Lake Eola Heights Historic Neighborhood Association

Public Safety Message from the Mayor

Public Safety Message from the Mayor

Public safety has always been a top priority of this administration, and we are dedicating substantial additional public safety resources to protect and serve our citizens. As you are aware, the rising numbers of homicides in our city is a great concern, however, Orlando is not alone in the recent escalation of violent crime. Cities across the country are facing similar challenges, but any violent crime, even one homicide is unacceptable in our city.

The Orlando Police Department has developed a number of measures based on proven best practices that have worked in other cities, focusing on tactical operations and crime prevention programs to address not only the rising homicide rate, but other serious crimes as well. I have complete confidence in our police department to implement deployment methods based upon location of criminal activity. In fact, this tried, tested and effective approach is utilized often by police forces across the country.

In addition, we will implement a comprehensive, 3-year public safety initiative to increase our police officers and fire personnel by 11% and add additional personnel to patrol our parks and recreational facilities. This multi-year proposal will strengthen our police force, putting 75 additional officers on our streets to patrol our neighborhoods… making Orlando one of, if not the, highest-ranking cities in the nation for the number of officers we have per thousand citizens.

We must not tolerate the environment and lifestyles that result in violent crimes, and I encourage using the information listed below to assist you and your neighbors in becoming engaged in addressing this community wide concern.

Mayor Buddy Dyer

What is the City of Orlando Doing to Address These Concerns?

Public safety is a community wide responsibility. The Orlando Police Department’s 3-point approach includes:

Enforcement: proactive tactical efforts based on crime statistics,

Education: community outreach initiatives and Engagement: how you can make a difference to create safe and livable neighborhoods.

Enforcement
·Based on the analysis of the current homicide data the City has identified areas where a majority of the homicides have taken place, and are mobilizing resources to increase presence in those areas.

·In addition to the assigned patrol officers, the Orlando Police Department is deploying uniform and non-uniform specialized units as well as drug enforcement officers to these identified areas.

·These deployment efforts will not have an impact on our patrol coverage in those areas not affected by the current homicide trend.

·The Homicide Unit has solved approximately 73% of the cases since the beginning of this year by arrest or the suspect has been identified and an arrest is pending.

·In 70% of the homicides, the victim has been involved in the use or sale of drugs.



Education
.Citizen Police Academy- A program that introduces citizens to police work from how to patrol neighborhoods to tactics used in high-risk incidents. This academy is also offered during the day for senior citizens and in Spanish. Call 407.246.2461 for class times and dates.

·Faith-Based Neighborhood Outreach- A partnership between the City and local faith based leaders with a focus on educating and engaging the community. For more information call 407.246.2104.

·School Educational Programs- The Orlando Police Department offers “Super Kids", an elementary school program and the GREAT Program "Gang Resistance Education and Training", which is included in the Middle School curriculum and addresses community service and drug awareness and prevention.

Engagement
*Crimeline- Citizens are encouraged to anonymously notify the Orlando Police Department with information and suspects involved in crimes. The Crimeline phone number is (407) 423-TIPS.

·Drug Hotline- An anonymous hotline where citizens can report drug activity to the Orlando Police Department. The Drug Hotline phone number is 407.246.CRAK(2725).

·Citizens for Neighborhood Watch- Citizens for Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that provides home and personal safety training including free home and business security surveys; hosts Operation I.D. to engrave personal items for easy identification; and regular updates on neighborhood crimes statistics and crime alert bulletins. To get involved call 407.246.2461.

·Citizen Observer Program (COP) - Volunteers help police maintain livable neighborhoods by performing crime watch duties and alert the police department of hazards and unlawful behavior. To get involved call 407.246.2461.

·Kicks for Guns- A gun exchange program for shoes. A yearly event hosted by the Orlando Police Department, Real Radio 104.1 and Reebok. For more information call 407.246.2461.


The Orlando Police Department will continue to offer services and programs that focus on reducing crime and maintaining safe and livable neighborhoods. For more information on how to get involved, call 407. 246.2461 or visit http://www.cityoforlando.net/police.