SRSO

Family members and friends of inmates will have to establish an account with Offender Connect to accept inmate collect phone calls from this facility. Click on the link here to set up an account. This only pertains to inmate phone calls and is not connected to inmate accounts. See link below to add money to an inmate account. It is strongly recommended to access this service online as the customer service call center waiting time may be longer during normal working hours. The customer service call center can be reached at (814) 949-3303 or online at www.offenderconnect.com or by email at support@OffenderConnect.com. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (EST).

Inmate Account Information (click here)

To add money to an inmate account go to:

www.touchpaydirect.com

We are now accepting applications for “Certified” Correctional Officers. Perspective employees can download our application from the Careers section above. The applications can be turned in to the Human Resource Section at the Sheriff's Office. NOTICE: The Sheriff's Office is a “Tobacco Free" agency. You must be Tobacco Free for six (6) months prior to the application process.

"Providing reliable, timely information to our citizens is one of our top priorities," says Sheriff Wendell Hall. The public can now access crime 24 hours a day through our website or Crime Reports website or through the Crime Reports IPhone application, a free download in the Apple ITunes store. The new service also allows local citizens to sign up for free custom email alerts so they can stay on top of crime in their neighborhood. Sheriff Hall says "Information is power and we hope that giving the community this information will help them prevent crime in their neighborhoods." Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is joining over a thousand other law enforcement agencies sharing their crime information with the public through the map including local law enforcement agencies like the Pensacola Police Department and the Escambia County Sheriff's Office. You can access your local crime map below and also sign up for email crime alerts at:

Social networking has become the most popular form of communication in America today. From Twitter to cell phones and texting most people rely upon the computer for their up to date information. Keeping with this explosive trend in communications Sheriff Wendell Hall has created a Facebook page for the citizens of Santa Rosa County to find out what's going on with their local sheriff's office. From tips on safety to scam alerts and crimes committed within the community, just sign up on our Facebook and receive instant news on events that may affect you and your family. To sign up just click here, log on to your Facebook account, then enter "Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office" in your Facebook search bar.

Sheriff Wendell Hall has been appointed to the Pensacola State College Bachelor of Applied Science Advisory Board in March 2012. Among the other appointees are Sandy Sansing, Dr. Michael Torres, Dr. Tom Schneider, and Brett Landrum. The purpose of the board is to advise the college on issues regarding business student initiatives and act as a steering committee for the program.

On April 4, 2012, M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) recognized four Santa Rosa deputies at their annual candlelight vigil ceremony and law enforcement recognition dinner for DUI enforcement efforts during 2011. The recognition is based on the number of DUI arrests for the year. So honored were Deputy Adam Teichner (D2), Deputy Lucas Jordan, and Deputy Thomas Enfinger. The M.A.D.D. organization is dedicated to fighting the deadly effects of drunk driving on American highways. For photos of the presentation please click here.

The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office held their annual awards dinner to honor those personnel who were nominated for recognition for their efforts to the agency and the citizens during the year. The Life Saving Medal was presented to Deputies Benjamin Allen, Dion Schleifer, Lance Bird, I. D. Brewton, Sgt. Scott Haines, and Lt. Joe McCurdy. The Merit Medal Award was given to Detective William Wheeler and Lt. Joe McCurdy. A Unit Citation Award was presented to the Communication Unit of Sean Lee, Sheila Thornton, Tonya Heinley and Lauren Whitbey with the Communication Employee of the Year going to David Whittle. The Civilian Detention Employee of the year was given to Brenda Gramm while the Detention Deputy of the Year was Deputy Deborah Aldridge. Detention Deputy Supervisor of the Year was Captain Patty Killam and Civilian Law Enforcement Employee of the Year was present to Sheryl Kelley. Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year is Deputy Dion Schleifer and Law Enforcement Investigator of the Year is Detective Edward Vincent. Law Enforcement Supervisor is given to Sgt. Wayne Enterkin and a special Unit Citation was presented to the US Marsha's Task Force members of Sgt. Allen Salter, Sgt. Scott Haines, Joel Murphey, Ed Vincent, Lt. Bob Johnson, Blake Weekley, Jerry Nash, ID Brewton, Lance Bird, Ray Dyes, Lt. Joe McCurdy, Sgt. Bo Cobb, Jason Wells, Jake McKinley, John Merchant, Todd Walkins, Jeff McGill, Steve Hough, Sixto Boyer. The Valor Award went to Deputy Steve Hough. A Business Award went to ARAMARK with the Community Support Appreciation Award to Mr. Jackson Cundiff, Ms. Elizabeth Woolf, the Law Firm of Young, Bill, Fugett & Roumbos, the Eglin Federal Credit Union, and the Pen Air Federal Credit Union. A Community Support Award was given to Milton Iron & Metals Company.

The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast, known as "Commerce and Coffee," was held on March 30,2012 at the Hidden Creek Golf Course in Navarre. Sheriff Hall was the keynote speaker, updating the members on local crime stats and information. The Sheriff's Office mobile command center and one of the marine vessels were on hand for the public to see and tour. A crime prevention display and educational materials were given out by the agency's crime prevention specialist. Members of the agency's SWAT Team were also available to show special weapons utilized, when they are called out, and to demonstrate the robotic aparatus used by the team. Agency personnel included Deputies Rich Aloy, Duron Nelson, and Phillip Smith, Detective ID Brewton, Lt. Bob Johnson of the Navarre District 2 Sheriff's Office,and Crime Prevention Specialist Cindy Sarver. For photos click here.

Sheriff Wendell Hall proudly announced the deputies who were selected for "Deputy of the Quarter" for their respective districts for March 2012 based on their exemplary service to the agency and the community. Please click here for a photo of the ceremony.

As the weather heats up and daylights lasts long into the evening, many people will welcome the Florida summer by hitting the highway for a long-anticipated vacation. In the coming months motorists will find themselves faced with distractions, traffic congestion, construction zones and impatient drivers. These hazards can and do lead to dangerous driving, resulting in crashes that could be life altering or even fatal. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office suggests every driver brush up on their driving skills by clicking here for the following safety tips.

Students are now being targeted by educational scams. One of the latest deals with an on-line scam to dupe college students out of their money in what they think is an opportunity to receive funding to help pay for their education. For more information please click here.

A meeting is scheduled for April 19, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Navarre High School Cafeteria and on April 23, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Gulf Breeze Middle School Cafeteria to discuss this community problem. Click here for details for Navarre High School and here for details for Gulf Breeze Middle School.

The US Coast Guard Auxilary along with the Fire Department, Ambulance Service, and the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office wil be holding their annual boating safety day on May 19, 2012. Click here for the schedule, map, and agenda.

A new phone scam is on the rise. Beware of harassing and threatening phone calls from the same number, beginning with a (512) area code. The caller has been described as a man who claims to be an attorney or a legal service representative hired to "collect" on an outstanding load or debt that the "victim" does not owe. For more on this alert please click here.

Many business proprietors are targeted by criminals as they transfer cash from their place of business to their local bank. For tips on how to safely handle cash please click here.

The US Police Canine Associatoin (USPCA) 2012 Region 1 Field Trials were held in Gulf Shores Alabama February 20-24, 2012. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit competed and we would like to congratulate them on their performance and accomplishments! Click here for photos.

Detention Deputy Celeste Nelson was selected by the shift Lieutenants as the Detention Deputy of the Quarter. Deputy Nelson collected 66 coats for the Coats for Kids Drive and has been actively involved in the Canna for Manna Drive. Deputy Nelson has submitted suggestions to Detention Administration for review to assist in the operations of the Detention Division. Thank you for being such an active part of the Detention team! Click here for photo.

Jail tours for local youths are being conducted on the first Saturday of each month, from 1-2 PM, at the Santa Rosa County Jail East Milton (5755 East Milton Rd., Milton, Fl.). The youths must be between the ages of 8-17. These tours are by parent request only. Parents may sign up and register their child by calling Jerry Reed at 626-3041. The following schedule reflects the tour dates for 2012: May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 8, October 6, November 3, and December 1, 2012.

The tremendous rise in popularity of social media over the past five years has led to a drastic change in personal communication, both online and off. In fact, social networking now accounts for 22% of the total time spent on the Internet, according to Nielsen. Social networking is a potential gold mine for criminals who leverage the user's personal details to create financial opportunity. Click here for more information.

According to the National Safety Council, falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the United States , accounting for nearly 8.6 million visits to the emergency room. The number of fall deaths, among adults 65 or older, is 4 times the number of fall deaths among all other age groups. Falls occur in various locations such as doorways, ramps, cluttered hallways, uneven surfaces, areas with heavy traffic and areas prone to wetness or spills. Falls also occur due to unguarded heights, ladders, unstable work surfaces and stairs. Click here for more information.

Burglars have always been a threat to every community regardless of its location. Click here for a check off list to help prepare your car and home for possible burglaries.

In a new warning, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warns account holders of a new spam email scheme that involves a type of malware called "Gameover." The scheme involves fake emails from the National Automated Clearing House Association, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC. These messages attempt to trick recipients into clicking on a link to resolve some type of issue with their accounts or a recent ACH transaction. Once you click on the link, Gameover takes over your computer, and thieves can steal usernames, passwords and your money. Click here for more information.

The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office along with other contributors will be sponsoring a child safety program called Watch, Whistle & Wait that incorporates a video called Lost, But Found Safe and Sound. The video is about a young child who gets lost in the woods and is rescued by a search and rescue team. The video is shown to elementary aged kids and teaches them how to survive in the woods overnight, if they become lost. They are taught how to use an ordinary trash bag as a rain poncho, how to blow a whistle three (3) times as the international symbol for distress and how their shoe prints become a great clue for a search team. They learn about the art of "Man Tracking" and how people can be tracked by looking for and following their shoe prints that have been left behind. In addition to learning survival skills they are also taught about caring properly for pets, how to properly approach a dog, and what to do with pets, during a disaster. The Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue Auxiliary Team brings their therapy dogs for the kids to see and learn about. The program is in partnership between the search and rescue team and the SRSO. This program has been endorsed by the Santa Rosa Firefighters Association, the Santa Rosa School District, the CEO Roundtable and local law enforcement. It is currently being presented at the schools in our county as well as for scout troops. In February, 690 students (K-2) will receive this program at SS Dixon Primary School in Pace. Click here for a copy of the presentation or here for photos.

Scammers pretending to be with the Jamaican Lottery" have been busy preying upon elderly Floridian, over the last several months, taking advantage of vulnerable seniors who believe that they have hit the jackpot. To avoid the risk of being added to a list of easy targets circulating among a network of thieves, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office is warning anyone who receives a phone call from smooth talking predators to simply hang up. For further information please click here.

Sheriff Wendell Hall would like the citizens of Santa Rosa County to be prepared to prevent possible burglaries of their homes or businesses. Click here for several safety tips that may be helpful.

Please click here to review the new 2011 Florida State Statutes passed by the state legislators. Many of them take effect on July 1, 2011.

How are today's teenagers keeping hidden alcohol from the parents, teachers, and law enforcement officer? To learn the answer click on the following website from the Ford Motor Company to discover their techniques.

Sadly, thousands of American teenagers are killed and maimed on the nation's highways due to underage drinking. Thousands of others begin their criminal careers by graduating from alcohol to other drugs and intoxicants. Please assist your local law enforcement by reporting this illegal activity before it escalates into something more dangerous and irreversible. Click here to report underage drinking to the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Wendell Hall has invited another group of Santa Rosa County citizens to learn first hand what the life of a law enforcement and detention deputy is like. Forty citizens are meeting every Thursday night from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for a period of twelve weeks covering a variety of interesting topics. The purpose of the class is to teach our citizens about the problems of modern law enforcement today and how citizens can play an integral role in the criminal justice system. The students are being exposed to such topics as jail operations, property and evidence, field training, K-9 operations, officer equipment, patrol operations, DUI enforcement, intoxilizers, sexual investigations, crime scene, search and seizure, meth labs and narcotics, SWAT operations and intermediate weapons to include such things as Tasers, OC spray, control sticks, and defensive tactics. Students will have an opportunity to fire several weapons on the agency's gun range. The next scheduled class will begin in August 2012. If you're interested in joining us please download the attached application and send it to the address noted on the form. For photos of the class please click here. Light refreshments are served.

One of the greatest dangers facing the modern driver today is the advent of the cell phone. Drive down any highway or road in America today and you will see thousands of drivers talking on their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, many times at high speeds. However, to make matters worse is the act of actually texting while driving. This requires the driver to take their eyes off the road and to concentrate on typing out a tiny message on a miniscule screen. Knowing that it takes only seconds of inattention to create a catastrophic accident does not deter the drivers in the least. Sheriff Wendell Hall would like for you to take a few minutes to view this video and to remind the citizens of Santa Rosa County to please drive without texting!

Sheriff Hall has urged all local businesses to take advantage of a new program to help keep them safe. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has entered into a partnership with Florida's seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces and has launched "BusinessSAFE" to provide businesses of all types and sizes with new tools to keep them protected. Businesses have the option of registering to receive electronic alert notifications by email, cellular phones, or PDA's. These alerts will provide information about breaking news, possible threats, suspicious activity, and specific preparedness and prevention techniques for your business. To sign up log on to www.fdle.state.fl.us at no costs to the business. FDLE will periodically send out electronic alerts although each business can access pertinent materials on the FDLE website at any time. For more information go to http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/BSafe/ or you call FDLE at 850-410-8690.

Emergency Numbers on Cell Phones

Sheriff Hall is urging everyone to take a moment and consider adding an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number to their cell phones. June is National Safety Month and it is the perfect time to ICE your phone as an easy and quick way to save a life. To make this even simpler his agency has developed a MAD form (click here to access) for you to complete and give to your emergency contact that is attached to the alert. Please feel free to copy as many of these as you need and encourage your family and friends to ICE their phones. As an added safety measure you can place a copy in our wallet and in your glove box.

Sheriff Offers Citizens Firearm Safety Class

The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office will hold another firearm safety class for the citizens of Santa Rosa County to familiarize them with the Florida Statutes as well as the safe operation of their handguns. Lt. Jim Killingsworth will teach the class at the Sheriff's Office Firearms Range. Successful completion of this course can be used when applying for a "concealed weapons permit". Each participant will need to bring their own handgun and no more than fifty (50) rounds of ammunition. The four hour course consists of classroom instruction and actual firing on the range. No firearms are allowed in the classroom unless directed by the instructor. An application is required for registration plus a background record check on all participants. The next scheduled class will be held on Saturday from 8:00-12:00 PM, Ocotober 20, 2012 (Class Now Full). All participants MUST be at least 18 years of age. All citizens interested should download an application by clicking on the link: Citizen Firearms Training. Mail the application to: Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office, Training Division, 5755 E. Milton Rd., Milton, FL 32583.This class is offered to the citizens of Santa Rosa County by Sheriff Hall at no costs. Please fax your application to 850-983-1238.

In compliance with H.R. Bill 218, Sheriff Wendell Hall is extending an invitation to all area law enforcement officers to meet their requirement on the sheriff's office range. Bill 218 was passed stating retired law enforcement officers may carry a handgun without a permit by meeting certain standards. The Criminal Justice Standard and Training Commission of the State of Florida states that retirees must have a picture ID from the agency from which they retired. The ID card must state their retired status. The new law only applies to law enforcement officers that had statutory arrest powers. A "Firearm Proficiency Verification Card" in combination with their retired law enforcement ID card will allow them to carry a concealed handgun without a permit. Firearm qualification dates are as follows: Classes will be conducted on April 23, 2012, July 23, 2012, and October 22, 2012. All class times will begin promptly at 8:00 AM. As the participants arrive at the range, their handgun must be secured in a holster or some type of case that can be carried by hand. The handgun is not to be carried "out in the open." The qualification course will consist of forty (40) rounds. To pass, the participant must demonstrate proficiency of at least 80% (32 of 40 rounds in the scoring area). Bring the appropriate amount of ammunition as the proficiency requirement is to be demonstrated once. During the qualification, the participant's handgun must be in a holster that they can wear on their body and draw from. If the participant is shooting a semi-auto pistol, they need at least two (2) magazines capable of holding at least six (6) rounds each. At least one speed loader is required if a revolver will be used. Due to limited space, reservations are required. You must make your reservation in person at the Sheriff's Office with the training division and bring your agency ID. At that time a copy will be made of your ID and an affidavit of retired status will need to be signed. If you have any questions please call the Training Division at 983-1234. If you have taken this course from us before we probably already have your paperwork so just call 983-1234 and talk with Sheryl.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has added an option to their D.A.V.I.D. (Driver and Vehicle Information Database) system so that Florida drivers can add emergency contact information to their database. The purpose of the program is so that the families of drivers involved in accidents can be contacted quickly and notified of the whereabouts of their loved ones. Any driver can input their emergency contact information by logging on to the following website and entering the required information:

The US Police Canine Associatoin (USPCA) 2012 Region 1 Field Trials were held in Gulf Shores Alabama February 20-24, 2012. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit competed and we would like to congratulate them on their performance and accomplishments! Click here for photos.