HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE INTEGRITY QUALITY SERVICE PROFESSIONALISM

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Quarterly Report of the HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE INTEGRITY QUALITY SERVICE PROFESSIONALISM Sheriff Susan Benton VISION Our vision is a safer Highlands County where citizens and law

MISSION Volume 7 Issue 3 October 2011-3rd Qtr Sheriff Susan Benton is the New Vice-President for the Florida Sheriffs Association The Highlands County Sheriff s Office is committed to protecting

Goal 1: Create safer neighborhoods by reducing criminal activity and conditions that foster crime and fear within the community.

Goal 3: Assure accountability by effective and efficient use of personnel, equipment, and technology.

1 Quarterly Report of the HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE INTEGRITY QUALITY SERVICE PROFESSIONALISM Sheriff Susan Benton VISION Our vision is a safer Highlands County where citizens and law enforcement are joined together; the rights of all persons are respected; and community values are reflected. MISSION Volume 7 Issue 3 October rd Qtr Sheriff Susan Benton is the New Vice-President for the Florida Sheriffs Association The Highlands County Sheriff s Office is committed to protecting life, property, and individual rights while maintaining peace and order. Goal 1: Create safer neighborhoods by reducing criminal activity and conditions that foster crime and fear within the community. Goal 2: Enhance vehicular and pedestrian safety of Highlands County roadways through education and enforcement. Goal 3: Assure accountability by effective and efficient use of personnel, equipment, and technology. Goal 4: Provide a professional work environment that attracts and retains a diverse group of quality applicants, rewards employee excellence, and promotes leadership through education and training. Goal 5: Assure effective Judicial and Detention processes and services. Pictured above, Sheriff Susan Benton is sworn in as Vice-President for the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA). She has previously served as a Director and Chairman of the Board, Treasurer, Secretary, and was elected unanimously as Vice-President by the General Membership of the FSA at their 2011 Summer Conference in Volusia County on Tuesday, August 2, Sheriff Ben Johnson of Volusia County was elected President, while Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd became Secretary, St. John s County Sheriff David Shoar is the new Treasurer, and Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell was elected by the Board of Directors as Chairman. For more information about the Florida Sheriff s Association and how the Sheriff s of the State work together to keep us safe, please visit FSA s website at Sheriff Benton wears many hats.not only as our Sheriff here at home in Highlands County, but constantly working to ensure that our needs are met locally through collaboration and communication with other entities throughout the state that affect the ability of our deputies to do what is expected of them in meeting our Vision of a safer Highlands County. Sheriff is also appointed by the Governor as a Commissioner on the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. She serves on the Commission for Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Executive Institute Advisory Board, the Florida Sheriff s Youth Ranches Board, Advisory Board Member for Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC), and several other local and state committees.

Page 2 Volume 7 Issue 3 ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES Effective October 1, 2011 As the new fiscal year begins, we have made organizational changes that we believe will assist in covering the budget

Four Deputies and three civilian jobs were eliminated in order to get to the Board s budget numbers. You can view the entire Organizational Chart at www.highlandssheriff.

FDLE Audit Cyber Sexual Predator Initiative to Protect and Educate Florida s Youth Florida s Sheriffs are declaring war on the online predator epidemic by sharing its Cyber Sexual Predator Initiative

In the past 11 months, 177 persons have been arrested from sting operations conducted across several Florida counties.

, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce, and many Florida school superintendents have provided support and education for this initiative.

than 214,000 children about staying safe on the streets and on the Internet, according to a statewide news release.

the education piece. They teach internet safety each year at the elementary and middle school level.

2 Page 2 Volume 7 Issue 3 ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES Effective October 1, 2011 As the new fiscal year begins, we have made organizational changes that we believe will assist in covering the budget shortfall by reclassifying numerous positions and the merging of others to offset the impact of cutting seven (7) positions. Four Deputies and three civilian jobs were eliminated in order to get to the Board s budget numbers. You can view the entire Organizational Chart at clicking on the left hand side About Us and Organizational Chart. FDLE Audit Cyber Sexual Predator Initiative to Protect and Educate Florida s Youth Florida s Sheriffs are declaring war on the online predator epidemic by sharing its Cyber Sexual Predator Initiative with any Florida law enforcement organization that would like to implement the program in their community. In the past 11 months, 177 persons have been arrested from sting operations conducted across several Florida counties. Combined resources from Sheriffs offices, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Attorney General, the Florida Police Chiefs Assoc., Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) taskforce, and many Florida school superintendents have provided support and education for this initiative. To date, the Florida Sheriff s Association Cyber Sexual Predator Initiative, through the Sheriff s Offices school resource officers and Attorney General s Cyber Crime Unit team, have educated more than 214,000 children about staying safe on the streets and on the Internet, according to a statewide news release. The Highlands County Sheriff s Office has one detective from our Special Victim s Unit who works with the ICAC Team out of the Polk County Sheriff s Office and our School Resource Deputies provide the education piece. They teach internet safety each year at the elementary and middle school level. Sheriff Benton said that our Office will continue to participate in the ongoing efforts to train up our youth to recognize predator dangers as well as investigate and arrest those predators who prey on our kids. Drug Abuse Resistance Education Sebring Area D.A.R.E. Car The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) conducted an audit of the Sheriff s Office computer entries into the Florida Crime Information Center on August 11, 2011.We produced a total of 302 records for their review of accuracy and completeness into the criminal justice systems computers. Central Records: 160 records Civil: 44 records Warrants: 98 records The audit revealed that the Highlands County Sheriff s Office is operating in compliance with Florida and Nation Crime Information Centers rules, regulations and user agreements. Pat Greene, Operations Review Specialist with FDLE, stated that we had an Excellent audit. We should be very proud of our Records, Dispatch, Civil and Warrants members for a successful audit. D.A.R.E. is still on the move. School Resource Deputies are ready and geared up in the new school year. They are bringing the message to our kids about making smart decisions on staying drug, alcohol and violence free. Deputies will be presenting the Lake Placid Area D.A.R.E. Car full D.A.R.E. curriculum in the fifth grade classes. Lessons specifically designed for middle school kids will be provided throughout the school year. When you see one of your D.A.R.E. Deputies in their newly marked cars, give a wave.

3 SHERIFF S OFFICE New Member Hires: Civilians Sworn Applications Received Applications Processed Payroll Transactions Processed Payable Checks Processed P-Card Purchases Citizens Fingerprinted Information Services Requests , July 1, September 30, 2011 QUARTERLY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION & COURT Court Related Services: Cases In Court Inmates Taken to Court Arrests by Bailiffs Persons thru Security Station Pre-Trial Release Services: First Appearance Attendance Pre-Trial Release Cases Inmates Referred for Treatment QUARTERLY INFORMATION LAW ENFORCEMENT Administrative Calls 911 Calls Computer Aided Dispatch HCSO (50%) SPD (15%) LPPD (4%) APPD (17%) FIRE (5%) EMS (9%) Offense Reports Traffic Citations Issued K-9 Searches Warrant Numbers: Received/Processed Served Active Number of Arrests By Patrol Number of DUI s Inmates Booked into Jail Inmates Released from Jail Instructional Program Hours Inmate Transport Miles Transports to State Prison ICE Picked Up Detainer's Placed CMP Participants Dollars Saved in Labor Dollars Collected in Fees Inmate Meals Served Avg Food Cost per Day Per Inmate Alcohol Breath Tests 45,000 9,189 34,334 17,176 5,093 1,494 5,792 1,536 3,243 2, , Items into Evidence Evidence Items Disposed Judicial/Civil Process Services: Received/Processed Served Active Crime Scene Lab Cases Criminal Investigation Unit Cases Investigations Open (Total) Special Investigations Unit Cases Street Crime Units Arrests SIU Narcotic Arrests SVU Cases Received from DCF SVU Cases Open Business Security Surveys Neighborhood Watch Presentations Crime Victims Served Victim Advocate Services QUARTERLY INFORMATION DETENTION 1,412 1,290 1,941 33, $25,731 $2, ,305 $ Average Daily Population Staff Meals Purchased Net Commissary Earnings Medical Fees Charged Medical Fees Collected Subsistence Fees Charged Subsistence Fees Collected Inmate Per-Diem Charged Inmate Per-Diem Collected Labor Hours by Inmates S/O Labor Hours by Inmates -Other Dollars Saved in Labor 7,398 1, , , ,281 2, $6,274 $4,955 $124,476 $6,718 $60,451 $18,474 $21,583 $8,798 31, $234,364 Florida Missing Page 3 Children s Day Ceremony On September 12th, Governor Rick Scott and FDLE hosted the annual Florida Missing Children s Day ceremony. The annual event is an opportunity to remember Florida s past & present missing children, recognize the state s efforts in the child protection arena & educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention. During 2010, approximately 39,000 incidents of missing children were reported to law enforcement agencies in Florida. To date, AMBER Alerts have aided in the rescue of 53 children, including one this year. In 2008, the Jennifer Kesse and Tiffany Sessions Missing Persons Act was passed which expanded the authority of FDLE s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) to p rovide assistance on investigations involving missing adults younger than 26 & missing adults age 26 & older who are suspected by law enforcement to be in danger. Since then, MEPIC has provided assistance in more than 716 missing adult investigations. Advertisers with the Florida Outdoor Advertising Assoc. and its member advertising companies donated billboard space as part of an on-going effort to feature missing children and adults. Lamar Advertising, Premium Outdoor, Clear Channel Outdoor and CBS Outdoor featured 28 missing children and adults on digital billboards throughout the state. FDLE invites the public to sign up to receive Missing Child Alerts and Amber Alerts via or text message by visiting To view photos of missing children, visit

Southwest Florida Region VI 2011 SWAT The HCSO Special Response Team finished third on August 27th in the Region VI SWAT (Special Weapons & Tactics) competition in Lee county.

4 Southwest Florida Region VI 2011 SWAT The HCSO Special Response Team finished third on August 27th in the Region VI SWAT (Special Weapons & Tactics) competition in Lee county. The team competed with nine other teams which consisted of three different stages of competition where officers had to prove they were physically, operationally and mentally fit. Lt. Jack Bailey, who led the Highlands Co. team, was pleased with the squad s performance. Sheriff Benton stated, I am so proud of their advanced skill that has allowed them to reach this level and receive this placement in the competition. Our community should also be proud that they have deputies like these that are ready and willing to come to their aid when needed. Congratulations!!! HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE Susan Benton, Sheriff 434 FERNLEAF AVENUE SEBRING, FL OFFICE: (863) For tips on how to keep our kids safe see the Florida Sheriffs Association Child Safety

Highlands County Sheriff s Office C RIME PREVENTION Insert for Volume 7, Issue 3 National Night Out Highlands County Style National Night Out events were held in three locations in Highlands County

Law Enforcement Bureau Commander Major Mark Schrader and Criminal Investigations Captain Randy LaBelle were the keynote speakers, along with Criminal Investigations Lieutenant Darin Hood, Detective

Reflections on Silver Lake In Sebring, the Francis I Mobile Home Community hosted National Night Out with Patrol Captain Paul Blackman and Judicial Process Captain Jeff Barfield addressing the group.

There were approximately 40 Francis I Mobile Homes people in attendance. The National Night Out event at Tropical Harbor Estates in Lake Placid had approximately 75 residents participating.

Detention Bureau Commander Major David Paeplow spoke to the group about Sheriff s Office issues and answered questions.

5 Highlands County Sheriff s Office C RIME PREVENTION Insert for Volume 7, Issue 3 National Night Out Highlands County Style National Night Out events were held in three locations in Highlands County on Tuesday, August 2 nd with approximately 265 people participating setting a new record for this event! Reflections on Silver Lake in Avon Park was the largest event with approximately 150 attendees. Law Enforcement Bureau Commander Major Mark Schrader and Criminal Investigations Captain Randy LaBelle were the keynote speakers, along with Criminal Investigations Lieutenant Darin Hood, Detective Sergeant Brian Kramer, K-9 Sergeant Dave Stewart, Deputy Mike Parker and his K-9 partner Maverick. Residents enjoyed hot dogs and all the trimmings! Reflections on Silver Lake In Sebring, the Francis I Mobile Home Community hosted National Night Out with Patrol Captain Paul Blackman and Judicial Process Captain Jeff Barfield addressing the group. Deputy Wayne Gunn and his K-9 partner Sarge also entertained the attendees and fielded questions. This event included a hot dog b u f f e t a n d a f t e r d i n n e r entertainment by the residents. There were approximately 40 Francis I Mobile Homes people in attendance. The National Night Out event at Tropical Harbor Estates in Lake Placid had approximately 75 residents participating. Crime Prevention Specialist Nell Hays cooked hot dogs for the dinner and afterwards thanked the residents for their efforts in establishing their Neighborhood Watch group. Detention Bureau Commander Major David Paeplow spoke to the group about Sheriff s Office issues and answered questions. Deputy Jake Riley introduced his K-9 partner Wyatt and detailed their role in law enforcement operations. National Night Out is a unique crime prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. It is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention efforts and Tropical Harbor Estates strengthen neighborhood spirit and law enforcement community partnerships. Last year it is estimated that over 37 million people participated in National Night Out activities across the United States. Deputy Sheriff Jake Riley and K-9 Partner Wyatt.

Neighborhood Watch Groups New Neighborhood Watch Forming Residents in the area of Elliott Road (off US 98 near Spring Lake) and the Oak Shores Mobile Home Park have united in their efforts to start a

The first general meeting was held on August 11th at the clubhouse at Oak Shores. Approximately 30 people attended the presentation and a telephone tree is being developed.

6 Neighborhood Watch Groups New Neighborhood Watch Forming Residents in the area of Elliott Road (off US 98 near Spring Lake) and the Oak Shores Mobile Home Park have united in their efforts to start a Neighborhood Watch group! Dave Kuhns has been the driving force behind this effort, supported by Terry Barnes and other enthusiastic members of the community at large. The first general meeting was held on August 11th at the clubhouse at Oak Shores. Approximately 30 people attended the presentation and a telephone tree is being developed. When winter residents return to the community, they will be added to the communications list. Dave is still looking for leaders for this group so anyone living in the area of Elliott Road is invited to contact Dave for further information and to sign up. The next meeting of the Elliott Road Neighborhood Watch is scheduled for Thursday, October 27th at 6:30PM at the Oak Shores Mobile Home Clubhouse. Highlands County Sheriff s Office Crime Prevention Specialist Nell Hays will speak on How and When to Call 911, and How To Describe Suspicious People, Vehicles and Events. Everyone in the Elliott Road area is welcome to attend. One of the requirements to retain Active Neighborhood Watch status is to have at least one meeting per year with a Highlands County Sheriff s Office representative as the program speaker. Topics for your meeting will depend upon the crimes that have occurred in your area over the past year. You may also want to request a particular subject of local interest. Crime Prevention Specialist Nell Hays has taken on the additional role of Public Information Officer for the Highlands County Sheriff s Office thus her schedule will be filling up quickly for the 2012 winter season. If you would like to get your annual meeting on Nell s schedule, please call her at and get your meeting booked as soon as possible! Thank you in advance for your cooperation! Highlands County residents are no exception when it comes to falling victim to frauds and scams. Some of the scams recently reported are: Secret Shopper Opportunities In this scam the victim is recruited as a secret shopper and offered payment for these services. The problem is that the scammer sends the victim a check for a large amount of money. The instructions indicate the victim is to use a portion of the check for their purchases and in payment for their services however they are to send the excess money back right away so that the scammer knows that the victim can follow simple instructions. Of course the original check is fraudulent and the victim is out the money they send back. Legitimate Secret Shopper organizations will not ask for payment back from you especially prior to any activity on your part. Grandparent Scam In this scam the victim is contacted by someone who says they are a relative of the victim and they are in trouble. The story can range from the relative being injured, in jail, in debt, or any number of other dire circumstances. The punch line is always the same though send money now, and your relative will be fine. Of course there is nothing really wrong and the victim is out the money. To avoid being a victim of this scam, take a moment and contact your family to confirm the well being of your relative. One final note about scams...if it s too good to be true, there is an element of secrecy or an element of urgency..it S A SCAM!

R APID ID FOR FOR DNA C

R APID ID FOR FOR DNA C Quarterly Report of the HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE INTEGRITY QUALITY SERVICE PROFESSIONALISM Sheriff Susan Benton VISION Volume 7 Issue 1 April 2011-1st Qtr Our vision is a safer Highlands County