annual report - charlotte county sheriff's office

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office

2017 Annual Report Integrity, Professionalism, Trust

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Table of Contents The Sheriff's 2018 Message ............................................................................................................ 3

Sheriff’s Office Senior Command Staff ......................................................................................... 4

Mission ............................................................................................................................................ 5

Vision .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Core Values ..................................................................................................................................... 5

Integrity ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Professionalism ........................................................................................................................... 5

Trust ............................................................................................................................................ 5

Organizational Goals and Objectives.............................................................................................. 5

Professional Law Enforcement, Court, and Detention Services ................................................. 5

Attentiveness to Public Safety and Public Service...................................................................... 6

Traffic Safety............................................................................................................................... 6

Drug Demand Reduction ............................................................................................................. 6

School Safety............................................................................................................................... 6

Management of Detainee Population .......................................................................................... 6

2017 Members of the Quarter and the Year .................................................................................... 7

1st Quarter ............................................................................................................................... 7

2nd Quarter .............................................................................................................................. 8

3rd Quarter ............................................................................................................................... 8

4th Quarter ............................................................................................................................... 9

2017 Members of the Year .................................................................................................... 10

Annual Budget .............................................................................................................................. 10

Charlotte County Reported Index Crime Statistics ....................................................................... 12

Intelligence Division ..................................................................................................................... 12

Professional Compliance .............................................................................................................. 14

Functions of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office ...................................................................... 16

Law Enforcement Function ....................................................................................................... 16

Patrol Division........................................................................................................................... 16

District One – 11051 Wilmington Boulevard, Englewood ................................................... 17

District Two – 992 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte ................................................................ 18

District Three – 3280 Tamiami Trail, Suite 505, Promenades Mall, Port Charlotte ............. 18

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District Four – 7474 Utilities Road, Punta Gorda ................................................................. 19

Criminal Investigations Division ........................................................................................... 21

Courts Function ......................................................................................................................... 23

Detention System Function ....................................................................................................... 24

Support Services Function ........................................................................................................ 26

Communications Unit ............................................................................................................ 26

Operational Support Division ................................................................................................... 27

Special Operations Section .................................................................................................... 27

Human Resources Division ................................................................................................... 32

Management Information Division ....................................................................................... 33

Hurricane Irma .............................................................................................................................. 34

Citizen's Complaint Information ................................................................................................... 38

Agency Organizational Charts ...................................................................................................... 40

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The Sheriff's 2018 Message The upcoming year promises to be one of continued growth and new challenges in the County.

We are planning and preparing for the anticipated increases in population and traffic as

construction of residential and commercial endeavors begin. As your Sheriff, I am dedicated to

constant vigilance and providing the highest standard of service for our citizens and visitors.

We are in full swing of “season” and our roadways,

restaurants and beaches are bustling. Our northern

friends and family are here and enjoying our little piece

of paradise with us. Traffic issues continue to be one of

the most frequent concerns voiced by our community.

Charlotte County continues to grow at an unprecedented

pace and I ask our citizen's and visitors to exercise

patience and kindness on our busy roadways. Although

we are at the peak of our “season,” I am happy to relay

traffic crashes at many of our major intersections

throughout the county are down significantly from years

past. My Deputies are working very hard monitoring

these historically problematic areas in an effort to keep

everyone safe on the roadways. Remember to wear your

seatbelts and don't be a distracted driver.

Thefts from motor vehicles continue to be a concern as

well. While enjoying our beaches, county parks, fitness

centers and shopping centers, we ask that you please remember to lock your vehicles and conceal

your valuables from sight. These simple steps have been proven to prevent such “crimes of

opportunity.” By being smart and taking these precautions, I am confident we can prevent many

people from being victims of crime. Don't be an easy target.

There are many new homes and businesses under construction throughout the county. Yes, our

economy is healthy. Frequently, thieves tend to target these construction sites and steal tools,

building materials and other items of value. We ask for your help in watching for suspicious

activity in and around your neighborhoods. If you see something that doesn't look right, it probably

isn't. Remember, “If you see something, say something.”

As the county grows, it becomes more important than ever for you to provide your input about the

issues you are experiencing on our roadways and in our neighborhoods. I am calling on all of our

citizen's to continue to assist my Office in keeping our crime rate one of the lowest in the State of

Florida. With our continued partnership, we can continue to make this county a wonderful place

to live, work and play!

Bill Prummell, Sheriff

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Sheriff’s Office Senior Command Staff

Colonel Thomas Rodgers is responsible for the

coordination and implementation of agency initiatives,

operations, programs, and activities as directed by the

Sheriff through the general supervision of his bureau

commanders.

Majors Michael Anderson, Earl Goodwyne III, and James Kenville (left to right) serve on the

Sheriff’s Command Staff as Commanders of the Law Enforcement, Detention, and Bureaus of

Support Services, respectively.

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Mission It is our mission that the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office serve the citizens and visitors of

Charlotte County by providing professional law enforcement, detention, and court security that

protects and preserves the Constitutional Rights of the people and mandates the fair and impartial

enforcement of the law.

Vision It is our vision that Charlotte County remain one of the safest and most enjoyable places to live

and visit in the State of Florida and in the nation and for the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office to

be a leader in public safety. We achieve this through innovation, technology, and community

partnerships. We strive to integrate the concepts of community policing with our community and

achieve our vision through collaborative problem solving.

Core Values We, the men and women of the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, pledge to infuse our core values

in every aspect of our service to our community. Our three core values are:

Integrity We pledge to maintain a strong sense of

honesty, morality, goodness, and

ethical character.

Professionalism We are skilled in the performance of

our duties and governed by the code of

ethics that demands integrity by word

or by act publically and privately, the

allegiance to our oath of office and the

laws that govern our Nation.

Trust We must value and nurture the trust we

earn through honesty and excellence in

service. We pledge to treat those we

serve and have sworn to protect with

courtesy, respect, dignity, and

compassion to achieve that trust.

Organizational Goals and Objectives

Professional Law Enforcement, Court, and Detention Services To provide the citizens of Charlotte County with the highest degree of professional services by

investing in and developing the Sheriff's Office human capital and resources.

1) Recruit and retain individuals who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and trust.

2) Train and provide educational opportunities to individuals in relevant and critical areas

related to public safety and the proper care, custody, and control of detainee population.

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3) Ensure compliance with professional standards.

4) Maintain functionality, security, and efficiency of information technology for the Sheriff’s

Office and its ability to serve the public.

5) Coach, mentor, develop, and invest in tenured members who demonstrate quality decision

making, creative problem solving, and effective communication.

6) Develop a succession plan which addresses current staffing and assets as a framework to

appropriately assign human capital to meet current and future organizational needs.

Attentiveness to Public Safety and Public Service To maintain a high quality of life through the effective, efficient delivery of public safety services

through Intelligence-Led Policing and community relationships.

1) Reduce crime through proactive initiatives, Intelligence-Led Policing, and partnerships

with the community.

2) Safe care, custody, and control of detainees.

3) Facilitate resolving neighborhood issues through collaborative partnerships.

4) Partner with community organizations to enhance overall quality of life.

5) Enhance public awareness through social media and information technologies.

Traffic Safety To make the roadways of Charlotte County safe for those who use them.

1) Enforce laws on roadways, concentrating on intersections and roads historically identified

as problematic.

2) Reduce traffic crashes and injuries related to traffic crashes and fatalities.

3) Respond to citizen complaints regarding neighborhood traffic issues.

Drug Demand Reduction To curtail illegal and synthetic drug, alcohol, and tobacco activities, and reduce the illegal use and

demand for these substances.

1) Investigate and arrest individuals who participate in illegal and synthetic drug trafficking,

use, sales, or distribution.

2) Investigate and arrest individuals who participate in illegal alcohol and tobacco use, sales,

or distribution.

3) Increase community awareness, especially with Charlotte County youth, about the impact,

dangers, and consequences of illegal drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.

4) Participate in and enhance community partnerships for the successful achievement of this

goal.

School Safety To aid in the safety and security of students and staff in and around schools, colleges, and

universities in Charlotte County.

1) Provide a campus environment where students and staff can feel safe and secure while

arriving, attending, and leaving school grounds.

Management of Detainee Population To improve the jail and court processes and recidivism rates; utilize all resources available to

minimize current and future encumbrances on Charlotte County taxpayers.

1) Reduce the recidivism rate of incarcerated individuals by providing educational

opportunities and programs.

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2) Work as a team member to streamline cases with the primary focus concentrating on an

expedited disposition.

3) Implement programs that reduce the tax burden on County taxpayers.

2017 Members of the Quarter and the Year Each quarter we recognize sworn and civilian employees who truly embody our core values.

Below are the members that made a difference to our community in 2017.

1st Quarter

LifeSaver

DFC Michael Swetavage

Deputy Brett Armstead

DFC Russell Epeards

Member of the Quarter

Civilian – Maria Rivera

Detention – Lieutenant. Tabbatha Carter

Law Enforcement – DFC Travis Steyskal

1st Quarter Award Recipients

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2nd Quarter

LifeSaver

CDFC Bobby Beverly

CDFC Mark Witt

Sergeant Sean Griffin

DFC Nicholas Reid

Deputy Joshua Muse & Mrs. Muse

Sergeant Ronnie Pressley/DFC Brian Geyer

Special Recognition DFC Billy Tuck

Member of the Quarter Civilian – Jeremy Campbell

Team – June Parks, Captain Melissa Turney,

and Megan Zawacki

2nd Quarter Award Recipients

3rd Quarter

LifeSaver

DFC Robert Tuck

Sergeant Chris Maler/Nathan

Shipley


Law Enforcement– DFC Joe

Scott

Detention – Deputy Benson

Prosper

Civilian – Darla Rose

Team – Intel/SRO team at

Liberty Elementary3rd Quarter Award Recipients

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4th Quarter Special Recognition

DFC Hernan Morales

LifeSaver

Deputy Austin Oskey

Sergeant Sean Griffin/DFC Brian Roman

Corporal Shaun Baras/DFC Chris

Hartmanstorfer


Law Enforcement – DFC Ron Filipowicz

Detention – Corporal Christina Casteel

Civilian – Tammy Wilkie

Team – DFC Geraldine Orneas, and DFC

Michael Griffin

4th Quarter Award Recipients

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2017 Members of the Year Recipients will be honored at the Public Safety Appreciation Night scheduled for June 2018. The

following members were selected as the 2017 members of the Year;

Annual Budget

By providing accurate fiscal and budgetary information, and data to agency and community

stakeholders, the Finance Division, directed by Gio Orbe, is responsible for developing and

monitoring the Sheriff’s Office’s budget, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash

management, purchasing, and financial reporting.

The Sheriff’s Office fiscal period runs from October 1st through September 30th. It adheres to the

State’s Uniform Accounting System in its financial and budgeting functions. At the end of the

fiscal year, Finance prepares the financial reports for all of the Sheriff’s Office activities. The

Sheriff’s Office financial records are audited annually by independent outside Auditors. The

audited report is submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for inclusion to the overall

County Financial Statements.

The Sheriff’s Office prepares its own operating budget. The Finance Division develops and

monitors the annual budget. This is submitted to the Board of County Commissioners no later

than June 1st. After two public hearings in September, the County Commissioners approve the

amount of funding for the Sheriff’s Office in the ensuing fiscal year.

The main source of revenue in the Sheriff’s Office budget are transfers from the Board of County

Commissioners, consisting mainly of ad valorem revenues. The budget funds salaries and benefits,

operating expenses, and capital related equipment. The budget is divided into three main

functions: Law Enforcement, Corrections and Court Security.

Civilian:

Maria Rivera

Law Enforcement:

DFC Joella Moore Detention:

CDFC Benson Prosper

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For fiscal year 2016/2017, the Sheriff’s Office operating budget was $63,447,703 for operating

expenses, equipment, salaries, and benefits. Law Enforcement represents 65% of the General Fund

budget, Corrections represents 31% and Court Security 4%.

The chart below illustrates the Sheriff’s Office budgetary allocation,

Salaries and Benefits accounts for 82% of the budget. Operating expense consists mainly of

technology related contracts, liability and auto insurance, and other mandated contracts including

the Inmate Medical Contract. Vehicles and replacement equipment represent 100% of the capital

related budget. The salary budget covers 635 full time employees and 29 part time employees.

The Finance Department is also responsible for financial operations of all special revenue funds.

Special Revenue funds are specific revenue sources that are legally restricted to expenditures for

specific purposes. Our special revenue funds include state and federal grants awarded to the

agency. There was a total of $185,327 in grant monies awarded to our agency during FY

2016/2017. This money was able to fund equipment in our investigation section and some

overtime for special operations.

Other functions of the Finance Department include Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts

Receivable, Cash Management, Grants, Purchasing, Inventory, Receiving and Financial

Reporting.

A new Financial/HR system was implemented during the past year. This new system integrated

various units in our agency realizing many efficiencies and eliminating duplication of work. The

project was finalized in October 2017 with the implementation of the Work Orders module.

Finance is an eight-member team consisting of one Finance/Budget Director, one Finance

Supervisor, one Fiscal Support Analyst, three Fiscal Support Specialists, one Fiscal Support

Technician, and one Supply & Inventory Assistant.

Law Enforcement65%

Courts4%

Corrections 31%

Annual Budget

Law Enforcement Courts Corrections

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Charlotte County Reported Index Crime Statistics 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017*

Population 146,592 146,980 149,466 152,082 153,882

Total Index Crime 3,482 2,912 2,664 2,835 2,411

Murder 1 2 0 4 1

Forcible Rape 37 25 30 35 33

Robbery 33 25 25 19 23

Aggravated Assault 298 234 249 321 303

Burglary 748 521 400 408 368

Larceny 2,555 2,007 1,864 1,948 1,573

Motor Vehicle Theft 110 98 96 100 110

Index Crime Rate 2,375.3 1,991.2 1,782.3 1,864.1 1,566.8

Percent Change ------ -16.6% -9.7% 4.6% -16.0%

*Unofficial until the Florida Department of Law Enforcement releases the final 2017 Annual UCR for the state.

*Unofficial until the Florida Department of Law Enforcement releases the final 2017 Annual UCR for the state.

Intelligence Division During 2017, the Intelligence Division continued its work building community contacts,

developing information received into actionable intelligence, and participated in events throughout

the county on behalf of Sheriff Prummell. The Division, headed by Captain Michael Casarella, is

comprised of the Intelligence Section and the Community Affairs Section.

The Intelligence Analysis Section is led by Lieutenant Andres Rodriguez and currently consists of

acting Sgt. Jason Russell along with four deputies. The division also heads Crime Analysis,

Community Policing Officers, with five deputies, Crime Prevention Unit, Community Relations,

Planning and Research, and the Juvenile/School Resource Officer (SRO) unit consisting of Sgt.

Marsh, Cpl. Eilerman, Cpl. Conant and 16 deputies. In early 2018, the SRO unit was moved under

143,000

144,000

145,000

146,000

147,000

148,000

149,000

150,000

151,000

152,000

153,000

0.0

500.0

1,000.0

1,500.0

2,000.0

2,500.0

2013 2014 2015 2016

Unincorporated Charlotte County Crime Rate vs. Population Comparison, 2013 to 2017

Crime Rate Unincorporated Population

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Special Investigations. For the purpose of this 2017 report, the activity and accomplishments for

SROs are listed under Intelligence.

The Community Affairs Unit consists of one Public

Information Officer/Community Affairs Specialist, one

Public Information Officer, one Community Affairs

Coordinator, one Crime Prevention Specialist, one

Video Production Specialist, and a Community Affairs

Supervisor.

The Intelligence Division attained the Tactical

Surveillance Team implementing the use and training of

Near Me allowing the utilization of the data collected for

quick response in crime prevention and apprehension.

Procedures and practices are being established to enable

full utilization of the application.

The Intelligence Analysts administered 794 tips and lead

sheets ranging from Crime Stoppers submissions to online crime, and traffic tips. To ensure

recipients received sufficient information, the Intelligence Analyst provided background for each

tip regarding activities of person(s) listed in the tips or information reported on an address listed

in the tip. Seventy-five intelligence analyst reports were produced helping to direct the direction

to curtail identified crime trends.

The Community Policing Officers (CPO) completed 280 citizen surveys and 103 business surveys.

They participated in 310 meetings to include Neighborhood Watch, Home Owners Associations

(HOA), and other community meetings with 7,293 attendees. These public interactions allow the

agency to be proactive, identifying and addressing concerns and increasing the citizen partnership

with the agency.

Planning and Research Specialist, Angela McNeill completed the International Association of Law

Enforcement Planners course enabling her to obtain international certification. An agency wide

staffing model has began as well as monthly meetings established with Charlotte County for

Economic Development Department, Zoning Department, and members of Babcock Ranch to

ensure CCSO is equipped to meet the rapidly changing needs of the growing community.

Throughout the year six grant applications were submitted, of which four have been attained

allotting various initiatives to be implemented contributing to the downward trend of crime.

In 2017, Community Affairs added a Public Information Officer, Katie Heck. During the past year,

dissemination included 3,617 Press Releases, Special Traffic Enforcement Locations, Holiday

Closure Announcements and other Public Service Announcements. In addition, the Public

Information Office processed over 413 media requests for Crime Reports, 911 Tapes, Videos and

Probable Cause Affidavits. This office continues to utilize various social media outlets, which

includes Facebook, and Twitter for community interaction and for 11 different types of alerts to

our citizens. Because of the increase in the use of these outlets, the Public Information Officer

(PIO) Office concludes that public interaction and partnerships have increased as well.

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School Resource

Office/Juvenile unit

placed their focus on

student safety with

emphasis on traffic and

perimeter safety in

school zones. They

implemented the

Restorative Justice

Program as a powerful

approach to discipline

that focuses on repairing

the harm to the

relationships between

offenders and victims, and offenders and the community that resulted from the crime. Restorative

justice seeks to understand and address the circumstances, which contributed to the crime. Below

are some the highlights of activities conducted by the Juvenile Unit.

2016 2017 Percent Change

Traffic Citations 167 557 233.53%

Field Interviews 17 18 5.88%

Civil Citations 19 28 47.37%

Compliance Checks 42 112 166.67%

Attendees for the Summer Program 112 751 -33.04%

Explorer Functions 49 60 22.45% 1 – For 2017, the attendance for the camp was capped at 25 per session

Professional Compliance The Professional Compliance is a five-member team consisting of the Professional Compliance

Administrator, three Professional Compliance Specialists and one Staff Inspector.

In accordance with Florida State statute, the Charlotte

County jail is required to undergo a Florida Model Jail

Standards inspection on an annual basis to ensure minimum

standards regarding the supervision, care, custody,

treatment, housing and general handling of inmates are being

met. Inspector Michael Altemari and Medical Inspector Ann

Juhasz of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office conducted

the FMJS inspection of the Bureau of Detention on February

16, 2017. During the course of the inspection, observations

were made and interviews were conducted with staff and

inmates. The staff was commended for being innovative,

resourceful, knowledgeable, professional, and committed to

every level of accreditation. The inspection report showed

that there were no serious or notable violations and that the inspection was successful.

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On March 27 and 28 2017, the Charlotte County Jail did undergo the Prison Rape Elimination Act

(PREA) audit. Beth Richards, Lynni O’Haver and Patricia Gifford conducted the audit. These

people are current certified Prison Rape Elimination Act Auditors as listed on the PREA Resource

website. The team conducted both confidential formal and informal interviews using the six types

of interview protocols subscribed to by the National PREA Resource Center to include one Agency

Head or Designee, one Warden or Designee, one PREA Compliance Manager/Coordinator, nine

Specialized staff, 16 Random staff and, 34 inmates. The team found the staff to be both

professional and knowledgeable in their roles and responsibilities in preventing, reporting and

responding to sexual abuse and harassment. A summary of the audit showed that the agency met

or exceeded all standards and did pass the audit.

CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through

the joint efforts of law enforcement’s major executive associations.

Those organizations are the International Association of Chiefs of

Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement

Executives, National Sheriffs’ Association and the Police

Executive Research Forum. The purpose is to improve the delivery

of public safety services. The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office did

undergo re-accreditation for both the Law Enforcement and

Communications divisions in November of 2017. The process for

this assessment started months in advance. In preparation for the

CALEA on-site assessment, a mock assessment was conducted for

Communications on August 22nd and 23rd. The inspectors for this

assessment were Steve Seefchak and Jim and Paula Fox. These assessors reviewed

Communications files and made recommendations as to the proper content of said files. On August

29th to 31st, 2017 the agency did host a mock assessment for the CALEA Law Enforcement

Assessment. Sandra Guajardo reviewed files remotely. Tanya Tanner and Deborah Furka who also

conducted in person interviews with staff also reviewed files in person. Recommendations were

made as to the maintenance and content of the files before the on-site was completed.

The CALEA on-site assessment was conducted in November 2017. The Communications and the

Law Enforcement assessments were conducted simultaneously from November 27th through

November 30th. Assessor Zeta Fail conducted the Communications assessment and assessors

William Dean and Kevin Hall conducted the Law Enforcement assessment. Throughout these

days, the assessors did have interviews with many members of the agency as well as reviewing

files mandated by CALEA. The assessment results are pending the final approval of the CALEA

accrediting board at this time.

Throughout 2017, Professional Compliance completed numerous inspections and audits. Staff

Inspections completed the following:

9 Formal Staff Inspections (covering 16 units)

3 Follow-up inspections

23 Audits and ancillary inspections

3 Drug Destructs

9 Other verifications (alarm tests, narcotics buy money, firearms destruct, records request)

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Professional compliance also completed 32 on-site Detention inspections and 17 file reviews for

the purpose of monitoring compliance with FMJS and other accreditation standards and

procedures. These inspections were conducted in various areas to include housing units, property,

kitchen and medical.

Functions of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office

Law Enforcement Function The functions of Law Enforcement are to protect life and property, enforce criminal laws, conduct

criminal investigations, enforce traffic laws, maintain crowd control, and conduct other public

safety duties as necessary. As the Commander of the Bureau of Law Enforcement, Major Michael

Anderson is responsible for planning, supervising, and coordinating the bureau operation in

accordance with these functions; administration of all related laws, rules, and regulations involving

those sections, staffing and evaluations of division members, conducting meetings with allied

agencies and other interested parties.

Patrol Division Captain Matthew Dowling, Commander of the Patrol Division, directly and indirectly supervises

sworn and non-sworn personnel assigned to the Patrol Division. The Division consists of four

patrol districts and five Watch Commanders.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol units continued with the Intelligence Led

Policing over this past year. The continued education of this philosophy has allowed enhanced

communication between the deputies on the street, specialty units, Command Staff, and needs of

the community. This increased communication has allowed an organizational culture that is able

to actively seek the most serious threats to the community and to apprehend them.

The District Commanders and Community Police Officers have been actively participating in

community functions and attending community meetings. This participative effort has allowed

them to more accurately provide needed services and to educate the community on trending threats.

These continued efforts have provided greater opportunities to increase the Office legitimacy and

include the citizens in gaining needed intelligence.

The District Commanders have continued the utilization of Crime View and ACISS system to

provide tasks / initiatives based on district and countywide indicators. These initiatives are areas

of concern that require multiple assets to be used to quell the problem or to gain information. This

information has partially been from utilization of actionable intelligence from directed field

interviews and from maintaining open team building conversations that occur during our weekly

Actionable Intelligence Meeting (AIM).

During 2017, there were 63,940 calls for service countywide. District Three had the most call

volume with 20,182, or 31.56%. District Four had the next highest call volume with 25.59% of

the calls. The below chart is a breakdown of the calls for service by each district.

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District One – 11051 Wilmington Boulevard, Englewood Lt. Christopher Williams leads the District One. The area of District One encompasses the area

west of the Myakka River, to include surrounding waters and the barrier islands.

On June 24, 2017 the Sheriff’s Office hosted a Grand Opening and ribbon cutting celebration for

the new District One office. The event hosted County Commissioners, members of the Sheriff’s

Office, and the public to tour the facility and participate in a job fair. The building is the prototype

for other Sheriff’s Office facilities that will be built in the future.

The new District One Office has been a very effective and efficient location for overall law

enforcement practices for the Englewood Community. The office was a refuge site for Hurricane

Irma, which was very conducive and deemed safe for all members, to include outside agencies

(FWC and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office). The new facility has shown to provide a better

environment for agency staff and community members-visitors.

Between the dates of

November 17th and 19th,

2017, the 4th Annual Off-

Shore Super Boat Grand

Prix was held at

Englewood Beach,

located at 2100 North

Beach Road, Englewood.

The Charlotte County

Sheriff’s Office plan was

specifically designed for

the management of

expected crowds, with

our primary goals

District 120%

District 222%

District 332%

District 426%

2017 Calls for Service by District

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4

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focused on public safety. Agency members also handled traffic control and direction on and off

Manasota Key – Englewood Beach. Overall, the event experienced a slight increase in attendance,

but it did not hinder the operations plan of the Sheriff’s Office. The event was a success for the

entire community and visitors. A debrief was conducted with the boat race organizers in order to

address the parking issue for future event(s).

District Two – 992 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte The District Two area includes the area east of the Myakka River, Murdock, Port Charlotte from

the Midway area, north to the county line. Lt. Darrell Caparo leads this district.

In 2017, the District Two office had to vacate the Charlotte Town Center Mall location and

subsequently relocating twice within the year. With a successful transition to the District

three/Promenades Mall location, the district maintained its focus on the community while

cohabitating with another district. In December, the transition was complete when the district

moved into the 992 Tamiami Trail location. This office now houses the Criminal Investigations

Unit for District Two within the new district office.

District two has had success in numerous events throughout the year for the district to include;

Cops N Goblins at the Charlotte Sports Park, Country Fest, Charlotte County Fair, Shop with a

Cop, Tampa Rays Spring Training, and the Charlotte Stone Crabs baseball season. A dedication

in February at Firehouse

Subs where they donated

eight ballistic shields

worth over $10,000 to

CCSO has not only

created a great partnership

with our community

business partner but also

assisted in maintaining the

safety of our LEO.

District Two has pledged

to foster new and

continuing relationships

with our community and

its citizens we serve.

District Three – 3280 Tamiami Trail, Suite 505, Promenades Mall, Port Charlotte Lt. Todd Davis leads district Three. The District Three area covers Port Charlotte from Midway

south to the Gilchrist Bridge. This district is the most densely populated in Charlotte County.

During the year Community Policing Officers (CPO) have reached out to property owners of these

residences and educated them on eviction processes. Information via tips/tasks has been shared

with other units such as narcotics and Strategic Target Area Response Team (STAR). As a result,

there have been several drug arrests made from the areas of concern, as well as investigative stops

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that have led to arrests and assisted Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU), Economic Crimes Unit

(ECU), and the district in solving community issues.

In addition to traditional speeding complaints such as traffic enforcement, decoy car, social media

information and sign boards, contact was made with CCSO traffic unit regarding issues with traffic

crashes at problem intersections, such as the Kings Highway/I-75 and US 41/Edgewater Drive,

and Olean Blvd./US 41. The traffic unit has attempted to assist the district in these high crash

intersections by conducting enforcement during the reported peak times.

During the year road patrol deputies have stepped up patrol in the areas highlighted with criminal

activity on both day and night shifts and have made it a priority to have police presence and to

identify all suspicious persons and Field Interview them. The results appear to be less calls for

service regarding criminal activity and a positive relationship and communication between the

community and the Sheriff’s Office. The district has also been proactive in making sure the Drug

Recovery Initiative is being pushed out to the community. This is being done by handing out cards

to the community and explaining the initiative to them and how it can be an asset. The district has

also handed out the vehicle placards to the community regarding leaving valuables in the vehicle

and to make sure your vehicle is secured. The PIO has also been involved with putting out Public

Service Announcements (PSA)’s to the community regarding any issues.

During the year we had the completion and the finalization of the US 41 expansion and

construction as well as the Edgewater Dr. construction. This expansion has been in progress for

many years and has finally come to completion. As the roads are opening up, we anticipate an

increase in traffic accidents at key locations in the coming months.

Throughout the year members of District Three and Community Policing participated in Shop with

a Cop, Team Parkside discussion, Facelift 41 participation, Hands Across the Harbor preparations,

First Alliance Church festival and Maple Leaf estates holiday parade.

District Three continues to use Intelligence Led-Policing (ILP) directives, strives to seek out new

and innovative ways to engage the community and promote crime reduction through education

and partnerships in support of the core values, and are in line with the Mission and Vision of the

Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.

District Four – 7474 Utilities Road, Punta Gorda District Four encompasses the south county area to include Harbor Heights, Tropical Gulf Acres,

Cleveland, and Punta Gorda south to the county line. Lt. Randy Whitney leads District Four.

On November 7th, 2017, a mass casualty exercise was held at the Punta Gorda Airport. Participants

included CCSO patrol, community policing, traffic, marine, and K-9. Outside agencies included

TSA, PGD, Charlotte County Fire and EMS, Lee County Hazardous response team, area hospitals,

World Wide, Civil Air Patrol, EOC, Allegiant, and numerous volunteers. Other events taking

place in 2017 in District Four include, Shop with a Cop, Drug Free Punta Gorda monthly event,

CSU and a World War II dedication ceremony

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The Punta Gorda Airshow celebrated their 36th

anniversary, held in October of 2017. Several

events associated with but separate from the

Airshow was held throughout the weekend.

These events included a Make-A-Wish event

and a 5k run. Seminole Casino sponsored the

VIP area. The Airshow had over 35,000 in

attendees that generated an estimate of $4.2

million dollars. Seventy deputies and

hundreds of volunteers were in attendance to

keep everything running safe and smoothly. Collier County K-9 and bomb unit assisted with

security. In 2018, the airport plans to expand the parking area to be closer to the airports property

to cut down on the transportation distance from the parking area to the Airshow. The Florida

International Airshow group distributed $2.9 million to southwest Florida working charities.

The Punta Gorda Airport has plans this year to move and expand General Aviation and Western

Michigan from the front area of the airport to Challenger Blvd. They also have plans to expand the

Security Identification Display Area (S.I.D.A.) to total an estimated 12 commercial airline slots.

Babcock Ranch Development

During 2017, 18 homes have received a

certificate of occupancy with one full

time residential occupant. The back

portion of the property is being cleared

for more builders and more walking trails.

The wellness center is set to open on the

first week of March 2018 with the grand

opening set for the second week of

March. Sometime between 2018 and

2019, they are looking at building an

additional school for 450 students,

already on the waiting list. DOT is

possibly widening 31, in Lee County just

north of Cook Brown Rd.

Harper/McNew Development

The development area is located on Tucker’s Grade between Tamiami Trail and I-75. During

2017, the area was surveyed and permits submitted to Charlotte County. In early 2018 they are

slotted to build 3109 residential units and over 700,000 ft. of commercial area and 126,000 ft. of

industrial area

Tern Bay Development

The Tern Bay Community Development District is a development structure is located on Burnt

Store Road in Punta Gorda, Florida. The development project started in 2005 but building was

suspended in 2008. In 2017 the project was reinstated and building permits submitted.

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Criminal Investigations Division The Criminal Investigations Division has four different sections under their umbrella. Major Case

Investigations, Forensics, Special Investigations, and District Investigations. This division is led

by Captain Darin Chandler.

District Investigations

The District Investigations Section houses the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU), Pawn Unit, the

Environmental Crimes Unit, and the Agriculture Unit. During 2017, District Investigations had a

69% increase in warrant requests and a 10% decrease in cases that were assigned to the unit. The

decrease could be contributed to the lower crime rate. February was the most active month for

CIU with 277 opened cases, compared to April being the most active month in 2016 with 329

opened cases. For 2017, the least active month for CIU was September. The decrease in cases for

that month could be due to Hurricane Irma and the decrease in population during that time frame.

The chart on the following page shows the activity of the District Investigations Section.

Major Case Investigations

Major Case Investigations comprises of Major Crimes, Computer Crimes, Economic Crimes, and

Cold Case. The Major Crimes Unit reviewed 1,703 cases from DCF. Of those cases, Major

Crimes worked 247, which is a 17.67% decrease over 2016. The forensic interviewer reviews all

DCF reports, track down the necessary documentations, notes for the cases, and reviews them

information with the Major Crimes Unit Detectives. The forensic interviewer works in

conjunction with outside law enforcement agencies such as Punta Gorda Police Department,

Florida Department of Law Enforcement task force, North Port Police Department, and law

3134

710

3384

2681

151

552

48

2805

763

2963

2036

103

823

81

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

OpenedCases

Inactive Cases Closed Cases Cases Closedby Arrest

Cases closedby Exception

UnfoundedCases

WarrantRequests

District Investigations Activity2016 vs 2017

2016 2017

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enforcement agencies needing agency assist interviews. Overall, the Economic Crimes Unit had

an 11% increase in warrant requests over the previous year.

Major Crimes Case Load 2016 2017 Percent Change

Opened 525 538 2%

Inactive 33 58 76%

Closed 515 646 25%

Clearance Rate 89% 83% -6%

Closed Arrest 38 64 68%

Closed Exception 110 87 -21%

Closed Unfounded 367 495 35%

Warrant Request 17 19 12%

Forensics Section

The Forensic Section houses the Crime Scene and Evidence Units. The Crime Scene Unit

responded to 564 scenes during 2017. This is a 12.35% increase over 2016, where the unit

responded to 502 scenes. There was a 9.69% increase in Automated Fingerprint Identification

System (AFIS) submissions over the previous year. Of the 645 submissions, 136 or 21.09% have

been successful hits.

The Evidence Unit received in 452 weapons in 2017. During the last year, the Evidence Unit

received in 19,739 items, which is an 11.21% increase over 2016. The unit was very active sending

1,156 items to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) labs for testing.

Narcotics Unit

The Narcotics Unit conducted 30 search warrants

over the course of 2017 resulting in the arrest of many

prolific offenders and multiple sex offenders. The

Narcotics Unit assisted The Criminal Investigations

Unit with the search and arrest of a prolific offender

who committed over thirty burglaries, thus ending his

crime spree. Many stolen firearms were bought by the

Naroctics Unit which resulted in the arrest of the

offenders. The narcotics unit participated in the arrest

and conviction of a prolific offender resulting in a 17-

year prison sentence handed down through Federal

Court. The unit conducted three marijuana

eradication search warrants and an investigation into

several overdose deaths resulting in the arrest of the

person responsible for the sale of Heroin laced with

Car-Fentanyl. The unit also began participating in the

Florida Sheriff’s Association Operation Spring

Cleaning targeting trafficking and the sale and

delivery of narcotics.

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STAR (Street Crimes) Unit

In 2017, the Street Crimes Unit began its transition into the Strategic Targeted Area Response

Team (STAR). Focusing on areas of crime trends and patterns, prolific offenders and persons of

interest; STAR activities changed daily and at a rapid pace.

Approximate drug seizures for 2017 include the following:

New Legend Drugs: 183 pills

Suboxone: 42 strips

Hydromorphone: 347 pills

Oxycodone: 38 pills

Cannabis: 79.4 + grams

Morphine: 6 pills

Methamphetamine: 34.5 grams

Cocaine: 22.4 grams

Xanax/Alprazolam: 104 pills

Klonopin: 3 pills

Heroin: .2 grams

MDMA (Ecstasy): 2.1 pills

Fugitive Apprehension Unit

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU) serves many of the

felony warrants issued in the county. Last year, FAU made 1204 apprehensions. This includes

warrants served and narcotics arrests. Members of the FAU were involved in several high profile

apprehensions. The Fugitive Apprehension Unit also worked closely with the U.S. Marshals in

Charlotte County as well as surrounding counties. As part of the Emergency Response Team,

members of the unit deployed to Gainesville responding to a mutual aid request for a demonstration

at the University of Florida.

Courts Function The function of the Court Security

Section is to ensure the safety and

security of the Charlotte County Justice

Center while providing a safe

environment for all those who work and

appear in it. Court Security facilitates

and maximizes the efficiency of all

judicial and other courthouse functions.

Primarily responsible for guarding the

nine judges assigned to the Charlotte

County Justice Center, as well as their

staff members and any visiting judges or

hearing officers, the personnel assigned

to the Court Security Section receive and

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guard in-custody persons accused of crimes. This involves dealing with people in a courteous,

professional manner from those who have never been convicted of a crime to those individuals

convicted of the most heinous of crimes. These deputies must also maintain the decorum of the

courtroom while ensuring all parties present are in compliance with the basic rules and guidelines

set forth by the judge.

Because the Charlotte County Justice Center houses three elected officials, the Court

Administration Office, and the Probation Office, Court Security personnel interact with non-law

enforcement related issues on a daily basis. Deputies are required to maintain excellent customer

service and people skills, which complement their law enforcement skills and training.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Individuals Entering Justice

Center through Security 397,063 411,101 397,227 356,007 312,825

Contraband Found in Lobby 4,218 3,277 4,110 3,714 4,950

X-Ray Scans in Lobby 187,038 171,174 173,845 166,508 156,271

Warrant Arrests at Justice

Center 165 162 150 134 99

New In-Custody Arrests at

Justice Center 224 307 202 288 169

Warrantless Probation Arrests

at Justice Center 10 4 1 93 195

Inmates Transported to Courts 4,070 4,898 4,127 4,026 3,966

Detention System Function The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Detention consists of Jail Operations, Civil

Services, and Court Security. The Bureau is dedicated to providing security and safety for all

citizens of Charlotte County. The Bureau of Detention implement new programs incorporating the

use of Life Skills training, increased Mental Health Care, and more formalized Discharge Planning

to help properly identify needs and transition inmates back into the general public more

successfully. The Bureau of Dentation is led by Major Earl Goodwyne.

The Bureau of Detention has continued its contract with the U.S. Marshal Service to house federal

inmates. This contract brings in additional revenue to the county and reduces taxpayer support for

detention operations. We are able to accommodate our local needs as well as offer service to other

agencies that may benefit from our facility.

On February 16, 2017, our facility passed the Florida Model Jail Standards Inspection, which is

an annual re-inspection and scored exceptionally high. On March 28, 2017, our facility passed

PREA with no violations. In addition, we received a tri-annual Florida Corrections Accreditation

Commission inspection and were in 100 percent compliance of the applicable mandatory standards

on December 17, 2015.

The following information has been compiled to give an overview of the Bureau of Detention for

the year 2017.

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Inmate Population Summary

Average Daily Inmate Population (ADP) 662

Average Length of Stay (ALOS) 44.3

Individual Bookings 7,570

Individual Releases 7,562 2014- Present Formula (ALOS): Actual hours in custody divided by total releases, divided by 24 (hours).

Booking Data 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Adult Bookings 6,275 6,555 6,290 6,043 6,045

Juvenile Bookings 659 574 516 445 364

Criminal Registrants 516 678 537 680 788

Weekender Bookings 3 6 65 32 87

Federal Inmate Bookings 320 277 282 323 286

Total Bookings 8,220 8,090 7,790 7,523 7,570

Individual Releases 8,102 8,049 7,702 7,509 7,562

The Charlotte County Bureau of Dentation offers many different programs at the Jail. In 2017, the

Charlotte County Jail was without a GED teacher for the majority of the school year. A new GED

Teacher was selected and began teaching for the 2017/2018 school year. 363 Students attended for

2017. Below is a listing of the programs offered and how many inmates attended each program.

Total Inmate Attendance 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Anger Management 1,159 1,157 1,168 1,510 1,145

Substance Abuse Male 891 476 400 396 398

Substance Abuse Female 814 545 464 403 391

Batterer’s Intervention 244 521 824 914 1,115

Alcoholics Anonymous Male 1,654 1,035 947 727 547

Alcoholics Anonymous Female 1,384 1,154 954 927 939

Parenting Class Male 255 352 625 574 630

Parenting Class Female 120 475 604 610 547

Discharge Planning 158 116 108 208 163

Faith Based 142 3,976 3,966 3,041 2,694

Survivors ----- ----- ----- ----- 620

Habitat for Humanity ----- ----- ----- ----- 49

Grand Total 6,821 9,807 10,060 9,310 9,238

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The Charlotte County Jail has coordinated

with local retailers to accept donations of

wilted or dying plants. These plants are

then revitalized and repurposed to non-

profit and county events throughout the

year to defer costs. During this year, the

inmate program has provided plants to the

Charlotte County Government sites,

Habitat for Humanity, Team Punta Gorda,

and CARE events. The Charlotte County

Jail coordinates with code compliance to

complete cleanup efforts throughout

Charlotte County. Officers are Department

of Transportation (DOT) certified to complete roadside and homeless camp clean ups. During

2017, there were 20 site clean ups with 105,500 pounds of debris removed.

Support Services Function The function of the Bureau of Support Services assists law enforcement, courts, and detention

operations by providing administrative, information technology, training, and communications

resources for the members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Major James Kenville,

Commander of the Bureau of Support Services is responsible for planning, supervising and

coordinating the administrative operations to ensure effective and efficient service delivery within

the Sheriff’s Office. Under his purview are the Operational Support Division, Human Resource

Division, and the Management Information Division.

Communications Unit The Communications Unit is the primary answering point for 911 and non-emergency callers who

require assistance for Law Enforcement, Fire & EMS related services. Communications serves as

an after hour point of contact for additional County services in case of emergencies. The unit

provides and maintains two-way radio communications for Law Enforcement, Fire & EMS.

Telecommunications tools utilized to

provide services include telephones,

assorted radios, teletype, computers and

automated data communications

devices.

During 2017, Training included the

following to either obtain initial

certifications or maintain current ones:

911 State Certification, Charlotte

County Sheriff’s Office

Communication’s Academy, FCIC,

Emergency Medical Dispatch, APCO

Basic & Fire, ICS (Incident Command Courses), CTO (Certified Training Officer),

Telecommunications Emergency Response Team (TERT), Police Legal Science. In addition to

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the standard training 3 hours of VESTA training were conducted for the implementation of TEXT

to 911.

Members of Communications received the following recognition: Darla Rose - member of the

quarter. Members of Communications participated in the Civilian Police Academy training.

Measure of Workload 2015 2016 2017

Total Calls for Service 192,816 305,849 233,287

Law Enforcement 165,256 257,471 203,218

Fire/EMS 26,821 47,536 31,335

Animal Control ----- 842 643

Total Inbound Calls

(includes 911) 197,453 204,517 208,404

Inbound 911 Calls 67,198 76,184 77,818

Inbound Admin Calls 130,255 128,333 130,586

Outgoing Admin Calls 49,726 61,850 65,141

Operational Support Division Captain John Westlake manages sworn and non-sworn personnel assigned to the Operational

Support Division. The division encompasses the Special Operations Section, the Training Section,

and the Aviation Section.

Special Operations Section Lieutenant John Hamp oversees various units under the umbrella of the Special Operations

Section. Under his command are the Canine Unit, Special Services Unit, and the Volunteer

Services Unit.

Canine Unit

Consisting of one Sergeant, two

Corporals, four Deputies, and seven

working canines, the Canine Unit,

supervised by Sergeant Jason

Doherty, searches for narcotics,

criminal suspects, and lost persons.

This seven-member unit is utilized to

support and assist other unit’s

members within the agency using

their specialized training and unique

abilities. The Canine Unit supports

local schools by conducting regular

narcotics sniffs and demonstrations.

The Canine Unit supports our

community by participating in

numerous public demonstrations throughout the year for the Sheriff’s Office Civilian Police

Academy as well as leadership groups, civic groups and daycares.

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Members of the Canine Unit conducted public demonstrations throughout the County to include

Vineland Elementary School, Lashley Park, Fellowship Church, Charlotte Federation Trust,

Harley Davidson, Punta Gorda Middle, Murdock Middle School, Charlotte Preparatory School,

Wintergarden Presbyterian Church, Murdock Baptist Church, Deep Creek Elementary School,

Cheney Brothers, Charlotte County Soccer Federation, Myakka Elementary School, and numerous

civilian police academies.

In addition to maintaining a nightly shift, the Canine Unit maintained an on call Canine Unit team

at all times. The Unit completed required monthly training as well as patrol and narcotics

certifications of all dogs within the Canine Unit and the STAR unit this year.

For 2017, the Canine Unit conducted three CCSO canine schools along with three canine schools

for other agencies. The primary canine trainer for the agency, Cpl Prevatte retired requiring the

use of DFC Bobby Lister from the STAR unit to conduct the canine schools. Cpl Mills was the

co-instructor and used these schools to gather enough training hours to obtain his instructor status.

Canine Performance Indicators 2017

Calls 1,274

Backups 1,498

Tracks 82

Narcotics Sniffs 304

Narcotics Finds 148

Training Hours 732

Arrests 61

Citations 37

Warnings 419

Special Services Unit

The Special Services Unit is comprised of the Traffic Unit, and the Marine Patrol Unit. Sergeant

William Maymon leads both of these units.

Traffic Unit

The primary goal of the Traffic Unit is to reduce traffic crashes and provide safe thoroughfares for

all those traversing in and through Charlotte County. The Office has established the following

objectives and functions for the delivery of law enforcement traffic related services by the Traffic

Unit:

1) Analyze crash reports and records.

2) Provide selective traffic enforcement of determined high crash areas.

3) Develop and coordinate the Office's selective enforcement program, to include specialized

DUI, and speed enforcement efforts.

4) Operate the speed-measuring device, radar.

5) Provide traffic congestion and parking control during peak traffic hours.

6) Establish traffic safety education and public information.

7) The Office will meet with local traffic safety groups and agencies to discuss ways to

develop or improve joint traffic safety programs for the county.

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The Traffic Unit conducted enforcement daily at locations predetermined through the analyzation

of crash report records, citizen complaints, and communication with each District as to problem

areas. These locations were provided weekly to the PIO to inform the public of our intentions.

Message boards were utilized using various messages that concerned traffic safety. These message

boards were frequently rotated throughout the county to locations identified as hotspots. Speed

trailers were utilized to coincide with our hotspot areas for speed and was also used in response to

quality of life complaints. The data gathered identified potential problems and enhanced

enforcement efforts. During 2017, two additional speed trailers were purchased to assist in data

collection for those complaint areas received.

The Traffic Unit

throughout the year

continued to support

Road Patrol in

handling calls for

service as well as

investigating traffic

crashes. Members of

Traffic also assisted

the STAR unit in week

long night operations

to combat the

continuing boat and

motor theft trend. The

Traffic Unit also

maintained a week of night shifts every month to conduct selective enforcement such as DUI

enforcement. These night shifts were predetermined and scheduled during popular holidays, during

the County Fair, and other events to assist by providing extra coverage on the road.

During 2017, in addition to traffic enforcement, the Traffic Unit attended several classes as well

as taught several classes. Two members attended and successfully completed a vigorous two-week

Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) school. Two members completed another rigorous course of

Basic Motor School, taught by another Traffic Unit members who is instructor certified. One

member attended Field Force training in Alabama, which is a requirement for being a member of

the Emergency Response Team (ERT). All Traffic Unit members are part of this ERT team. In

October 2017, members of the Traffic Unit, as part of the ERT team, were deployed to Gainesville,

Florida for riot control. Members of the Traffic Unit taught two standardized field sobriety classes

as well as taught 1 hour on drugged driving during the fall session of Block Training. Traffic

members also gave presentations during the Civilian Police Academies scheduled during the year.

Members of Traffic also conducted several public demonstrations and/or static displays throughout

the county to include, Trunk or Treat at the stadium, Harley Davidson Memorial Run, Toy Run,

Rotonda Christmas Parade, Motor escort for fallen deputy funeral service, District One office

grand opening, CCSO job fair at HQ, and Lowes DUI awareness event

On the following page is a sampling of the performance indicators form the Traffic Unit.

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Traffic Performance Indicators 2015 2016 2017

Traffic Arrests 24 11 13

Drug Arrests 34 16 25

DUI Arrests 30 20 29

Other Arrests 76 21 15

Criminal Citations 101 112 80

Traffic Citations 1,213 1,730 1,254

Traffic Stops 3,528 4,940 3,020

Warning Citations 2,979 3,939 2,306

Marine Unit

The Marine Unit’s primary goal is the preservation of life and property on the waters of Charlotte

County through education and enforcement. The unit is responsible for patrolling and enforcing

laws in the 165 approximate miles of waterways which are utilized by fisherman, boaters, and

vacationers year round. On a daily basis, the Marine Unit patrolled the waterways and performed

vessel stops while enforcing speed restricted zones/manatee zones. The unit addressed areas of

concern that were reported by citizens and other aiding assets, such as the marine volunteer units

and the marine neighborhood watch groups throughout the county.

The Marine Unit worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Border Patrol during

operations related to boat thefts and human trafficking. The Marine Unit also worked closely with

the Fish and Wildlife Commission with the enforcement of fishery laws and marine-life

conservation. The Unit worked closely with Mote Marine personnel with the recovery of stranded

animals as well as marine life removal from waterways. The Marine Unit also worked hand in

hand with the County Department of Natural Resources with identifying and assisting with the

removal of derelict vessels especially after Hurricane Irma.

The Marine Unit maintained a night shift every month to remain vigilant and proactive to the

continuing boat and motor theft trend throughout the State. The Unit also continued to attend

monthly Marine Intel meetings along with multiple local, state, and federal agencies to exchange

valuable information regarding marine related crimes. Members of the Marine Unit continued to

support Road Patrol daily with the handling of calls for service while maintaining their duties.

Some members also volunteered to be temporarily assigned to the STAR Unit during high crime

trends occurring within the county.

The Marine Unit aided citizens in getting a

better understanding of boating and

navigational laws through teaching Boater

Safety Courses. The Unit also educated the

public about the daily duties and activities

of the unit by teaching a block of the

Civilian Police Academy held throughout

the year. The Marine Unit maintained a

close working relationship with all marine

retail stores, marinas, and mechanical shops

with regards to combatting thefts of boats,

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boat motors, and various marine related items. The unit accomplished this by making personal

contact with different businesses each month in an effort to gather Intel and assist business owners

on keeping their businesses safe.

In 2017, a plan was presented to the Marine Advisory Committee (MAC) and the County

Commissioners on the goals of the unit over the next five years. This plan discussed equipment

needs as well as training and manpower within the Marine Unit. During 2017 the MAC assisted

with a grant allowing the Sheriff’s Office to purchase a new 28’ offshore search and rescue boat.

The plan was also put in motion concerning training needs and during year 2017 two Marine

deputies attended basic boating school in Stuart, Florida and three Marine deputies attended

Captain School and obtained their Captain’s licenses. The Marine Unit also attended local marine

related training that became available more specifically meetings/training held by WCIND in

Venice, Fl., and two Marine deputies attended Search and Rescue training in Lee County, Florida

July 10-14.

Members of the Marine Unit provided presentations to local boating clubs within the County to

include the Pelican Harbor Association, Punta Gorda Marine Watch, Punta Gorda Sailing Club,

and Punta Gorda Boaters Club. A ride along with Sun Herald reporter Ann Easier was also

completed. Marine Unit members and/or members of the Marine Volunteer Unit also provided

public demonstrations or participated in public events to include, CCSO job fair, grand opening of

the new D1 Office, Englewood Boat Parade, Rotonda Christmas Parade, Englewood Pioneer Days

Parade, and Taste of Punta Gorda.

Volunteer Services Unit

Sgt. Alfred Sacco leads the

Volunteer Services Unit. As of

December 31, 2017, 80 volunteers

recorded at total of 20,795.70 hours

of service to the Charlotte County

Sheriff's Office during the 2017

calendar year. The Volunteer

Services Unit has one Senior

Volunteer Coordinator, and six Unit

Coordinators.

The areas where the volunteers

assist are listed below;

Community Oriented Policing (COP) – 23

Administration – 22

Chaplains – 5

Marine Patrol – 16

Parking Enforcement – 8

Reserve Deputies – 5

Aviation – 1

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The essential mission of the Volunteer Services Unit is to serve as a volunteer support service to

the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, enhancing the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing

through the provision of administrative and support services.

Human Resources Division Directed by Kevin Ostrowsky, the Human Resources Division has primary responsibility for

handling, assisting, and dealing will all employee related matters including light duty and FMLA.

HR handles a variety of work products and creates and processes several different data documents.

At the end of 2017, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office employed 606 full-time employees. This

is compared to the end of 2016 the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office employed 584 full time

employees. These numbers include all employee positions: Law Enforcement Officers, Detention

Officers, Detention Operators, Public Safety Operators, and civilian support staff. HR recruits,

retains, and provides employment support to the men and women employed at Charlotte County

Sheriff's Office.

Major projects and events that took place in 2017 were:

Training all CCSO Supervision on the new Evaluation Process

Leadership/Supervisor training

Further implementation of the new HR/Finance Software-MUNIS

Analyzing background process

Additional focus on external recruitment

CCSO continues to hire quality personnel in order to maintain the level of work force to effectively

meet the needs of our community. In an attempt to attract qualified candidates of diverse

background, we have worked together with Command Staff to have section leaders available to

attend recruitment functions. This has allowed the CCSO to attend and have representation at a

variety of recruitment functions. Specific functions attended during this recruitment period include

attending the Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy and Sarasota Criminal Justice

Academy classrooms and graduations on multiple occasions. This makes strong connections and

contacts with the Charlotte County Veterans Services along with several other veteran service

resources, attend multiple local college job fairs, host a county and CCSO Open House/Job Fair.

The agency has also attended local college open forums; partake in Florida Gulf Coast University’s

(FGCU) open table to be available to students for questions along with attending the Hillsborough

Community College Criminal Justice job fair.

As we continue in recruitment efforts, we have also targeted our younger population within

Charlotte County in attempt to prepare them for and to describe the types of careers available

within the CCSO. The CCSO attended a job fair at the Charlotte County Vo-tech/Academy,

continued to maintain contact with the High School / High Tech Program put on through Goodwill,

coordinate efforts with local high schools and vocational colleges.

CCSO offers career ladder advancement within the job class that an employee is currently in the

positions can learn and grow to advance within the agency. In 2017, 12 Corrections Officers were

promoted to the Corrections Officer First Class rank, 22 Deputies were promoted to Deputy First

Class, five civilians were promoted within their job class to the next level, and two civilians were

promoted to a supervisory position.

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The Sheriff’s Office conducts new

hire, promotional and annual

performance evaluations each year

on each non-exempt member of the

office. In 2016, the number of

performance evaluations conducted

were 582. The number of

performance evaluations in 2017

were 875 (due to the Munis

exchange). The number of

performance evaluations

completed in 2017 increased due to

the new performance evaluation

system being implemented in the

last quarter of 2016 and being a

period, they were not accessible for

supervisor to complete.

Management Information Division The Management Information Division (MIS) or the IT Unit is directed by Dennis Thompson, and

is responsible for planning, acquiring implementing and developing information technology

solutions to facilitate the agency’s mission. Technologies supported by MIS include Financial

Management, Human Resource Management, Risk Management, Records Management, Jail

Bookings and Arrests, Civil Process, Computer Aided dispatch (CAD), Fleet Management,

Warrants, email, cloud services and the CCSO public website. The Information Technology (IT)

unit implements and maintains mobile and desktop computers, servers, wireless phones, network

security, and data storage infrastructure. The total combined number of desktop computer, mobile

computers and servers required to support agency operations exceeds 900 machines. The CCSO

network infrastructure extends from Punta Gorda to Englewood in support of Headquarters, Jail,

Training and District Office facilities, and over 300 mobile laptops connected to the network via

wireless service. MIS personnel handled over 5,700 service calls, providing support 365 days a

year, 24 hours a day for a wide array of technical devices and platforms.

MIS is responsible for providing effective systems that are also reliable and secure. Additionally,

MIS provides guidance to the CCSO regarding the acquisition of new technology. Due to rapid

changes in technology, MIS must constantly research and evaluation emerging technologies to

determine which should be acquired, as well as evaluating and recommending upgrades to current

systems as they approach the end of their life cycle. The primary reason for obtaining new

technology and upgrading current technology is to ensure that CCSO members are provided with

tools to perform their jobs in the most efficient, secure and safe manner possible.

Additionally, the agency must remain in compliance with the Criminal Justice Information

Services (CJIS) Security Policy as set forth by FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement

(FDLE). Administered through a shared management philosophy, the CJIS Security Policy

contains information security requirements, guidelines and agreements reflecting the framework

for law enforcement and criminal justice agencies for protecting the sources, transmission, storage

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and generation of Criminal Justice Information (CJI). MIS plays a critical role in ensuring

compliance with these requirements. The FDLE Audit Compliance Unit performed a CJIS

Technical Compliance Audit of the Agency in April 2017. This exhaustive audit of agency CJIS

security practices is performed triennially. CCSO was determined to be compliant in all audited

factors.

The following are a few of the major projects MIS has worked on during 2017,

Tyler Technologies Munis Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

In July, 2015, CCSO began implementation of Munis ERP system to consolidate Finance, Human

Resources, Risk Management and Fleet Management within a single integrated architecture. The

final core piece, Fleet Work Orders was completed in 2017. With this consolidation, CCSO is

realizing efficiencies throughout the organization by utilizing a single application for all employee,

asset and financial transaction management, replacing seven separate systems. This is improving

efficiency by reducing redundancy of data entry, streamlining workflow and moving toward a

greater degree of digital data processing. An integrated document management component, Tyler

Content Manager, was acquired in 2017 to further move the agency forward in digital document

management. This project implementation began in October 2017 and the implementation phase

is scheduled to conclude in April 2018.

TriTech Zuercher Suite

CCSO also continued with enhancements to its jail management software to replace paper forms

processing with integrated custom digital forms and workflow. New custom modules were created

in 2017 to replace seven different manual paper processes.

TriTech Inform Record Management System (RMS)

In December 2015, CCSO completed implementation of the Tritech Inform Computer Aided

dispatch (CAD) system. In August 2017, the agency acquired additional components of the

TriTech suite of products to consolidate law enforcement case record management into a single

integrated architecture. Similar to the Munis project, this project will result in increased

efficiencies through automated exchange of data between the CAD, RMS, and jail systems. In

addition to the integrated RMS component, this software includes components to allow enhanced

query capabilities and interactive targeted patrol capabilities. This project implementation began

in October 2017, and the implementation phase is scheduled to conclude in September 2018.

MIS continues to embrace emerging technologies and plays a critical role in implementing all

software and hardware resources within CCSO. Additionally, MIS will continue to assist the

agency in pursuit of its goal of greater efficiency, reliability and security of operations.

Hurricane Irma On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma passed over Charlotte County. By the time the storm

passed over through, it was still at category 2 storm with 105 mile per hour winds.

(https://weather.com/storms/hurricane-central/irma-2017/AL112017) “Hurricane Irma, one of the

strongest storms to impact the Caribbean and the United States in history, made landfall at several

points along its catastrophically destructive path in early September 2017. The storm later made

https://weather.com/storms/hurricane-central/irma-2017/AL112017

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landfall in the Florida Keys and again along the west coast of

Florida.”(https://portal.nnvl.noaa.gov/arcgis/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=6f3c57dd425045

64be399bbfbad078ae )

Below, and the next couple of pages, are some of the moments from the perspective of our

members while serving during Hurricane Irma and some of the aftermath.

https://portal.nnvl.noaa.gov/arcgis/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=6f3c57dd42504564be399bbfbad078ae

https://portal.nnvl.noaa.gov/arcgis/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=6f3c57dd42504564be399bbfbad078ae

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Citizen's Complaint Information

To safeguard the integrity of the Sheriff's

Office, Internal Affairs is responsible for

conducting internal investigations of all

accusations made against any member of the

Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. The citizens

of Charlotte County must be able to place their

trust in Internal Affairs to ensure any accusation

made against the agency or its members are

investigated fairly and impartially, with the

utmost professionalism and without bias.

The work involves documenting all allegations

of misconduct, violations of rules, regulations,

and policies directed at members of the Office.

A thorough investigation in compliance with

the Florida Officer Bill of Rights is completed

and final reports are prepared. Findings are

reported to the Command Staff and the Sheriff.

It is Sheriff’s policy that all allegations of member misconduct be appropriately investigated and

promptly adjudicated. All reports or accusations made against a member of the Office, or the

Office itself, by any sources, are to be completely investigated to ensure the integrity of the Office

and its members.” – General Order 5.04.

Complaints are defined as any investigation, whether formal or informal, documented by the

Internal Affairs Unit. This includes Administrative Inquiries, Internal Investigations, Supervisory

Inquiries, and Miscellaneous Investigations. In 2017, there were 79 cases opened. Of those cases,

five were administrative inquiries, 19 were internal affairs investigations, three were supervisory

inquires, and 52 were miscellaneous investigations. In 2017, the Internal Affairs Unit documented

79 investigations which encompassed 103 charges.

The final dispositions of those charges are listed below;

Not Sustained – 3

Sustained – 50

Unfounded – 43

Exonerated – 3

Closed – 4

Total Breakdown for Miscellaneous Investigations;

Closed – 4

Not Sustained – 2

Sustained – 6

Unfounded – 40

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Citizens who have a complaint are encouraged to notify this office by approaching the Sheriff, any

member of the agency, or contacting Internal Affairs by telephone, mail, or email. Citizens may

also call any district office or the jail, or report in person to any district office and complete a

citizen complaint form. Complainants may remain anonymous if they wish.

Complaints may remain anonymous if the complainant wishes. Contact information to report

complaints include the following:

Telephone – Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Internal Affairs Unit – (941) 575-5246

District One – (941) 475-9005

District Two – (941) 613-3245

District Three – (941) 258-3900

District Four – (941) 575-5372

Charlotte County Jail – (941) 833-6300

Email:

[email protected]

In Person:

Internal Affairs Unit – 7474 Utilities Road, Punta Gorda

District One – 11051 Wilmington Boulevard, Englewood

District Two – 992 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte

District Three – 3280 Tamiami Trail, Suite 505, Port Charlotte

District Four – 7474 Utilities Road, Punta Gorda

Headquarters – 7474 Utilities Road, Punta Gorda

Charlotte County Jail – 26601 Airport Road, Punta Gorda

mailto:[email protected]

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Agency Organizational Charts

annual report - charlotte county sheriff's office

Documents