Policy Text
ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
GENERAL ORDER
Effective Date: November 6, 2019 Amends - GO 6.4.11 ( February 17, 2016 ) Number: 6.4.11
Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: September Reviewing Authority:
SSD/Community Relations
Subject: Crime Prevention
This order consists of the following:
1. Purpose
2. Policy
3. Definitions
4. Procedures
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish the responsibilities, and functions of the Crime
Prevention Squad . Crime Prevention shall coordinate the agency’s efforts to reduce crime
risks and build individual and community safety within Orange County.
2. Policy
Crime Prevention shall serve as an overall coordination and communication point for crime
prevention issues with other government al agencies, private organizations, and community
members through its Crime Prevention Specialists in each Sector as well as affiliated
governmental and non -governmental organizations.
3. Definitions
A. Business Watch - businesses watching over neighborin g businesses. This is
designed for all types of business communities : malls, plazas, and individual stores.
The Business Watch participants agree to report suspicious activities, mark their
valuables, develop a business communication network and participa te in a
commercial security survey raising crime awareness and prevention training.
B. Crime Prevention - the anticipation, recognition and appreciation of a crime risk and
the initiation of some action to remove or reduce it.
C. Crime Prevention Specialist – a deputy sheriff designated as a Florida Crime
Prevention Practitioner (FCPP) by the State of Florida Attorney General’s Office.
D. Crime Prevention Squad (CPS) – squad tasked with teaching crime prevention and
awareness , coordinating neighborhood and busin ess watches and cultivating
partnerships with the security industry.
E. Neighborhood Watch - a program of mutual assistance among neighbors aimed at
reducing crime in the community. This involves getting to know one's neighbors and
introducing them to the c oncept of Neighborhood Watch , which is good neighbors
working together to alert others of suspicious activities, marking valuables,
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developing a modern communication network, reporting crimes and practicing home
security. This program attempts to upgrade homes to a minimum acceptable level
of security and educate citizens in how they may best assist local law enforcement
in preventing and solving crimes .
F. Security Surveys - a survey of residential and commercial buildings by the Crime
Prevention Specialist to evaluate the design, locks, lighting, alarms, doors, windows,
and other areas. Tips and suggestions are provided to improve the security of the
building, home, facilities and the personal safety of the occupants.
G. Vulnerability Assessment – a critical on-site exam of physical security measures
concerning a property’s perimeter barriers, property within the perimeter, the parking
areas, the exterior of a building, and a building’s interior spaces.
4. Procedures
A. Crime Prevention Squad
1. Crime Prevention i s staffed by Crime Prevention Specialists. Crime
Prevention Specialist s shall assist with organizing, establishing, maintaining
and promoting Crime Prevention and Community Education programs in
targeted areas.
2. Crime Prevention shall establish communicat ion with various neighborhoods,
businesses, and Neighborhood/Business Watch groups, and other citizen
organizations.
3. Crime Prevention shall maintain liaison with Orange County government
concerning crime prevention . Crime Prevention shall actively seek
opportunities to participate on committees, boards and provide crime
prevention input to the community .
4. Crime Prevention Specialists
a. The prevention /protection programs developed by Crime Prevention
will be presented by the Crime Prevention Specialists who a re also
responsible for developing new crime prevention/protection programs
within the community.
b. Crime Prevention Specialists shall:
1. Maintain a proactive and aggressive attitude in the
development of programs along with the establishment of an
effectiv e working relationship with both the business and
residential communities. The Crime Prevention Specialist shall
consistently maintain liaison with interested community groups
utilizing their input to enhance and develop crime prevention
programs.
2. Strive to keep open lines of communication and bridge any
gaps that may exist between the Sheriff's Office and members
of the community.
3. Monitor specific issues that confront the community and impact
the Sheriff's Office.
4. Provide and assist in organizing crime prevention groups and
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programs.
5. Perform home and business security surveys.
6. Utilize the Office of Strategic Communication to promote the
different services including but not limited to education and
preventive programs .
7. Establish a liaison with the business community and promote
the Business Watch Program.
8. Establish a liaison with private security agencies and statewide
associations to promote crime prevention efforts.
9. Promote crime prevention programs for all residents, visitors,
and businesses in areas targeted for such activity.
10. Encourage the involvement of all agency personnel in
promoting and participating in crime prevention.
5. Crime Prevention shall be responsible for the following crime prevention
priority programs:
a. Neighbor hood Watch
b. Business Watch
c. Robbery Prevention Program (Commercial)
d. Credit Card Fraud /Counterfeit Travelers Check Identification
e. Counterfeit Currency Identification
f. Personal Safety
g. Drug and Alcohol Awareness
h. Confidence Scheme Awareness
i. Combat Auto Theft (CA T) Program
j. Retail and Distraction Theft Prevention
The Unit Commander shall conduct a triennial evaluation of the above
programs to identify effectiveness.
6. The Support Services Division Commander shall report community