Crime reports are public information and published on the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office website and by other sources. We review these statistics from time to time and do our best to efficiently react to local criminal activity with changes in frequency and duration of our patrols.  We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to work with Sheriff Bob White and his staff of fine deputies, investigators and support personnel.

Like every community, we would love to be able to sleep nights without the fear of the criminal element in our midst, but the reality of life indicates crime will always be around. To this end, our members will do their best to be a diligent presence in the fight to effectively deter and prevent crime in the neighborhoods of Lexington Oaks. Please understand we are not authorized or empowered to respond, intervene, confront or take direct action on any situation – our job is to be  the eyes and ears of the community – we will call the sheriff’s dept. to respond and handle any situation we observe or encounter.

Our Security Patrol program has been in effect since 2004 and has steadily increased its membership.  As with many volunteer programs, members join and members depart as time goes on. Accordingly, we’re continually seeking more volunteers to join our ranks as patrol officers or dispatchers every month. The more members we have, the better our patrols can be effective. If you can donate some time two or three evenings or nights per month, we (and your neighbors) would certainly appreciate it!

Maintaining this program can be difficult at times but to do the job right the key word is consistency. This involves teamwork, training, sacrificing personal time and understanding the rules (and limitations) of our program. We strive to work closely together to insure that the safety of our officers comes first, proper training and indoctrination is completed and the operating guidelines are strictly followed.  Our officers should always be friendly, courteous, informative and friendly - if you feel one of our officers has been anything less that this to you, please call or email me immediately!

We’re proud to be serving our community!

Garage Doors Open All Night Are Serious Problems

As our patrols pass many of the homes during the night, we notice an increased number of garage doors being left open.  This is a serious problem for those residents.  It truly invites intruders to steal anything they can get their hands on.  Our Monthly Newsletter constantly reminds residents to make sure they shut their doors before turning in.  Not only is it just a possibility to steal from their garage, but it leave a strong possibility for someone to enter the home when they are sleeping.  It has happened and it will happen again, if ignored.  So, remind yourselves to shut those doors every night and when not being used, and help your neighbors out as well, reminding them if theirs is open as well.

 Lock your cars and alarm them if you have an alarm.  This is the best defense against theft.

 Crime will always be a problem.  If you think you would like to join the Security Patrol, contact us and be part of the solution.

___________________________________________________________________

PASCO SHERIFF'S OFFICE

OFFICIAL GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
FOR THE SECURITY PATROL

           Title: Eligibility, Conduct, and Procedures. 

           Contents: Eligibility, Weapons, Identification, Compliance with the law. Patrol Guidelines.

           Purpose: To describe levels of authority, function and eligibility.

           Scope: Applies to all volunteer members. 

           Discussion: These guidelines have been established for the safety and protection of everyone.

           1.     Security patrol applicants and members cannot have a felony record or history.  They cannot have a serious misdemeanor record of history, or a criminal traffic record or history.

The Sheriff or his designee reserves the right to approve or disapprove on an individual basis. Minor offenses will be discussed on an individual basis.

 2.          Security patrol members may not possess weapons or alcoholic beverages while on patrol.

 3.          Security patrol members must wear an identification badge issued by the Sheriff's office while on patrol. This badge shall not be worn while off duty.

4.     Security patrol members must obey all laws, and shall not exceed the speed limit or patrol at night without lights.

5.     Never use security patrol identification other than to identity yourself while on patrol.

6.     Overhead amber lights are normally reserved for emergencies, and should be turned off during routine patrol.

7.    Always drive security patrol vehicles in a manner that does not impede normal traffic flow.

8.       Spot lights, hand-held security lights or flash lights should never be aimed in a manner that will annoy occupants of homes or vehicles.

9.       Drive security patrol vehicles with the head lights on at night. Patrolling with no lights or with just parking lights is prohibited.

10.   Avoid set patterns of travel when patrolling your area.

11.   Never attempt a police type action, but report suspicious activity to the Sheriff's office immediately. For emergencies call 911.

12.   Weapons are prohibited while on patrol. The two way radio or cell phone is your main weapon.

13.   The Sheriff or his designee reserves the right to confiscate the identification badge of any security patrol member violating the above rules.

Florida Statutes 2000 / Chapter 768 / Part I / 768.1355 Florida Volunteer Protection Act.

768.1355 Florida Volunteer Protection Act—

(1) Any person who volunteers to perform any service for any nonprofit organization, including an officer or director of such organization, without compensation, except reimbursement for actual expenses, shall be considered an agent of such nonprofit organization when acting within the scope of any official duties performed under such volunteer services.  Such person shall incur no civil liability for any act or omission by such person which results in personal injury or property damage if:

a) Such person was acting in good faith within the scope of any official duties performed  under such volunteer service and such person was acting as an ordinary reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances; and (b) The injury or damage was not caused by any wanton or willful misconduct on the part of such person in the performance of such duties.

1. For purposes of this act, the term "nonprofit organization" means any organization which is exempt from taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. s. 501, or any federal, state, or local governmental entity.

2. For purposes of this ad, the term "compensation" does not include a stipend as provided by the Domestic Service Volunteer Act of 1973, as amended (Pub. L. No. 93-113), or other financial assistance, valued at less than two-thirds of the federal hourly minimum wage standard paid to a person who would otherwise be financially unable to provide the volunteer service.

(2) Except as otherwise provided by taw, if a volunteer is determined to be not liable pursuant to subsection (1), the nonprofit organization for which the volunteer was performing services when the damages were caused shall be liable for such damages to the same extent as the nonprofit organization would have been liable if the liability limitation pursuant to subsection (1) had not been provided.

(3) Members of elected or appointed boards, councils, and commissions of the state, counties, municipalities, authorities, and special districts shall incur no civil liability and shall have immunity from suit as provided in s. 768.28 for acts or omissions by members relating to members' conduct of their official duties. It is the Intent of the Legislature to encourage our best nd brightest people to serve on elected and appointed boards, councils, and commissions.

(4) This section may be cited as the "Florida Volunteer Protection Act."

History.—s. 1. ch. 93-139; s. 50, ch. 96-399.