Inmate Phone System

Family members and friends will have to establish an account with Inmate Telephone, Inc. (ITI) if you wish to accept inmate phone calls from this facility. Click on the link here to set up an account.

Click here for additional Information pertaining to the new Inmate Phone System.

New 2010 Florida Statutes

The new 2010 Florida statutes have been released by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. If you wish to review the statutory summaries of the new laws please click here.

Law Enforcement Memorial Service

The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office conducted their annual Law Enforcement Memoir al Service on Wednesday May 12, 2010 at 9:00 AM on the front lawn of the main building at 5755 East Milton Road, Milton. The memorial service was to honor all law enforcement officers that have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty for their country and the citizens they serve. For photo of service click here.

 

Three Deputies Honored for their Contributions

Three deputies of the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office were honored today by Sheriff Wendell Hall and the Florida Sheriff's Association for their donations to the Florida Boys Ranch. Each of the three deputies have had money deducted from their paychecks for the last sixteen years and graciously forwarded to the Boys Ranch organization. Ms. Lana Pate, Donor Relations Officer for the FSA, presented Lt. Todd Smith, Cpl. Donnie Wigen, and Captain Jeff Floyd with a memento of their appreciation for their selfless contribution. For photos click here.

Summer Scam Alert

Beware of a phone call or a knock at the door with a sales pitch similar to, “We are in your area and we are giving “free” inspections on your air conditioning unit”, or “according to your warranty it is time for the annual inspection of your roof.” Some homeowners, many who live in manufactured homes, have been contacted by “alleged” roofing repair companies, in various parts of the state. The scammers who contacted them made an attempt to convince their unsuspecting victims that they are the original company who placed the roof on the victim's residence, and in order to maintain the homeowners' warranty, they must inspect it immediately. Once the inspection is complete, the con-artist submits an estimate to the homeowner for thousands of dollars of unnecessary repair work. The Sheriff's Office recommends that you always check with the company who issued the original warranty to determine what costs are covered, whether or not a yearly inspection is required and who to contact for inspections and repairs, before you agree to any additional inspection.In addition, with summer fast approaching, residents should be wary of “contractors” who happen to be in your neighborhood offering “free” air conditioning inspections, bargains or immediate service. These “free” inspections can end up costing the homeowner thousands of dollars due to inflated prices, sloppy workmanship that requires correction, and/or a voided warranty.The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office advises consumers to thoroughly check out contractors by doing the following:

 

• Get at least three bids before choosing your service company.
• Don't do business with an unlicensed contractor.
• Get a reliability report from the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org .
• Insist on a written contract detailing the work to be done.

 

For further information call the Crime Prevention Unit at (850) 983-1236

Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste ... And taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4.Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows (probably not in Santa Rosa County) while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather..

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)

14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never ever look like a crook.

15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.

17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets..

19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.


20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.

21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book “Burglars on the Job”.

 

Threat Detection & Reaction for Retail and Shopping Center Staff

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has developed a Threat Awareness & Detection training instrument designed to raise the level of awareness for retail and shopping center employees. This training tool provides information to help identify and report unusual activities and threats in a timely manner. It was developed in public-private partnership with DHS's Office of Infrastructure Protection's Office for Bombing Prevention and the Commercial Facilities Sector. It may be used by Point-of-Sale staff or any employees of a shopping center, mall, or retail facility. It uses case studies and best practices to explain suspicious behavior and items, how to reduce the vulnerability of an active shooter threat to a soft target, and the appropriate actions to take if employees notice suspicious activity. It instructs you on Recognizing, Reporting, and Reacting to a threat. Please view this at https://connect.hsin.gov/p21849699/ The presentation consists of a 20 minute narrated video. If you have a problem connecting to this, just close the application and re-launch as necessary. This presentation will be good for individuals singly at ones work space or can be played for large groups. Remember, building awareness is the most important action in protecting the Homeland.

 

Sheriff Hall is Man of the Year

Sheriff Wendell Hall was recognized as the Man of the Year for Santa Rosa County during the 73rd Annual Leadership Awards and Installation Banquet at Whiting Field on January 30, 2010. Sheriff Hall's excellent work with the Santa Rosa Kid's House and other extremely worthwhile endeavors for the community has placed him in a position of honor among his contemporaries in Northwest Florida. In making the presentation Joshua Hurst of the Chamber of Commerce stated, "His leadership and dedication was the driving force in creating the Santa Rosa Kids House where he continues to serve as the Chairman today. He was one of the founding members of the Emerald Coast Honor Flight Initiative, and through his efforts raised thousands of dollars for their support. In addition, he participated as a guardian to ensure the well being of three of America's greatest generation on their trip to Washington, D.C. In addition to helping raise funds for construction of the Veteran's Memorial Plaza, Sheriff Hall still fires up the grill for the Navy League Annual Boston Butt Fundraiser to raise money for the Navy Leagues education scholarship and to support the Sea Cadets. In support and recognition of our areas industry he also demonstrates his culinary diversity during the Industry Appreciation Month Fish Fry. A graduate of Leadership Santa Rosa Class #16, Sheriff Hall continues to support the program each year by taking participants through the firing range and K-9 demonstration. Not only does he take his law enforcement responsibilities seriously, he is also committed to the development of our youth through various support programs to ensure good future citizens." Congratulations to Sheriff Hall on this outstanding achievement. For a photo of the award click here.

SAR Group Honors Sheriff

Nancy Locke of SWPANSAR (Southwest Panhandle Search and Rescue) presented a Certificate of Appreciation on January 21, 2010 to Sheriff Wendell Hall of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office for his support of their team. The Sheriff's Office donated a boat, motor and trailer for their training use.  The boat will be critical for training Human Remains Detection K9's on the water.  The impact of the donation will go beyond their use as it will also allow them to participate in the development and testing of national standards for HRD Water testing.  The department also donated radios, which are greatly needed, and bullet resistant vests to add to their safety equipment. For photos of the presentation please click here.

 

A SAFER Santa Rosa

The SAFER organization (Support Alliance for Emergency Readiness) is a humanitarian association of independent groups who may be active in all phases of a disaster. Its mission is to foster efficient, streamlined service delivery to people affected by disasters, while eliminating unnecessary duplication of effort, through cooperation in the four phases of disaster: preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation. During periods when there are no disasters to deal with, SAFER attempts to meet the needs of the less fortunate in the community. This may range from providing cold weather shelters, WWII honor flight, homeless veterans, food distributions, etc. For more information on this worthwhile organization please click here.

 

Internet Sexting

Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, frequently between cell phones. It is a current trend among teens. According to a 2008 survey commissioned by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 22% of teenage girls and 18% of teenage boys have taken nude or semi-nude photos of themselves and sent them to someone or posted them online. For the consequences of "sexting" please click here.

Fraud Alert: Suspended Bank Account

Beware of a new scam concerning your bank account. Click here for information on this new bank notification sent to you by criminals.

 

Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT)

If you click here you will be able to view the new handbook published by the Students Working Against Tobacco Foundation. The group is dedicated to reducing the frequency of underage use of tobacco products and the health problems that incur because of it.

 

Fraud Alert: Jury Scam

Most of us take a summons for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced. The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo; your identity was just stolen. The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and Colorado. This swindle is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud. Check it out here:

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm .

Fraud Alert: Job Hunters Beware

One of the more recents scams by criminals is being directed against those seeking employment. To learn more information please click here for a warning from the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office and the Better Business Bureau.

 

Florida's New Identification Cards

The following information is taken from the Florida DHSMV website and states that, "Florida is leading the nation in an effort to provide our residents with an even more secure identification document. As an esteemed partner, we want to be certain you're the first to know about the upcoming Gather. Go. Get campaign aimed at helping Florida residents prepare for new card requirements. Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, Floridians renewing or obtaining a new driver license/identification card will be required to show proof of (1) identification (2) Social Security number and (3) two items containing your residential address. While some may have no problem putting their fingers on these documents, it might mean some additional preparation for others. To help residents navigate through these new requirements, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is launching a communication initiative encouraging Floridians to gather your documents, go to a driver license office and get your new card. The “Gather. Go. Get” campaign was originially launched to the general public August 2009. For more information go to www.gathergoget.com or click here.

New Sex Offender & Predator Alert System

On March 27, 2008 the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement unveiled a new and innovative feature of Florida's Sexual Offender/Predator Registry Web site. Citizens can now sign up to receive e-mail alert notifications when a registered sexual offender or predator moves into their neighborhood or within a radius of any other designated location.  Citizens can also opt to track address changes reported by selected registered offenders or predators. The service is offered statewide and at no charge. Citizens may select an unlimited number of addresses and/or offenders and predators to track, and can update their selections at any time. The alert system will send e-mail notifications within 24 to 48 hours of an address change to the state's registry. Citizens are encouraged to register for alerts. Florida became the first state to list sexual offenders and predators on the Internet and to make the same information available through a 24-hour/day hotline. The FDLE Sex Offender/Predator Registry currently houses data on more than 47,000 registered sex offenders and predators and the Web site averages more than 500,000 searches per month. Citizens can register for the alerts by visiting www.flsexoffender.net.

 

Protection for Businesses

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.