Orange County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Jerry L. Demings
Presentation Outline “The Best Is Yet To Come” • Introductory Comments • Agency Issues Regarding Personnel • Agency Related Accidents/Line of Duty Deaths • Labor Relations • Disciplinary Issues • Use of Force • Future Innovations • Crime Statistics • Succession Planning • Upcoming Issues
Agency Issues Regarding Personnel
Agency Issues Regarding Personnel • As an agency of over 2500 sworn and civilian employees, we are a microcosm of society. • 110 new deputies hired in 2014. • 77 new civilian employees hired in 2014. • 144 anticipated new deputies hired in 2015.
Agency Issues Regarding Personnel (SEAT) • A number of our employees have faced a myriad of personal crises for which financial assistance was available through our Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust (SEAT) fund. • The SEAT program serves all Orange County Sheriff’s Office employees as well as qualified officers from other law enforcement agencies in Orange County.
Agency Issues Regarding Personnel (SEAT) SEAT assistance may include the following: • Unusual medical expenses. • Training for law enforcement and civilian employees who are disabled. • Funeral expenses for eligible persons not covered by other sources.
Agency Issues Regarding Personnel (Wellness) Wellness continues to be a priority for all of our employees. We upgraded our fitness equipment in all of our agency facilities and hired a full time wellness coordinator for guidance.
Agency Issues Regarding Personnel (Wellness) • Our wellness program is built on five core beliefs: Physical Activity (exercise) Nutritional Support (what we eat) Emotional Fitness (stress management) Financial Fitness Healthy Relationships (family and community)
Agency Related Accidents and Line of Duty Deaths
Agency Related Accidents and Line of Duty Deaths • In 2012, we had 308 agency vehicle crashes, 41 with injuries. • In 2013, we had 316 agency vehicle crashes, 22 with injuries. • In 2014, we had 336 agency vehicle crashes, 22 with injuries. • 0% change in accidents with injuries from 2013 to 2014. • 6% increase in the number of accidents from 2013 to 2014.
Agency Related Accidents and Line of Duty Deaths In 2013, we began to follow the Below 100 Program, an initiative to reduce police line of duty deaths below 100 for a year. The Below 100 initiative is based on five core tenets: • Wear your belt. • Wear your vest. • Watch your speed. • WIN (What’s Important Now?) • Complacency Kills.
Agency Related Accidents and Line of Duty Deaths • We have made great strides in our Below 100 efforts, but still have more to do. • We continue to pursue new and innovative training measures.
Agency Related Accidents and Line of Duty Deaths • According to data from the NLEOM, 126 officers died in the line of duty in 2014, a 19 % increase from 2013 when the number was 102. • We must constantly try to reduce this number through training, preparation, and proper decision-making.
Agency Related Accidents and Line of Duty Deaths • The breakdown for deaths in 2014 is as follows: • 49 – Traffic Fatalities (8.7% increase from 2013). • 50 – Firearms Related Fatalities (56% increase from 2013). • 27 – Died of other causes (Job related illnesses such as heart attacks, nearly doubled in 2014 with 24 officer deaths compared to 13 officers in 2013)
Agency Related Accidents and Line of Duty Deaths • We must recognize the repercussions from our actions or inactions. • In everything we do there is a Risk versus Reward standard: • Speeding/Driving/Code 3 Response • Not wearing Body Armor versus wearing it • Does the Risk outweigh the Reward?
Labor Relations
Labor Relations The FOP and I were able to negotiate a three year contract with the Board of Orange County Commissioners through September 30, 2017. • For Fiscal Years 2014/15 and 2015/16, bargaining unit members will advance one step in their pay plans and those who are topped out in their pay plan will receive a 3% lump sum payment in lieu of advancing a step.
Labor Relations • For Fiscal Years 2016/17, I have secured funding from the Board of County Commissioners through my annual budget request for the final year of the contract for bargaining unit members to receive the same benefits as the previous two years.
Labor Relations (Statistics) Current Labor Pool: 675,417 Median Age: 33.8 Population Trends: • 2000/896,295 • 2010/1,145,956 • 2013/1,202,978 • 2015/1,239,948
Labor Relations (Statistics) Two Largest Cities: • Orlando/250,415 • Apopka/44,129 Employment By Industry: • Leisure and Hospitality 24.6%, Professional and Business Services 17%, Education and Health 16.4%, Retail and Wholesale Trade 14.8%
Disciplinary Issues
Disciplinary Issues • Professional standards for our agency have not drastically changed over the years. • Integrity and Moral Character still reign supreme. • Truthfulness – “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.” • Conformance to Laws • Behavior and Language • Unbecoming Conduct
Disciplinary Issues Three employees were terminated in 2014 for Falsification of Records/Truthfulness investigations.
Use of Force
Use of Force • Use of Force incidents for 2013 = 214 • Use of Force incidents for 2014 = 182 (subject to change as the 2014 numbers are still coming in) • Decrease = 17.5% • Deputy Involved Shootings 2013 = 6 • Deputy Involved Shootings 2014 = 8 • Increase 25%
FLORIDA SHERIFFS RISK MANAGEMENT FUND Open & Closed Non-Jail – 2004-9/30/2014 Excessive Force Claims - Orange County S.O. Compared to All of FSSIP No. of Indemnity Legal & Expense Entity Events Total Incurred Incurred Incurred FSSIP 451 $22,125,490 $10,709,266 $11,416,224 Orange CSO 107 $4,572,833 $1,528,756 $3,044,076 For these losses, the Orange County S.O. losses represent � 7% of the claims reported; � 17% of the total paid; � 12% of the indemnity paid; and � 21% of the legal and expenses paid .
Open & Closed Non-Jail – 2004-9/30/2014 Excessive Force Claims - Orange County S.O. Compared to All of FSSIP Average Cost Average Indemnity Average Legal & Entity Per Claim Incurred Expense Incurred FSSIP $49,059 $23,746 $25,313 ORANGE CSO $42,737 $14,287 $28,449
Use of Force • We must continue to act in a professional manner. • You must never be afraid or hesitant to act, but act professionally. • Officer safety is key. • Our attitude or demeanor should not dictate our actions. • Don’t focus on what you can do, focus on what you should do.
Future Innovations
Future Innovations • The agency is testing and evaluating some Android based “smart phones” in anticipation of replacing existing Blackberry phones. • Various options and solutions, which can be supported by both the Sheriff’s Office and the County, are being reviewed. • Ongoing computer replacement program with all UPD personnel transitioning to the new ruggedized Panasonic laptop computers. • Examining the feasibility of the use of tablets as a laptop supplement.
Future Innovations • Transition of all employees to the Glock- Generation 4 model .45 caliber pistols • Continued replacement of shotguns with the tactical shotguns • More vehicles with reverse warning systems and additional emergency lighting • More in car video cameras • Range berm rebuilding project completed • Implementation of body cameras
Future Innovations (Body Cameras) There have been substantial requests from the public for all law enforcement officers in uniform patrol to wear body cameras. As you are aware, these requests stemmed from multiple controversial use of force incidents around the country.
Future Innovations (Body Cameras) In an effort to fulfill the public’s request while maintaining the best police practices the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is in process of the following: • Drafting a policy for Body Cameras • Trial period for Body Cameras • Citizen Advisory Committee review • Implementation of Body Cameras to the Uniform Patrol Division
Crime Statistics
Crime Statistics Countywide All Crimes 2013-2014 YEAR TO DATE COMPARISON OFFENSE CURRENT PAST % CHANGE HOMICIDE 71 49 45% ROBBERY 1438 1514 -5% PERSONS 1504 1716 -12% SEX CRIMES 575 614 -6% AUTO THEFT 1931 1901 2% RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY 5485 6567 -16% COMMERCIAL BURGLARY 1715 1678 2% AUTO BURGLARY 5108 5368 -5% TOTAL 17827 19407 -8% The accuracy of this information is based solely on the reports received by the Crime Analysis Unit during the specified time periods. This report was prepared by the Crime Analysis Unit.
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