Florida Sheriffs Task Force Announces Results for Operation Safe Schools
Tallahassee, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2015) – The Florida Sheriffs Task Force, chaired by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gaultieri, has released the results of its youth-protection program, Operation Safe Schools. This four-week initiative aimed to reduce pedestrian injuries due to traffic infractions in school zones and increase students’ safety. The operation was successful in raising awareness for traffic safety and in reminding drivers of the importance of safe driving.
The Task Force Operation included nine categories of focus. The key outcomes from the four-week effort of Operation Safe Schools are:
Warnings for school zone violations: 9,052
Citations for school zone violations: 5,922
Warnings for passing a stopped school bus: 116
Warnings for pedestrian violations: 873
Warnings for bicycle violations: 713
Citations for pedestrian violations: 159
Citations for bicycle violations: 33
Arrests generated from directed enforcement in school zones: 146
“Operation Safe Schools raised awareness for an important safety issue,” said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “It is our hope that drivers will begin to realize the importance of upholding the designated traffic safety laws in school zones. We must improve our driving habits to keep children safe.”
“We are always looking ahead and working toward more solutions for pedestrian safety," said Florida Sheriffs Association president and Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell. “The solution begins with our children; it is our responsibility to protect them, and to teach them how to protect themselves.”
The Florida Sheriffs Task Force is a combined effort of the Florida Sheriffs focusing on coordination of statewide mutual aid, subject matter experts, and providing a point of contact for statewide initiatives. The Task Force is committed to maintaining the quality of life that Floridians have come to expect and have, therefore, committed to performing proactive operations each year to deter criminal activity.
Operation Safe Schools took place in the following counties: Alachua, Bradford, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Levy, Liberty, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Volusia and Walton.
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The Florida Sheriffs Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation made up of Florida’s Sheriffs, approximately 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 citizens throughout the state. Founded in 1893, FSA has quietly served the citizens of Florida by supporting the needs of the state's law-enforcement community. Through the Florida Sheriffs Association, Sheriffs are given a forum to address lawmakers to push for positive changes in Florida’s public safety arena. FSA also provides Sheriffs' Offices much-needed programs such as affordable training, special task forces and legislative and legal services. Dedicated to the prevention of juvenile delinquency and the development of lawful, productive citizens, FSA has established and continues to support the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, which manages facilities and programs throughout the state to help restore hope, fulfill dreams, and prepare boys and girls for the future. The Florida Sheriffs Association has grown to be one of the largest and most successful state law enforcement associations in the nation. For more information on the Florida Sheriffs Association, visit [url=http://www.flsheriffs.org]http://www.flsheriffs.org[/url].
