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| August 11, 2006- City News |
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Dear friends,
Public safety has always been a top priority of this administration, and we are dedicating substantial additional public safety resources to protect and serve our citizens. As you are aware, the rising numbers of homicides in our city is a great concern, however, Orlando is not alone in the recent escalation of violent crime. Cities across the country are facing similar challenges, but any violent crime, even one homicide is unacceptable in our city.
The Orlando Police Department has developed a number of measures based on proven best practices that have worked in other cities, focusing on tactical operations and crime prevention programs to address not only the rising homicide rate, but other serious crimes as well. I have complete confidence in our police department to implement deployment methods based upon location of criminal activity. In fact, this tried, tested and effective approach is utilized often by police forces across the country.
In addition, we will implement a comprehensive, 3-year public safety initiative to increase our police officers and fire personnel by 11% and add additional personnel to patrol our parks and recreational facilities. This multi-year proposal will strengthen our police force, putting 75 additional officers on our streets to patrol our neighborhoods… making Orlando one of, if not the, highest-ranking cities in the nation for the number of officers we have per thousand citizens.
We must not tolerate the environment and lifestyles that result in violent crimes, and I encourage using the information listed below to assist you and your neighbors in becoming engaged in addressing this community wide concern.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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Public safety is a community wide responsibility. The Orlando Police Department’s 3-point approach includes: Enforcement: proactive tactical efforts based on crime statistics, Education: community outreach initiatives and Engagement: how you can make a difference to create safe and livable neighborhoods.
Enforcement
- Based on the analysis of the current homicide data the City has identified areas where a majority of the homicides have taken place, and are mobilizing resources to increase presence in those areas.
- In addition to the assigned patrol officers, the Orlando Police Department is deploying uniform and non-uniform specialized units as well as drug enforcement officers to these identified areas.
- These deployment efforts will not have an impact on our patrol coverage in those areas not affected by the current homicide trend.
- The Homicide Unit has solved approximately 73% of the cases since the beginning of this year by arrest or the suspect has been identified and an arrest is pending.
- In 70% of the homicides, the victim has been involved in the use or sale of drugs.
Education
- Citizen Police Academy- A program that introduces citizens to police work from how to patrol neighborhoods to tactics used in high-risk incidents. This academy is also offered during the day for senior citizens and in Spanish. Call 407.246.2461 for class times and dates.
- Faith-Based Neighborhood Outreach- A partnership between the City and local faith based leaders with a focus on educating and engaging the community. For more information call 407.246.2104.
- School Educational Programs- The Orlando Police Department offers “Super Kids", an elementary school program and the GREAT Program "Gang Resistance Education and Training", which is included in the Middle School curriculum and addresses community service and drug awareness and prevention.
Engagement
- Crimeline- Citizens are encouraged to anonymously notify the Orlando Police Department with information and suspects involved in crimes. The Crimeline phone number is (407) 423-TIPS.
- Drug Hotline- An anonymous hotline where citizens can report drug activity to the Orlando Police Department. The Drug Hotline phone number is 407.246.CRAK(2725).
- Citizens for Neighborhood Watch- Citizens for Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that provides home and personal safety training including free home and business security surveys; hosts Operation I.D. to engrave personal items for easy identification; and regular updates on neighborhood crimes statistics and crime alert bulletins. To get involved call 407.246.2461.
- Citizen Observer Program (COP)- Volunteers help police maintain livable neighborhoods by performing crime watch duties and alert the police department of hazards and unlawful behavior. To get involved call 407.246.2461.
- Kicks for Guns- A gun exchange program for shoes. A yearly event hosted by the Orlando Police Department, Real Radio 104.1 and Reebok. For more information call 407.246.2461.
The Orlando Police Department will continue to offer services and programs that focus on reducing crime and maintaining safe and livable neighborhoods. For more information on how to get involved, call 407. 246.2461 or visit www.cityoforlando.net
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Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners are hosting a series of neighborhood meetings for residents to discuss how new and updated community venues can enhance our City neighborhoods and where the City is in the process. The neighborhood meetings will also offer opportunities for residents to get engaged in these projects.
The Orlando City Council made a bold decision to move forward to meet our City’s need for creating a regional economic hub with world-class community venues—performing arts center, events center and Citrus Bowl. At that time, the City Council decided not just to build buildings, but also to embark on a process to transform neighborhoods through master planning. The City is working to build a community that celebrates its neighborhoods and its people, while also providing things like entertainment venues, roads and parks that meet residents’ needs.
It is essential that as City and County leaders continue to discuss the potential funding structure and master planning for these community venues, residents are given opportunities to become engaged in this exciting planning process. Below are the remaining series of neighborhood meetings that are being held throughout the City.
August 15, 2006 at 6:45 p.m.
Northlake Park Community School, Media Room
9055 Northlake Parkway
August 16, 2006 at 6:45 p.m.
John H. Jackson Community Center
1002 Carter Street
August 17, 2006 at 8:30 a.m.
City Hall, 9th Floor Overlook Room
400 S. Orange Ave.
August 17, 2006 at 6:45 a.m.
Rock Lake Community Center
440 N. Tampa Avenue
August 29, 2006 at 6:45 a.m.
Engelwood Community Center
6123 La Costa Drive
(This meeting is presented in Spanish)
Residents with questions regarding these meetings may contact Susan Harris in the Office of Neighborhood and Community Affairs at 407-246-2779 or email her at susan.harris@cityoforlando.net.
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The City of Orlando will continue delivery of the new garbage carts in the western part of the City in the next few weeks. This change in service will make garbage collection more efficient, cleaner and safer. The new automated trucks can only collect garbage in the provided carts. When left at the curb for collection, carts should be placed at least two feet from obstacles such as mailboxes, garages, utility boxes and poles, as well as trees and shrubs. Carts left on the curb after the scheduled collection day are subject to a $25 roll back fee. Garbage must be bagged when placed in the cart for collection, and residents are responsible for keeping the cart clean and sanitary. Your garbage collection days will remain unchanged.
Residents are encouraged to attend the public information sessions to learn more about this new cart based garbage collection system.
August 14th at 7 p.m.
Rosemont Community Center
4872 Rose Bay Drive
407-246-4351
August 16th at 7 p.m.
Dubsdread Florida Room
549 W. Par Street
407-246-2551
The City of Orlando Solid Waste Management Division strives to provide innovative high quality solid waste service at the lowest possible price. Should you have any questions about your solid waste service, please call us at 407- 246-2314.
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Mayor's Message
