue a citation in a fraction of the time it takes to issue a traffic citation or complete a traffic crash.  Reports are sent electronically from members to their supervisor for approval and a Data Entry Unit conducts Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) verification.

The department has recently purchased four License Plate Readers (LPR) and several stolen vehicles have already been recovered.  The department has plan of purchasing more LPR’s as funding becomes available. The department has purchased fingerprint scanners in order to verify the identity of a subject.  The department’s Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Unit uses state of the art technology by uploading traffic stops and other encounters to a secure server.

In order to reduce redundancy and storage, the department scans most documents where they can easily be retrieved.  All aspects of criminal cases (reports, affidavits, Crime Scene photos, etc.) are electronically stored as well.  The department’s Crime Scene Unit only utilizes digital photography and a Digital Photography Management System has been purchased to manage thousands of cases in an electronic format.  The public is able to access crime data via the Internet through Crimeview and is notified of pending evacuations or crime alerts via a Reverse 911 system.

In 2004, the Hollywood Police Department was assigned primary responsibility for the municipal emergency management function for the City of Hollywood.  The Chief of Police acts as the City's designated Emergency Management Coordinator, under the direct authority of the City Manager, the City's designated Emergency Management Director.

As such, the police department manages such critical projects as National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) training compliance, participation in regional exercising, development of annual municipal exercises, Emergency Operations Center (EOC) facility management, and acts as the city's liaison with the Broward County Emergency Management Agency, as well as our other emergency management partners, such as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at the federal level.  Further, the Department has responsibility for all municipal level planning such as development and management of the City's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

The Lake Mary Police Department implemented a program called Tobacco Alcohol Violations Enforcement Detail (TAVED) to identify businesses that sell alcohol and/or tobacco to underage youths. The purpose of the detail is to encourage businesses to train their personnel on Florida Statute 562.011 and to encourage the clerks and wait staff to check identification.

The Lake Mary Police Department has had five details in the past three years. During these five details, twenty-four clerks or wait staff were issued a Notice to Appear for serving or allowing a juvenile to purchase alcohol or to purchase tobacco products.

However, many more clerks have checked identification and complied with the law. The businesses that these clerks work for have been sent a congratulatory letter telling them that an undercover detail was completed and their employees complied with the law.

Due to the success of the operation at Lake Mary, community relations personnel have been requested to assist other agencies in their details or assist them in setting up a similar program.

For more information please contact Jeanne Appel at jappel@lakemaryfl.com .

Orange County’s International Drive area has long been a favorite destination for tourists who come to this part of the world for their vacation. The “Drive” hosts hotels, motels, eateries, and businesses that cater specifically to families looking for the ideal vacation spot. While the area has always been regarded as one of the safest tourist destinations in the world, a new public-private partnership with Orange County Government, the International Drive Master Transit and Improvement District, and the Sheriff’s Office promises to make the area even safer.

On March 31, 2010, Sheriff Demings, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, and I-Drive Master Transit and Improvement District Chairperson Allan Villaverde announced the implementation of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Tourist Oriented Policing Squad (TOPS). TOPS, which officially went into service on April 4, is intended to create a highly visible and proactive law enforcement presence in the area’s tourist corridor and provide a safe experience for the Drive’s 5.3 million annual visitors, 30,000 tourist industry employees, and countless area residents who simply enjoy its diverse offerings.

The Sheriff’s Office proactive presence on the International Drive corridor will include bike patrols, marked cars, and Deputies on foot patrol. Ten of Orange County’s finest have been specifically trained for their TOPS assignment which, in addition to their patrol duties, includes educational seminars, crime prevention training, and safety assessments for area businesses.

For more information please contact Ted Brown at ted.brown@ocfl.net.

The City of Gulf Breeze is a waterfront community of 6,189 that prides itself on its fine small town character, quality education, excellent local government, and multitudes of waterfront activities. Gulf Breeze enjoys a very low crime rate. The police department is a proactive community-policing agency and has had tremendous success with reducing traffic related incidents through several initiatives. The community is dramatically impacted by the 50,000 cars that pass through each day on Highway 98 which creates significant safety and traffic issues.The Police Department has implemented over 20 initiatives in the past four years that have reduced traffic crashes in the city by almost 6 percent in 2004, 2 percent in 2005, 7 percent in 2006 and a further 12 perent in 2007. Crashes in the remainder of Santa Rosa County increased more than 22 percent and adjacent Escambia County increased almost 10 percent during the same time period. The Police Department did not have any fatalities from traffic crashes in 2005, 2006 or 2007. Their efforts have been guided by the recommendations of a city Traffic Safety Task Force, created in 2004 and the implementation of the innovative Volunteers in Policing Program (V.I.P.S.) in 2005 using civilians to drive marked police cars for traffic calming and motorist assistance.  A pioneering red light camera enforcement program instituted 2006 has also contributed to the substantial reduction in traffic crashes.These dramatic positive results are significant given the changes in traffic patterns caused by hurricane destruction and recovery efforts in the past four years. The 22 percent increase in disabled motor vehicles and a 15 percent increase in traffic has been a direct result of the reconstruction efforts and altered traffic routing caused by Hurricanes Ivan, Arlene, and Dennis. In spite of the factors creating upward pressure in the number of traffic crashes, the City of Gulf Breeze is the only area in Santa Rosa or Escambia counties whose efforts have resulted in a decrease in crashes for four consecutive years.

For more information please contact Lt. Rick Hawthorn at hawthorn@ci.gulf-breeze.fl.us

The Ormond Beach Police Department is extremely proud of its Victim Advocate Program. The program was implemented in 2001, and has grown tremendously to become a vital part of the service the agency delivers to the community.

The agency feels it was extremely lucky to have hired an individual, Erica Hines, with extensive experience in the field and a passion for helping others. Through the Victim Advocate's organizational and recruiting abilities the agency has a number of volunteers who assist with this program including 4 Volunteer Chaplains, and 4 Volunteer Victim Advocates. This group has far exceeded the target goals set for the unit and have continued to expand the types of services provided to help those in need.

For more information please contact John Bayne at bayne@ormondbeach.org .

The agency has an excellent victim advocate services program and two areas they work with really stood out to the assessment team. In reviewing standards 18.11 (Domestic Violence) and 18.12 (Sexual Violence) the team expected to see the Victim Advocates involvement but was pleasantly surprised at the other responsibilities they have.

First, they have an advocate assigned specifically to elderly issues. While more agencies are recognizing this as an issue, not many have specified a position to handle it. The advocate who works with the elderly does not deal in only the abuse cases but in every case where someone 55 or older has become a victim of crime. They work with them to restore their life and give them back a feeling of security.

Regarding the elderly, many of the cases the advocates handle are theft or vandalism. So often elderly/disabled individuals do not realize there are funds available to help them get a mail box fixed, replace their bike, or meet an insurance deductible. The advocate contacts them and assists in filling out the paperwork. Seminole County Sheriff’s Office is now being contacted by insurance companies, who know of their program, when elderly residents cannot meet the deductible and it falls under the victim compensation area. Over the past several years, Seminole County has been in the top three in victim compensation funds received throughout the entire state.

The second area that makes the victim advocate services program stand out is their jury debriefing process. They are one of only two programs like this in the country. Recognizing that certain cases that juries sit on can be life altering, the advocates are available to work with the court on a debriefing and counseling process for jurors.

Last year the three full-time Victim Advocates reviewed over 2,500 cases. The Advocates are also available to other counties when needed, and handle all cases in Seminole County's jurisdiction. Their commitment and exceptional programs make the Seminole County Victim Advocates services an exemplary program.

For more information please contact John Rankin at jrankin@seminolesheriff.org .

On Friday, November 14, 2008, Chief Daniel Alexander, unveiled a new cutting edge approach to crime fighting. VIPER VANTAGE is an aggressive citywide multi-generational crime prevention initiative of its VIPER program. VIPER features new programs, services, partnerships, and communications channels to promote a collective communitywide interactive, participatory "crime prevention" mindset and everyday approach to safety. To launch the strategic effort, VIPER unveiled its WATCH YOUR BAG BOCA! awareness campaign designed to encourage those who live, work, play and visit the City of Boca Raton to take a more active role in personal and community safety.

Visibility - The Police Services Department has a number of prevention programs which include signage and other materials designed to raise visibility and awareness. The VIPER program will include enhancements to the patrol vehicle design and a consistent theme in all materials related to the community policing programs.

Intelligence - Nearly 70 percent of the people arrested in Boca Raton do not live in the city, making crime prevention and the gathering of intelligence a major challenge. In addition to computerized programs, cameras and related software now allow police departments to achieve real-time crime analysis in an effort to develop more effective responses to threats to the citizens. The city plans to establish a network of cameras serving as a deterrent to crime, a source for immediate event information, and a resource for investigations. This network would expand to include participants in the residential and commercial/office sector, bringing a massive amount of information into a data fusion center.

Partnerships - The VIPER program is intended to help individuals and groups (public and private) identify how they can connect with Boca Raton to accomplish their mission. The partners include schools, homeowners associations, businesses, non-profit organizations, residents, and other law enforcement agencies.

Education - The growth of technology (cellular phones, GPS receivers, laptops, I-Pods, etc) has opened a huge market for criminals. Close to 94 percent of Boca Raton crime is property related and most of the offenses can be averted through simple prevention measures and awareness. The police department will conduct more aggressive crime prevention and education campaigns, using traditional methods and advanced Internet based communication tools.

Resources - Although the department is asking their residents to take a more active role in community safety, adequate police resources and programs are necessary to preserve the quality of life. The VIPER strategy includes improvements to facilities, training and aggressive operational tactics to make this department more efficient and effective.

For more information please contact Rita Panchoo at rpanchoo@ci.boca-raton.fl.us .

The Indian Rivers Shores Department of Public Safety is perhaps most proud of its volunteers. Last year, the department’s volunteers gave nearly 4,000 hours of service to the department. Remarkably, the department does not just see its volunteers as free staffing; it sees them as an invaluable resource to be utilized in a myriad of different ways.

 The department is fortunate to have a resident base that is filled with former Chief Executive Officers, Senior Vice Presidents from some of the nation’s largest and most successful corporations. Some might think such successful professionals, now retired, would have no interest in volunteering their time. But the Indian River Shores Department of Public Safety finds that not to be the case as

the department has many such volunteers. Director Schauman and Captain Stabe both expressed their gratitude to their volunteers for providing the department with not just their time but the individual expertise in areas such as business, finance, management, and leadership.

 According to Captain Stabe, when the department decided to embrace the accreditation process it knew it had a long way to go. However, it also knew it had a dedicated workforce and an unbelievable well of knowledge to draw from in its volunteers.

 While Director Schauman and Captain Stabe admit, the department took quite a risk involving its volunteers, who are also its residents, in its rebuilding and retooling during the accreditation self-assessment process, they also know tapping the wealth of knowledge and experience their volunteers provided them was a major component to their success.

For more information please contact Robbie Stabe.

The Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program provides essential support to Largo Police Department's community policing initiatives by directly involving the citizens in the operations of the department. VIP's are one of Largo Police Department's greatest resources. They are courteous observers that watch over the community. Without their dedicated assistance, community policing would be nearly impossible. Whether serving as support to a patrol officer or checking homes while residents are on vacation, a VIP is truly a Very Important Person. When someone volunteers, they have the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement while helping in the community. Volunteers meet new friends, develop their skills and experience the feeling of making a difference. Upon selection, all VIP's attend the VIP Academy.

VIPs are divided into two categories. Support Volunteers and Patrol Volunteers.

Support Volunteers provide support within the department by assisting with paperwork and administrative duties such as:

- Clerical support in the Records Division
- Maintain fleet cruisers
- Process economic cases in Investigations
- Front desk assistance
- Maintain and place speed trailers
- Teach 55 Alive classes
- Conduct Buckle Up Campaign
- Tour guides of Largo Police Department
- Fingerprint children at events

Patrol Volunteers assist with non-hazardous patrol duties such as directing traffic and the department's Residential Security Check Service program, as well as the following:

- Patrol neighborhoods, shopping centers, schools, outreach centers and parks
- Radar Speed Watch
- Impound found bicycles
- Package and person transport
- Assist with event traffic safety
- Report road signs in need of replacement or repair
- Report roads needing repair
- Report power lights in need of repair
- Vacation Home Watch - (VIP's periodically check on homes and provide feedback on any unusual activities.)

All volunteers help disseminate information about crime prevention and traffic safety.

The use of volunteers provides a significant resource to address budgetary constraints and a reduction of the sworn and non-sworn workforce within the department. Volunteers help supplement the efforts of officers and other staff and in doing so the department has been able to effectively respond to citizen concerns in an economically responsible manner. During 2009, 58 volunteers provided over 15,000 hours of service equating to an estimated $250,000 in personnel savings.

Contact Person: Lieutenant Edward Sohoskiesohoski@largo.com
727-587-7433
727-587-6707

The police department instituted a program called Volunteers In Policing (VIPs) in March 2007. VIPs contribute so much and help the agency a great deal, from fingerprinting the public, bookkeeping, recordkeeping, purging of old records, special projects, coordinating special events such as Kiwanis Christmas In July, Kids Day, and National Night Out Against Crime. Volunteers assist the various divisions within the police department (Records, Front Desk, Patrol and Detective Bureau). The unit is supervised by Police Service Aide, Kay McCammon and Administrative Sergeant, Chuck Howard.

The Volunteers in Policing Emergency Response (Viper) program consists of a group of eight volunteers that are on call 24 hours a day to assist with traffic crashes resulting in serious injury and/or deaths. An active call-out list is maintained in the Largo Police Department’s Communication Center. If Viper services are needed, the volunteers respond to the police department to pick up an assigned vehicle, communicate with the sergeant in charge and receive direction, then respond to the scene. The duties may include closing or diverting a roadway, assisting with oil or gas spills, downed power lines or other duties that they may be trained for. The Viper volunteers will stay on-scene for as long as it takes to complete the assignment.

Contact Person: Lieutenant Edward Sohoskiesohoski@largo.com
727-587-7433
727-587-6707

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the nation began to bolster security initiatives. Florida was no exception, forming what is now a national model in their Regional Domestic Security Task Forces (RDSTF). The RDSTF concept brought local and state agencies together to form partnerships enhancing homeland security across several disciplines.

Of course, Florida is a "Water State" and state officials were concerned about vulnerability in the maritime domain. The state’s 8,246 miles of tidal coastline, 14 major seaports, 46 billion dollars worth of maritime trade, 14 million cruise line embarkations and disembarkations, 12,000 miles of rivers and streams, three million acres of lakes and ponds, and five nuclear power reactors at three nuclear power plants presented a significant security issue. In addition, the state’s vulnerability to natural disaster affecting coastal communities showed further need for partnership on the water.

State leadership saw this need early on and they turned to FWC as the lead law enforcement agency on state waters, to address the threat. FWC was asked to coordinate a revolutionary concept that is fast becoming a national standard. The State’s Waterborne Response Teams (WRT) were formed. Now numbering 41 across the state, these teams, each with seven highly trained officers, were assembled from local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and the FWC, resulting in the ability to respond, in a standardized manner anywhere in the state. FWC has been the driving force behind the WRT Concept. First, they guided the state in development of the “WRT Protocol,” the standard operating procedures manual for the effort. Then the agency developed standardized training that is being rolled out statewide. Finally, FWC has coordinated the application for, and acquisition of federal grant monies through the Department of Homeland Security’s State Homeland Security Grant Program to fund the teams. These grant dollars, over the past four years, have bought equipment for all of the 41 teams and provided funds to facilitate their specialized training. The training has also become a national model, being recognized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators as the standard by which teams across the nation will be trained. Over five million dollars in grants have been administered by FWC with 1.2 million pending approval in 2009. A full 80 percent of that money has been distributed to local and county teams to build their capabilities in the maritime law enforcement venue.

FWC also coordinates and provides command and control to teams as they respond to incidents and special events statewide. For example, WRT teams from across the state operated as a force multiplier for U.S. Navy security operations during a special 11-week mission involving daily movements of U. S. Naval nuclear powered vessels in and out of Jacksonville. The WRTs working with the U.S. Coast Guard were so effective that Naval vessel commanders commented that they had never felt more secure in any port in the world. FWC planned, commanded, and oversaw the summer long event bringing in state, county, and local teams from as far away as Miami and Ft. Myers to prove their mobility and effectiveness.

The result is that Florida, with FWC as the leader, has developed the most comprehensive maritime domain law enforcement partnership in the nation. The concept is being examined nationwide as a standard to emulate. All of this has been done with the dedication and expertise of FWC personnel.

For more information please contact Dean Kelly at dean.kelly@MyFWC.com .

In May of 2009, Sheriff Wendell Hall started a Wellness Committee comprised of members of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The idea was to promote physical and mental wellness of the employee. The first task the Wellness Committee took on was to make the agency Tobacco Free. On June 1, 2009 the Sheriff instituted that all applicants for employment must be tobacco free six months prior to the application process. At this same time, Sheriff Hall informed all of his employees of the upcoming Tobacco Use policy which would go into effect six months later, on January 1, 2010. This new policy made the Sheriff’s Office property tobacco free to the employees and the public. The current employees were grandfathered in as far as the use of tobacco away from work, but completely prohibit the use of tobacco while at work.

The Sheriff continues his efforts for a wellness program, having a wellness fair each year where medical professionals, community businesses, the Health Department, and any other health related professionals are asked to set up booths to promote wellness. Sheriff Hall has also expanded the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to include additional services offered to the employees.

The agency also offers services from Personal Trainers to help the employees plan for a healthy future. Still in the making is a fitness trail around the Sheriff’s Office which will be constructed with the advice from the personal trainers and constructed by the inmate labor. Sheriff Hall is dedicated to providing whatever means he can to assist the employees of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office in having a healthier physical and mental lifestyle.

For more information please contact Marc Hayes at Mhayes@srso.net.

Wakulla County Sheriff David F. Harvey has implemented "The Women’s Personal Protection and Firearms Safety Course" presented by state certified firearms instructors through the Sheriff’s Training Division.

Sheriff Harvey introduced this program after one of Wakulla County’s citizens was abducted, kidnapped and murdered in a nearby county. This heinous crime struck widespread fear and dread in the community.

Therefore, this innovative program is based on the premise of helping Wakulla citizens enhance the perception about individual personal safety. Sheriff Harvey’s goal is to provide the student, with limited or no experience with firearms, as well as non-lethal weapons, an opportunity to learn in a comfortable classroom setting along with neighbors.

Certified Instructors help the student develop an elevated sense of awareness of their surroundings, and then assist in implementing a "personal safety plan." In the classroom, legal issues, according to Florida Statutes, are discussed regarding personal safety and weapons laws.

The Sheriff’s Office firing range is then opened and a range master and multiple certified instructors give one-on-one training with the citizen's own firearm(s), or the citizen is allowed to train on various caliber pistols, long guns and revolvers provided by the Sheriff’s Office.

The cost to the citizen is minimal; $50.00 per person is assessed to pay for ammunition, hearing protection and instructional supplies.

Each graduate receives a certificate of completion from the Sheriff, which in turn qualifies the citizen to apply for a concealed weapon permit within the state of Florida.

For more information please contact Major Larry Massa at (850) 926-0821.

Work In Lieu of Arrest (W.I.L.A.): This is a program designed to offer the first time juvenile misdemeanants an alternative to arrest while still providing immediate consequences. To complete, students must work 20 hours spread across five Saturdays at the Sheriff’s Office Inmate Work Farm. This is one-time opportunity that keeps youthful offenders out of the court system and allows them to avoid permanent criminal record. Participation in the program requires the approval of the juvenile’s parent or guardian. This program is conducted through the Youth and Community Services Bureau.

For more information please contact Gary Harbin at gharbin@marionso.com .

Certificate of Compliance -The Lee County Pretrial Services Department entered into an inter-local agreement with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a result of the Jessica Lunsford and Anti-Murder Acts.  In accordance with Administrative Order 3.9, dated November 07, 2007, Pretrial Officers check criminal history on all defendants booked into the Lee County Jail facility, researching pending charge status, probation status, high risk flags and criminal history.  Defendants identified as a High Risk Sex Offender or Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern are held for First Appearance.  Pretrial officers also place a hold on defendants for First Appearance when there is a high flight risk or danger to the community. 

Screening for Indigence - Pretrial officers and clerical support handle all Applications for Criminal Indigent Status for defendants facing criminal charges in Lee County via an inter-local agreement with the Clerk of Court.  Many defendants are screened while still in custody, but screenings also occur in court and at the Pretrial Services offices.

Drug Screening - Pretrial officers assigned to the Pretrial Supervision Unit began to conduct drug screens in the office when ordered as a condition of pretrial supervision and the defendant is unable to obtain a test elsewhere due to financial hardship, when the defendant appears to be untruthful and/or is circumventing taking a test or appears to be under the influence of drugs while in the office, during a random sweep, in court or when the judge orders such. 

Diversion Case Management - Pretrial officers assigned to diversion programs provide comprehensive case management services to the Judiciary. Pretrial officers review all defendants for eligibility into diversion programs, facilitate the referral process and track outcomes for statistical reporting.  Additionally, pretrial officers attend court proceedings to provide pertinent case information to each judge, provide assistance with scheduling, meet with defendants placed on pretrial supervision, providing alternatives to incarceration and provide case status reports. 

Community Collaboration - Pretrial Services partners with various agencies for community outreach and support.  Some examples include Lee County Probation, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for Law Enforcement, Lee Grows and Mental Health and Substance Abuse forums.

Felony Case Management - Pretrial officers are each assigned to a specific judge presiding over felony cases.  Pretrial officers facilitate case movement through each stage of the case through disposition, helping to ensure meaningful court events. Felony case management procedures were developed in Lee County in January of 2008, with the intent to expand best practices to other counties to promote uniformity in practice throughout the 20th Judicial Circuit.  Procedures were established to improve predictability, efficiency and timely disposition of felony criminal cases in the circuit court and to ensure compliance with provisions and aims of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. 

Differentiated Case Management techniques allow courts to tailor the case flow process to the requirements of individual cases. The main concepts of Differentiated Case Management are: (1) Setting case tracks, based on criteria that determines the necessary case events and time goals, (2) Enhanced organization of court events by using a Pretrial Scheduling Order, and (3) Close case monitoring to ensure that the case progresses in the most efficient manner.

Prior to or at felony arraignment, the State Attorney’s Office assigns all new felony cases opened by the Clerk of Court a "track" designation. The Assistant State Attorney or Judge can assign standard track cases to an "Early Intervention Docket" (EID). Those cases not assigned an EID date are given a case management hearing date approximately 45 to 60 days from felony arraignment. Prior to this hearing, the State Attorney’s Office agrees to provide the defense with a score sheet, discovery, and plea offer.

At the case management conference, the Judge determines whether the court will accept an agreed upon plea offer. If no agreement is reached, the Judge sets time goals for any additional discovery and depositions. The Judge will set a plea date, a trial date or a pretrial conference hearing date 120 to 240 days from the date of arrest, as the next court event.

Before the pretrial conference hearing, the assigned pretrial officer will inquire from the prosecution and defense counsel if the time goals set by the Judge have been accomplished and a reason if not. This will be reported to the Judge. At the Pretrial Conference, the Judge will determine the status of the case. A plea can be accepted at this hearing; a plea date can be scheduled, a trial date can be scheduled approximately 30 to 60 days out or; for those cases determined as complex by the Judge, an additional pretrial conference can be scheduled.

Since inception, the Court, the State Attorney, the Public Defender and the defense bar have collaborated with a view towards a just and efficient disposition of criminal cases.

For more information please contact Amy Kinsey at akinsey@ca.cjis20.org.

The Miami Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Department's next major goal with their Pretrial Services Bureau is to have their staff become Certified Pretrial Services Professional (CPSP). The Pretrial Services Bureau staff will apply to the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies (NAPSA) to obtain certification as a CPSP.

Currently this is the only nationally recognized Pretrial Certification Program of its kind in the United States. The certification program consists of various levels with increasing education, training, and job requirements.  Staff will obtain, and demostrate, a basic understanding of the Pretrial Services movement and the history upon which it is based.

For more information, please contact Sherea Blackman at snb@miamidade.gov.

The current Electronic Monitoring/Global Positioning Satellite (EM/GPS) program started as a pilot EM project in January 2002. The program began as an alternative to incarceration for Pretrial offenders. It took time for the Court to embrace this new technology; however, services were expanded based on the effectiveness and successes. The program now includes GPS for high risk offenders requiring the most intensive level of Pretrial supervision available. The first GPS installation was completed on April 27, 2007. The program is now a sentencing option alternative for offenders convicted of traffic and/or misdemeanor charges. The addition of GPS technology allows the agency to assist in the supervision of Work Release Offenders who would not otherwise be considered appropriate for the Work Release Program.

Ideal EM candidates are offenders the Court wants at home during a curfew period, those offenders with medical issues that can be better served outside of the Department of the Jail and those offenders sentenced to house arrest as a sanction form of punishment rather than taking up a bed in the Alachua County Department of the Jail.

Ideal GPS candidates are offenders where there is a significant concern for public safety or victim safety concerns. The movements of the GPS offender is tracked 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Pretrial staff have the ability to enter exclusion zones (restricted areas) that the offender may not enter. Should the offender enter into an exclusion zone, the EM/GPS Officer is immediately notified. The ability to know in real time the location of the offender goes a long way towards addressing victim and community safety concerns. GPS does not modify or change behavior, however, it is a means to track and verify the offenders' whereabouts. Community safety concerns are easier to address when a high risk offender is placed on GPS. This technology goes further than monetary supervision or any other form of community supervision when it comes to the high risk offender re-offending in the community.

On occasion, Pretrial Services conducts courtesy supervision for offenders who reside in Alachua County and have pending criminal charges in another jurisdiction. These are evaluated on a case by case basis. Pretrial Services also assists offenders who have pending Alachua County cases, but reside outside of Alachua County. Pretrial Services enters into an agreement with another Pretrial Services program for courtesy supervision. Pretrial Services will assist the offender in making arrangements with a private vendor who provides GPS tracking services if another Pretrial Services agency is not available to supervise an offender outside of Alachua County. There are only a few other counties in Florida with Pretrial programs that include GPS. When arrangements are made to supervise an offender in another county, Pretrial Services staff work closely with the county agency or the private vendor to ensure the offender remains at liberty while abiding by the Court's order.

Pretrial Services require offenders being placed onto EM or GPS to reside within Alachua County; however, on occasion staff will supervise offenders who live in a bordering county, provided the defendant is in close proximity to the county line. These situations are reviewed and considered on a case by case basis.

During October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007, Pretrial Services provided EM/GPS services to 111 offenders. The average length of time on EM/GPS was 93 days. The option of EM/GPS saved the Alachua County Department of the Jail 9,205 jail bed days during FY 06/07. The cost of EM is $4 per day and the cost of GPS is $10 per day. When the offender agrees to the terms of EM/GPS, the defendant agrees to pay for the costs associated with EM/GPS; however, to date no one has been removed from EM/GPS and returned to the Alachua County Department of the Jail for non-payment. In accordance with Federal Poverty Guidelines, Pretrial Services can waive fees or charge less on a case by case basis depending upon an offender's situation. Fees for EM/GPS were not collected until January 1, 2007, and for January 1 through September 30, 2007, $21,731 was collected in EM/GPS fees. Pretrial Services opted to collect monies for EM/GPS supervision costs, thereby reducing the costs incurred by the offender. The monitoring company, BI Incorporated, offers a service to collect all monies for EM/GPS fees; however, the savings incurred by collecting fees within the agency are passed along to the offenders. The total cost to the County for the EM/GPS program for FY 06/07 was $10,719,85. This includes lost and/or damaged equipment and fees not paid by the offender. Fees collected are significantly less than the amount that would have been spent had the offender been required to remain in custody in lieu of EM/GPS.

During FY 06/07, the overall success rate for EM/GPS was 91 percent. 23 Percent of the offenders placed on EM/GPS were being supervised on traffic charges; 18 percent were being supervised on misdemeanor charges and 60 percent were being supervised on felony charges. 70 Percent of the offenders placed on EM/GPS worked during their period of supervision, affording them the opportunity to be productive members of the community. Offenders paid their taxes, remained current on their child support, and took care of other financial obligations that they would not have been able to do if they had remained incarcerated.

Pretrial Services EM/GPS program continues to expand. On September 19, 2007, the first offender was released to Work Release with the special condition of GPS supervision. Offenders assigned to Work Release are sentenced inmates considered to be Alachua County Department of the Jail inmates who have been authorized Extended Limits of Confinement (ELOC) to the Work Release Facility. To date, Pretrial Services has supervised five Work Release inmates. These inmates would not have been eligible for Work Release without the GPS technology.

For more information, please contact Gerie Crawford at gcrawford@alachuacounty.us.

The process of providing extensive background information on each arrestee is enhanced by the use of the Judicial Inquiry System. In August 2007, the Judicial Inquiry System was successfully implemented by the Volusia County Pretrial Services Assessment Unit through the Office of State Court Administrator along with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This system allows all arrestee background checks to be gathered in a computerized format by accessing several databases through a single application. This application expedites the gathering of comprehensive criminal history information in a timely manner while efficiently preparing the information for the judiciary. Volusia County Pretrial Services also has 100 percent membership in the Association of Pretrial Professionals of Florida (APPF) and makes up part of the APPF Board.

For more information, please contact Peter Cuccoro at pcuccoro@circuit7.org.