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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL ORDER Effective Date: June 2, 2018  Amends - SO 110.0 ( December 5, 2014 ) Number: 110.0 Distribution: All TIPS Personnel Review Month: February Reviewing Authority: UPD / Sector 5 Commander Subject: Tourist Information Patrol Specialist (TIPS) This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to pr ovide guidelines for Tourist Information Patrol Specialist (TIPS) members in the performance of their volunteer duties. 2. Procedures A. Duties 1. Tourist Information Patrol Specialist (TIPS) personnel shall not be assigned duties that would require the critical knowledge of a sworn law enforcement officer. TIPS p ersonnel may assist law enforcement in com munity service functions . 2. The primary function of the TIPS program is providing courteous assistance to visitors in the tourist corridor. Assistance such as p roviding driving directions , assisting with disabled vehicle s, offering crime prevention tips and reducing potential criminal activity through high visibility patrol ling in hotel and business parking lots. 3. Additional duties as determined by the Sheriff or designee . B. Organization 1. The overall program coordinator shall be a deputy assigne d as the agency coordinator by the Uniform Patrol Division – Sector V Lieutenant . The coordinator shall be responsible for the daily operation o f the TIPS Unit . 2. The TIPS Program Coordinator shall be responsible for compili ng all TIPS Unit monthly and y early statistics, monthly TIPS vehicle r eports, and the end of the year report. C. Records 1. Personnel and training records will be maintained in accordance with agency directives. 2. The program coordinator shall maintain monthly information relating t o recruitment and applications of personnel for the program. This information will include, but not be limited to: 110.0, Page 2 of 6 a. Allocation and distribution of personnel, which will include the number of volunteers available and hours worked in the program. b. Logistical functions such as personnel, vehicles, or equipment use, procurement, distribution, maintenance, and replacement. 3. All members are responsible for properly recording their hours worked and actions taken , and submitting their stats at the end of e ach shift. D. Uniforms 1. The agency shall provide uniforms to TIPS members as may be required for the fulfillment of their duties. The uniform will be clearly distinguishable from that of the uniform worn by sworn members of the agency. a. All issued uniforms will conform to current agency policy concerning volunteer uniforms. b. The uniform will have a silver badge which does not incorporate a five point star. c. Shoulder patches will clearly differ from those of sworn personnel. d. The prescribed and i ssued uniform will be the only acceptable attire for members of the program while on duty. e. Members shall not wear any item of the uniform when not on duty. They may wear the uniform when traveling directly to and from their residence to their assigned duty station. f. Members shall be issued appropriate agency credentials. 2. Members of the pro gram shall not be equipped with weapons or handcuffs . Members shall be issued chemical spray. Prior to being issued chemic al spray the TIPS member shall compl y with agency policy regarding training. 3. Personnel are expected to present a neat, clean and orderly appearance. E. Application Process 1. The program coordinator shall verify that all applications are reviewed for completeness. 2. No application will be rejected due to an omission or error that can be corrected. 3. Qualifications All volunteers shall meet the following minimum requirements for membership: a. Must be twenty -one years of age or older. b. Must not have been dishonorably discharged from t he United States Armed Forces. c. Must not have been convicted or have plead no contest to a felony or any offense which would be a felony if committed in Florida. d. Must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. 110.0, Page 3 of 6 e. Must not have used any controlled substance within the past two years other than prescription drugs under the guidance of a licensed physician. f. Must possess a valid Florida Drivers License. g. Must have an application on file. h. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the ir assigned duties. i. Must successfully complete a background investigation to be conducted by the Human Resources Division . j. Must successfully complete a driver’s physical . F. Requirements Members shall volunteer a minimum of 120 hours per year, 10 hours each month and may work no less then two hours at a time . TIPS personnel shall attend business and training meetings as deemed necessary . G. Conduct 1. Members represent the agency while acting in their official capacity and must conduct themselves in such a manner as to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism. 2. Members shall be polite and courteous to the public at all times. 3. Members shall restrict their activity to those tasks and duties which do not require a sworn law enforcement offi cer. 4. Members shall not deviate from their duties as stated in this policy. 5. While on duty, members must have their agency issued identification with them. 6. Members shall not display their identification or uniform to secure special privileges or