Quarterly Report of the HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE INTEGRITY QUALITY SERVICE PROFESSIONALISM VISION Volume 2, Issue 2 July 2006-3rd Qtr 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 The Highlands County Sheriff s Office is committed to protecting life, property, and individual rights while maintaining peace and order. GOALS Goal 1: Create safer neighborhoods by reducing criminal activity and conditions that foster crime and fear within the community. Goal 2: Enhance the safety of Highlands County roadways through enforcement and education. 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 Court and Detention security and services. 2006/2007 BUDGET S TRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES E XCERPTS FROM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, SHERIFF SUSAN BENTON We are completing our first year Strategic Operations Plan and at the end of the third quarter, we have realized more than 88% attainment of all listed objectives to the four goals outlined in the N plan. During development of the plan, the Highlands County Sheriff s Office accepted the challenge of providing extraordinary public service to the residents of Highlands County. Staff display of responsibility and diligence in execution of the plan is an indicator that what you the community, have so clearly expressed as priority, has become the absolute driving force of achievement. In responding to demands of growth and with adequate funding, several initiatives planned last year have been implemented. Additional law enforcement personnel on the streets have afforded new zone assignments. We have gone from six zones to nine zones. They are less geographic intensive and populations are more even. The largest zone, which is more urban and dense, serves about 14,000 residents with one Deputy Sheriff, while a rural zone with more land to cover has approximately 5,000 residents per Deputy. This restructuring should decrease DET ENT IO $9,860,787 35.98% BUDGET BY ACTIVITY RESERVES $ 45,000 0.16% COURT SE R V I C E S $ 935,311 3.41% LAW ENFORCE- MENT $ 16,561,82 4 60.44% response time, increase our ability to effectively provide patrol services, while affording deputies an opportunity to increase traffic enforcement as the community requested. All agency personnel have been trained in the new SmartCop software that has consolidated all data into a master index system, we are up and running on this new software. Consolidation of E-911 communications for the City of Sebring and Town of Lake Placid has been accomplished. The next phase will begin in October, 2006 with the County Fire and EMS services. Our crime prevention efforts have increased with the certifications of staff as practitioners in elder affairs, child safety seat trainers, building and landscape design to prevent crime, and partnerships with homeowners groups. Equipment and training to aide in traffic enforcement has been acquired to meet the growing demands of traffic safety. Mental health services are being provided in the jail. Monthly reviews for our high risk inmates are taking place with community agencies. This is an effort to reintegrate these inmates into community and help maintain their mental health in order to prevent returning to jail. These and many other strategies as outlined in the plan have been implemented. The FY 06-07 budget proposal builds on these efforts while identifying other initiatives to maintain our current services and keep pace with growth through a three year long range strategic plan. As priority issues continued to be identified by our citizens through this planning process, we are submitting our funding request to ensure that established goals are met. Within the request are issues of additional personnel, the completion of the pay plan for sworn staff and identified critical class employees, maintenance of technological upgrades, enhanced courthouse security, as well as inmate and jail facility management. A significant portion of the budget increase transfers County emergency dispatch staff to the Sheriff s Office consolidated communications center. Sheriff Susan Benton
Page 2 Volume 2, Issue 2 S MARTC OPS BEING PUT TO THE TEST Needs Assessment and Master Plan Complete With the anticipated growth explosion over the next 20 years, and a call from the Board of County Commissioners to look into the future for planning, the Sheriff initiated a needs assessment and master plan to project the needs of the agency over the next two decades. The plan delivers a cost effective and three phase implemented approach to address the current deficiencies and the growth issues within the Sheriff s Office. The Sheriff points out that this is one of the most essential elements of our comprehensive planning, not only for public safety, but for the future financial planning by our county administration. The continued growth of the detention area at the downtown site on Commerce has pushed the physical limits of the facility and the plan recommends immediately looking for another location to house the law enforcement component of the agency in Phase I. The study further recommends a two-phased expansion of the detention facility through 2026, once the construction of the new Law Enforcement facility is completed. June 17 th the agency began the conversion of our computer systems to SmartCop. Our Information Technology Division brought all of the agency departments operational on Smart Cop with the exception of our Civil Process, who will be phased in over the next month. We have experienced continuous change in procedures to meet the systems needs, and streamline procedure and workflow. Our current focus is to finish the prototype mobile computer system and allow some of our deputies to put it to the test. Shortly, we expect to have ninety systems on order and begin the installation of these state of the art mobile offices. The units will provide mobile report writing, electronic citation, traffic crash reporting as well as diagramming, mobile dispatching, GPS driven mapping to aid the officers in finding locations quicker, full access to in house information with mug shots, Florida Criminal Information Center queries, and the ability to complete calls with disposition codes from the car. While we have experienced anticipated minor issues with the system, from a technical or operational prospective, the project has been a total success. We have had no equipment or software downtime in the month we have been using the software and performance seems good even at remote locations. DEPUTIES & YOUTH B UILDING POSTIVE RELATIONSHIPS We have maintained a continuous tech support line throughout implementation. We are also preparing to bring the Lake Placid and Sebring Police Departments on the SmartCop system. This will be a large undertaking and will require many months of configuration and testing. It will provide for the first time in Highlands County true data sharing between our law enforcement agencies. Highlands County Sheriff s Office Deputies, Mike Helms and Marty McKee accompanied nine local youths to the Florida Sheriff s Youth Ranch Summer Camp. The camp located in Barberville, Florida provides a wholesome atmosphere and positive camping experience to children ages 10-15. Law Enforcement volunteers get personally involved with the youngsters to form positive, healthy relationships. Campers live among their peers, learning how to share and function properly within a group setting. Each child is given specific job responsibilities and every day contains a healthy balance between work and play, providing a valuable lesson for maturing youth and giving guidance for making wise decisions. The campers enjoyed arts, sports, and nature. Deputy Marty McKee provided this camp, and two other camps with a valuable lesson in land navigation and course plotting skills. Make a difference for a child, join Florida Sheriff s at www.youthranches.org
April 1, 2006 June 30, 2006 SHERIFF S OFFICE Page 3 Q UARTERLY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION & COURT SERVICES New Member Hires: Civilians 5 Sworn 10 Applications Received this Qtr. 54 Applications Processed 22 Payroll Checks Processed 1,796 Payable Checks Processed 870 P-Card Purchases 690 Citizens Fingerprinted 334 Information Services Requests 926 Inmates Booked into Jail 1,870 Inmates Released from Jail 1,595 Instructional Program Hours 848 Inmate Transport Miles 39,229 Transports to State Prison 59 Transports to INS 0 Community Maint. Participants 126 (monthly average participants) Dollars Saved in Labor $79,923 Dollars Collected in Fees $7,805 Inmate Meals Served 101,604 Average Cost per Day $2.22 Inmate Farm Produce (lbs) 7,790 Court Related Services: Cases In Court 9222 Inmates Taken to Court 1219 Arrests by Bailiffs 90 Persons thru Security Station 32,025 Pre-Trial Release Services: First Appearance Attendance 658 Pre-Trial Release 79 Inmates Referred for Treatment 32 Cost Effectiveness Savings $ 82,156 Q UARTERLY INFORMATION LAW ENFORCEMENT Calls for service 12,768 Traffic Citations Issued 9,936 K-9 Searches 32 Judicial/Civil Process Services: Received 2,981 Served 2,981 Active 34 Calls Communications 41,046 Crime Scene Lab Cases 52 Investigations Assigned 294 Investigations Open 113 Investigations Closed 129 Special Operations Investigations 51 Narcotic Arrests by Task Force 39 Business Security Surveys 3 Neighborhood Watch Presentations 3 Crime Victims Served 127 Victim Advocate Services 390 Q UARTERLY INFORMATION DETENTION Inmate Farm Eggs Harvested (DZ) 6,130 Alcohol Breath Tests 64 Inmate Visitations 4,041 Average Daily Population 379 Net Commissary Earnings $4,000 Medical Fees Charged $346,981 Medical Fees Collected $12,346 Subsistence Fees Charged $55,381 Subsistence Fees Collected $17,287 Inmate Per-Diem Charged $15,684 Inmate Per-Diem Collected $9,067 Labor Hours by Trusties S/O 1,986 Labor Hours by Trusties 3,907 Public Safety Highlight Accreditation Team As Highlands County Sheriff s Office prepares for Accreditation, the accreditation team of Sgt. Darin Hood and Kim Ketchner, are helping prepare the agency for this professional designation. Approximately 256 accreditation standards are being carefully drafted into our new general orders manual. Although the transformation to accreditation is a huge undertaking, the benefits to our agency and the community we serve are worthy of the effort. What is accreditation, and what does it mean to Sheriff s Office members? Accreditation defined: The bestowing of credentials symbolizing approval from a professional organization upon practitioners or specific institutions. Complying with specific accepted standards established for an institution or occupation. A few of the benefits of accreditation to the Sheriff s Office and the community include the following: A proven management system that supports decision making and resource allocation. Reinforces the agency s ability to maintain the highest standards of law enforcement services that represent current professional practices. Increases community advocacy and pride as well as employee morale through state wide recognition of the agency s professionalism, excellence, and competence. A quality work environment for well trained professionals that aids in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. By: Captain Jeff Barfield, Court Related Services Division.
Sheriff s Office Members Participate in Basic S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics) Seminar Four members of the Highlands County Sheriff s Office Special Response Team (SRT) attended a special weapons and tactics training this quarter. The local thirteen member team provide highly trained deputies for serious risk circumstances such as hostage negotiations, barricaded suspects, high risk warrant executions, dignitary protection, and special assistance in riot or crowd control situations, including high attendance events. This team is available on a 24-hour a day basis and must be ready for call out with only a moment s notice. The team is extremely motivated and performs the SRT duties in addition to their other day to day responsibilities within the agency and is comprised of deputies from throughout the law enforcement bureau. This specialized team participates in monthly training and exercise drills to keep their level of proficiency at its highest. Pictured Above: Attending from Highlands County are front row third from the left and moving to the right, Highlands County Deputies, Mike Ahrens, Wayne Gunn, Kyle Albritton, and Allen Branch. HIGHLANDS COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE Susan Benton, Sheriff 434 FERNLEAF AVENUE SEBRING, FL 33870 OFFICE: (863) 402-7200 Sign up for amber alerts on your cell phone @ www.wirelessamberalerts.org/index.jsp
Highlands County Sheriff s Office C RIME PREVENTION July 2006 Insert for Volume 2, Issue 2 Safety by environmental design Communities around the country are banning together to help protect people by creating a safe haven by environmental design in open spaces where the public lives, visits and recreates. Proponents of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) site that local government officials, working in tandem with the community, can play a greater role in protecting their communities by developing strategies through natural surveillance of areas in which we live, work, and play. Crimes like theft, assaults, and vandalism create serious threats to safety and the positive perception within a community. Our Crime Prevention Practitioners have had to rethink crime prevention techniques as our community grows. When building a home, creating a business, or developing a park, we must consider all areas to ensure that the driveways, parking lots, and access points are clearly visible. Lighting and landscape plays a clear role in creating a safe area in the home and in public places. Clean and well lit areas are a natural deterrent for crime and more apt to create an inviting atmosphere for the public to No room for complacency feel free to participate. For more information on this subject contact Highlands County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit at 863-402-7329 or 863-402-7248. After three major hurricanes battered the state and left much destruction in their path, research shows that many residents ignored the threat of Hurricane Jeanne and refused to leave their homes in evacuation zones. With Florida being one of the most vulnerable areas for hurricanes, we cannot afford any level of complacency when the call goes out for evacuation. Our state and local emergency managers are tasked with making the call when an area is threatened with potential disaster situations. While the earlier storms helped make residents aware of the potential dangers from hurricanes, Florida emergency managers reported noticing more complacency as residents grew weary of the impacts and activity of the repeated hits. During disaster events resources are scarce and response to calls for help may not be possible until after the weather has passed. It is imperative that we heed the message sent out by our local emergency management office in times of disaster. Local law enforcement works closely with emergency operations during storm events and the public s reaction and response to the communications sent out by both are essential to assuring the public s and community s health, welfare and recovery. Visit the National Crime Prevention Council @ www.ncpc.org
Recreational boating accidents DON T LET A BAD DECISION RUIN A GREAT DAY ON THE WATER Carelessness and inattention are the leading causes of boating accidents in Florida. Pay close attention to your surroundings while on the water, and you will be on your way to a safe and enjoyable outing. For Florida boating accident information for the last several years you can visit the following link on the web: http://myfwc.com/boating/ safety/reporting_accidents.htm. A thorough review of annual boating accident statistics has revealed that 60% of the reportable boating accidents during the 2005 calendar year occurred in the following 10 Child passenger safety Children are at risk while traveling on roadways in Florida. Last year 135 children were killed in motor vehicle crashes in Florida. Of these135 children, 108 were between ages 6 to17. Using the appropriate restraint system for your child s age, height, and weight is crucial when transporting your children. All car seats and vehicle manufacture s recommend the following rules when installing a car seat. Infants should remain rear facing until 1 year of age and 20 pounds. Toddlers should be forward facing in the back seat from 20 pounds to age four and around 40 pounds. Children should remain in the back seat in a booster seat until at least age 8 unless the child is 4 9 or taller. Children 4 to 8 who use a booster Florida counties: 1. Monroe 6. Lee 2. Palm Beach 7. Volusia 3. Miami-Dade 8. Collier 4. Broward 9. Duval 5. Pinellas 10. Bay MANDATORY CONDITIONS FOR REPORTING A BOATING ACCIDENT The operator or owner of any recreational boat is required to file a Boating Accident Report if the boat is involved in an incident that results in: 1. A person s death or disappearance. 2. An injury which requires medical treatment beyond first aid. seat are 59 percent less likely to be injured in a motor vehicle accident than those who are restrained by a safety belt only. Still only 10 to 20 percent of children 4 to 8 use booster seats. It is equally important to remember that all children ages 16 and under should be properly restrained in the back seat. Parents who use safety belts are 92 percent more likely to properly restrain their children. The Highlands County Sheriff s Office and members of the Highlands County Traffic Safety Team are concerned about our children and are working to educate parents on Child Passenger Safety. For more information on car passenger safety, or for a car seat check-up contact Robyn McIntyre at 863-402-7329, or Victoria Boyd at 863-471-5108. 3. Damage to the boat and other property exceeding $2000. Complete loss of the boat. Boat operators are required to report their accident to local authorities in the state where the accident occurred. To obtain a Boating Accident Report form, contact: (850)-488-5600. Community Crime Prevention Van Coming Your Way Be on the look out in the next several weeks for the latest addition to the Highlands County Crime Prevention Team. We will be visiting your community soon.