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Community Programs

The following information describes some of the programs provided by the Sheriff's Office. For more information on any of these programs, please call your nearest District Office and ask for the Community Relations Sergeant. (Click here for a list of phone numbers.)

• 100 Deputies - 100 Kids  - Members of the Sheriff's Office team up with volunteers from the community to give kids a Christmas party every year.
• Avoiding fraud - Tips on avoiding con artists and their scams.
• Crime prevention - The Crime Prevention Program provides information and assistance on a wide variety of topics.
• Civilian Firearm Safety Course
  State certified course for civilians
• Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) - Designed to teach our school kids to stay off drugs.
• Elderly services (TRIAD) - Aimed at helping elderly citizens who need assistance.
• Mascot - Trusty the Bear is the official mascot of the Sheriff's Office. Who wouldn't want to hug this big furry face?
• Neighborhood Crime Watch - This program is aimed at deterring neighborhood crime by promoting community spirit.
• Police Athletic League - Sports programs for local youths at risk.
• School Crossing guards - These uniformed members of the Sheriff's Office help elementary school children at traffic crossings.
• School Resource Officers - These Deputy Sheriffs are assigned permanently to Volusia County schools.

Avoiding Fraud

Avoiding fraud is an important topic for area residents. Florida, with its large population of retirees, continues to be a magnet for con artists who try to scam unsuspecting targets. The Sheriff's Office works closely with community groups to educate citizens and has available a vast resource of materials such as a pamphlets and booklets.

For more information, please call your nearest District Office and ask for the Community Services Sergeant. (Click here for a list of phone numbers.)

Crime Prevention and Information

The Crime Prevention Program provides information and assistance on a wide variety of topics and activities, including: armed robbery, baby-sitting, bicycle safety, business security and business watch, car-jacking and car theft, career days, check and credit card fraud, child safety, con games, crimes against the elderly, drug and alcohol abuse, drunk driving, elderly abuse and fraud, employee theft, gun safety, home security, latchkey kids, mobile watch, neighborhood watch, personal safety, sexual assault and date rape, shoplifting, stranger danger, and 911 emergency service information.

PC the Robot Patrol Car is a remote-controlled car used at various community and children's events throughout the county.

The Vial of Life is a program where medical and other types of important information are documented and placed in a plastic vial donated by local hospitals. The vial is put into the refrigerator of the owner's home and a green sticker is placed outside to alert and assist emergency personnel.

For more information, please call your nearest District Office and ask for the Community Services Sergeant. (Click here for a list of phone numbers.)

Civilian Firearm Safety Course

The Civilian Firearm Safety Course is a state certified course run at the department range by certified instructors. The classes are provided for civilians wishing to become more familiar with their firearm or needing the required class for a concealed firearms permit. The cost is $25 and the classes are held on a quarterly basis. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate. For more information, contact the training unit at 386-239-6523.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) is a program designed to offer children and youth information about drug abuse and skills to avoid its dangers. Deputy Sheriffs provide in-classroom information to fifth-grade students in the elementary schools located within the unincorporated county jurisdictions.

Elder Services and TRIAD

Elder Services and TRIAD are support and educational programs to help senior citizens.

Mascot

Deputy Trusty is the Sheriff's Office mascot. His appearance at schools and other children's events is guaranteed to leave small mouths gaping in wonder. Children listen to every word as Deputy Trusty delivers his safety and educational messages.

Neighborhood Crime Watch

The Sheriff's Office assists members of the community in forming Neighborhood Watch groups. These groups are then trained by Deputies to be extra eyes and ears for the Sheriff's Office. Citizens learn how criminals work, what type of suspicious activity to watch for and how to report it. In addition, a Neighborhood Watch telephone chain is established so neighbors can share Crime Watch information with each other and the Sheriff's Office may pass information to the Crime Watch groups through the Block Captains.

For more information, please call your nearest District Office and ask for the Community Services Sergeant. (Click here for a list of phone numbers.)

Police Athletic League

The Police Athletic League of West Volusia is a joint effort between the Sheriff's Office and the DeLand Police Department. Each agency has committed a law enforcement officer full-time to run various sports and drug-free programs for local youths at-risk of dropping out of school or becoming involved in illegal activities. PAL recently acquired and renovated a school gymnasium to house its basketball, wrestling, volleyball and dance programs.
For more information, contact the P.A.L. Coordinator at (386) 738-3334

Volusia County's Project Harmony has been chosen as a national Promising Practice by the President's Initiative on Race. Click on the logo to visit this official White House web site.

School Safety and Crossing Guards

The School Safety Program is responsible for helping elementary school children at traffic crossings. More than 150 uniformed, paid school-crossing guards handle these duties at 45 schools in Volusia County.

School Resource Officer

The School Resource Officer Program assigns a full-time Deputy Sheriff to each Volusia County senior and middle school. The School Resource Officers (SROs) are responsible for law enforcement, mentoring and formal counseling, classroom teaching, and providing a positive role model for the students. SROs also work at the PAL day camp and at the Florida Sheriff's Youth Camp when their school is not in session.

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Volusia County, Florida.