As Sheriff, I have implemented and/or enhanced the following unique programs (not all inclusive):
• Teen Driver Challenge (FREE ): Traffic crashes are the number one cause of deaths among teenagers. The Teen Driver Program is taught by certified law enforcement driving instructors and helps teens to become more informed, safer and better prepared to respond properly via classroom and hands on driving instruction.
• Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) and RAD kids (FREE ): a comprehensive program of realistic self- defense tactics and techniques for women of any age; and children ages 5-12. Over 500 individuals have received this training since implementation.
• Gun Bounty: a $1000 REWARD is given for tips which lead to the arrest of individuals for crimes in which firearms are used illegally. This program expedites the arrests of suspects for crimes in which guns are used and in removing guns used illegally from the streets.
• Animal Services: The Rural Services deputy program was expanded from one deputy to a Unit of two deputies plus a relief deputy and a Sergeant. The Unit is dedicated to the proactive enforcement of state and local laws related to animal abuse/neglect and assisting citizens with livestock and farm related crimes. Member(s) maintain an Agricultural Directory to locate owners of loose animals. In 2009, Rural Service deputies designed and built a Livestock holding pen to house abused/at-large livestock on 30 acres. Rural Services and Crime Prevention deputies receive specialized training to investigate reports of Animal Fighting, also known as Bloodsporting.
• Child Safety:
– I am committed to continuing the School Resource Deputy and School Crossing Guard programs.
– The ACSO, also, conducts consistent monitoring of known child sexual offenders/predators. We have joined with the Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which serves over thirty counties.
– ACSO in the process of acquiring Sexual Predator grant funding to focus proactively on identifying and apprehending sexual offenders/predators specifically in Alachua County. I have been actively supportive of a local citizen based initiative to increase awareness and prevention of these crimes.
– ACSO’s Combined Communications Centers is in the process of becoming compliant with all the policy and training best practices of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s 9-1-1 Call Center Partner Program to ensure every missing and sexually exploited child is given the best chance to be found alive and unharmed.
• Military Support Liaison positions: The health and welfare of ACSO employees who are deployed and their immediate families is important. For this reason, the position of Military Support Office was created in 2011to be a single point of contact to effectively manage communication and support to the deployed employee’s family and serve as a liaison during the employee’s deployment.
These and many other valuable programs are offered by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Please visit our website at http://www.alachuasheriff.org to find out more about our agency and what we offer.
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