10 Ways to a Better Community
A healthy and safe neighborhood is important to keep your community strong and viable. Working with local government is one way to insure that your community stays vital and safe. Below are 10 things to do to improve your neighborhood.
- Report Crime Promptly
Whether the issue is petty vandalism, graffitti or something more serious, police cannot act without first hearing from you.
- Report Nuisances Promptly
Report these and any noncriminal activity quickly to address the issue in real time.
- Take away the opportunity for crime
Lock your car, and never leave valuables, trim bushes or trees to avoid hiding places, make your front porch visible and your house lived in.
- Know the Young People
Meet the young people on your block and greet them by name so you can help them in an emergency.
- Create a Phone List
Make a list of the names and phone numbers of your neighbors so you can notify each other when a problem arises.
- Make a List of Landlords
Make sure you (or your management company) have a list of landlords so that you can address issues promptly.
- Turn Your Porch Light On
Crime tends to decline in neighborhoods that are well lit. Turning on your porch light is a simple way to help.
- Walk Around The Block
Know your neighbors and walk around so that everyone knows the neighborhood is watched and cared for.
- Drive Slowly On Your Streets
Slow down the traffic in your neighborhood by setting the example and making it a safe place for pedestrians an children playing.
- Pick Up Litter Near Your Home
Picking up litter makes your neighborhood look more cared for and discourages others from throwing more litter.
Children’s Safety Village
The Children’s Safety Village is a wonderful facility set up to teach Central Florida children how to be safe in their communities. This non-profit organization is available for groups to book.
“When good people unite, good things happen.”
Neighborhood Watch Program
The most effective crime prevention tool you can have is a good neighbor. The security measures you and your neighbors implement together are just as crucial as what you do on your own. This collaborative approach is known as Neighborhood Watch, and setting one up in your community is quite simple. To begin, plan a date, time, and location for an initial meeting with a Crime Prevention Officer from the Sheriff’s Office. At this meeting, the officer will share valuable advice on enhancing home security, increasing crime awareness, and reporting suspicious activities. You can discover the Crime Prevention Officer assigned to your Sheriff’s Office Sector by clicking the More Info button below or calling 407-254-7000.
Civilian Police Programs
Citizens on Patrol (COPs)
The Citizens on Patrol (COPs) program is a neighborhood patrol program of volunteers. These individuals are not law enforcement officers, but are trained to be the “eyes and ears” for the Sheriff’s Office in their own neighborhood. All interactions are non-confrontational. Volunteers drive special Sheriff’s Office vehicles. Citizens who have passed a screening process will then participate in a volunteer academy that includes training in areas such as crime prevention, first aid, CPR, how to spot suspicious and criminal activity, and more. For more information call Citizens on Patrol Coordinator at (407)254-7374.
Civilian Rider Program
If you have ever wondered what a day in the life of an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy is like, this is your chance. The Sheriff’s Office Civilian Rider Program allows you to be a passenger in a Sheriff’s vehicle. For more information on the Civilian Police Academy Program call (689)688-7154.
Volunteer Task Force
The Volunteer Task Force is one of the Sheriff’s Office most active units. Members, who are in uniform, are trained in traffic, crowd and perimeter control, search and rescue, disasters, parades and other public activites. Members ready to be of service whenever needed, serving the community and promoting public safety by assisting city, county, state, or federal agencies in any endeavor for which they are qualified. Contact (407)836-4582 for more information about the Volunteer Task Force.
Explorer’s Program
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program is designed for young people (ages 14-21) interested in law enforcement. You must be between the ages of 14 and 18 to apply. The primary functions of the Explorer Program is assisting the Sheriff’s Office through community service projects while learning about the many aspects of the criminal justice system. Explorer activities include civic service, recreational programs, and training. By being a member in this program, we hope to broaden your outlook and understanding of the real world of police work. We will provide a sound foundation for those who wish to pursue a career in the rewarding field of law enforcement.
Meetings are held the 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of every month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Reserve Firefighters
Join the Orange County Fire Rescue Department Reserves to help reduce property loss caused by fire, hazardous situations, injuries, deaths, and other emergencies. This is a non-paid volunteer program designed for both certified firefighting personnel and civilian personnel. The Reserves provide participating citizens with a variety of duties that range from administrative to actual firefighting.
Fire Rescue Explorer Cadet
Become an Orange County Fire Rescue Explorer Cadet! Join the Explorer Cadet program and be part of real-life fire and rescue. This program allows young people to learn about the many aspects involved in the fire-rescue service. Members participate in training classes, community events, department drills, trips, competitions, and ride-alongs with Fire Rescue crews.
As an Explorer Cadet you learn from working professionals. To join the Explorer Cadets you must be:
- 14-18 years old (once a member, Cadets can stay until the age of 21)
- Currently enrolled in High School
- A non-smoker
- Responsible with good moral character
- In good health to pass a medical exam
Fire/Rescue Safety Tips
General Fire/Rescue Tips
Holiday Fire/Rescue Tips
Fire/Rescue Worksheets
