301972

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL ORDER Effective Date: June 8, 2024  Amends - SO 114. 0 (September 25, 2020 ) Number: 114.0 Distribution: All TOPS Personnel Review Month: June Reviewing Authority: UPD / Division Commander Subject: Tourist Oriented Policing Squad (TOPS) This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Definitions 3. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines and procedures for members of the Tourist Oriented Policing Squads. (TOPS) 2. Definitions A. International Drive Master Transit and Improvement District – created by Orange County Government for the purpose of planning, designing, acquiring, constructing, operating and maintaining public transit systems, facilities and services within the District ’s boundaries. B. Tourist Oriented Policing Deputy – a deputy assigned full -time to Sector 5 Patrol and who provides dedicated enhanced law enforcement services to the District. C. Tourist Victim Fund – monies donated to the agency exclusively for touri sts who are victims of crime and in need of short term financial assistance. 3. Procedures A. Organization The TOPS Unit is comprised of two (2) uniform patrol squads each assigned to a Sector 5 Patrol Lieutenant . Each squad will consist of one (1) sergeant, one (1) corporal, and three (3) deputies. B. Duties and Responsibilities The Tourist Oriented Policing Squads shall work proactively and cooperatively with business partners in tourist areas to suppress and prevent crime, provide a safer environment for both visitors and service providers along the tourist corridor, which is critical to the future prosperi ty of the community. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Maintain a high profile by patrolling designated areas by vehicle (both marked and unmarked), on foot, and on bicycle. 114.0, Page 2 of 2 2. Provide safety and awareness tips and crime prevention education. 3. Conduct public relations through interaction with local law enforcement personnel, federal agencies, city/county officials, tourists, and business partners, including hotel managers and s ecurity personnel, about crime prevention. 4. Work cooperatively with agency specialty units with details aimed at combating criminal activity in the tourist corridor. 5. Assist road patrol deputies with calls for service, back -up, perimeters, etc., should the need arise. 6. Proper maintenance and care of agency assigned bicycle as outlined in GO 6.2.2 , Bike Patrol. 7. Access the Tourist Victim Fund in situations that meet the criteria in accordance with SO 69.0, Tourist Victim Fund. C. Work Hours Members’ work hours are primarily between morning and late evening hours. Hours will vary on occasion, as dictated by current crime trends. D. Uniforms and Equipment 1. Members shall wear an agency approved uniform when performing their duties. 2. Supervisors shall conduct monthly inspections to confirm that bicycles are properly and safely maintained. 3. Members will be assigned agency cellular telephones to be utilized to augment field operations in an effort to provide an expanded, more rapid and flexible communication process. Users shall adhere to cellular telephone usage as outlined in GO 13.1.11 , Telecommunications. E. District Boundaries The boundaries for the International Master Transit and Improvement District are as follows: 1. Northern boundary - Carrier Drive 2. Southern boundary - Intersection of International Drive and State Road 417 3. Eastern boundary - Universal Boulevard from Carrier Drive to State Road 528 (Beachline) 4. Western boundary - Interstate 4