By Mike Cantone
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings discussed balancing public safety, rights and justice as well as budgets at the monthly bi-partisan County Watch meeting this weekend. Demings impressed the audience during the hour-long presentation, which included questions from members.
“My job is to provide life and safety to our community,” Sheriff Demings said. “It is important to lead by example.”
Demings touted the Orange County Sheriff’s Office national and state accreditation, explaining that his office is consistent with the best practices from around the entire nation. OCSO recently received the highest level of re-accreditation of any law enforcement agency, Demings told the group.
“There is no substitute for training and experience,” Demings insisted.
Demings also talked about his goal to always make the “most efficient use of tax dollars.” Reducing “risk costs” have been major pieces of this goal, as changes have saved taxpayers money and provided more flexibility with his budget. Demings described how he was able to maximize the $190 million budget the Sheriff’s Office receives from the Board of County Commissioners to keep Orange County safe. The final OCSO budget comes to around $210 million after fees and services are included.
He manages a staff of 2,500, including 1,500 deputy sheriffs across the county. Deputies will drive over 25 million miles a year patrolling, and distracted driving and normal road accidents are an issue for OCSO. The Sheriff’s office is self-insured, so payments come directly out of the existing budget. Demings also mentioned his office is working with General Motors on new designs for the interior of police vehicles to make them safer and more efficient. By reducing these costs, Demings can focus resources on other priorities.
Healthcare costs come directly out of the budget as well. “We need a healthy, fit force to save taxpayer’s money,” Demings said as he talked about the importance of fitness and training. All 11 OCSO buildings have fitness facilities on site to encourage a healthier police force.
Demings’ background in finance and business was evident as he talked about the budget complexities. In fact, in his first term the budget actually decreased but Demings was able to still put more cops on the street. He civilianized some positions, like computer systems technicians, and redirected resources to first responders.
The Sheriff also discussed the balance of justice and rights. He explained he created a citizen review board before he was elected to examine the office and make recommendations. He also explained that excessive use of force complaints against Orange County Sheriff’s deputies decreased and are “rare” and that taser use by deputies has also drastically decreased.
Demings was asked if another Trayvon Martin incident could occur locally in Orange County. While the Sheriff regretfully admitted tragedies can happen anywhere, he reminded the audience of some startling local facts. Nearly 50% of jury summons in Orange County do not respond or show up for service, and close to 80% of minorities called for jury duty do not show up or claim they are unable to serve on a jury. “If you want to improve the system, then you must be part of the system,” Sheriff Demings said.
When asked about recent comments by Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph that the Sheriff’s office also spends money on outside consultants, Demings was quick to clear up the issue. Demings does send a Captain to lobby in Tallahassee because he believes it is “important for legislators to understand unintended consequences of proposed legislation from the perspective of the boots on the ground.” He added that they do not lobby the County Mayor or County Commission. Demings works with Mayor Jacobs, who issues “budget guidelines” every year for his office.
In the most recent letter, Jacobs informed Demings of the fifth year with no increase in budget. Jacobs does allow for a 3% increase in personnel benefits or salaries, but even that falls short for the sheriff. Demings says to stay competitive, he will have to once again negotiate competitive increases and save funds for Orange County taxpayers at the same time.
The sheriff has managed the agency through some difficult times. I recently retired after serving the agency for 33 years. I am proud to have served under Sheriff Demings.