Sheriff Grady Judd announced today that the Polk County Sheriff's Office Citizens Assisted Patrol (CAP) program was selected by the Florida Crime Prevention Association (FCPA) as the 2009 Outstanding Crime Prevention Program. Sheriff Judd and three agency members will be recognized at the FCPA 40th Annual Awards Ceremony on October 22, 2009, in Cocoa Beach. 

The PCSO CAP program was implemented at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 2004, and is comprised entirely of volunteers. During the first year, more than 100 members were trained for the program. By the end of 2008, the CAP program had grown to over 2,100 volunteers representing 35 separate communities. During 2008, the CAP volunteers completed 16,090 patrols and 62,872 hours of service, representing a cost savings of over 1 million dollars to the Sheriff’s Office and the community.  

CAP was initially created by the Sheriff’s Office to assist law enforcement officers in combating crime throughout the county. CAP volunteers patrol in unincorporated areas of the county, as well as areas within certain city limits, using specially marked golf carts and patrol cars acting as extra eyes and ears for law enforcement. Some volunteers also walk and patrol on bicycles. CAP members have been instrumental in helping deputies solve crimes within their communities - a fact which was instrumental in being honored by the FCPA.

The FCPA Annual Awards Ceremony recognizes and honors law enforcement and community partners for their exceptional efforts toward preventing crime, while educating and involving their communities in effective, long-lasting prevention strategies. This is PCSO's first recognition by the statewide organization.