Community Services And Crime Prevention
SEMINOLE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION
To provide for a coordinated and holistic approach to community based services as well as to efficiently facilitate resources throughout the Sheriff's Office; all community-oriented services were reassigned to the Community Services Division in 2006. As a result, Community Services is now comprised of the Crime Prevention Unit, Homeless Services, Special Projects and the Office of Public Information.
Community Services is headed by Captain Kip Beacham, who serves Deputy Director of the division.
Crime Prevention and Intervention is responsible for the development and implementation of Crime Prevention programs and Senior Safety initiatives that will enhance the Safety and Security for all residents of Seminole County. It is the Sheriff's Office mission to reduce crime and the fear of crime throughout Seminole County so that we maintain the highest quality of life for our citizens.
Child Safety, Residential Security, Business Security, Auto Theft Prevention and Senior Citizens Safety, are only a sample of the topics available to the residents and business owners of Seminole County.
The following topics are available free from your Sheriff's Office, or are links to organizations which help others. We encourage your feedback on any of our crime prevention and intervention programs.
- Auto Theft
- Business Security- Programs and Services- In-Service Training
- Child Safety
- Community Partnerships
- Crime Alert Bulletins
- Crime Prevention Seminars
- Elder Services Presentations and Services
- Fraud Seminars - Scams and Cons, Telemarketing, Traveling Criminals
- Guest Speakers for your group or organization
- Home Security - Neighborhood Watch and other services
- Home Security Workbook
- Internet Safety
- KidZone - A Seminole County traffic engineering program
- Request that the Sheriff's Office attend your community event
- Teen Dating for Girls
- Women's Safety Seminar
- International Centre for the Prevention of Crime
- Girls and Boys Town
- Safe Place
- Weed and Seed Program
- Community Law Enforcement Academy
- Seminole County Sheriff's Office Website
- eLerts
- Victim Advocates
For additional information on any of these topics, or to set up a presentation for your organization, contact the Seminole County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit.
Seminole County Sheriff's Office
Community Services Division
100 Bush Blvd.
Sanford, FL 32773-6706
407.665.6977 or 407.665.6748
Fax: 407.665.6658
Press And Community Releases
Click here to see the current Press and Community Releases listing.
Auto Theft
Automobile theft is a real concern to everyone. Efforts by Law Enforcement to curb this type of criminal activity depend heavily on the vehicle's owner protecting his or her investment.
The following are ways the Sheriff's Office can assist someone to reduce the chances of their vehicle becoming the target of thieves.
VIN Etching
This is a program offered through our Auto Theft Unit where the windows on your vehicle are etched with the Vehicle Identification Number as a deterrent to car thieves. Thieves tend to avoid stealing vehicles that are etched with a VIN in the glass.
Contact Auto Theft Unit, Sgt. Mark Pergola, (407) 665-6665
For your convenience, Crime Prevention Officers can conduct these programs right in your neighborhood during a community event, such as a Block Party or picnic.
C.A.T.- Combat Auto Theft Program
C.A.T. is a voluntary vehicle registration program that provides the vehicle owner with two reflective decals for the front and rear vehicle windshield. Each decal has a serial number that is recorded in a Sheriff's Office database, maintained by Crime Prevention, and is available to patrol Deputies. By registering in the program, vehicle owners give law enforcement throughout the county permission to stop their vehicle and ensure that it is not stolen during the hours of 1am and 5am, since this is the time that most vehicles are stolen.
Contact the Crime Prevention Uni at the following number:, (407) 665-6748
Business Security
Programs designed to enhance security for management, employees and customers through education and mutual cooperation are other services offered by the Sheriff's Office. Crime Prevention Practitioners are available to come to your place of business and make any of the following presentations as in-service training programs.
The Sheriff's Office also performs a Security Check of buildings and property, at your invitation, to eliminate any situations that may tend to encourage crime.
Bank Robbery Prevention
This program alerts bank personnel on ways to reduce the chances of becoming a target of robbery, safety precautions if a robbery occurs, and ways to preserve evidence and witness recollection following a robbery.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Business Watch
Business Watch is a formal network of communication between businesses in a commonly shared area for the specific goal of reducing crimes such as robberies, shoplifting and employee thefts, thereby enhancing customer confidence.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Crime Prevention in the Workplace
This presentation is designed to educate individuals about ways of reducing the incidence of crimes in the workplace.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Drug/Alcohol Abuse in the Workplace
Employers and employees are educated on the contributing factors for drug abuse in the workplace, signs of substance abuse and dependency, and resources available to all concerned.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Internal Thefts Presentation
Crime Prevention Officers assist businesses in understanding the problem of internal thefts and steps that may be taken to decrease the occurrence of this crime at their place of business.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Robbery Prevention Convenience Store Training
This training, designed specifically for Convenience Store operators and employees, educates all concerned about the requirements of the Convenience Store Business Security Act, reducing the chances of being targeted and safety precautions to take if a robbery occurs. Security tips are specifically designed for convenience store operators.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Violence in the Workplace
Employers and employees are taught preventative measures to create a safe working environment. Employers are given information on developing an aggressive security and safety program for their place of business that includes a reporting mechanism. Participants are given information on recognizing early warning signs of a potentially violent person and/or situation and information regarding reporting.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Business Security Assessment
Certified Crime Prevention Practitioners are available to provide a security assessment of businesses upon request. Using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, Community Service Officers will check your business property, identify vulnerable areas, and provide recommendations that will enhance the security of your business.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Child Safety Initiatives
Crime Prevention and Intervention has a variety of child safety programs available to the community. Our goal is to assist parents and teachers in relaying vital safety concepts to the children in their care.
Each program listed below is taught in an age-appropriate manner so the children will not only recognize possible dangers and unsafe situations, but will also learn what to do when confronted with these situations. These concepts are taught in a fun and non-threatening way, sometimes with the help of McGruff, The Crime-Fighting Dog; our very own "kid friendly" remote-control robots Junior Deputy Mike on a Bike or his sister Maggie; and a little bit of MAGIC!
Other services are available, such as, Child Fingerprinting, Car Seat Safety Checks by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and Bicycle Helmet Fittings. These services can be arranged by appointment only.
Main contact for all child safety programs: Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers; (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977.
To schedule any of these programs at your school, please contact the Dividends contact for the Seminole County Public Schools, Lynn Baggett at (407) 320 0179. All others, e-mail your request to Margaret Levins.
9-1-1 Program
This program is designed to ensure that each child knows how to call for help using 911, and what to tell the 911 operator. It also helps children understand the difference between an emergency and non-emergency situation.
Street-Smart Kids
This program teaches children street safety rules to follow when they encounter strangers in various situations. Vital information will be given on the tricks potential abductors play on children. This program also helps children recognize potentially dangerous situations and suspicious people.
We Love You, Buckle Up!
Pre-school and elementary age children are taught the importance and necessity of buckling up each and every time with the help of our Bucklebear puppet. It includes safety information for both children and parents regarding air bags, seat belts, child restraint seats and the Child Restraint Law. Seatbelt safety programs for elementary students and PTA members are available upon request.
Gun Safety
This program provides each pre-school and elementary age child with refusal skills needed where firearms and ammunition are concerned. It helps each child to understand the danger of guns and what they must do when they find a gun.
Bicycle Safety
Elementary school children are taught the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet and the correct way to wear a helmet through entertaining and informative demonstrations. Other related concepts taught in this program include: safe bicycling practices, potential injuries that might occur, signaling and hazards on the road. Trained personnel often assist at school and community sponsored bike rodeos to assist with bike helmet fittings to ensure proper helmet fit.
Poison Prevention Program
This program utilizes lesson plans from the Florida Poison Information Center in Tampa, FL. Young children are taught what poisons are and how they can hurt them. Children are also taught that many products, as well as medicines in their home, can be poisonous if they're used in the wrong way.Emphasis is made on; Always checking with an adult before tasting anything; Taking too much medicine can make you sick; Medicine should only be taken when you're sick and given by your parents or an adult who has permission to do so.
Winners Don't Use (Drug Prevention Presentation)
This educational program discusses: the difference between medicine and drugs, the danger of taking medicine when you're not sick or from someone other than your parents or designated caregiver; and how drugs change the way our bodies work. The goal is to give the children a strong sense of importance, increased self-esteem and the refusal skills needed to help them combat peer pressure. This presentation is often incorporated into the school's Red Ribbon Week activities and school assemblies.
My Body, My Own...You Can Say No!
Pre-school through elementary age children are taught to recognize Good Touches vs. Secret Touches and provides them information on what to do if they are touched in an inappropriate way. Children will understand that: they have permission to say NO, that child abuse/molestation is wrong, and how to report abuse.
Pedestrian Safety
This safety presentation teaches pre-school through elementary age children the importance of: looking and listening, walking against traffic, and how to safely cross the street in various situations. For Pre-K and Kindergarten, this program is taught in conjunction with a video featuring Willy Whistle.
Bullying Prevention
This school board approved program is offered for elementary through high school age children and their caregivers on the implications of bullying, and the steps needed to address this problem. Cyberbullying and the problems it poses are also addressed in this program.
Crime Prevention Seminar
The Sheriff's Office will supply trained and certified Crime Prevention Practitioners to address your group or organization to educate them about Crime Prevention and how to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
Hands-on safety devices and informational material will be displayed for the audience.
Let us show you ways to reduce crime and more importantly the fear of crime; how crime prevention can improve the quality of life in neighborhoods; and ways to promote better communication between your community and law enforcement.
Learn the crime prevention triangle - ability, desire, and opportunity - to show how crimes occur where opportunities exist.
Learn that most crimes against a person don't just happen ... victims are selected.
Learn ways to protect yourself and your property just by being aware of your surroundings:
- At home
- In a vehicle
- Walking
- Shopping
- ATMs
- Convenience store parking lots
Get the latest information on scams and cons and telemarketing frauds occurring in our area.
Learn what constitutes suspicious activity; how to report a crime in progress; what to do if attacked.
Get information on:
- Neighborhood Watch Program
- Operation Identification
- Home Security Survey
- House Watch Program
Crime Alert Bulletins
The Sheriff's Office can keep you advised of major incidents occurring in Seminole County simply by advising you via e-mail. Stay informed of what's happening in your area.
eLerts
If you have access to the Internet and have e-mail capabilities, you can sign on to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office website to receive email Crime Alert messages, notices of registered felons, sex offenders, sexual predators, and traveling criminals who are in your area.
To enroll for this free service, click on eLert - Stay Updated by the Sheriff on the homepage.
Elder services - Programs for the Golden Years
Elder Services currently assists elderly and vulnerable adults within Seminole County through coordination of the Elder Intervention Team. This team consists of Deputies and Police Officers who are designated as Elder Crime Practitioners to address specific needs and concerns of this population segment countywide. The Elder Services section collaborates with Triad, adult protection, and other state agencies addressing issues of our aging population on a daily basis.
Contact the Elder Service Officer, Dottie Burkett, (407) 665-6976.
Senior Reassurances Programs
This is a comprehensive program designed to offer residents the security of knowing that someone knows they are "OK" on a daily basis. A phone call can be made that assures a person is all right and does not need medical or special attention.
Contact the Elder Service Officer, Dottie Burkett, (407) 665-6976
Senior Safety and Awareness Presentations
There are a variety of safety and awareness presentations available to local senior centers, organizations and residential areas. The topics discussed that can enhance the awareness of older citizens are: scams and cons games, personal safety, travel and tourist safety, telemarketing fraud and Triad.
For information about understanding and preventing abuse, neglect and or exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult abuse, contact Elder Services Officer, Dottie Burkett at (407) 665-6976
For information about all other senior presentations, call the Crime Prevention Unit at (407) 665-6748.
TRIAD
Triad is a partnership of seniors, law enforcement, state attorney, first responders, criminal justice, community and independent organizations. These agencies are brought together to implement consistency of services in addressing the issues and concerns of older Americans.
Nationally, Triad is comprised of an agreement between the National Sheriff's Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and AARP.
Seminole County Triad is a partnership between many different organizations tasked with identifying to include, and developing programs to address the special needs and concerns of the aging/disabled population in Seminole County. Issues such as personal safety, health concerns, transportation needs, crime prevention and education will be important topics for our senior population in the new millennium.
Contact Linda Cavanaugh, Triad President for Seminole County (407) 265-0534, or Dottie Burkett, Elder Services Officer,(407) 665-6076
Fraud Seminars
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Scams and Cons
Residents will learn about the latest scams and cons being perpetrated upon homeowners and Seminole County residents.
Telemarketing Fraud
Information is provided about the various methods that telemarketers use to gain the trust of victims, the different types of scams being used, laws governing telemarketing calls, ways to safeguard your privacy, warning signs of illegal telemarketing, and how to reduce the chances of being scammed.
Traveling Criminals
Presenters will provide the latest information on the activities, methods and trends of the Traveling Criminals who are well versed in home burglaries.
Guest Speakers
Do you need a guest speaker for your club, organization, social gathering?
Contact the Community Services Section to arrange for a speaker on a variety of Crime Prevention programs.
Topic available include:
- Auto Theft Prevention
- Business Security
- C.A.T. (Combat Auto Theft) Program
- Child Safety
- Home Security
- Neighborhood Watch
- Scams and Cons
- Senior Citizens Safety
- Telemarketing Fraud
- Women's Safety
These are only a few of the programs available, free of charge.
For more information, call the Communiuty Services Section at (407).665.6977.
Your request will be answered within two working days.
Crime Prevention
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Neighborhood Watch Program
The Neighborhood Watch Program is a community notification system that instructs residents on taking a proactive approach to crime by reporting what they see and hear. The goal is to improve the quality of life for residents by reducing crime and the fear of crime throughout Seminole County. Residents are provided information on setting up a "Watch", its structure, establishing a notification system, and how the Sheriff's Office may assist participating communities.
Home Security Assessment
Upon request a Certified Florida Crime Prevention Practitioner will conduct a free and confidential security check of your residence. We will assess all areas of your home including, but not limited to: lighting, alarm systems, locks, doors, windows, computer security, and landscaping. Recommendations will be discussed with you and you will be given a written copy on how to make your home a harder target to the criminal. To see a video sample of a residential security assessment, please click here. To schedule a home security assessment of your home, please call Ernie Glass at (407) 665-6983 or send your request to eglass@seminolesheriff.org.
House Watch
Seminole County residents who are going on vacation may sign up for this free service that provides a daily check of their property by a Community Service Area Deputy while away.
Residential Security
Residents are provided information on the latest residential security hardware and safety recommendations that will help deter the burglar. Certified Florida Crime Prevention Practitioners provide examples of security hardware for display.
Scams and Cons
Don't be so eager to part with your hard earned money. Hear about the latest scams and cons being perpetrated on homeowners.
Telemarketing Fraud
Learn how to handle those annoying phone calls and what types of scams are taking place over the phone. Learn the warning signs of illegal telemarketing and how to protect yourself from being ripped off.
Kidzone Child Safety Program
The following statements have been found to be true:
- There is no evidence that the sign "Children At Play" slows down traffic or makes drivers more aware of children
- The sign is not recognized as an official sign by state or national standards
- The sign can promote a false sense of security to both children and parents
- Every neighborhood in Seminole County has children, so an absence of the sign would incorrectly imply that children do not live in the area.
Because of these reasons, Seminole County is promoting the KidZone concept aimed at increasing child safety in our neighborhoods. KidZone is patterned after the Neighborhood Watch program. The idea behind KidZone is to educate children and parents alike on child safety programs as it relates to: Traffic Safety, Fire Safety, Stranger/Danger, Bicycle Safety, 911, or Pedestrian Safety.
Neighborhoods meeting the designated criteria can achieve KidZone status by holding a meeting that is attended by at least 10 children accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Safety personnel from Seminole County's Sheriff's Office or the Traffic Engineering Department will conduct the meeting.
Neighborhoods that hold a meeting at least once a year are entitled to have KidZone signs posted at the entrance to their communities. The signs are intended to remind drivers that child safety is important to this neighborhood and that the residents have taken steps to insure the safety of their children.
In order to maintain KidZone status, the neighborhood must renew the program on a yearly basis.
It is important to remember that signs do not provide any type of physical protection for children. There is no substitute for proper supervision and education. It is up to ALL of us to protect our most valuable resource: OUR CHILDREN.
The following qualifying criteria for the program:
- Residential street (meaning not a collector or higher classification).
- Closed sub-division (meaning no opportunities for cut-through by non-resident traffic).
- Average daily traffic less than a 1,000 vehicles per day.
- No geometric restrictions (vertical and horizontal curvatures restricting sight)
Planning a Community Event?
You can invite the Sheriff's Office to an up-coming event in your community, whether it is a block party, annual picnic, or any activity bringing neighbors together.
The Sheriff's Office may be able to arrange for vehicles; personnel, equipment and displays, such as those listed below, to visit your community at no cost to you.
To request the Sheriff's Office to participate in your event, please complete the online request form or you may contact the Crime Prevention Section at (407)-665-6977. Your inquiry will be answered within two business days.
Please be advised that many communities book their requests months in advance. Every effort will be taken to fill your request.
Activities Available for your Event
- C.A.T. (Combat Auto Theft) SIGN-UP. A booth can be set up so residents can register their vehicle(s) and have decals placed in the front and rear windows alerting thieves their vehicle(s) can be stopped during early morning hours if seen on the roadways. To sign up, the owner must present his or her driver's license and vehicle registration.
- CHILD FINGERPRINTING. Tables can be set up for trained personnel to fingerprint your child and present you with the print card for your records.
- CHILD SAFETY DISPLAY. Coloring books, safety handouts and information pertaining to child safety can be set up in a booth.
- CRIME PREVENTION STATIC DISPLAY. An array of photos and information can be set up at a booth offering general Crime Prevention information.
- DEPUTY/PATROL CAR. A Deputy assigned to your area can attend and display his or her patrol car.
- DRUG AWARENESS DISPLAY. A detailed display of information on Drug and Alcohol Abuse to inform and educate your residents.
- NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH INFORMATION. If your community does not have already have one, learn how to start a Neighborhood Watch organization in your area.
- ROBOTS. Remote controlled educational tools to enhance the children's programs and their involvement.
- Mike-On-A-Bike
- McGruff Crime Dog
- Maggie
- SENIOR SAFETY DISPLAY. Important information displayed, explaining various services and resources pertaining to Safety for Older Americans.
- VIN ETCHING. Have every window on your vehicle etched with your vehicle's identification number. This process will not impair your visibility though the windows.
- Helicopter (fly-by or landing if appropriate)
- HUMVEE (on display)
- SWAT (equipment display)
The following items can be requested, but due to conditions such as weather, emergency call-outs and other factors at the time of your event, we CANNOT GUARANTEE they will be there.
Crime Prevention Programs for Scouting
Tiger, Wolf, Big Bear Cubs and Webelos may earn the Merit Badge upon completion of this five week program that covers information on Crime Prevention, Home Security, Drugs, Gangs, Child Abuse, and culminates in a tour of the jail. A Merit Badge is awarded to all scouts that complete the requirements of the program.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Boy Scouts of America Merit Badge
Ask the Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit to be your counselor for earning this merit badge. A 5-week program which fulfills all the requirements is available on request.
Boy Scout/Cub Scout Crime Prevention Award
This two-phased program will teach your scouts about crime prevention and law enforcement. Scouts in phase two of this program must participate in a crime prevention project. A Crime Prevention patch is awarded to youth who complete requirements and those adults who participate in and or provide leadership to the program.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following number: (407) 665-
National Sheriff's Association Crime Prevention Patch
This distinctive patch, brand new as of 2001, is available from the National Sheriff's Association for a scout's participation in a Crime Prevention Program.
The Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit can assist your unit with material, speakers and information to fulfill the requirements.
Women's Safety
Few women want to even entertain the thought that they might be a victim of a violent crime or sexual assault. But the sad reality is that women are often the victims of a violent attack.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, there are approximately 500,000 rapes and sexual assaults perpetrated upon women each year. The shocking reality is that friends or acquaintances of the victims committed over half of these rapes or sexual assaults. Even more sobering is the fact that many more rapes, committed by both acquaintances and strangers, go unreported each year. It is estimated that 80-90% of all rapes go unreported.
So, how can women protect themselves against a violent attack?
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Crime Prevention Unit, offers a women's safety presentation that tackles this question head on. Education and awareness are two of the best prevention tools women have against sexual assault. The following are some of the topics covered in this one hour presentation: Common Myths & Misconceptions Addressed; The Three Stages Leading Up To a Violent Assault; Profile Of A Rapist; How to Reduce Your Chances Of Becoming the Next Victim; When The Assailant Is Not A Stranger; Pros & Cons of Self Defense Tools; Florida Law Regarding Ownership of Self Defense Tools; and Worst Case Scenarios.
Email us to schedule a Women's Safety Presentation.
International Centre for the Prevention of Crime
The International Centre for the Prevention of Crime is an international compendium of information on how to prevent burglaries, car thefts, sexual assaults or other common crimes. It also discusses how to prevent young persons from offending and how to foster more responsibility as a way of increasing safety and security.
Weed and Seed Program
The Weed and Seed Program is designed to control violent crime, drug trafficking and drug related crime in targeted high-crime neighborhoods and provide a safe environment free of crime and drug use for residents. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" criminals from the target areas. "Seeding" brings prevention, intervention, treatment and neighborhood revitalization services to the area. The Weed and Seed approach is unique in that the strategy is based on the collaboration, coordination and leveraging resources, with a heavy emphasis on community participation.
Contact Mike Robbins, Weed and Seed Coordinator, (407) 665-6576
Community Law Enforcement Academy
The Community Law Enforcement Academy is designed to educate the citizens of Seminole County in the concepts and procedures of law enforcement and that of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. Class is held each Wednesday for fifteen weeks from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. There are no physical requirements and it is a free course of instruction taught by members of the Command Staff, Deputy Sheriffs, and staff from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
Contact Vic Confessore, Coordinator, (407) 665-6977
Seminole County Sheriff's Office Website
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office website provides the public information on a variety of resources available to them. Resources include everything from information about sexual offenders, predators, convicted felons, transient criminals, code enforcement, computer classes, to the Community Law Enforcement Academy and so much more.
eLerts
This email notification system provides information to registrants about offenders, predators, registered felons, transient criminals, crime prevention tips and crime trends. Those interested in receiving these notifications may register on the Seminole County Sheriff's Office website with a valid email address.
Margaret Levins, Crime Prevention Coordinator, (407) 665-6748
Girls and Boys Town
Girls and Boys Town was founded by Father Flanagan in 1917 and has a long history of offering help, hope and dealing to abused, abandoned. neglected, handicapped or otherwise troubled childen. The mission is to change the way America cares for her at-risk children.
Safe Place
Project Safe Place provides access to immediate help and supportive resources for young people in crisis through a network of sites sustained by qualified agencies, trained volunteers, and businesses.
Community Partnerships
Youth Build
This community improvement program is a collaborative effort with the City of Sanford, Seminole County Government, Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Seminole County School Board, Seminole County Community College, Habitat for Humanity and The Grove Counseling Center. This program offers underprivileged and undereducated children the opportunity to receive a formal education, vocational skills in the construction field, leadership development and job placement. The children will build homes for low-income residents as well as refurbish existing homes for those in need.
Contact Jennifer Taylor, Program Director, (407) 708-7646
Multi Agency Gang Task Force (MAGTF)
MAGTF is a cooperative effort between the Sheriff's Office and the various municipalities in Seminole County to share gang intelligence information. MAGTF members meet monthly to share intelligence and participate in cooperative operations to address issues in specific areas.
Contact Sgt. Rick Miller (407) 708-7650
Family Connections
Family Connections is a collaborative initiative between the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Kids House, CBC and The Children's Home Society that links community services to families that need extra support and assistance. The focus is to draw upon the family's strength, experience, knowledge and resources to help provide for the safety and well being of the family. Referrals are only accepted through reports received through the Child Abuse Hotline and Child Protective Investigators.
Contact Debra Groseclose, Kids House, (407) 324-3036
Teens in Action
Teens in Action, a collaborative effort between Seminole County 4H, Longwood Rotary and Seminole County Sheriff's Office, provides fully stocked backpacks for victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Backpacks include toiletry items, clothing, hand-sewn flannel blankets and books. Teens from local 4H club assemble the backpacks, and sew the flannel blankets. These backpacks are distributed by Child Protective Investigators, Child Service Aides and Case Managers as they come in contact with victims.
Contact Julie Bast, Child Protective Services, (407) 665-6489
Seminole County United Christmas Village
Seminole County United Christmas Village is a collaborative Christmas event with over 120 community partners that meet the needs of high risk children in the community. A full day of entertainment and activities are provided including a children's activities center, Santa's toyshop for caregivers, a bounce house, visits with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, and food is provided.
Contact Person: Marie Carling (407)-665-6508
Project ChildSafe
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office has a continuing partnership with this nationwide firearm safety education and gunlock program through the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which provides free firearm safety kits and gun safety information to Seminole County residents.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Teen Dating for Girls
Teen age girls are taught ways to keep safe, how to handle aggressive and uncomfortable situations, including date rape drug information and the danger signs of an unhealthy relationship. An interactive workshop is incorporated into this presentation.
Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Internet Safety
Internet Safety presentations are available for all age groups, elementary through high school age. Each presentation is geared for the specific age group and may address the following various topics based upon age appropriateness: cyber bullying, protecting personal information, identifying potentially dangerous people and situations online, etiquette, music downloading, and risky behavior online.
Crime Prevention Unit at the following numbers: (407) 665-6748, (407) 665-6480, (407) 665-6977 or (407) 665-6983.
Sexual Exploitation of Children Online
This hands-on class will help provide caregivers with an understanding of: The location of vulnerable areas online for children and teens: the grooming process that the computer sex offender uses to gain access to victims; new technologies and latest trends that may put children at risk; software and hardware tools for caregivers; and searching your computer.
Computer Frauds & Scams
More and more people of all ages are surfing the Internet and making purchases online. Increased usage of Internet services also increases the chances that online users may become a victim of a fraud, scam or identity theft. This hands on class will cover the most common frauds and scams perpetrated online. Computer users will also understand how personal information may be compromised online; what steps they must take to protect their personal & financial information, and what to do if they become a victim.
Computer Security
Every new computer technology that is introduced brings with it new challenges to the average computer user. Not understanding how to secure a computer network, whether it is wireless or otherwise, may put the user at risk to viruses, worms and network intrusions as well as malware. In this two and a half hour class, computer users will learn about: new types of computer crime that target unsecured computers; signs of computer trouble; password protection; and the basics of securing computers.
"Do You Have A Space On Myspace?"
This one hour PTA and community presentation is designed to educate parents and caregivers on the features of social networking sites, how these sites may used by sexual offenders to prey on children and teens, and what measures parents may take to reduce the vulnerability of children on these sites.
Internet Safety: Grades 3 through High School
Children and teens are given information on the many valuable resources available online. The following topics are also discussed: cyber-bullying, risky online behavior, postings of personal information, tips on what to do if confronted with uncomfortable or inappropriate material, reporting illegal or inappropriate situations, music downloading, and internet safety tips.
Victim Advocate
The Victims Services Section assists victims of violent crime and other emotionally traumatic events. Victim Advocates assess the needs of victims to identify appropriate legal and social agencies for assistance, and respond to crime scenes as needed. The section coordinates community volunteers, who provide a continuous 24-hour, seven-day per week availability.
Contact the Victim Services Coordinator, Debra Wagner, (407) 665-6546
