Florida Sheriff's Assocoiation names Deputy Mike Kleinfelt state's 2010 Deputy of the Year
Orange County Sheriff's Office Deputy Michael Kleinfelt is described as a "very professional, motivated law-enforcement officer." As part of OCSO's mounted patrol unit, in 2009, he made 39 felony arrests, 65 misdemeanor arrests and 30 warrant arrests. He also issued 55 notices to appear and 439 uniform traffic citations. "When he is assigned to directed patrol in high crime areas, he is very persistent and shows high visibility with zero tolerance," said Orange County Sheriff Jerry L. Demings. This persistence was illustrated in an incident that occurred on May 29, 2009, and won him the honor of being named the Florida Sheriffs Association 2010 Deputy Sheriff of the Year.
Video produced by Thurgaland, sheriffvideo.com
Tourist Oriented Policing Squad provides proactive, high profile law enforcement presence in county's tourist corridor
Orange County’s International Drive area has long been a favorite destination for tourists who come to this part of the world for their vacation. The “Drive” hosts hotels, motels, eateries, and businesses that cater specifically to families looking for the ideal vacation spot. While the area has always been regarded as one of the safest tourist destinations in the world, a new public-private partnership with Orange County Government, the International Drive Master Transit and Improvement District, and the Sheriff’s Office promises to make the area even safer.
On March 31 Sheriff Demings, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, and I-Drive Master Transit and 
Improvement District Chairperson Allan Villaverde announced the implementation of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Tourist Policing Squad (TOPS). TOPS, which officially went into service on April 4, is intended to create a highly visible and proactive law enforcement presence in the area’s tourist corridor and provide a safe experience for the Drive’s 5.3 million annual visitors, 30,000 tourist industry employees, and countless area residents who simply enjoy its diverse offerings.
The Sheriff’s Office proactive presence on the International Drive corridor will include bike patrols, marked cars, and Deputies on foot patrol. Ten of Orange County’s finest have been specifically trained for their TOPS assignment which, in addition to their patrol duties, includes educational seminars, crime prevention training, and safety assessments for area businesses.
Track Florida Legislation that could impact law enforcement
The Sheriff's Office will track pending legislation that could impact Florida law enforcement agencies. While the agency supports many of the public safety related bills under consideration during the state's 2010 Legislative Session there is legislation under consideration that will not benefit law enforcement. We will provide you with information on bills we consider important to the safety and sercurity of our community, their sponsors, and the status of those bills as they proceed through the legislative process at this location of our website. You will also be able to find contact information for the sponsors of these bills. We encourage you to contact them. Please visit our Legislative Update page for information on these important issues.
|
 Sheriff Demings' budget presentation
to Board of County Commissioners
The Impact of Budget Reductions
On February 2, 2010 Sheriff Demings delivered a presentation to the Board of County Commissioners that outlined the impact that reductions to the agency's budget would have on the Sheriff's Office. We invite you to review that presentation by following this LINK. You can also watch a video of Sheriff Demings speaking before the commission at this LINK.
|
Countywide 2009 crime statistics show positive gains
Agency sees a reduction in all categories with the exception of burglaries to cars
While one good year by no means establishes a trend, members of the Sheriff's Office are extremely proud of the the agency's 2009 crime statistics. The final tally for the past year shows double digit declines in all categories with the exception of residential burglaries, down eight percent, and burglaries to cars, up 28 percent.
Homicides and robberies declined 41 percent and 30 percent respectively during 2009. The auto burglary number is a bit ironic since it is one of the easiest crimes to prevent. In almost all of the county's car burglaries the targeted vehicles were left unattended and unlocked. Removing valuables from an unattended car and locking its doors generally deters a thief.
2008/2009 Crime Statistics
| Offense |
2009 |
2008 |
Percentage |
| HOMICIDE |
44 |
74 |
-41% |
| ROBBERY |
1649 |
2400 |
-31% |
| PERSONS |
1910 |
2184 |
-13% |
| SEX CRIMES |
690 |
801 |
-14%
|
| AUTO THEFT |
2611 |
3705 |
-30% |
| BURGLARY-Residental |
7230 |
7889 |
-8% |
| BURGLARY - Commercial |
2054 |
2648 |
-22% |
| AUTO BURGLARY |
7772 |
6087 |
+28% |
| TOTALS |
23960 |
25788 |
-7.1% |
*Current Crime Numbers - a quick look at crime in Orange County
DUI Public Service Announcement
Thinking about drinking and driving? You better think again. Area law enforcement officers are constantly on the lookout for intoxicated drivers and make taking them off of our highways one of their hightest priorities. Follow the LINK to view our DUI Public Service Announcement.
Census numbers important to Orange County
If you have not completed your census form and mailed it back to the Census Bureau you can expect a knock on your door by a government census taker. Census takers will be carrying picture identification cards clearly stating their affiliation with the bureau. The Federal Census has been conducted every ten years since 1790. Census data is used to determine a state's representation in congress, how federal funds are allocated among the states, and other activities that impact not only our state, but county as well. For more information on the "Snapshot of America" please visit the national census website, it is translated into dozens of languages. Read Sheriff Demings' Census information and safety Tips
The Orange County Sheriff's Office proudly supports the United Way