The Operations Division is the largest section of the Department and is responsible for the following:
School Safety Officer (SSO) Program
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Other functions that comprise the day-to-day operations of the department.
The SSO program represents a proactive strategy in school-based community policing. It is designed to bring prevention and intervention into schools. Every SSO is a sworn Police Officer, certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The core responsibility of School Safety Officers (SSO) is to provide for the safety of students and staff at assigned schools. Most SSOs are assigned a primary home school. The department also has a designated number of SSOs known as Flex Officers that patrol during the day and fill in at schools when needed.
School Safety Officers work closely with site Administration and Campus Security Officers on a variety of criminal and non-criminal safety and security concerns. They advise the site Administration on appropriate security and emergency preparedness response plans to threats of violence.
School Safety Officers interact with students, parents, staff, and community members to ensure a safe educational environment. This positive interaction is vital to maintaining our strong community relationships. The SSO serves as the single most visible representative of the Police Department. The goal of the SSO on campus, in part, focuses on establishing quality relationships with students. This investment, within the context of an educational environment, will allow students the opportunity to become leaders of tomorrow.
School Safety Officers enforce violations of Federal, State, and local laws and statutes. SSOs are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes, drug and gang intervention, traffic control, and overseeing the protection of school property. In addition to responding to acts of violence, SSOs are responsible for proactively facilitating threat assessments.