By B.C. Manion
The new sheriff in town wants to harness the tools of modern technology, along with good old-fashioned tips from citizens, to help his office fight crime.
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco unveiled a new survey last week that seeks community feedback to help his office develop its long-range plan.
The survey, posted at www.PascoSheriff.com, seeks public feedback on 11 questions.
“We want to hear from you,” Nocco said. “What makes a good’s sheriff’s office? What do you expect out of your sheriff’s office?
“How many districts do you want? To those of you who live in the Wesley Chapel area, do you expect another sheriff’s office there?”
The survey asks respondents to rate how satisfied they are with the department’s performance, to identify their top three neighborhood concerns, to identify top priorities for the sheriff’s office and to state their major community concerns in the future.
Other queries seek feedback on what attributes make a great sheriff’s office and ask for top criticisms of the department’s work.
“I believe in servant leadership,” Nocco said, explaining why it’s important to hear from the community to help him chart his department’s future direction.
His organizational chart has him at the bottom and citizens at the top, the sheriff added.
He said he subscribes to the sentiment expressed by legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, who once said: “People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses or the problems of modern society.”
While inviting the community’s participation in setting his department’s goals, Nocco made it clear that criminals are not welcome in Pasco County.
“We’re going to set a tone here in Pasco County that we don’t accept crime here. Crime will not be tolerated.
“It’s about being on the offensive. I will never have a day when we are intimidated by criminals,” he said.
Addressing members of the Pasco Alliance of Community Associations, Nocco said information gleaned from citizens can help the department prevent and solve crimes.
The department is using Intelligence-Led Policing, a proactive strategy that essentially uses information gathering to help the department connect the dots to fight crime.
“We don’t have enough deputies to walk a beat in every one of your neighborhoods,” Nocco told the community leaders. “What we do have is the ability for you to give us the information. We need your input. We need to know what’s going on in your neighborhood.”
The department’s website has a place where people can provide tips to the office, which can then take that information and begin tracking the leads. Go to the department’s website and click on ILP tips.
The department will use information provided by residents, combined with their own surveillance efforts, to help identify patterns.
Often, something that seems trivial can be the key to unlocking information that can prevent or solve a crime, Nocco said.
One of the biggest problems that Pasco County faces is crime related to the abuse of prescription pills.
“Every neighborhood we go into, no matter where you are — they could be half-million homes, they could be lower-income — everybody is affected by it.
“Pinellas (County) is No. 1 in the state for children born on prescription pills. Pasco (County) is No. 2,” he said.
“Seventy to 80 percent of our crime is prescription-pill related. Your burglaries, your robberies, your car thefts — it all goes back to prescription pills,” Nocco said.
It’s a problem that must be addressed, Nocco said.
“Criminals should not feel like that they have the upper hand. We should not allow drug dealers to run our neighborhoods.”
Nocco encouraged residents to check out his department’s improved website. It’s easier to navigate and information on the site can be useful, he said.
The information can be used to help make a case to help attract businesses or residents to an area, he said, noting there is a direct link between public safety and economic development.
“If Pasco County is going to grow economically, it has to be a safe county,” Nocco said.
Safety Tips
Personal safety
–Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid areas that create danger zones, such as dimly lit or isolated areas.
–If you are carrying a bag, keep it close to your body and in front of you at all times.
–Don’t carry large amounts of cash, and limit the number of credit cards to only what is necessary.
–If your wallet or handbag is demanded from you, throw the item as far as you can and then flee in the opposite direction.
— Consider carrying a personal alarm device.
Street safety
–Plan ahead and avoid danger spots, isolated or badly lit alleyways or parking lots that can create opportunities for criminals to operate out of sight.
–When walking on sidewalks, walk closest to the street to create space between you and the shrubbery, dark doorways, trees and shadows.
–Avoid passing stationery cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
–Be extra careful when using the ATM. Be aware of anyone who may be hovering nearby. Never count your money in the open. Return to your vehicle or a public place as quickly as possible.
–Try not to keep the valuables in one place. Keep them in an inside pocket.
Driving safely
–Plan your journey. Know what route you will be taking and let other people know where you are going and when you plan to arrive.
–Have a map or GPS in the car so you don’t have to stop for directions.
–Do not leave your keys in the ignition when you are out of the car for any reason.
–If someone approaches your car while you are stopped, do not roll the window down. If you feel threatened, sound the horn and flash your lights to attract attention. If possible, drive away.
–Keep your car serviced regularly.
Parking safety
–Avoid using poorly lit parking spaces.
–Reverse into a parking space if possible and hide valuables.
–Shut the windows and lock the doors.
–When returning to your car, have your keys ready so you can get in quickly. Before getting in, scan the backseat to make sure no one is in there.
–Once inside the car, lock the cars immediately.
Home safety
–Install quality deadbolts on all exterior doors and use them.
–Install quality locks on all windows and use them.
–Install a wide-angle viewer in all entrance doors so you can see who is there without opening the door.
–Trim or remove shrubbery that hides doors and windows so neighbors or passersby can see, if someone tries to break into your home.
–Keep your home well-lit. Use floodlights for all entryways, pathways, stairwells and parking areas. Consider connecting lights to motion detectors, timing devices or light sensitive devices.
Source: Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. For additional information, visit www.pasocsheriff.com or call the department’s community office at (727) 834-3376.
