On Jan. 22 the City Council approved Sheriff Rutherford's request for $3 million to once again fund the overtime costs necessary to run Operation Safe Streets' (OSS) amplified patrol presences in Jacksonville's violent crime "Hot Spots." The overtime bill passed 15-0. OSS is JSO's crime fighting initiative that successfully reduced the murder rate during the last six months of 2006, through the overtime and other police activities, covert and overt.

OSS demonstrates that to be effective police officers must be on the streets, not only enforcing the law and making arrests, but also patrolling the neighborhoods and interacting with law abiding citizens ("knock and talks").

The increased patrol presence is just one component of the crime fighting initiative. The Regional Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce supported "Gun Bounty" program is designed to reduce gun crime and violence by removing guns from the streets. And the "Hot Spots" tip card, "Parenting Tips" pamphlet, and the "See It Say It Stop It" palm card are three key publications that JSO Officers use to educate citizens about reducing violent crime and creating a productive environment for children, by partnering with law enforcement.

For more information about OSS please click here.