OPERATION SALTY SPICY

Transcription

1 APRIL 2012 A Message From Your Sheriff OPERATION SALTY SPICY. Synthetic drugs are being marketed as everything from bath salts to glass cleaner. But at a cost of up to ninety dollars a gram, it s clear these are no ordinary household substances. In fact, synthetic drugs are not just dangerous, producing possible side effects ranging from hallucinations to paranoia, they are potentially deadly. Our deputies are seeing the sometimes violent results of synthetic drug abuse and our local emergency rooms are seeing the medical ramifications. That s why the expanded law banning synthetic drugs, and our effort to clear the shelves of these now illegal substances, is important to the safety of all our citizens. The OCSO, with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, FDLE and Niceville Police Department conducted ten simultaneous search warrant raids on Okaloosa County specialty shops selling controlled substances commonly known as Spice, bath salts, K2, and the like. These businesses and business owners are exploiting loopholes in federal regulations and state laws and selling substances marketed as plant food, screen cleaner, incense, and potpourri among others, which contain chemically designed psychoactive substances. Locations within Okaloosa County selling these substances, or inventory similar in appearance or design to the controlled substances, are being served letters directing them to immediately cease and desist possession, manufacture, distribution and sale of these compounds. A new Florida law expands the list of banned synthetic substances. The legislation is in an effort to keep up with designers who continue to change formulas to skirt the law. It is now a third degree felony for an individual to sell, manufacture, or deliver, or possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, any new forms of a lengthy list of synthetic compounds.

2 INVESTIGATOR AWARDED SILVER STAR Investigator Todd Watkins was awarded a Silver Star for Bravery from the American Police Hall of Fame for his actions during a December 9 th incident in Santa Rosa County in which a co-worker was shot multiple times. Both were serving as part of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitives Task Force, on an assignment to take a violent fugitive into custody. Investigator Watkins was attempting to use a ballistics shield to get to OCSO Investigator Steve Hough after the suspect came out of a home shooting two handguns, striking Hough once in the face and two times in the leg. During the firefight, Watkins weapon malfunctioned. While holding the shield, he attempted to move to position himself between the advancing suspect and his fallen partner. The shield was hit by multiple rounds. As the suspect was downed, Watkins got Hough out of the immediate area and began aid. The Silver Star acknowledges unselfish heroism in the line of duty. It was presented to Investigator Watkins by Dennis Wise, National President of the American Federation of Police and Concerned Citizens. In addition, Wise presented the American Police Hall of Fame Honor Award to Sheriff Larry Ashley for distinguished achievement in public service.

3 OCSO S NEWEST FBI ACADEMY GRAD The head of the Okaloosa County Sheriff s Office Criminal Investigations Services is among the most recent graduates of the nation s premier law enforcement teaching and research center. Captain Arnold Brown is one of 250 law enforcement officers who took part in the latest FBI National Academy Program in Quantico, Virginia. The U.S. Department of Justice says the ten week course offers advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agency. Attending the National FBI Academy was a tremendous opportunity to be involved with the strongest law enforcement leadership network in the world, said Captain Brown. It was both academically and physically challenging, and I gained valuable insights that I can use to better serve my community. I also made many new lifelong friends who share my dedication to professionalism and public service. Sheriff Larry Ashley added, it will benefit the entire agency and the people we serve, as he shares his advanced knowledge and leadership skills on a daily basis.

4 JANE DOE IN THE SPOTLIGHT The latest installment of the Okaloosa County Sheriff s Office s Cold Case Chronicles profiles the unsolved mystery surrounding a 1994 murder victim. The woman s remains were found off an Interstate 10 exit ramp near Holt in September Okaloosa Sheriff s Investigators have been unable to identify her but do have some clues they re hoping will help spark either someone s memory - or their interest in calling authorities with information. Included in those clues are several distinctive items of jewelry and the photos indicating the color and pattern of the dress and matching short jacket the victim had been wearing. To see the latest Cold Case Chronicles story featuring the Interstate Ten Jane Doe just click on: v=klo0w7ztifs&feature=plcp&context= C4f6d2f0VDvjVQa1PpcFPPRW6JdYsG _st3xr9kr10o0ddsrmvpsgs

5 GETTING INVOLVED & GIVING BACK THE OCSO MOUNTED POSSE TOOK PART IN THE BAKER RODEO WHERE ORIGINAL MEMBER, 93-YEAR OLD F.E. HARRELSON OF BLACKMON WAS RECOGNIZED, ALONG WITH INVESTIGATOR STEVE HOUGH!

6 GETTING INVOLVED & GIVING BACK The Softball Showdown: Cumulus Versus Cops 4 Softball Game raised nearly $5200 for St. Jude Research Hospital for Children!

7 NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK Each year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. It was first conceived by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County (Calif.) Sheriff's Office in 1981 and was observed only at that agency for three years. Members of the Virginia and North Carolina chapters of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) became involved in the mid-1980s. By the early 1990s, the national APCO organization convinced Congress of the need for a formal proclamation. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced what became H.J. Res. 284 to create "National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week." According to Congressional procedure, it was introduced again in 1993 and 1994, and then became permanent. Our communications officers, the FIRST first responders, are the pulse of our agency. We can't effectively perform our mission without them. We want to thank these true professionals for a job well done, said OCSO Communications Supervisor Vic Everett.

8 SafeAssured ID SET FOR MAY 19

9 WANTED! (AS OF APRIL 13th)

10 APRIL PHOTO COLLAGE

11 FIVE TIPS FOR STARTING & MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE The Bible tells us we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and that our bodies are temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). It is very easy in our busy lifestyle to forget these things in terms of our health and fitness. I just finished teaching a Creation Health Lifestyle class at Admin over the last 9 weeks - and I had a great time - I hope those who came did as well - they seemed too!! It brought to my attention the fact that we probably don't intend to be busy - but we are! It is so easy to be consumed by everything else, when being mindful of our health and well-being should be at the top of our list - not for selfish reasons, but because our physical health directly affects our mental and spiritual health. This in turn, affects our relationships with family, friends, and our Creator. CHAPLAIN S CORNER We want to make changes, but are not entirely sure where to start. Well, good news! Here are a few suggestions that I have found helpful in my own experience and I hope they help you! First, make wellness a matter of prayer. Ask God to show you what you need to do, and to guide you to the right resources. Books, magazines, the Internet, etc can steer you on to the right path. Just be sure to prayerfully and carefully do your research. Second, think about the small changes you can make immediately, that will have a positive impact on your health long term. If you have a soda/juice habit, replace a couple of those each day with pure water. If you're not in the habit of exercising, start walking for 5-10 minutes each day until you reach a minimum of 30 minutes daily. If you're not eating enough fruits/vegetables, try adding a serving to each meal! Third, get enough sleep. I know life is busy, but getting at least 6 hours of sleep each night will give you more energy and help you control your weight. Seven-eight hours would be ideal, but this is a start! Fourth, build a solid support system. Enlist family and friends to help and encourage you along the way, and to help you be accountable. A strong support system helps ensure long-term success. Finally, but most importantly, be prayerful and patient. We must be prayerful because without God's help, we can do nothing. And, be patient with yourself and with the process of change, because when you decide to make changes to improve your health and fitness, they don't happen overnight. The Chaplains are here to serve you and your families - - if we can be of service to you - please don't hesitate to call on us at any time. Blessings to each of our OCSO family. Stay safe... Chaplain Martin Fancher