From The Pasco County Security Patrol serving Lexington Oaks -
Security Patrol REPORT
I've apprised Sgt. Marques and in consideration of all the recent events, he's
assigned additional patrols to L.O. That's a good start. What we also need is a
higher visibility of patrols, especially daytime hours. Anyone that's home
during the day, I'm asking for some extra patrol time, PLEASE. An hour here, two
hours there, whatever you can do to keep these ne'er-do-wells on their guard and
off balance will be greatly appreciated! Give Pat, Frank or myself a call
when you're going out so we can dispatch for you.
We'll be discussing this more at the meeting. We need all active patrollers
and dispatchers to attend the monthly meetings! I'll do my best to keep
them "short & sweet", but it's good and necessary information
sharing. PLEASE make every effort to arrange your individual schedules in
advance so you can attend the meetings.
Hyundai Dealership Event
On July 16, 2009, Hyundai/Mazda held a big event. They turned our security vehicle over to us, to keep for ourselves. The photos below are from that event.
The Security Patrol holds meetings at the Community Club House on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm
Christmas parade at Lexington Oaks - 2008.
Christmas parade at Lexington Oaks - 2011.
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Sheriff's Office
- The Sheriff's Office receives over 1900 calls a day. The non-emergency number
is 929-1204.
- For an area of 30 square miles, there are 1.5 deputies assigned to cover ALL
non-emergency calls.
- The Sheriff's Dept likes the citizen-based Crime Watch Patrols because these
patrollers become the eyes and ears of the police department. These eyes and
ears are so widely needed.
- The Sheriff's Dept wants us all, patrollers and otherwise, to call them if
something looks strange. FJ Collura put it this way. Call us when you see a
stranger enter the side yard of your neighbor who is not at home. It may just be
the air conditioner repair man, and that's okay. We'd rather go out on 100 calls
where absolutely nothing is wrong than to miss a crime in progress and have to
spend countless hours involving forensics and many other types of manpower
gathering evidence and prosecuting that felon.
Insurance
- Homeowners' insurance rates could possibly go down because the neighborhood is
being patrolled. Check with your insurance company.
- Auto insurance rates can not go up and auto insurance can not be cancelled as
a result of patrolling.
Liability
- The Pasco County Security Patrol serving Lexington Oaks Community is an independent, volunteer,
non-profit organization composed of citizens acting separate from the
jurisdiction of the future HOA or the current GAC or CDD.
- Those who patrol, conduct their patrols within the scope of their
responsibilities as described in their education will be supported by the
Sheriff's Dept in controversial matters that may arise.
- Acting outside the scope of their documented responsibilities, they will
not be granted protection of the non-profit organization.
- People found guilty of harassing a security patroller can be prosecuted under the
new Florida State Statute.
Volunteers
- Volunteer patrollers will take 2 classes, about 4-5 hours training altogether,
to become qualified to patrol. Classes begin this month.
- Those volunteers who had been accepted prior to this meeting were photographed
at this meeting for their ID badges.
- Patrollers must mark their car with magnetic signs, and wear official shirts
and ID badges while out on patrol.
- Volunteers reluctant to be identified can leave their neighborhoods prior to
donning the car signs.
- Patrollers are not allowed to chase suspects. They should try to see where
they go without pursuing them and call the police.
- The basic rules are in the attachment, below, and these will be supplemented
with education.
- Volunteers are buying their own shirts ($22) and their own ID badges ($2).
Radios will be needed for dispatching. It is hoped that fund raising and
donations will defray some of these expenses.
- Expenses for patrol volunteer's gas and mileage may be tax deductible. Check
with your CPA.
Signs
- Signs advertising that this is a 'Crime Watch' neighborhood can be purchased
from the Pasco County Bd. of Commissioners for $50 each. Checks can be sent, made
out to them, with a diagram showing the exact spot your neighborhood has decided
to place the sign. Perhaps this is best done on a community-by-community basis.
I will ask if there is any CDD impact in this and let you know. The sign is
18" x 24".
Email: commissioners@pascocountyfl.net.
Phone: 813-996-7341; Ext. 8110 Sign Regulation
Website: http://www.pascocountyfl.net/
Basic Rules and Application
More volunteers are welcome, both for patrolling and for dispatch. Fax # 727-834-3379, Crime Prevention Dept.
Address:
Pasco County Sheriff's Office, Crime Prevention Dept
9409 US Hwy 19,
Port Richey, FL 34668