Overall crime in Orange County is likely to decline in 2014, but the number of homicides will be well above what was recorded each in the previous two years, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said Saturday.
Demings said, to date, 58 homicides have already taken place in Orange County. That compares with 49 in 2013 and similarly in 2012. So, “there’s no question homicides are going to be up when compared with the previous two years.”
Demings was speaking at the annual Orange County Sheriff’s Office Safety Expo Saturday, which brings together law enforcement officers and a raft of community organizations to share information, provide safety tips and conduct live demonstrations using the tools and techniques employed by the Sheriff’s Office.
“We cannot keep the community safe if we only have an enforcement strategy,” he said. “We also need to have community engagement …. the safest communities across America are those where the citizens get involved.”
He added: “The Safety Expo is aimed at ensuring that our citizens are intertwined with us – law enforcement officers – that’s what we are celebrating today.”
Asked what new strategies were being adopted to reduce crime and in particular, reverse the growing number of homicides, the Sheriff said a three-pronged approach was being implemented. This consists of: targeting individuals who have demonstrate the propensity to get involved in crime before they do so; increased visibility of law enforcement officers; and working with organizations that provide positive alternatives for youths.
Observing that crime is a by-product of societal problems in any community, he said, a comprehensive approach, which would include jobs, greater educational opportunities and affordable housing, is being pursued to ultimately reduce crime.
