Introduction

Contents Accreditations

04 Letter from the Sheriff

05 Sheriff’s Command Staff

06 Notable in 2018

08 Jurisdictional Area and Sheriff’s Office Locations The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office currently holds a total of five professional accreditation 12 Community Involvement certifications, including both national and Florida state law enforcement accreditations; national 16 Year in review and Florida state corrections accreditations; and accreditation from the National Commission on 24 About Us Correctional Health Care.

26 Bureau of Law Enforcement Districts

32 Bureau of Corrections

35 Bureau of Law Enforcement Support Services

38 Bureau of Law Enforcement Special Units

40 Bureau of Law Enforcement HIDTA

42 Bureau of Administration

46 Bureau of Law Enforcement Professional Standards & Airport Security The Triple Crown Award is given to Sheriff’s Offices who achieve simultaneous accreditation 50 Employee Recognition from the Commission on Accreditation of the American Correctional Association, 55 Important Numbers the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement, and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. According to the National Sheriff’s Association web site, as of fall of 2013, only 42 Sheriff’s Offices in the country hold this award, eight of them being in the state of Florida.

Special thanks to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Adam Linhardt and the Keys Weekly’s Barry Gaukel, Irene de Bruijn and Sara Matthis for their work on the 2018 Annual Report.

Annual Report 2018 | 3 Introduction From the Sheriff

I OFTEN TELL MY STAFF THAT I take pride in that philosophy. I take pride in that philosophy because it works. WE CAN’T SIMPLY RESPOND TO Our community-oriented policing efforts led to a 16.8 percent reduction in crime in 2018. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES: THAT I’m proud to report that’s an all-time low! Meanwhile, but not surprisingly, our crime WE MUST ACTIVELY LOOK FOR clearance rates are at all high time high. That means while crime is at an all-time low, the WAYS TO PREVENT PROBLEMS Sheriff’s Office is solving them at a higher rate than ever before. BEFORE THEY ARISE. YES, WE ARE I have not only my staff, but you as well, THE EMERGENCY RESPONDERS to thank for that. My thanks are owed to every resident or visitor who reported a crime in a WHO MUST CONFRONT CRIME timely fashion, who noticed something was amiss in the neighborhood or reached out to a The Trauma Star program continues HEAD-ON, BUT WE MUST ALSO BE Deputy or any other example I could name, of to grow. Its success also hits on another which there are hundreds. Thank you to each one of my leadership philosophies: fiscal PROBLEM SOLVERS. and every one of you. responsibility. The Trauma Star program continues to operate in the black at no cost to WE HAVE TO ANTICIPATE, I use the phrase community partnerships local taxpayers. We are expected to make net often. It’s not a coincidence. It’s a profit of more than $1.5 million over the last PLAN AND REACH OUT TO OUR fundamental building block of my leadership fiscal year from Trauma Star. philosophy. Many of you often see members COMMUNITY PARTNERS. of the Sheriff’s Office picking up trash and That’s money that goes directly back covering graffiti. We do it, because I believe to taxpayers. In fact, the Sheriff’s Office — and it’s been proven by numerous studies returned approximately $5.9 million overall in — that cleaner streets means safer streets. I fiscal year 2017-2018 to Monroe County and don’t want to live surrounded by garbage and ultimately, you, the taxpayers. I believe it’s that graffiti covered buildings and I know you don’t dedication to fiscal responsibility that helps either. keeps taxes down for residents and improves the quality of life for everyone. We are all more apt to take pride in our community when it is clean and well kept. The I have been serving this community as a Sheriff’s Office depends on our community law enforcement officer for 32 years. I take partners to fulfill that goal every day. great pride in that, just as I take great pride in this agency and in this paradise we call home. While we’re on the subject of partnerships: I know you all do as well. I would be amiss if I didn’t thank our professional partners at Monroe County Fire And with that in mind, I know this year will Rescue whose medics treat the injured while be as great as 2018. in flight aboard our Trauma Star helicopters. Sheriff Rick Ramsay We are now averaging more than 1,000 lives a year flown and saved annually. We could never Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, do that without our partnership with Monroe County Fire Rescue.

4 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Introduction Command Staff

Pictured from left: Chief Mike Rice, Captain Jon Crane, Captain Lee Ann Holroyd, Captain Donnie Catala, Captain Corey Bryan, Captain Anne Sweeney, Colonel Lou Caputo, Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Major Chad Scibilia, Captain Don Fanelli, Deputy Director Joel Widell, Captain Don Hiller, Captain Penny Phelps, , Reserve Captain Ted Migala, Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Kathleen McKinney, and General Counsel Patrick McCullah. Not pictured: Detention Major Tim Age, Director Hugo Barrera, Deputy Director Gary Grimm, Fish and Wildlife Commission Capt. Dave Dipre.

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Key Largo Tavernier Plantation

Islamorada

Key Largo storefront, Layton Murray Nelson Building Islamorada Substation Marathon Big Pine Key Key Colony Beach 1 Roth Building, Plantation Key Plantation Key Detention Center Stock Island

Key West Marathon Substation Marathon Detention Center Freeman Substation Aviation Division Cudjoe Key Special Investigations/HIDTA Headquarters and Stock Island Detention Center Department of Juvenile Justice

Annual Report 2018 | 5 Notable in 2018 Cops & Basketball

REMEMBER THAT VIDEO THAT WENT VIRAL a real commitment to community with the cleanups and covering up graffiti.” IN 2016 OF THE GAINESVILLE POLICE OFFICER Hager started out with a phone call to CALLED TO THE SCENE OF KIDS PLAYING Gainesville, his old stomping ground, asking BASKETBALL TOO “LOUDLY?” INSTEAD Officer White for a small donation of sporting equipment — nets, basketballs and footballs. OF REPRIMANDING THE KIDS, OFFICER Then, the squad grew the project’s scope. BOBBY WHITE JOINED THE GAME AND THE Hager and his squad decided to fix up the Marathon Rec Center with a new coat of paint, MOMENT WAS RECORDED ON HIS DASH some new fencing and landscaping. CAM. THIS SIMPLE AND KIND EXAMPLE OF But when White learned about the Keys’ sad situation, he made a hard choice. He TRUE COMMUNITY POLICING HAS BECOME A called up Nancy Lieberman and told her he MOVEMENT, AND HAS ARRIVED IN MARATHON. wanted to pay it forward — the court that had been promised to the kids in Gainesville was In early 2018, the Monroe County Sheriff’s needed more in Marathon. Office, the Basketball Cop Foundation and the Lieberman is known as “Lady Magic,” Nancy Lieberman Charities staged a ribbon- a nod to Earvin “Magic” Johnson. She has cutting at the Marathon Rec Center. played in the Olympics, World Championships 1 The $35,000 worth of court and and Pan American Games. She has been equipment replaces the aged sports stuff inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame that was old even before Hurricane Irma. The and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. space is beautiful, and the kids love it. Currently, she works as a broadcaster for When Sgt. James “The kids are pretty excited, but to be the New Orleans Pelicans of the National honest, I’m really excited too,” said Anthony Basketball Association (NBA), as well as head Hager was promoted Culver, who runs the Marathon Rec Center coach of the Power in the BIG3, where she to Sergeant, he was with his wife, Diane. It provides after-school led them to the 2018 BIG3 Championship. Oh, tasked with arranging care for the elementary age children who are and when she was 50 years old in 2008, she schooled right next door at Stanley Switlik made history as the oldest player in league a community service Elementary. Culver himself has been there for history when she signed a seven-day contract project for the squad. 26 years — “Now I have the children of some with the Detroit Shock. He picked kids and of the children I started with.” And so in January of 2018, the group that And while the new space is beautiful, the had gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony sports.” story of how it came to be is positively heart- was sitting on a brand new Dream Court. It’s warming. It started with a local Sheriff officer, a special synthetic flooring pre-marked with ranged to the Basketball Cop Foundation court lines that is designed to be easier on the founded by White (the guy in the video) and joints and last forever. Lieberman talked to the grew to include Nancy Lieberman Charities crowd about the power of sports and her faith. (more on her later). In the meantime, the effort And she had a little surprise up her sleeve for picked up speed with the help of The Home Officer White. Depot in Marathon and the City of Marathon. “I’m going to make sure you get your The star of this show, though, is Monroe court, too,” she said. County Sheriff Office’s Sgt. James Hager. Lieberman then officially opened the ABOUT THE BASKETBALL Originally from the Gainesville area, the officer court with a backwards over-the-head shot COP FOUNDATION has been in the Keys for four years. When he from center court. She nailed it on the first This nonprofit organization is dedicated was promoted to sergeant, he was tasked with try. The crowd cheered and before the cries to building relationships between our arranging a community service project for the died down, the kids of the Marathon Rec country’s Law Enforcement and the youth squad. He picked kids and sports. Center had already plundered the box of new in our communities through trust. Through “I really appreciate the policing philosophy basketballs and were racing back onto the partnerships, it has established or refurbished in Monroe County,” Hager said. “There is court to shoot hoops. courts in 18 states. Basketballcop.net

6 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Notable in 2018

FUN FACT The first Dream Court installed was a loaner from tennis star Martina Navratilova. The final court features local logos.

1. Nancy “Lady Magic” Lieberman opens the Marathon Rec Center’s new basketball court with backwards over-the-head shot from center court. She nailed it. SARA MATTHIS/Keys Weekly

2. Monroe County Sheriff Office’s Sgt. James Hager cradles his daughter during the ceremony. Hager was the driving force in the Keys that resulted in a new court for the Marathon Rec Center.

3.Nancy Lieberman, left, congratulates Officer Bobby White of Gainesville. The two 2 3 leaders united their nonprofit organizations to provide the new court in Marathon.

4. Anthony, left, and Jayden take to the court just as soon as the dignitaries are done speechifying.

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ABOUT NANCY LIEBERMAN CHARITIES This nonprofit is funded by donations and committed to promoting and developing healthy lifestyles and educational opportunities for young girls and boys, especially for disadvantaged youth. nancyliebermancharities.org

Annual Report 2018 | 7 Jurisdictional Areas MCSO Locations throughout the Keys

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands extending south and west from the southern tip of Florida. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency providing service to the residents of the county. The agency’s jurisdictional area extends from the Monroe County line at the 112 mile marker of U.S. One (including County Road 905 and a portion of Card Sound Road) to the island of Key West at the 5 mile marker of the same highway. The agency is also charged with operating county detention facilities and serving 1 civil papers in the entire county. The Sheriff’s Office has its main headquarters building, and its main detention center just outside of Key West on Stock Island. The county is broken up into districts, including the Lower Keys (District One), the Middle Keys (Districts Four and Five), Islamorada (District Six) and the Upper Keys (District Seven). While the Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for Monroe County, other local, state and federal agencies operate in the Florida Keys. The Florida Highway 2 Patrol investigates most accidents on Keys’ roadways. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission SHERIFF’S OFFICE LOCATIONS is dedicated to detention of juveniles, run takes care of most waterborne law by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The enforcement activities. The Naval Air HEADQUARTERS (1) Located at 5525 second floor houses the Sheriff’s main Station, located in the Lower Keys, has College Road on Stock Island, the Sheriff’s supply office, Juvenile Programs, Victim its own security force. The city of Key headquarters building houses all the Advocates and an office for detectives West has its own police force, as does main administrative offices responsible with the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit, some the city of Key Colony Beach. The for day-to-day operations, including county offices as well as a fully equipped Sheriff’s Office works closely with all Finance, Human Resources, Records and gymnasium used by sheriff’s employees law enforcement agencies in the Keys, Warrants, Civil, Internal Affairs, Information as well as county, state and City of Key and enjoys a good working relationship Systems, Training, Legal, Media Relations West employees. with all of them. and Professional Standards. Detectives working Lower Keys cases also have FREEMAN SUBSTATION, CUDJOE KEY GENERAL INFORMATION an office in the headquarters building. (2) The Freeman Substation, at 20950 The Monroe County Sheriff’s Housed separately at the courthouse Overseas Highway, is at the 21 mile Office has 548 employees, including complex in Key West at 500 Whitehead marker of U.S. One, on Cudjoe Key. It is 192 road patrol deputºies, 136 Street is the Sheriff’s Property Division. home to Lower Keys road patrol and two corrections officers, 166 support detectives who work Lower Keys cases. staff and 54 employees in our South DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE District One runs from the city limits of Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking The DJJ building is located adjacent to the Key West at the 4 mile marker to the 40 Area office in Miramar, Florida. Sheriff’s main detention facility at 5503 mile marker on the Seven Mile Bridge. College Road, Stock Island. The first floor

8 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 3

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MARATHON SUBSTATION (3) The AVIATION DIVISION HEADQUARTERS Advocates are housed here, as is the Marathon Substation at 3103 Overseas (4) The Sheriff’s aviation hangar, home Sheriff’s intelligence officer. The Monroe Highway, mile marker 48.7 in the city to the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, is on the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area of Marathon, houses Middle Keys road grounds of the Marathon Airport at group (HIDTA) also works out of this patrol, and detectives. There is a satellite 10100 Overseas Highway at the 52 mile building, coordinating long-term money records office and property office, as marker. In addition to housing all Sheriff’s laundering, racketeering and other types well as a civil deputy assigned to the Office aircraft, it also provides a home of investigations involving the cooperative substation. District Four includes the city to the Sheriff’s mobile command post involvement of local, state and federal of Marathon, from the 40 mile marker and firearm’s trailer. The building has a law enforcement agencies. on the Seven Mile Bridge, to Tom’s fully functional and equipped training Harbor Cut Bridge at the 60.5 mile classroom, and a gymnasium used by ISLAMORADA SUBSTATION (5) marker of Highway U.S. One; District sheriff’s employees. Servicing the law enforcement needs of Five runs from Tom’s Harbor Cut Bridge the Village of Islamorada, the Islamorada to the Islamorada city limits, at the 74 SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND HIGH substation is at 86800 Overseas mile marker of Highway U.S. One. The INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING Highway, mile marker 86. District Six Sheriff’s communications office - 911 AREA This building, at the north road patrol is housed here. District Six dispatch - is also in Marathon, housed end of Marathon, houses detectives runs from the 73 mile marker, at the separately, in the state building at 2796 assigned to work specific types of south end of the Channel Two Bridge, Overseas Highway at the 47.5 mile crimes. These include narcotics and to the 90.5 mile marker at the Tavernier marker. major crimes including homicide, Creek Bridge. sexual battery and child abuse. Victim

Annual Report 2018 | 9 Jurisdictional Areas

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THE ROTH BUILDING, PLANTATION sick bay and medical offices, as well as Overseas Highway at the 49 mile marker KEY (6) The Roth Building, at 50 a video first-appearance room and an in Marathon, the facility is run by a High Point Road in Tavernier, services officers’ dining room. Inmates from the Lieutenant who reports to the operations Sheriff’s Office District Seven, which Lower Keys, as well as all inmates judged commander. runs from the northernmost city limits to be violent or high profile are housed of Islamorada at mile marker 90.2 here. The commander of the Detention PLANTATION KEY DETENTION (Tavernier Creek Bridge), to the county Bureau has his office in the facility and CENTER (9) The Upper Keys detention line at the 112 mile marker of Highway the day-to-day operations are overseen facility houses 47 inmates judged to be U.S. One. The district includes Ocean by two Captains, who operate as the “low risk” and is located at 53 High Point Reef, parts of Card Sound Road and facilities commanders, one handling Road at the 89 mile marker of U.S. One County Road 905. operations and one support services. in Islamorada. The facility is run by a Lieutenant who reports to the operations MAIN DETENTION CENTER (7) The MARATHON DETENTION CENTER commander. main detention center, at 5501 College (8) The Marathon detention center is Road, holds up to 596 inmates and a satellite facility housing 52 inmates includes a professional-grade kitchen, judged to be “low risk.” Located at 3981

10 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 7603 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 305-743-6000 1450 Ne 1st Ave, Florida City, FL 33034 305-246-4229 Community Involvement Commitment to Community

In 2018, the Sheriff’s Office continued its commitment to Monroe County and its citizens and visitors. We take great pride in our community involvement and in our continuing efforts to keep our community clean and crime free.

We believe cleaner communities are safer communities. When people are proud of their neighborhood, they care about it.” — Sheriff Rick Ramsay

12 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Annual Report 2018 | 13 Community Involvement MCSO Interacts with Youth

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The Monroe County Sheriff’s 2 3 Office has a firm commitment to the youth of our community. Our members frequently attend youth-related events, including career days at area schools, neighborhood get-togethers, bicycle rodeos and family events throughout the Keys. Our School Resource Officers work full time in Florida Keys schools to keep our kids safe and to interact in a non-threatening, friendly setting with kids of all ages. We have an active Sheriff’s Office Explorer program which teaches members respect, honesty, integrity and the importance of teamwork and cooperation with others. Our Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm is a delight for kids and adults alike; Farmer Jeanne Selander and her animals are always a favorite attraction at the community events they participate in.

14 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Community Involvement

Kids are our tomorrow - and by helping to teach them how to be good citizens, we will make tomorrow a better place.”

1. Deputies visits schools up and down the island chain to show children our equipment and answer questions. Sitting behind the wheel of one our patrol cars is always a 4 5 favorite!

2. Lt. Al Ramirez high fives a 6 future deputy at the Plantation Key Substation!

3. Deputies Nick Whiteman and Bryan Branco speak to children about “Stranger Danger” and other ways to be safe.

4. Deputy Alexandra Davis reads to school children. Deputies often say this one of the most rewarding parts of their job.

5. School Resource Officer Jean Gonzalez hangs out with children during recess at Ocean Studies Charter School.

6. Sheriff Rick Ramsay shares a moment with a young resident during the annual bridge fishing tournament between Big Pine Key and No Name Key.

Annual Report 2018 | 15 Year in Review A Look Back at 2018

1 1. Deputies continue to enforce traffic laws and key bottleneck areas of U.S. One, such as Islamorada, throughout the year.

JANUARY him. The man was airlifted to a Miami suspect was using. A neighbor reportedly • A man and woman from Tennessee hospital. No foul play was suspected. saw the suspect chasing the victim while were arrested after they were caught • A fire tore through the Catamaran swinging a machete over his head. The southbound in the Lower Keys in a truck Boat Yard, at 97951 Overseas Highway, suspect was arrested shortly thereafter. stolen from Sebring, Florida. Both gave destroying dry-docked boats and • A Tavernier teenager was arrested a Deputy false names. Both were also stopping traffic on U.S. One for hours. for riding a stolen motorcycle after he hit with drug charges for cocaine and • A small plane with four people was stopped for speeding and eluding paraphernalia found in the truck. aboard crashed at Florida Keys Deputies on U.S. One. He was clocked • Three Homestead men working Marathon International Airport. The at 83 mph at mile marker 105. The on a construction crew hired to clean plane reportedly caught fire, but was motorcycle was reported stolen out of up moldy items at Ocean Pointe extinguished quickly. Three people were Miami. A loaded handgun was found in Condominiums in Tavernier were taken to Miami for medical care. the teenager’s pocket. arrested after they were caught in a • Deputies arrested two men wanted condo they were not hired to work in, FEBRUARY for burglarizing the Key Lime Products taking items such as video games from • A Big Pine Key man was arrested business in Key Largo in December inside. for burglarizing the Ace Hardware store 2017. A tipster saw a post on the Sheriff’s • A Fort Pierce man, working with and stealing a computer. Deputies used Office Facebook page that led them to a crew on a construction crane, was security camera footage and tips from the men. One was from Boynton Beach injured when the crane fell on him. employees and others in tracking down and the other was from Broward County. The incident took place at 9 a.m. at a the suspect who had distinctive tattoos. • A DUI traffic stop turned up construction site on Sadowski Causeway • A Marathon man was arrested ecstasy, marijuana, more than 30 in Key Colony Beach. When deputies for attacking another man with a marijuana oil cartridges, $1,425 in cash arrived to the emergency call, they found machete on 82nd Street in Marathon. and handgun ammunition in a sport 46-year-old Joe Stutzman trapped under An argument erupted when the victim utility vehicle. the boom of a crane which had fallen on reportedly unplugged a power cord the • The Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team

16 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Year in Review

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2. Deputies partner with the Florida Highway Patrol to clear serious car crashes on U.S. One. | 3. No one was injured when this truck was submerged in an Upper Keys canal. responded to a teenager’s house in after he fled from Sheriff’s Office Drive that turned up nearly 12 grams of Marathon and arrested a young man for deputies in a car at high speeds and cocaine. posting posting pictures on the social then on foot. The car chase reached • A Homestead man was arrested media site Instagram of guns along with speeds of 100 mph. Marijuana was also after brandishing a gun during a road a message threatening Marathon High found in the vehicle. rage incident in Key Largo. A 40-caliber School. Sheriff’s Office detectives — • A Florida City man fled from Smith & Wesson pistol and a Draco AK- working alongside the FBI, Homeland Deputies traveling in the wrong lane 47 style pistol with a 30-round magazine Security Investigations and the Monroe forcing people off the highway before were found in the Dodge car he was County State Attorney’s Office — utilized finally stopping. Deputies arrested the driving. numerous citizen tips in the investigation driver at gunpoint. The suspect vehicle • A $350,000 catamaran was leading to the arrest. The Sheriff’s Office reached speeds of 80 mph during the reported stolen from the Newfound was notified of the posts Saturday incident. Harbor area of the Lower Keys. The morning by numerous concerned citizens. • Deputies arrested a Marathon “Kaisosi,” a 40-foot sailboat, was later Detectives contacted Instagram’s parent man for leaving a dog in a hot pickup found and two people were prosecuted company, Facebook, for information truck for two days without food or water. for its theft. regarding the post. They were able to Deputies found the dog in back of a locate the suspect by the IP address covered pickup truck bed. There was APRIL provided by Facebook. When interviewed no food or water in the truck. An animal • A Miami man in possession of a by detectives about his actions, the control agent said the truck bed reached Lemon shark was cited for harvesting suspect told them he did it as a joke. temperatures above 100 degrees. Animal the protected species. A driver and Control agents took ownership of the passenger at a traffic stop said they MARCH dog. The owner was taken to jail. had been fishing near the Indian Key • The Sheriff’s Office dealt with • Sheriff’s Office detectives and its Fill at mile marker 78. Deputies found a multiple chases in March in the Upper state and federal partners arrested a cleaned shark in a cooler. The Deputy Keys. A Lehigh Acres man was arrested Marathon man in a raid on Spoonbill saw that it was a Lemon shark, a

Annual Report 2018 | 17 1. Sheriff Rick Ramsay believes a clean community — devoid of trash and graffiti and abandoned vehicles — makes for a safer community. 2. The Trauma Star life flights program continues to operate in the black with a $1.5 million profit in 2018. There is no cost to taxpayers and Monroe Country residents fly for free.

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protected species. The man was given a • Deputies charged a Big Pine Key fire on Big Pine Key near 24th Lane and notice to appear in court. man with animal cruelty after beating a Wilder Road, burning about a half acre • Deputies arrested a Big Pine Key woman’s dog that suffered injuries to its of land. woman who ran a pet grooming business neck, tongue, eyes and brain. The man • Threats made on Facebook led to out of her trailer for failing to properly reportedly lost his temper with the dog, a the arrest of a Pinellas County man. The care for a customer’s dog that later had miniature poodle. man threatened to murder everyone at to be euthanized. The owner noticed a Key Largo bar. He was found in that that when she picked up her dog, it was MAY county and brought to Monroe County not able to walk or stand. A veterinarian • A construction worker, registered where he was held on $1 million bail. told the owner her dog was suffering as a sex offender from North Carolina, The threats appeared in connection with from heatstroke and later put it down for was arrested for stalking and battery of a murder that occurred decades ago. kidney failure as a result of heatstroke. a 16-year-old Marathon girl. The girl told The man believed someone at the bar • Five Arizona men were arrested Sheriff’s Office deputies that she doesn’t knew the details of the murder. for beating up a co-worker who required know Anderson. Anderson put his arm • No charges were filed after a staples to his head. The beating over her and hugged her several times man suffered minor injuries after a occurred in Marathon on 37th Street. very tightly while placing his head below suspected shooting on Big Pine Key. The victim also suffered injuries to his her chin, almost on her chest while she The man claimed to be grazed by a nose and jaw. The victim stated he was at work at a restaurant. gun, detectives were not sure if his head walked over to the suspects and asked • A teenage boy was arrested in suffered superficial cuts from something for a lighter when he was beaten up for connection with nine burglaries in other than a bullet. no reason. December 2017 that occurred on 50th • A Marathon man was arrested for Street and 50th Court in Marathon. JUNE posting naked pictures of his ex-girlfriend • A homeless man was arrested for • A Miami nurse was arrested for on social media. He was charged with starting a fire in a shopping cart that stealing pain pills from an Upper Keys sexual cyber-harassment. quickly became an uncontrolled brush woman. The victim’s son first suspected

18 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 3

3. The marine unit stays busy throughout the year making multiple wildlife cases and assisting mariners in need. the nurse may be stealing Oxycontin her vehicle keys and got in her vehicle. jury duty and needed to buy multiple gift pills from his mother. Video footage She followed and attempted to get in the cards in order to resolve his fake criminal taken inside the house was collected as passenger seat as he began driving away. warrant. This marked the biggest phone evidence in the case. The woman held on as he continued scam reported of the year. • More than 600 prescription pills driving. She did not suffer life-threatening • A Homestead teenager was were found after Deputies were called to injuries. arrested for pretending to be law a disabled vehicle at mile marker 33. The • Thousands of rounds of ammunition enforcement officer. What started as a driver of the vehicle, a 71-year-old Big and many guns were found in a Key West traffic stop, turned up a blue light under Pine Key man, was arrested. man’s house following an investigation by the passenger seat. He admitted to using • Scammers posing as Sheriff’s the Sheriff’s Office and multiple federal the light to warn another motorists of Office Deputies, sometimes as Sheriff agencies. The man was charged with following too closely. Rick Ramsay, begin remerging in Monroe dozens of counts of possession of a gun • A then 11-year-old boy from Lutz, County. The Sheriff’s Office sent out or ammunition by a convicted felon. A Florida, fell from a private, 20-foot bay multiple alerts and press releases to alert search warrant at the Eagle Avenue house boat in the Lower Keys and was struck residents about the popular scam where yielded approximately 30,000 rounds of by the boat prop. The boy was airlifted thieves claim residents missed jury duty. ammunition, 15 semi-automatic pistols, following the incident off/near Boca • A Marathon couple was arrested three revolvers, nine rifles (hunting and Chica Key. for stealing a generator from a Marathon military-style rifles), two shotguns, one • Three men from Bell, Florida, were church following Hurricane Irma. The ammunition reloading machine and cited for possessing 34 over-the-limit generator was later found at a pawn shop. several pounds of black powder. lobster during the 2018 Lobster Mini • A Summerland Key man was Season. The three stated they didn’t arrested for dragging a woman down JULY know how many lobsters they had a gravel road. The domestic battery • A Summerland Key man lost harvested. occurred when a woman said her ex- $10,000 in another case of a phone • A Tavernier man was arrested after boyfriend entered the house, hit her, took scammer claiming the victim missed a search warrant on Ocean Drive yielded

Annual Report 2018 | 19 Year in Review

1. The Bureau of Corrections takes particular pride in its charitable endeavors, including collecting bikes to donate to kids in need during the holidays. 2. Deputies are constantly recruiting, attending job fairs throughout the year. 3. A traffic stop leads to a rare seizure of psychedelic mushrooms.

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40 grams of cocaine, nearly $10,000 in was also forced to perform tasks such as blood-alcohol level was recorded at .214. cash and a .45-caliber handgun. cleaning the toilet with his toothbrush. The legal limit in Florida is .08. • A Cudjoe Key liveaboard was • Sheriff Rick Ramsay and a Deputy AUGUST arrested after she fired a gun at boaters arrested a suspected car thief near the • A Key Largo man was arrested early one morning. The woman claimed Seven Mile Bridge. Sheriff Ramsay was for possessing more than 10 grams of boaters were “sneaking around” her northbound on U.S. 1 about 2:30 p.m. heroin after he was found at the gate of boat. The other boaters said they were when a be-on-the-lookout was issued for the Cheeca Lodge & Spa. He stated he simply traversing the area when she a red, Ford Focus, reported stolen out of wanted to visit a friend, but the guard shined a spotlight on them and began Iowa. Sheriff Ramsay saw a car matching found no friend staying under the name firing in their direction. that description and was soon joined the man provided. The Sheriff’s Office • An armed Tavernier man who by the Deputy. The two made a felony was called and the man was arrested barricaded himself in a home and traffic stop at the south end of the Seven after a search was performed. threatened to kill Sheriff’s Office Mile Bridge. The vehicle was towed from • A teenage boy was airlifted after he Deputies was arrested after being the scene to be returned to its proper lost consciousness diving on a hookah rig shocked by a Taser. The incident owner. Sheriff Ramsay was on his way in about 10 feet of water near Long Key. occurred on Dubonnet Road and began to a county meeting regarding affordable • Sheriff’s Office detectives, working as a loud music complaint. housing in the Upper Keys when the in conjunction with the State Attorney’s incident began. Office and Florida Department of SEPTEMBER • A Marathon man was arrested after Children and Family Services counselors, • A Marathon man was arrested a traffic stop where he was found to have arrested a Key Largo woman for sexual after fleeing from Deputies, crashing a nearly 200 illegally harvested lobster tails battery on a minor and child abuse. The pickup truck into the Duck Key entrance in the car. He was cited for possession of case began with another child abuse sign and jumping into the ocean. Three 191 speared lobsters. Of those 191 tails, arrest of a man, but the child said the empty 100-ml Fireball© whiskey bottles 150 were undersized. woman at the residence also beat him and one full bottle were found inside the and he often wasn’t allowed to eat. He vehicle. He was taken to jail where his

20 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 4

4. The lobster mini-season in 2018 was relatively quiet and most anglers were found in compliance. Serious injuries were minimal.

• The second man accused of him. Traffic became heavy just north of bathroom. The clerk stated he put the robbing the Tavernier Dairy Queen at the Seven Mile Bridge near Knights Key, phone in a towel dispenser in the hopes gunpoint in August 2017 was arrested. forcing the motorcyclist to stop. Sheriff of videotaping women disrobing. His codefendant was arrested in March. Ramsay arrested him at that time. • Deputies arrested a Wisteria Island Both men are from Miami-Dade County. couple for attacking two tourists from There were four employees working OCTOBER California. The suspects told the two at the business at 92661 Overseas • A Tavernier woman was arrested men they would kill them and claimed Highway when the robbery occurred. for stealing $50,161.27 from a physician ownership of the island, which his The said two armed men entered and at Mariners Hospital. The Sheriff’s Office actually owned by the U.S. government. forced them to lay on the floor. They then began investigating the case in May after The man punched one of the men and took one employee in to the office where a doctor with an office at the hospital swung a knife. they removed cash from the safe. The reported that a former clerk had been two suspects took all the employees’ cell taking money. NOVEMBER phones with them when they left in an • A Big Pine Key man was arrested • A Marathon man found sleeping unknown direction. for DUI and multiple firearms violations behind the wheel of a running pickup • Sheriff Rick Ramsay made after the Sheriff’s Office received truck with two small children inside was another arrest this month. He stopped reports that gunshots were fired from a arrested. A woman saw the children a motorcyclist for felony fleeing and van in Marathon while it was stopped and called 911. They were not hurt. eluding law enforcement. A Miami man at a stoplight. There were no injuries Paramedics used an anti-narcotic drug was arrested. Sheriff Ramsay was on reported, however, deputies found to revive the man. The man said he had the Seven Mile Bridge when he saw multiple guns and an empty vodka bottle snorted crushed pills. a motorcyclist speeding and passing in the vehicle. recklessly behind him. Sheriff Ramsay • A Tavernier gas station store clerk estimated Bazan was traveling in excess was arrested for video voyeurism after of 130 mph. Sheriff Ramsay followed a teenage girl found a cell phone in a

Annual Report 2018 | 21 1

1. A Trauma Star helicopter lands on a bridge to collect a critically injured motorist for fast transport to a mainland medical facility.

• A Key Largo man was arrested for into nearby brush. Evidence collected • Sheriff’s Office deputies responded selling a pound of marijuana for $2,400. suggested the woman had been raped. to a real estate office in Key Largo after The man had been under investigation The man is currently in jail facing trial. a bomb threat was reported. There and surveillance of Sheriff’s Office • Two tourists — one driving a Ferrari were no injuries reported, no unusual detectives. and the other driving a Lamborghini packages or suspicious people found • Deputies arrested a Hialeah man — were arrested for racing through and no arrests made in the incident. after he bit the tip of another man’s Marathon at speeds greater than 100 • A Marathon man was arrested finger off at Bahia Honda State Park. mph. They were charged with unlawful for robbery after he reached over a gas The suspect had been drinking and was racing and reckless driving. The cars station counter and forcibly tried to steal falling down, and the victim went to help were rentals. a clerk’s wedding ring. him when the suspect bit him. • Bales of suspected cocaine • Charges continued to mount DECEMBER washed ashore in Islamorada. A against a Marathon man who had been • A sex offender from Missouri fisherman returning from sea found stalking and harassing Marathon women was arrested after a traffic stop for between 40 and 60 pounds of suspected and teenage girls around town. When giving alcohol to minors in Tavernier. cocaine in a bale that had washed up he was arrested for touching a girl at The suspect was driving a car with two under a dock along the 100 block of E. a soccer game, more victims came teenage girls inside. There was beer Carroll St. forward, including women who stated he and rum in the vehicle. The man had • A 40-year-old Fort Lauderdale man followed them in his truck as they were been previously convicted in Missouri for was arrested on a warrant regarding the walking or bicycling. molesting a 14-year-old. theft of approximately $1,300 in scuba • A man in a van was charged with • A Key West man pretending to be gear from a Key Largo dive shop in 2017. the murder of a women found naked in a contractor was arrested after stealing a wooded area just north of the Vaca Cut $14,000 from a Marathon couple for roof Bridge in Marathon. The victim appeared repairs. to have been dragged off a walking trail

22 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Have you heard? Checking is FREE at !*

SIMPLY FREE CHECKING FREE WITH • No minimum balance EVERY ACCOUNT • No monthly service charge • Debit Card or Business Debit Card with real-time alerts DIRECT INTEREST CHECKING • Online Banking • Competitive Interest • Mobile Banking with • No minimum balance Mobile Deposit • No monthly service charge • E-Statements with online check images 50 PLUS INTEREST CHECKING • Free checks • Competitive Interest • No minimum balance • No monthly service charge Plus free gift! HIGH INTEREST CHECKING • Free Checks • Higher interest rate with a daily balance of $1,500 or more • Competitve interest if daily balance falls below $1,500 • Only $6 monthly charge if minimum daily balance falls below $1,500 FREE has never sounded so good!

*Minimum opening deposit is only $50. Other fees such as non-sufficient funds, returned items, overdraft, etc. may apply. See fee schedule for details. Free gift provided at the time of account opening. Free gift may be reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-MISC. We reserve the right to substitute a gift of similar value. Up to $10 for checks and debit cards from another financial institution given at the time the checks/debit cards are presented. Member FDIC. About Us Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Organizational Chart

Sheriff

Sheriff’s Aide General Counsel

Professional Media Relations Standards Director Undersheriff Commander

Professional Standards/ Juvenile Diversion Animal Farm/ Airport Security Staff Inspections Supervisor Landscaping Lieutenant Lieutenant

Bureau of Bureau Bureau Administration of Law Enforcement of Corrections Chief Major Major

Information District One District Four/Five Operations Support Services Finance Management (Lower Keys) / Monroe (Middle Keys) Commander Commander Executive Director Executive Director HIDTA Commander Commander

Communications District Six District Seven Key West Records Services & Programs (Islamorada) (Upper Keys/Ocean Reef) Accreditation Security Director Director Commander Commander

Support Services Property & Evidence Human Resources Reserve Unit Marathon Programs Commander/Special Director Executive Director Commander Site Commander Director Investigations Commander

Grants Administration/ Plantation Key Financial Assistant Risk Management Site Commander

24 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office About Us Sheriff’s Office

SHERIFF Office through his command staff. including the medal of valor for risking The Sheriff, Most divisions and departments his own life to save the life of another. by law, is report to him through his second in During his time as sheriff, the the chief law command, the Colonel or undersheriff office has received prestigious Triple enforcement of the agency. His aide and the Sheriff’s Crown status with the National Sheriff’s officer in Monroe general counsel report directly to the Association, one of only 42 offices in County with the Sheriff. the country to receive the honor. The Rick Ramsay full authority and Sheriff Ramsay has been in law Triple Crown is awarded to agencies responsibility to enforcement, working for the Monroe that achieve simultaneous accreditation uphold the law and preserve the peace. County Sheriff’s Office, since November through the Commission on Accreditation The Sheriff is charged with protecting of 1987. He rose through the ranks, for Law Enforcement (CALEA), the the lives and property of citizens and working in all aspects of the office until Commission on Accreditation for visitors in the county. The Sheriff is he was elected sheriff in 2012. Corrections (CAC) of the American ultimately responsible for every division Sheriff Ramsay is the most decorated Correctional Association (ACA); and the and department in the Monroe County deputy in the history of the MCSO, with National Commission on Correctional Sheriff’s Office. He is in touch, day to 93 commendations of merit. He has Health Care (NCCHA). day, with the activities of the Sheriff’s received all the awards the office offers,

UNDERSHERIFF LEGAL DIVISION The undersheriff holds the rank of The general counsel advises Sheriff Colonel and is second in command of Ramsay and senior command staff the Sheriff’s Office. He is responsible for on a wide range of civil, criminal, and the day-to-day actions of personnel and administrative matters. The general for enforcement of general orders and counsel serves as the chief labor and policy within the Sheriff’s Office. He also contract negotiator and liaison to outside Lou Caputo handles the disposition of disciplinary Patrick McCullah counsel, the State Attorney’s Office, and action. several federal task forces. The general The Colonel oversees all Sheriff’s Office bureaus, including counsel oversees litigation related to the forfeiture of seized operations, corrections and administrative bureaus. assets, provides legal updates and training, and works with staff to monitor potential risk and develop policy.

MISSION VISION CORE VALUES It is the mission of the Monroe Our vision is to enhance the quality Honesty County Sheriff’s Office to suppress, of life in the Florida Keys through Professionalism prevent and deter crime with the strong community partnerships in a Commitment to Community relentless pursuit of all criminals as way that maintains the public trust. a top priority. We will operate safe The men and women of the Monroe and professional detention and court County Sheriff’s Office will pursue the security services throughout the Keys. highest standards of Law Enforcement We are dedicated to keeping our excellence in everything we do. communities and roadways safe while providing the highest quality of service to our residents and visitors. We are committed to the Keys!

Annual Report 2018 | 25 Bureau of Law Enforcement / Districts Successfully Fighting Crime in the Florida Keys

Major Chad Scibilia Traffic Enforcement Unit Sgt. Greg Korzen targets speeders on his BMW motorcycle.

FIGHTING CRIME IS THE NUMBER ONE The Sheriff’s Office is proud to say there to maintain order and discourages crime has steadily decreased in Monroe crime from taking place. MISSION OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT County over the past 25 years. In 2018, In charge of implementing this crime continued to decrease with the policy are the Captains and Lieutenants AGENCY. OUR DEPUTIES ARE THERE major index crime down 16.8 percent for in each district. Captains serve as the year. district commanders, working to forge a TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE; OUR “That figure reflects the hard work of partnership with the community and other our deputies and detectives as well as the agencies; Lieutenants serve as station DETECTIVES WORK TO INVESTIGATE strong partnerships we continued to build commanders, running the day-to-day law not only with other law enforcement, but enforcement operations. MORE COMPLEX CRIMES. with the residents for whom we serve,” In each district, this command team said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. “I have no works together to organize neighborhood WE CANNOT DO THE JOB WELL, reason to believe that this trend can’t clean ups; Sheriff Ramsay directs them to continue if we continue to work together in paint out graffiti within 24 hours of finding HOWEVER, WITHOUT A PARTNERSHIP making our neighborhoods as safe as they it and he is often seen himself picking up can be.” trash and painting out unsightly graffiti WITH THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE. Reduction in crime is not the only throughout the county. positive aspect of these community Members are encouraged to practice initiatives. The Sheriff’s Office saw Community Oriented Policing to ensure our clearance rates go up as well. The the quality of life and livability factors are clearance rate of crimes in 2018 was 38.3 at the highest levels possible. percent. This has improved over the 2017 The agency uses the Citizen’s rate of 30.8 percent. Crime Watch program to enlist citizen For perspective: The Sheriff’s Office cooperation in anti-crime efforts. has a clearance rate that is 51 percent Members of the office meet with higher than the state average. The state neighborhood groups and partner with average is 25.3 percent. citizens for the enhancement of public Sheriff Ramsay has taken the well- safety and quality of life. known “broken windows theory” of crime Some agency efforts include watch and criminal behavior to heart and so orders on residential and business have the people who work for him. The properties when owners are away or broken windows theory posits that the the premises are unoccupied; business appearance of disorder — including trash checks with our “Watchcard” program; on the streets, graffiti and abandoned bicycle patrols; Crime Stoppers of the homes and vehicles — leads to more Florida Keys; water patrols utilizing boats disorder and criminal behavior. It theorizes and personal watercraft; and routine that keeping neighborhoods clean and in neighborhood patrols. good shape encourages people who live

26 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement / Districts Major Index Crimes

TOTAL CRIMES COUNTY WIDE OFFENSE REPORTS

5,000 12,500

4,000 10,000

3,000 7,5 0 0

2,000 5,000

1,000 2,500

0 0 1991 1955 2000 2005 2010 2015 2016 2017 2018 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2016 2017 2018

Law enforcement agencies statewide are required to report specific crime statistics to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). That agency, in turn, issues yearly summaries and detailed reports on crime, with comparisons county by county, city by city, and statewide. Here is a chart showing the dramatic reduction of major crimes in Monroe County over the past 25 years.

40% CLEARANCE RATES

Monroe County Sheriff Broward County 35% Miami-Dade County State of Florida

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

There are two ways to clear a case: by arrest, or “cleared by exception,” which means an offender has been identified but there is something beyond the agency’s control which keeps the offender from being arrested. An example would be the offender is dead, extradition is denied, or the case involves a juvenile offender who cannot be charged for some reason.

Annual Report 2018 | 27 Bureau of Law Enforcement / Districts District One - Lower Keys

District One road patrol and detectives. Sgt. David Lariz works with young cyclists.

The Lower Keys District is the values of the Sheriff’s Office and the men largest district spanning an area from the and women of District One strive to uphold city of Key West to the 40 mile marker these values every day. of U.S. One. The substation for District In 2018, the district members One is at mile marker 21 on Cudjoe Key. responded to 49,297 calls for service. The main jail and Sheriff’s headquarters The district wrote a total of 2,893 reports building are on Stock Island, located in and made 644 arrests. During 2018, the District One. district saw the crime rate reduce while Captain Donnie Catala The district commander, Captain seeing the clearance rate increase. Donnie Catala commands the entire The law enforcement family of District THE LOWER KEYS DISTRICT district and oversees all operations in the One has a personal stake in what happens Lower Keys. in the community because they work and IS THE LARGEST DISTRICT The station commander, Lieutenant live here. In addition to their role in law SPANNING AN AREA FROM THE Dennis Coleman oversees the daily enforcement and the relentless pursuit CITY OF KEY WEST TO THE operations of road patrol squads, the of criminals, the deputies of District Criminal Investigation Unit, bike patrol One address quality of life issues and 40 MILE MARKER OF U.S. ONE. deputies, the Crime lab and one Marine continually work hard to forge community THE SUBSTATION FOR DISTRICT Unit that enforces Marine Laws and partnerships in order to solve small removal of derelict vessels. problems before they become big ones. ONE IS AT MILE MARKER 21 Performing the all-important Some community events our members ON CUDJOE KEY. THE MAIN JAIL administrative task at the substation are are involved in include National Night Brenda Winegarden and Jo Socha. Out, the annual Sheriff’s Office Citizens AND SHERIFF’S HEADQUARTERS The Criminal Investigations Unit is Police Academy, the Key West Holiday BUILDING ARE ON STOCK ISLAND, comprised of one Sergeant, five detectives Parade, Sugarloaf School Safety Day, LOCATED IN DISTRICT ONE. and one crime scene investigator. CIU helping the MARC House with many fund is responsible for investigating felony raisers including their Pumpkin Patch and crimes and processing all crime scenes. Christmas Tree sales, numerous clean- District One’s road patrol is comprised of ups and graffiti eradication projects. The four sergeants, 24 deputies and a marine district is also involved in the Key West enforcement deputy. Triathlon, Fantasy Fest, the Seven Mile Honesty, professionalism and Bridge Run and the Wounded Warrior commitment to community are the core Ride.

28 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement / Districts District Four & Five - Middle Keys

District Four and Five road patrol, detectives and support staff.

Captain Don Hiller Lt. Derek Paul, center, is second in command. Deputies shoot hoops with teenagers.

WIDELY REFERRED TO AS THE, Road patrol and the Criminal Hill. Their responsibilities include, but Investigations Unit are multi-faceted with are not limited to, records management, “HEART OF THE FLORIDA KEYS,” duties including traffic safety; responding data entry, pawn shop reports and taking DISTRICTS FOUR AND FIVE SPAN to calls for service; conducting community fingerprints from those requesting that FROM MILE MARKER 47 TO MILE and business contacts; investigating service. misdemeanor and felony cases; and In 2018, District Four and District Five MARKER 72. THIS AREA INCLUDES educating the public on crime prevention deputies responded to 41,818 calls for THE CITIES OF MARATHON, techniques and how they can contribute service, wrote 2,803 offense reports and to improving the quality of life in our made 797 arrests. KEY COLONY BEACH AND LAYTON AS community. Juggling all those important It could be a community clean-up, WELL AS UNINCORPORATED AREAS responsibilities requires well-trained, painting over graffiti, visiting schools, professional law enforcement officers. helping families or other activities, OF THE COUNTY. Road patrol in the district consists deputies are just eager to get out there THE DISTRICT COMMANDER of four squads of five deputies each. and help. IS CAPTAIN DON HILLER AND Each squad is supervised by a sergeant. District Four & Five is one of the most In 2018, the four patrol squads were active areas of the agency as Marathon THE STATION COMMANDER IS supervised by Sergeant Joel Slough, hosts a litany of festivals and events each LIEUTENANT DEREK PAUL. Sergeant John Jones, Sergeant Lissette year, including, but not limited to the Quintero and Sergeant Christian Marathon Seafood Festival, the Celtic Kellenberger. The Criminal Investigations Festival, the Seven Mile Bridge Run and Unit is made up of three detectives and the Pigeon Key Art Festival to name only one reserve detective. In 2018, this squad a few. was supervised by Detective Sergeant Trevor Wirth. All valued customers walking into Districts Two and Three do not exist in the Florida the Marathon Substation, located at Keys. The designations were left available in 3101 Overseas Highway, are greeted by anticipation that more areas of the Keys would Administrative Assistant Rita Hinerman incorporate, but that has yet to happen. and Administrative Assistant Brenda

Annual Report 2018 | 29 Bureau of Law Enforcement / Districts District Six - Islamorada

District Six road patrol and detectives.

Captain Corey Bryan Deputies talk to high school students about sober driving.

THE VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA Captain Corey Bryan is the Islamorada has a permanent resident commanding officer for the village of population of 7, 000 to 8,000 people. CONTRACTS ITS LAW ENFORCEMENT Islamorada with Lieutenant David Carey All deputies in the district respond to SERVICES FROM THE SHERIFF’S as his second in command. District Six emergencies and calls for service from the OFFICE. THE DISTRICT SUBSTATION IS has 18 sworn officers and one civilian community, as well as providing deterrence administrative assistant; all are committed of criminal activity through highly visible LOCATED 86800 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY. to the principles of community oriented patrol and other proactive enforcement. THE VILLAGE CONSISTS OF FOUR policing and building partnerships between Village deputies are proactive with the community and law enforcement. bicycle patrols in the community, saving MAIN ISLANDS, 18 MILES IN LENGTH District Six handled 25,876 calls for the agency on fuel costs and giving the ALTOGETHER. THE VILLAGE’S service in 2018, wrote 1,225 offense community more personal contact with reports and made 332 arrests. Officers officers. POPULATION EASILY DOUBLES routinely and pro-actively identify and Events, exhibitions and participation DURING THE PEAK TOURIST SEASON address areas of concern and quality of life in the community are an essential part of AND MANY SPECIAL EVENTS. WHILE issues within the community before they successful community policing. One of the become a larger problem. best examples is an event sponsored by the PATROLLING THE STREETS AND High visibility and traffic enforcement Sheriff’s Office yearly in August. National WATERS, DEPUTIES ARE DEVOTED TO along U.S. One are priorities in order to Night Out aims to increase awareness keep the highway as safe as possible. about police programs in the community, PROVIDING THE BEST PROFESSIONAL Marine deputies enforce violations on the such as drug prevention, Crime Watch and SERVICE IN ORDER TO CREATE A water with a philosophy of compliance other anti-crime efforts. SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR EVERYONE through education. Deputies patrol the Building partnerships, addressing waters surrounding Islamorada with three quality of life issues and involvement in the RESIDING IN OR TRAVELING TO OR patrol boats, one part-time and two full- community is what makes all of the Monroe THROUGH ISLAMORADA. time marine deputies. County a satisfying place to work and a safe place to live and visit.

30 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement / Districts District Seven - Upper Keys

District Seven road patrol and detectives.

The district’s substation is in the Roth Building at 50 High Point Road in Tavernier. The building was purchased through federally forfeited drug proceeds and opened in 2005. The building was named after now-retired Sheriff Richard Roth, who was responsible for its Sheriff Rick Ramsay and members of the SWAT purchase and renovation. Team show an Ocean Reef resident a sniper rifle. Captain Donnie Fanelli District Seven Patrol is comprised of road deputies and patrol sergeants entry and more. District Seven personnel THE NORTHERNMOST DISTRICT IN answering calls for service and patrolling are also responsible for following up and 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They investigating felony crimes, processing MONROE COUNTY IS IN KEY LARGO, assure the safety of the community and crime scenes, civil process and the KNOWN AS THE GATEWAY TO THE carry out the philosophies of Sheriff Rick processing and security of evidence. KEYS. DISTRICT SEVEN STARTS AT Ramsay. Tasked with supervising this The District Commander is Captain group are Sergeants Jason Madnick, Syd Donnie Fanelli and second in charge is THE SOUTH END OF MIAMI-DADE Whitehouse, Paul Bean, James Hager Station Commander Lieutenant Alberto COUNTY AT THE 112 MILE MARKER OF and Orlando Alvarez. In 2018 the district Ramirez. Records is headed by Peggy responded to or initiated more than Bryan while the Criminal Investigations U.S. ONE AND ENDS AT THE TAVERNIER 50,408 calls for service. In addition, the Unit supervision is the responsibility of CREEK BRIDGE, MILE MARKER 90.2. district utilizes two boats parttime to help Detective Sgt. Scott Ward. patrol the surrounding waters, and bicycle The agency is always striving to DISTRICT SEVEN ALSO ENCOMPASSES officers to help patrol the community. solve a variety of issues. Command staff, COUNTY ROAD 905, THE OCEAN REEF Besides road patrol, the Roth Building supervisors, deputies, and community COMMUNITY, PARTS OF CARD SOUND houses resources such as Records, partners meet with approximately 18 Property, Criminal Investigations, Crime Citizen Crime Watch groups regularly to ROAD TO THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY Scene Investigations, Juvenile Diversion discuss crime and provide helpful tips. LINE AND MAINLAND MONROE COUNTY programs, and the Civil Unit. All of these Partnering with other government entities offices also service the Islamorada such as Public Works, Code Enforcement IN THE EVERGLADES AND LOOP ROAD. District. A professional office staff at and the Board of County Commissioners, the Roth Building provides essential the Sheriff’s Office has been extremely services such as answering phone calls, successful in building and maintaining disseminating reports, fingerprinting, data community support.

Annual Report 2018 | 31 Bureau of Corrections Custody, Control and Care Since October 2000, the Bureau of such as the U.S. Marshals Service at a THE OVERALL MISSION OF THE Corrections has successfully passed five cost of $90 per day per inmate and to CORRECTIONS BUREAU IS TO PROVIDE state accreditation inspections by meeting Immigration and Naturalization Service FOR CUSTODY, CONTROL, CARE, all 250 standards set forth by the Florida and U.S. Border Patrol at a cost of $87 Corrections Accreditation Commission per day per inmate. Money received AND TREATMENT OF INCARCERATED (FCAC). In addition, the Bureau of from these contract beds goes into the INMATES. THE FACILITIES ALSO Corrections is nationally accredited by the Monroe County general fund to offset the American Corrections Association, the cost of operating the detention facilities. OFFER A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS TO world’s largest corrections accreditation The agency collected $2,345,914 from INMATES WHO WISH TO MAKE A association. The bureau is proud of its contract beds during 2018. POSITIVE CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES, ability to meet the difficult and exacting Incarceration should never be a “free standards required to be a professionally ride” and the Sheriff’s Office is always INCLUDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, accredited detention bureau both looking for ways to offset the cost to WORK RELATED AND REHABILITATIVE nationally and in the state of Florida. taxpayers of operating its facilities. Total The Corrections Bureau provides jail related fees collected from inmates PROGRAMS AIMED AT CHANGING processing and detention services for for 2018 were $310,226. Fees charged BEHAVIORS SO WHEN AN INMATE all law enforcement agencies in Monroe in our facilities include: a $20 booking County. In 2018, 6,264 people were fee, an inmate subsistence fee of $1 per IS RELEASED, HE OR SHE HAS A booked through the three jail facilities. day per inmate, the inmate commissary CHANCE AT BECOMING A PRODUCTIVE, Processing an inmate involves intake, which sells extra day to day necessities to CONTRIBUTING MEMBER OF SOCIETY. medical screening, fingerprinting, inmates, indigent packs, mattress rentals, photographing, and classification of check writing fees, reading glasses, legal each person. Technology plays a key services and some medical services. role, particularly through video-imaging The Corrections Bureau is also and electronic or inkless fingerprinting. charged with transporting inmates into The automated fingerprint identification and out of the County, to and from court system called “Live Scan”, offers real time and to other required activities. The Jail positive identification on all arrestees. Transportation Unit transported 8,335 We also use facial recognition technology inmates in 2018. which has been successful at identifying Major Tim Age new intakes giving false information. A full body scanner detects and helps prevent dangerous contraband that inmates may carry on or inside their bodies from entering the facility. The scanner enhances the safety of both inmates and detention deputies. Monroe County detention facilities utilize the direct supervision model. This Captain Anne Sweeney style of management uses correction deputies working directly within inmate living areas. The units and dorms house from 54 to 95 inmates each. The absence of barriers such as bars, steel doors and catwalks typically found in an “old style” jail allows our deputies to control all areas in the jail including passageways and secure rooms. In this Captain Jon Crane way, inmates’ activities and behavior are in The Florida Corrections Accreditation direct control of correction deputies. Commission honored Monroe County Sheriff’s In a continuing effort to save the Office Bureau of Corrections Major Tim Age taxpayers’ money, the Sheriff’s Office as its Assessor of the Year for 2018. Maj. Age has lead assessment teams that inspected leases unused bed space in the main jails throughout Florida to ensure they are in detention facility to federal agencies compliance with state standards.

32 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections

INMATE gives the offender a marketable trade medical records system was recently PROGRAMS or skill which reduces recidivism. The implemented to better manage inmate The Inmate offender also has the opportunity to pay medical care. Programs and restitution for their crimes, help support Director Keena Allen Services Division their families while incarcerated and JAIL FOOD SERVICES handles the daily experience a more positive transition Contract provider Aramark needs of inmates including mail, laundry, back into the community. Correctional Services provided three accounting, commissary, religious and meals a day to inmates, serving 669,257 educational programs. INMATE WORKERS PROGRAM meals in 2018. The commissary Multiple volunteers donated over The Inmate Workers program saves department has a TouchPay kiosk 1,736 hours in 2018 to assist in this taxpayers significant money by assigning installed in the Key West jail lobby for division. A part-time facility chaplain is inmates to work details with County self-release/bail payments and deposits on staff to provide for the religious needs Public Works, municipalities and other to an inmate’s commissary account. of inmates. public service agencies in Monroe TouchPay via Aramark, is an efficient County. The program saved taxpayers and convenient system for families and JAIL IN-HOUSE PROGRAM an estimated $287,562 in labor costs friends as it accepts cash, credit card or The Jail In-House Program (JIP) with hours figured at minimum wage. debit card payments in person, over the provides substance abuse services Inmate workers clean Sheriff’s Office internet or over the phone. for inmates. These services include buildings, work in the main Detention assessment and treatment planning, Center kitchen preparing inmate meals, EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT individual and group counseling, maintain Sheriff’s Office landscaping, In an effort to maintain a local addiction and co-occurring education, work at the Sheriff’s Animal Farm and workforce, the Sheriff’s Office regularly relapse and recidivism prevention perform many similar duties for Monroe sponsors a corrections academy. planning, employment and financial County government buildings, public Participants are chosen after completing skills, trauma informed services, parks and roadways. an application process including transition/discharge preparation and interviews and a physical fitness test. continued recovery planning. Recidivism THE CLASSIFICATION UNIT Those selected then complete a 420 rates for 2018 are based on those This unit determines custody and hour course and take the state exam. inmates who completed treatment and housing assignments for all inmates. It Passing the exam certifies the individual were rearrested during 2018; 12.3% also processes court information and as a Florida corrections officer. The of men and 10.3% of women were release documentation. Inmates are officer completes a 12 week on the job rearrested after participating in the screened closely for suitability for work training before being assigned to a shift. program. inside and outside the facility. Their The Sheriff’s Office has a master talents are taken into consideration for deputy program to recognize deputies BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION work assignments. Special attention is with exceptional work history and PROGRAM required for high-profile inmates in need performance. Criteria includes, but is The Behavior Modification program of special housing and other special not limited to, three consecutive annual continues to help inmates modify their care. A computerized Smart Cop Jail above standard performance ratings, behavior and develop skills to assist Management System helps identify 98% attendance in the past three years, their transition back into society. This violent felons, escape risks, sexual at least 30 semester hours of college program offers classes in life skills, anger predators and inmates who are required, level education, and a minimum of 20 management and parenting for both for various reasons, to submit DNA hours of annual community service. male and female inmates. A class is also samples to the state of Florida. A tuition reimbursement program is offered for male batterers. available promoting higher education. Costs for this program are paid from JAIL HEALTH SERVICES Personnel are encouraged to achieve a inmate welfare funds, not by taxpayers. In 2018, Armor Correctional Health Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited Services handles inmate medical care college or university. When approved, INMATE WORK under the direction of a medical health tuition cost is reimbursed at a percentage RELEASE PROGRAM administrator, including medical, dental, applicable to the grade level received The Work Release program allows and psychiatric services. Inmates upon course completion and the officer selected, low-risk offenders to work in are charged a fee for services but no is then eligible for salary incentives. the community while completing the inmate can be denied medical care terms of their sentence. The program due to the inability to pay. An electronic

Annual Report 2018 | 33 Bureau of Corrections

INCOME FROM INMATE BOOKINGS CONTRACT INMATES

8,000 $ 3,000,000

7,000 $ 2,500,000 6,000 $ 2,000,000 5,000

4,000 $ 1,500,000

3,000 $ 1,000,000 2,000 $ 500,000 1,000

0 $ 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Inmates Amount

All Sheriff’s Office employees, including Bureau of Correction Deputies seen here picking up trash, are urged to give back to their communities whenever and wherever they can.

COMMUNITY SERVICE Members of the Corrections Bureau participated in numerous community events throughout the year such as providing care packages to the homeless, assisting MARC House with their annual Christmas tree sale, Relay for Life fund-raising activities, Soldier Ride, Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run and joining in the Children’s Day and National Night Out events throughout the Keys. One annual project is the collection of bikes for kids at Christmas.

34 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement / Support Services More Specialty Enforcement Duties

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS terrorism, smuggling and narcotics. It In this unit, Captain Phelps is is also responsible for coordination and supported by Lieutenant James Norman; dissemination of Crime Stoppers tips the unit investigates cases which are often related to Monroe County. sensitive and complex in nature. As a side duty, the unit promotes the Lieutenant Norman supervises idea of “See Something-Say Something” Detective Sergeant Spenser Bryan and to local organizations and civic clubs. Captain Penny Phelps six investigators in their fight against illicit In addition, the unit continually works narcotics and vice-related crime, including to increase networking and intelligence THE SUPPORT SERVICES prostitution, illegal gambling and firearms sharing and to coordinate efforts to catch violations. They are also responsible suspects who travel through multiple DIVISION IS A WIDE-RANGING for dignitary protection, tracking crime jurisdictions committing similar crimes. DIVISION MADE UP OF VARIOUS trends, burglary details and investigating This effort requires the coordination of SPECIALTY UNITS OF LAW tips received through Crime Stoppers. more than 30 different agencies. They partner with local, state and federal ENFORCEMENT. THE DIVISION agencies throughout South Florida. TRAINING IS HEADED UP BY CAPTAIN Also under Lieutenant Norman’s The Sheriff’s Office Training Unit is purview is the Major Crimes Unit. In 2018, charged with providing both in-service PENNY PHELPS. this unit of five highly-trained investigators training and advanced and specialized and four Victim Advocates was supervised training in all areas of law enforcement by Detective Sergeant Barney Sadjak. and corrections. • SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS The unit investigates cases involving sex The unit works closely with Florida • HOMELAND SECURITY/ crimes, aggravated battery, homicide, Keys Community College to provide CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE missing juveniles, child pornography, instructors for ongoing law enforcement • TRAINING UNIT sexual offender verification, cold cases and corrections academies. Instructors and all manners of death. They also work from the Sheriff’s Office also work • COMMUNICATIONS UNIT closely with the Florida Department of Law with the college to teach advanced law • TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT Enforcement (FDLE) and Internet Crimes enforcement, corrections and support against Children (ICAC). services related courses such as • DIVE TEAM The Victim Advocates assist victims line supervision, field training officer, • BOMB SQUAD of crime; in particular, the victims of intoxilyzer operator, radar operator, middle • SWAT TEAM violent crimes. They also assist as victims management, and instructor techniques navigate the often arduous criminal justice workshops. • HONOR GUARD process. In-service courses are presented to • HOMELAND SECURITY personnel in order to maintain officer’s HOMELAND SECURITY / certification requirements. Many of these • CRIME ANALYSIS CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE requirements are set by the state of • INTELLIGENCE Lieutenant Nancy Alvarez coordinates Florida and other regulatory bodies. These • COURT SERVICES Homeland Security concerns and criminal courses include instruction in firearms, intelligence with the Regional Domestic blood borne pathogens, hazardous • CIVIL PROCESS Security Task Force and assists with materials, defensive tactics, chemical • CRISIS NEGOTIATORS Region 7 (South Florida) coordinating, weapons, use of force, legal updates, planning and table top exercises. impact weapons, emergency vehicle . Lieutenant Alvarez also supervises Court operation, first response to medical Security and the Civil Unit. emergencies, domestic violence, juvenile The Homeland Security and and sex crimes, suicide prevention / Intelligence unit is also responsible for Baker’s Act training, and drug and alcohol gathering, analyzing and disseminating recognition. intelligence concerning known or Support courses provided to all suspected criminal activity; including personnel in the Sheriff’s Office include gang activity, special interest groups, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),

Annual Report 2018 | 35 Bureau of Law Enforcement / Support Services

personal safety / self-awareness, and are called upon to make split second computer courses. decisions that can mean the difference The records portion of the training between life and death. They can be unit maintains all employee training a lifeline to deputies in the field and to records as well as salary incentive and callers on the phone. tuition information to provide required In addition to taking calls and dispatch- documentation for the Florida Department ing public safety agencies, communica- of Law Enforcement for their annual tions officers are also tasked with providing A member of the dive team helps collect audits. lifesaving pre-arrival instructions to assist in evidence in a lobster case. In 2018, both law enforcement and medical and fire situations. corrections deputies participated in Communications officers go through funeral details, special events, highway scenario-based training as part of their approximately five months of training prior to interdictions and sobriety checkpoints. required annual retraining module (ARM). being released to work on a shift. Remember: a 911 call should only be DIVE TEAM made in an emergency. Otherwise callers The Sheriff’s Office Underwater should use the non-emergency phone Search and Recovery Team, also called number to report a crime or request the dive team, responds to any water- help, 305-289-2351. Other Sheriff’s related operation and is trained to safely Office phone numbers are available on effect any type of waterborne recovery the back page of this book. or rescue operation. Tip: If you accidentally call 9-1-1, The dive team’s primary don’t hang up. Stay on the line and tell responsibility is underwater search the dispatcher it was unintentional. That and recovery of persons and/or The sheriff’s state-of-the-art communications way they do not send resources that can evidence. The team consists of deputy center handles all emergency calls for the Keys, be better used for an actual emergency. sheriffs who are specially trained and except Key West. Also, make sure you teach your child to equipped to conduct such operations. dial 9-1-1 for an emergency and make All members of the team also hold COMMUNICATIONS sure they know their address. other working positions in the Sheriff’s The Communications Unit is located in Office and do not receive additional the heart of the Florida Keys in Marathon. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT compensation for their presence on the All of the 911 calls for Monroe County are The Traffic Enforcement Unit team. Deputy Nelson Sanchez leads the answered in the center with the exception enforces Florida traffic laws and all traffic dive team. of calls for the city of Key West. related Monroe County ordinances. The The mission of the Communications efforts of this unit ensure people traveling BOMB SQUAD Unit is to provide rapid public safety on the roadways of Monroe County stay The Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad response. To that end, the Communications as safe as possible. is the only fully equipped explosives Unit is charged with dispatching sheriff’s The main highway, U.S. One, handling team in the Florida Keys. deputies, emergency medical services stretches the entire length of Monroe Bomb Squad members respond to and fire/rescue personnel. Calls for service County, making the duties of the Traffic calls involving found explosives, bomb are received into the center by both non- Enforcement Unit particularly crucial. threats, or suspicious packages. emergency lines as well as 911 lines. Traffic accidents and other traffic issues The Bomb Squad also handles The unit has a total of 22 staff can severely impact the flow of traffic in the destruction of explosive devices, members, including a director, Lieutenant the Florida Keys and it is the duty of the old outdated ammunition, flares and Charlene Sprinkle-Huff, four shift unit to see such interruptions happen as other dangerous items such as military supervisors and 17 communications infrequently as possible. munitions which are often found floating officers. The communications staff All deputies in the Traffic Unit, under in the near-shore waters of the Florida are trained first responders who field the direction of Sergeant Greg Korzen, Keys. hundreds of incoming calls each day. The are trained breath-test operators, radar The Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad ability to filter out the chaos, determine the and laser certified. The unit inspects has state-of-the-art equipment to handle best course of action, and move quickly is and maintains five Intoxilyzer 8000 dangerous situations. In the past the a true test of their skills. instruments and has two specifically squad had been called upon to dismantle Communications officers must monitor trained DUI units. homemade explosive devices, destroy old multiple radio frequencies and dispatch Some of the ancillary duties of dynamite, clear buildings of dangerous the appropriate agencies in a calm and the Traffic Enforcement Unit include explosives, and search buildings, boats, professional manner. They frequently high profile escorts, dignitary escorts, and other locations. Lieutenant Mike

36 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office DiGiovanni oversees the Bomb Squad; he general public at large. All members of is assisted by Sergeant Thomas Hill and the team hold other working positions in Detective Iscandel Perez. the Sheriff’s Office and do not receive additional compensation for their The SWAT team trains for high-risk search warrants HONOR GUARD presence on the team. and approaching armed or barricaded suspects. The Honor Guard is a specially trained group of Sheriff’s Office employees COURT SERVICES SPECIAL who formally represent the office during This unit is headed up by Lieutenant WEAPONS services and ceremonies by presenting Nancy Alvarez. Courthouse staff AND TACTICS the “colors,” or flags, usually at the members in the Lower, Middle and In addition beginning of the event. The primary Upper Keys assist in ensuring the safety to his duties objective for the Honor Guard is to provide of judicial staff and the public in all three commanding honor, respect and dignity at the events courthouses in the Keys. They perform District Four/Five, where they offer their services. scans and searches of each person and Captain Don Hiller Officers in the Honor Guard escort their property upon entering courthouse Captain Don Hiller also oversees the the colors armed with rifles or shotguns buildings. Deputies work closely with the Special Weapons to symbolize that the flags are always court staff and Bureau of Corrections to and Tactics Team. protected. At funerals, the Honor Guard ensure safety for everyone, especially The Special Weapons and Tactics performs other special functions, during court proceedings. (SWAT) team is primarily used to including the 21 gun salute, casket The Key West Courthouse is serve high-risk search warrants where watch, flag folding, flag presentation and supervised by Sergeant Gerald Fisher. occupants are suspected of being armed the playing of “Taps.” The Honor Guard The Marathon Courthouse is supervised and/or dangerous. They also respond, is led by Deputy Andrew Leird. The by Sergeant Kimberly Clausen and the when required, to other situations such members of the Honor Guard serve with Plantation Key Courthouse is supervised as barricaded subjects, wanted suspects no extra monetary compensation. by Sergeant Jennifer Torres. who might be armed and dangerous, and any other time they are needed. The HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION TEAM CIVIL PROCESS team frequently assists local, state and The Sheriff’s Office Hostage The Civil Unit is overseen by federal agencies. Negotiation team is a unit of specially Lieutenant Nancy Alvarez and includes Team members have all completed a trained people tasked to respond to crisis deputies assigned throughout the county. two-week basic SWAT course. They train incidents including but not limited to: The main office is located at the Sheriff’s together twice a month to maintain those suicide attempts, hostage situations, sniper Office headquarters building on Stock skills and to ensure they can all work attacks and barricaded armed subjects. Island. In 2018, the main headquarters smoothly together. The team is required Each member must receive special office was supervised by Gina Rivas. to participate in a timed physical ability training in crisis intervention, negotiation The Civil Unit carries out the Sheriff’s test and weapons qualifications to remain techniques, recognition of patterns statutory responsibility for the service of on the team. To date, no Sheriff’s Office and clusters of behavior and advanced process and execution of writs. These SWAT member has been seriously active communication skills. These judicial process documents originate injured or killed during the performance skills are used with the goal of a safer from the courts, governmental agencies of their duties. The team is supervised by more controlled resolution to a volatile and private attorneys in Florida and Team Leader Sergeant Joel Slough. incident which poses high risk to law throughout the United States and enforcement, persons in crisis and the include: CRISIS NEGOTIATORS • Summonses, complaints and Deputy David Stark leads the team The Bomb Squad shows Key Largo residents subpoenas of Crisis Negotiators. The team members a robot used to recover explosive devices. • Writs of possession for real estate consist of Sergeant Lissette Quintero, • Injunctions for protection against Detective Matt Pitcher, and Deputy Dawn domestic violence Agusto. The negotiators serve as the • Writs of garnishment “voices of reason” during times of crisis • Arrest orders/writs of bodily and chaos. They respond when a person attachment is facing an overwhelming situation and is The Civil Unit also enforces levies unable to use healthy coping mechanisms and writs of attachment and conducts to deal with the situation. Each team Sheriff’s sales to aid in the collection of member has received specialized monetary judgments. negotiator training through the Institute of Police Management and Technology.

Annual Report 2018 | 37 Bureau of Law Enforcement / Other special Units From A(viation) to Z(oo)

In 2018, Trauma Star flew 987 patients to the mainland for medical care.

AVIATION The program involves a cooperative headed up by Supervisor Sherwood The Aviation agreement between the Sheriff’s Office, “Woody” Hanford and staffed by case Unit consists of Monroe County Fire/Rescue, county managers Amber Whiteman and Nat seven pilots and commissioners, the county administrator, Whitehouse. three mechanics. and our three local hospitals. The highly successful Juvenile The aircraft they Civil Citation program and Teen Court operate currently MEDIA RELATIONS use individual and family counseling, Colonel Lou Caputo include three In 2018, the Media Relations Division restitution, community service, curfew, Sikorsky S-76 was under the supervision of Director letters of apology and other methods to medical transport helicopters and a King Adam Lindhardt who reports directly to help re-direct youth in the program back Air B200 airplane. The hanger where the Colonel Lou Caputo. onto the right path. unit is located is on the northern end of the The director serves as the agency’s The Intensive Delinquency Diversion airport in Marathon. public information officer and media Program (IDDS) is a longer-term program The King Air provides transport of relations liaison. He helps design for more serious offenders. It targets county employees traveling for business. and maintains the agency’s web site, education, job placement, youth and The medical transport helicopters — called manages social media and publishes family counseling along with substance Trauma Star — provide trauma flights from internal and external newsletters, abuse and mental health counseling in the scenes of accidents and incidents in brochures and other publications. its efforts to keep youth from committing Monroe County; they take severely injured further offenses. victims to major trauma centers in Miami JUVENILE PROGRAMS Teen Court is funded through because there are no such facilities within The goal of the Juvenile Programs Monroe County from fees attached Monroe County; it is also available for Unit is to prevent young people, to court cases. The Civil Citation inter-facility transports between hospitals arrested for relatively minor offenses, program and IDDS are funded through a as needed. from engaging in further delinquent Department of Juvenile Justice contract behavior. Program case managers also providing 32 slots for juvenile offenders help to prevent youthful offenders from overseen by three highly-trained case becoming adult offenders. The unit is workers. It also receives money from fees attached to court cases.

38 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANIMAL FARM The Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm is a unique facility housing approximately 150 animals of all types — from common barnyard animals to exotic birds and species from the tropical rainforest. It is located underneath the main detention center on Stock Island. It is open to the public on second and fourth Sundays of each month from 1-3 p.m. It affords Monroe County families the opportunity to see and interact with animals in a family-friendly atmosphere Farmer Jeanne Selander, right, hosts one of the most popular Easter Egg hunts in the Keys. free of charge. Special group visits can also be scheduled. The farm is The farm and its operations are the animals on the farm come from the supported in large part by donations overseen by a paid employee - Jeanne SPCA, or from owners who can no longer from visitors. Selander. The animals at the farm are care for their animals. This special place is a big hit with cared for primarily by “Farmer Jeanne” Veterinarian services are primarily families and frequently sees visitors as she is known, and by detention center contributed by Dr. Doug Mader of from local schools, nursing homes, and inmates who benefit by learning to work the Marathon Veterinary Hospital. other programs such as the Boys and closely with many creatures in need of He regularly checks on the animals, Girls Club, the YMCA and local church the compassion and caring of a human administering medical care, vaccinations groups. The farm also gets many outside being — an experience which cannot and other necessary services. requests and attention from media world- help but be a positive factor in their lives. wide and from other facilities interested The farm began as a haven for in starting similar programs. homeless animals and, to date, most of

RESERVE PROGRAM New Year’s Eve fireworks, the Pigeon Key The mission of the Reserve Program Festival, the Seven Mile Bridge Run, 4th is to support the operation of the Monroe of July parades, and Fantasy Fest, just to County Sheriff’s Office. name a few. The Sheriff provides the reserve Captain a position on his command staff THE RESERVE COMMAND STAFF for direct coordination with the rest of the CONSISTS OF: Captain Ted Migala office. Captain Ted Migala, Sergeant Reserves contribute to the operation Harold Knowles, Sergeant Paul Petek of all divisions within the Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Robert Burley. including the Honor Guard, Victim There are 47 members of the Advocates, Court Security, Aviation, Reserve program. Twenty are reserve Records, Special Investigations, HIDTA, deputies, 11 are auxiliary deputies, the Dive team and parking enforcement. and 16 are civilian volunteers. Sworn reserve deputies work road The Reserve program volunteered patrol both supplementing patrol and 7,744 hours in 2018 to the citizens of covering shortages. Reserves can also Monroe County. be seen helping at special functions like

Annual Report 2018 | 39 Bureau of Law Enforcement / HIDTA Fighting the War on Drugs

SOUTH FLORIDA HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREA The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is a major participant in the South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program (HIDTA). The office coordinates joint efforts, Director Hugo Barrera Director Bill Martin Deputy Director Joel Widell intelligence and resources in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm NATIONAL HIDTA ASSISTANCE CENTER Beach counties. The National HIDTA Assistance support and training to all 32 HIDTAs. HIDTA’s goal is to disrupt illegal Center (NHAC) is located in Miami. Its Specifically, NHAC’s 17 Monroe County narcotics and money laundering mission is different from a traditional Sheriff’s Office employees and three organizations by working in HIDTA. NHAC works with the office of contractors provide financial services to partnership with numerous law National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to assist ONDCP in the administration of the enforcement agencies including the provide administrative assistance, financial HIDTA grant program. IRS, Customs and Border Protection, controls, event coordination, media U.S. Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Department of SFLHIDTA INTELLIGENCE CENTER (SFLHIC) Law Enforcement, US Secret Service, The South Florida HIDTA Intelligence Center (SFLHIC) is a multi-agency investigative FBI, and Key West Police Department. support center providing analytical assistance through specialized intelligence for law These partnerships are vital as enforcement agencies in South Florida. The SFLHIC is located in Miramar, Florida in the criminal element travels across Broward County. The SFLHIC provides actionable intelligence though target research, jurisdictional and criminal boundaries. organization analysis and development. Direct case support is available to state local, and Many criminal organizations are federal law enforcement agencies in Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach also organizing human trafficking, counties. money laundering, identity theft and combining multiple criminal enterprises to make their operations MONROE dismantlement of smuggling, drug more profitable. HIDTA GROUP trafficking, historical drug trafficking and Monroe money laundering organizations that County HIDTA task use the nation’s oceans, waterways, and force agents and highways as a means of transporting illegal detectives work with drugs and currency. Agents and detectives agents from the have maintained coordination among Captain Don Hiller U.S. Border Patrol, federal, state, and local law enforcement U.S. Department to improve their ability to effectively of Homeland Security, DEA, FBI, U.S. address all crimes, threats, and hazards Customs and Border Protection Air & relating to our nation’s security. Marine, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, FDLE and The Monroe HIDTA group is overseen the Key West Police Department / HIDTA by Captain Don Hiller. Monroe HIDTA also Task Force. serves as the fiscal fiduciary agent for the Members conduct investigations South Florida HIDTA and the Puerto-Rico- leading to the disruption and Virgin Islands HIDTA groups.

40 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

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MM48 • 202 20th St, Ocean • Marathon • (305) 743-0520 • (305) 743-6725, fax Bureau of Administration Administrating the Details

The Finance Division manages all fiscal resources for the Sheriff’s Office.

FINANCE DIVISION The function of the Finance Division is to account for and manage the fiscal resources Bureau Chief Mike Rice of the agency. The staff reconciles and balances all THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE BUREAU OF ADMINISTRATION IS accounts, prepares a complete set of financial RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL SUPPORT SERVICES WITHIN THE statements for all funds, prepares the annual Lisa Knowles budget and ensures the money received SHERIFF’S OFFICE.IT IS HEADED UP BY BUREAU CHIEF from grants and federal agencies are spent in accordance with their MIKE RICE, WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE SHERIFF’S specific requirements. The division is responsible for maintaining records for one general operating fund, 11 special revenue funds and COMMAND STAFF AND IS THE SHERIFF’S MAIN ADVISOR three agency funds. WHEN IT COMES TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS Other functions include calculating and disbursing checks to OF THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE.THE BUREAU INCLUDES THE employees for payroll, as well as disbursing checks to vendors for supplies and services. All expenditures are reviewed monthly for FINANCE DIVISION, CENTRAL RECORDS/WARRANTS, compliance with the appropriate budget. Finance is proud to report INFORMATION SYSTEMS, PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE, that for the sixteenth consecutive year the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a perfect audit for fiscal year 2018. Given the agency HUMAN RESOURCES, EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS, had to account for over $83 million of budgeted expenses, this is RISK MANAGEMENT, AND GRANTS ADMINISTRATION. quite an achievement!

The Finance Division is responsible for maintaining records for one general operating fund, 11 special revenue funds and three agency funds.”

42 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Administration

50,000,000 MCSO BUDGET 3,000,000 MCSO FORFEITURE RECEIPTS

2,500,000 40,000,000

2,000,000 30,000,000 1,500,000 20,000,000 1,000,000

10,000,000 500,000

0 0 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Law Enforcement Court Security Corrections Totals Federal State Totals

THE DIVISION The unit continues to assist many include those from other agencies whose offices in the Sheriff’s Office with the goal inmates are housed in Monroe County OF CENTRAL of becoming paperless so documents facilities, such as the U.S. Marshals RECORDS AND may be provided in a digital format Service, Immigration and Customs WARRANTS whenever possible. Having records in a Enforcement and Border Patrol. digital format means record requests can Jail Records is striving to become PROVIDES be handled more quickly and reduces the paperless. All records are scanned into the Jamie Denton INFORMATION cost of paper and postage. centralized database at the time of arrest or hold, making them available county TO THE PUBLIC THOUGH ITS CENTRAL WARRANTS wide to meet agency needs. Jail Records RECORDS UNIT, WHILE THE WARRANTS Under the direction of Supervisor scans sexual offender and convicted UNIT ENSURES WARRANTS ARE Tatyana Gordiyenko, the Warrants Unit felon records / registrations to help other is responsible for entry/scanning of all agencies better identify offenders. PROPERLY ENTERED/SCANNED INTO warrants and injunctions into the Sheriff’s LAW ENFORCEMENT DATABASES THEN centralized database and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Once INFORMATION UPDATED AS LAW ENFORCEMENT OR entered into the database, warrants / SYSTEMS COURT ACTION IS TAKEN. injunctions are available anywhere to meet Information agency needs. This also ensures warrants Systems is charged CENTRAL RECORDS are available to be served at any of the with taking care of Under Director Jamie Denton and three detention facilities in the county. the computer and Supervisor Brittany Brown, Central Each warrants clerk is responsible for information technology Records is responsible for ensuring all a specific task, including entry/scanning Jim Painter needs of the Sheriff’s offense reports have been completed warrants, entry of injunctions, handling Office, including the installation, maintenance and all associated paperwork digitally extraditions, conducting the FDLE audit and repair of body worn cameras, in- scanned. This unit also processes sealed to ensure warrant information entered car cameras, office computers, in-car and expunged records, and performs into the database is accurate and doing computers, system printers and all system- monthly audits to ensure FCIC/NCIC an Accurint search to locate subjects related software. They are also charged with records are accurate and updated as with active Monroe County warrants. technology services at the county’s jails, necessary. A Uniform Crime Reporting including all cameras and the software and (UCR) clerk in this unit provides FDLE JAIL RECORDS hardware that manages security systems. with crime statistics for Monroe County. Tiffany O’Connell is the manager While the main office of Information Central Records assists the media, and second in command for the division. Systems is in the headquarters building on other law enforcement agencies, She directly oversees the Jail Records Stock Island, the division is responsible for attorneys and other members of the Unit. This unit works 24 hours a day and computer technology services county-wide. public with records requests including oversees all inmate records from the Two employees maintain offices in Marathon digital video, accident reports, offense time of arrest to release from any of the and in the Roth Building on Plantation Key. reports and arrest reports. three detention facilities. Inmate records

Annual Report 2018 | 43 Bureau of Administration

HUMAN RESOURCES The goal of the Human Resources Division is to attract the most qualified applicants to the agency without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disabilities or ethnic origin. In addition, the division is responsible for ensuring the Sheriff’s Office is in compliance with all federal and state employment related laws, including Equal Employment Human Resources Opportunity, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical encourages growth Donna Moore Leave Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and many other and opportunity applicable laws. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity/affirmative action and promotes an employer. overall positive work Human Resources is responsible for coordinating the agency’s promotional process, managing recruitment and hiring, random drug testing, annual physicals, Florida Department environment for all of Law Enforcement registrations and resignations, personnel and payroll changes, and employees.” administering all optional/supplemental benefits programs for employees. The division communicates all employment related policies to employees; provides them with a formal process for grievance resolution; works with supervisors to create a high performing and diverse workforce; and develops staff excellence through training and consultation with employees, to encourage growth and opportunity and promote an overall positive work environment for all employees.

MCSO EMPLOYEE MCSO BUDGETED MCSO TURNOVER RATE POSITIONS BY CATEGORY YEARS OF SERVICE

20 600 300

500 250 15 400 200

10 300 150

200 100 5 100 50

0 0 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Deputies Corrections Support HIDTA Total 0-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25 26+ Staff years years years years years years Personnel Allocation Employees

44 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS Emergency Communications is centrally located in Marathon at the Monroe County Public Works facility. The department provides high-quality communications via the 800 MHz P25 radio system to nearly 40 agencies Laura White and over 2000 users. This allows for interagency cooperation and communications on the system throughout the county and beyond. UHF paging service for fire/rescue is still provided and maintained, as well as cellular WE services for various county staff. Traffic radar for most county and state law enforcement agencies in Monroe and south Miami-Dade counties are calibrated and certified through the department on a biannual basis. LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 15 YEARS County-wide 911 answering equipment was also recently upgraded by Emergency Communications. The 911 address UPPER KEYS database is kept up to date, and caller information verified ARE with the Sheriff’s Office and Key West Police communications and vendors for accuracy. Call centers for the county were upgraded with new furniture and equipment providing staff a state of the art environment to conduct operations. Emergency Communications also assisted in building a DISTRIBUTED KEYSWIDE backup call center to better prepare for emergency situations that may arise in the county. State DOH certifications for Communications staff countywide are tracked through the office as well as other mandated requirements. Many more detailed duties are carried out by our highly skilled staff while responding to both every day and emergency TROPICAL LIVING MAGAZINES situations. Focusing on safety, we strive for excellence. (over 30 magazines annually)

PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE The purpose of the Property and Evidence Division is to maintain evidence and seized or recovered property in accordance with federal, state and local statutes. The headquarters of the Property PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS and Evidence Division is located in Key Diana Odell THE BEST OF MARATHON West. We have satellite offices at the THE BUBBAS - Key West People’s Choice Marathon substation and Plantation Key substation. The Key West office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Marathon is open Tuesday and Thursday and the Plantation PREFERRED PROGRAM PARTNER OF: Key office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. MARATHON SEAFOOD FESTIVAL / KEYSTOCK The main responsibilities of the Property and Evidence OCEANFEST / KEY WEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Division are to take custody of all property and evidence, including property and evidence from other law enforcement MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS and many more… agencies. Items must be fully documented and stored properly and securely, to preserve items in the condition in which they A HOMETOWN PAPER YOU CAN BE PROUD TO CALL YOUR OWN are received. Some items are required to be sent for laboratory analysis; other items are held for court or returned to the Key West Marathon Tavernier owner. In all cases, the division must maintain an unbroken 5450 MacDonald Ave, Suite 5 9709 Overseas Highway 91760 Overseas Highway 305.453.6928 305.743.0844 305.363.2957 and complete chain of custody.

www.keysweekly.com Bureau of Law Enforcement / Professional Standards & Airport Security Maintaining Standards and Security

INTERNAL AFFAIRS ACCREDITATION The office of Internal Affairs (IA) The Sheriff’s Office is accredited investigates complaints against Sheriff’s by both state and federal accreditation Office employees. The investigations can commissions. The agency has maintained be allegations of criminal misconduct, the highest levels of accreditation for corruption, brutality, breach of civil rights decades and continually strives to or policy violations. IA investigates any keep the standards of operation and a Captain Lee Ann Holroyd complaints, as directed by the Sheriff and philosophy of best practices ensuring Florida Statutes. continuing professional accreditation. THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE The IA Unit investigates and tracks The accreditation process involves all citizen complaints resulting from law on-site assessments, examination of PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS enforcement actions or involvement, policies, file reviews, procedural reviews DIVISION HANDLES INTERNAL including the use of force. The complaints and inspections conducted by outside INVESTIGATIONS THROUGH THE investigated by IA may be received as a assessors. This on-going process result of alleged policy violations, lawsuits ensures the citizens of Monroe County INTERNAL AFFAIRS UNIT. naming a Sheriff’s Office employee, are protected and served by an agency IT ALSO ASSURES THE AGENCY property seizures, work environment complying with the highest professional offenses, or union grievances. standards. IS FOLLOWING POLICY AND The Unit is also responsible for Accreditation programs are PROCEDURES THROUGH THE tracking commendations from the public recognized as one of the best ways and those received from supervisors for to ensure the professionalism of an ACCREDITATION UNIT. Sheriff’s Office employees’ exemplary agency. Accreditation is the certification CAPTAIN LEE ANN HOLROYD IS THE performance. by an independent reviewing authority COMMANDER OF PROFESSIONAL Captain Holroyd is the Inspector that an entity, in this case the Monroe General for the Sheriff’s Office. The IA County Sheriff’s Office, has met specific STANDARDS, SCHOOL SAFETY Unit maintains a staff of three full time requirements and standards. AND SECURITY AS WELL AS inspectors. Inspector Michelle Maxwell is Accreditation is achieved after an an investigator in Internal Affairs as well assessment team of law enforcement AIRPORT SECURITY OPERATIONS as an attorney, acting as the Assistant or corrections professionals from other FOR THE AGENCY. General Counsel for the agency. Inspector agencies around the state and nation Maxwell handles investigations, forfeitures conduct on-site and remote assessments. and seizures. These on-site assessments involve the Inspector Donny Barrios conducts review of agency policies and procedures investigations referred or reported to the for compliance with established standards Unit through various means of reporting. and review of documentation proving the Inspector Barrios, recently retired from agency is practicing those standards. Key West Police Department, brings The on-site assessment also includes an a varied background in supervision, inspection of facilities, equipment and investigations and accreditation. assets maintained by the Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, the office is supported by Sergeant Tom Walker, a long Executive Assistant Susie Salazar who time law enforcement supervisor and continues to assist with the School Safety experienced investigator, manages the and Security as well as making sweeping process required for accreditation by the improvements to the Internal Affairs Unit. Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). The office of Professional Standards ensures all agency policies and procedures are in compliance with accreditation standards and the

46 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement / Professional Standards & Airport Security

The 2018 School Resource Officers for all of Monroe County, which includes members of the Key West Police Department for schools in Key West.

agency is following established policy. and procedures are the foundation The unit consistently reviews, writes and of a professional law enforcement maintains agency policy. agency and provide the framework for The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office state and national accreditation. The met all requirements for CALEA Gold inspectors visit all offices on a regular Standard Award in 2018 as well as basis, inspect records and make sure receiving Excelsior Status with CFA. that all procedures are being followed Staff Inspector Robert Allen, also appropriately. an extremely capable, experienced law enforcement officer, continues to AIRPORT SECURITY bring strong knowledge and supervisory Security at the Key West International experience to the position. Inspector Airport is maintained by the Sheriff’s Allen is charged with conducting Office. Captain Holroyd oversees the routine staff inspections, internal audits, operation along with the director of investigations and compliance checks. security, Lieutenant David Smith. The Assisting the Professional Standards Airport Security Unit is responsible for Unit is Specialist, Angela Kirk. She patrolling over 250 acres of property prepares the agency for all on-site around the clock. The staff includes two inspections and file reviews as well law enforcement sergeants, six deputies as updating policy to accreditation and 20 airport security technicians. standards. The Airport Security Unit is The office of Accreditation ensures responsible for maintaining security all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office and in and around the airport, checking all members of the agency are aware of vehicles and personnel in secure areas policies and procedures. All members and maintaining smooth and consistent and divisions must be in compliance pedestrian and vehicular traffic on airport with those policies and procedures at all property. times in order for the agency to maintain The unit assists the Transportation accreditation status. The Accreditation Security Administration (TSA) with The Airport Security Unit is responsible for patrolling Unit drafts policies at the direction of investigating weapon offenses or any over 250 acres of property around the clock. The staff includes two law enforcement sergeants, six deputies the Sheriff and in compliance with CFA crime occurring on the airport property. and 20 airport security technicians. and CALEA requirements. These policies The Airport Security Unit works closely

Annual Report 2018 | 47 Bureau of Law Enforcement / Support Services

with TSA, the airport director and other federal partners to identify and address any potential security issues. The unit and its members are proactive in their approach to security and law enforcement and as passenger loads continue to grow, this becomes increasingly important. Key West International Airport is growing and the number of employees needed to staff related airport businesses is growing. The additional employees, as well as the growing number of passengers served, increases the complexity of the security concerns. To address some of these concerns, Airport There are three explorer posts in the Lower, Middle and Upper Keys. Security Operations were moved nearer to the main passenger checkpoint providing higher visibility and shorter response time. security/vulnerability assessments at each The program introduces youth to the Lieutenant Mike DiGiovanni, and now school, and participating in behavioral threat field of law enforcement, with the intention Lieutenant Smith, working with the airport assessments at the school and oversight level. of building character, determination and administrators, have developed additional SRO’s in each school engage students on a life skills. The program also provides each security training for civilian employees as well daily basis, working with the Explorer Program, explorer the tools he/she needs to make a as law enforcement and security personnel. counseling, providing classroom instruction decision about a career in law enforcement. The training, driven by national and on safe cyber citizenship, drug and alcohol Both cadets and explorers participate international events, focuses on active shooter awareness, juvenile laws, etc.; in addition in a wide variety of community activities and situations, possible explosive devices as well to providing vital security functions in the service projects throughout Monroe County. as identifying suspicious packages. schools. The safety of Monroe County children They also travel outside of the county to in traveling to, from, and attending MCSD state-wide events where they compete against SCHOOL RESOURCE UNIT schools is a top priority for Sheriff Ramsay and other sheriff’s office explorer posts in firearms, Following the tragic school shooting the entire MCSO. active shooter competitions, and take part in at Parkland’s Marjorie Stoneman Douglas team building exercises. High School on February 14, 2018, Monroe EXPLORER / CADET PROGRAM County Sheriff Rick Ramsay immediately In addition to their regular duties, School SCHOOL-CROSSING GUARDS committed additional funding and resources Resource Officers are charged with overseeing The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) the Sheriff’s Office Explorer/Cadet program. school-crossing guards, and other school School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit in terms The Law Enforcement Exploring program in crossing duties, at several schools in Monroe of staffing, budget and equipment. The Monroe County was started over 30 years County. MCSO contracts with the Monroe County ago with the intention of providing the youth There are crossing guards assigned School District (MCSD) to provide an armed of our community the opportunity to explore to work on Big Pine Key, at Stanley Switlik SRO at each public and charter school in a career in law enforcement and to develop a Elementary School in Marathon, and in front Monroe County. The Unit is supervised by a more positive relationship between youth and of Key Largo School. School Resource Officers director and two sergeants, all of whom are law enforcement officers. Many current and perform crossing guard duties at other area fully funded by the Sheriff. The SRO Unit former employees began their careers in the schools, including the school zone in front has more than doubled in size, and made Cadet / Explorer program. of Sugarloaf School, and in front of Coral notable strides in terms of implementing There are three explorer posts county Shores High School / Plantation Key School uniform standards and processes to carry out wide; one at Sugarloaf school; one at in the Upper Keys. The crossing guards in the its mission: keeping faculty, staff, students Marathon Middle High School and one in the unincorporated areas are supervised by SRO and parents of all MCSD schools safe. The Upper Keys, which includes students from Sergeant Eric Mixon. Unit has adopted new technology, increased Plantation Key School, Key Largo School and communications and workflow processes, Coral Shores High School. Each post has and participated in multiple new initiatives, younger members designated as “cadets”; in full cooperation with the MCSD. These and older, high school aged members, new initiatives include conducting physical designated as “explorers”.

48 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Less waiting where it matters most – our emergency room.

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100185_LOWE_ERpldg_8_5x11c.indd 1 12/20/17 12:08 PM Employee Recognition Employees of the Year

Employees of the Year for 2018 are (left to right): Reserve Deputy Samuel Lapinsky, Detention Deputy William Guerra, Sworn Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Corbin Hradecky, Explorer Aaron Portal and Support Staff Member Brenda Winegarden.

The employees of the year are chosen from all of those who received one of the Sheriff’s employee of the quarter awards throughout the past year. “The people chosen for this award have shown they stand out from the rest in both their commitment to our agency and to our community,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay. The yearly award winners received a special plaque from the sheriff in recognition of their exemplary work, and a badge to wear on their uniforms with the designation “Officer [or Employee] of the Year.” In addition, they each receive a check for $500 which, in 2018, was donated by Centennial Bank, and $500 from the Sheriff’s Office. The cadet of the year receives $100 donated by Centennial Bank, with a matching amount from the Sheriff’s Office. The Cormier Memorial Award, given to the Sheriff’s Office sworn law enforcement officer of the year, is named for Deputy David Cormier, a Sheriff’s reserve deputy killed in the line of duty in a traffic accident in November of 1989. Members of the Cormier family attend the ceremony each year in memory of their loved one who gave his life in service to the community.

YEARLY AWARD SPONSOR

50 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Employee Recognition Employees of the Quarter

FIRST QUARTER AWARDS SECOND QUARTER AWARDS

In the photo, left to right: Explorer of the Quarter Robert In the photo, left to right: Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Explorer of the Valenzuela, Detention Deputy of the Quarter Deputy William Quarter Aaron Portal, Detention Deputy of the Quarter Brenda Guerra, Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Law Enforcement Officer of the Jones, Deputy of the Quarter Seth Hopp, Reserve Deputy of Quarter Deputy Shannon O’Connell and Support Member of the Quarter Henry Hamilton and our sponsor from First State the Quarter Brenda Winegarden. Bank of the Florida Keys, Senior Vice President, Jeff Smith.

THIRD QUARTER AWARDS FOURTH QUARTER AWARDS

In the photo, left to right: Explorer of the Quarter Varonica Quarterly award winners, left to right: Explorer of the Quarter Steele, Support Member of the Quarter Mary Valdez, Detention Cody Steinmetz, Detention Deputy of the Quarter Anaray Deputy of the Quarter Sgt. Alvarez Rice, Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Corzo, Sheriff Rick Ramsay and Support Member of the Deputy Sheriff of the Quarter Corbin Hradecky and Reserve Quarter Charles Slebodnick. (Not pictured is Deputy Sheriff of Deputy of the Quarter Samuel Lapinsky. the Quarter Alexandra Davis.)

QUARTER AWARD SPONSORS

Annual Report 2018 | 51 Employee Recognition Years of Service

SHERIFF’S MEDALS YEARS 10 YEARS Rhonda Kahle Cody Jackson OF SERVICE Leon Bourcier Jason Keith Alexandria Hradecky David Campbell Haydee Martinez 5 YEARS Martin Digrius Susan Pons RETIREMENTS Julian Andrews David Fernandez Elysia Reis Beverly Harper Tyler Blanton Marc Floyd Kelby Thomas Derek Shine Linda Brooks Sally Francisco Thomas Walker Fernando Lopez Erika Cangemi Thomas Fricke Ovilda Lake Jillian Cranny-Gage Clarice Garcia 20 YEARS George Fernandez Ashley Leahy Gary Baginski Ceasha Gardner Barney Sajdak Jonathan Crane Kara George Jon Riggs Luis Gonzalez Zachary Gilroy Julia Todd Beverly Harper Gil Gonzalez Tomas Venegas Andrew Leird Eyner Gonzalez-Diaz Alex Vorontsoff Roxanne Rahming James Hager Natalka Whitehouse Michael Rice William Kaestner Nicholis Whiteman Debra Ritchason Tamikka Miranda Charles Slebodnick Gloria Murray 15 YEARS Marsha Todd Wendy Negron Carol Albury-Johnson Michael Nunez Alan Bouchard 25 YEARS Robert Patterson Evan Calhoun John Keen Ginger Perreault Adam Careaga Linda Mixon Dagmar Piegler Jeff Chandler James Norman Rosary Ponce Alejandro Dorta Kurt Stephens James Fitzgerald 30 YEARS Persephone Summers Roma Hartley Peggy Bryan Carolina Teo Diesen Jennifer Hughes Donald Catala Derick Velez Gregg Johnson Jake Brady Lisa Yongue Jeanetta Joseph

The Sheriff’s Office lost one Monroe County inmate work program. Countless children of its most dedicated employees throughout the county knew Mr. LaVache from his constant in 2018 when U.S. Army Lt. Col. work at the Animal Farm where he served as a tireless (retired) and longtime Deputy Emil and cheerful greeter to all who entered the farm since its LaVache passed away on Friday, inception. May 25, 2018. He was 88. He spearheaded the Neighborhood Crime Watch The Brooklyn, New York native organization. He also provided daily security checks to the Emil LaVache was a fixture of the Sheriff’s Office Florida Keys Community College, the Key West Sail & Power for decades. Squadron building, St. Mary’s soup kitchen and the Habitat “Emil was a true gentleman and public servant,” said for Humanity housing area in Big Coppitt Key, to name only Sheriff Rick Ramsay. a few. Thousands of residents and visitors alike came to Mr. LaVache was often called to local schools where know Mr. LaVache via the multitude ways in which he generations of children learned about safety and crime donated his time to the community. He was active with the prevention through one of his thousands of presentations.

52 | Monroe County Sheriff’s Office A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE WOMEN & MEN WHO DEFINE HONESTY, PROFESSIONALISM AND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE KEYS. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US SAFE. We proudly support the men and women of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and thank them for their bravery, commitment and service to the Florida Keys and our local communities.

WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 125 Toppino Industrial Drive • MM 8.5 • Rockland Key, FL 33040 305.296.8297 Resources Important Numbers to Know

IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 911

TO REPORT A NON-EMERGENCY INCIDENT call Sheriff’s Office Communications (305) 289-2351

TO CONTACT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE Sheriff’s Administrative Headquarters (305) 296-2424 Central Records Unit (305) 292-7050 Media Relations Division (305) 809-3002 Human Resources Division (305) 292-7044 Crime Stoppers of the Florida Keys 1-866-471-8477

PATROL DIVISIONS Freeman Substation, Cudjoe Key (305) 745-3184 Marathon Substation (305) 289-2430 Islamorada Substation (305) 664-6480 The Roth Building, Plantation Key (305) 853-3211 Special Operations (305) 289-2410

DETENTION CENTERS Main Detention Center, Stock Island (305) 293-7300 Marathon Detention Center (305) 289-2420 Plantation Key Detention Center (305) 853-3266

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Annual Report 2018 | 55 PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE MONROE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE.

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