By Jenet Krol
Staff writer
krol@hometownnewsol.com
ROCKLEDGE - Officers in the community relations department of the Rockledge Police Department said they hope residents will take an active role in ensuring their safety.
To encourage involvement with the police department, the community relations officers have launched a new Web site, a Vial of Life program to assist first-responder personnel and are encouraging residents to serve as volunteers.
Currently, the Rockledge PD has three volunteers who assist the Criminal Investigations Department.
Officer Michael Cadore, community relations specialist, said he hopes to increase the number of volunteers over the next few months.
"It gives us additional support and allows the agency to do more with less manpower. It also strengthens the relationship with the (residents). They know we are here, but it also lets them know we count on them," he said.
James Starner, who is majoring in criminal justice at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, works as an intern at the police department and also serves as a volunteer.
"I get to learn about day-to-day operations and real-life issues, not just stuff out of a textbook. It'll be good experience for furthering my career when I graduate," he said. "It will give me a step up on the competition."
Currently, the volunteers help with preparations for neighborhood and business watch meetings, data entry and fingerprinting. In the future, training courses will be offered for accident assistance and special event assistance.
To help first responder medical personnel, the community relations department is encouraging residents to participate in the Vial of Life program, said Lisa Brady, community relations assistant.
Residents can pick up a package from the police department with a medical information form and Vial of Life stickers.
"They fill out the form and put the sticker on their window or door. Then, when paramedics respond, they will know the patient's medical history," she said.
Businesses are also being encouraged to distribute the packages to employees and keep their medical sheets on file.
"If there is an incident at work, then employers know who to contact, and medical personnel can have access to pertinent information the patient may not want to share with coworkers," she said.
The packets are free and can be picked up at the Rockledge Police Department at 132 Barton Blvd., or Fire Station 1, located at U.S. 1 and Barton Boulevard, said Ms. Brady.
The officers also hope to keep residents informed and up-to-date with an alert network run through the Citizen Observer Web site.
Recently launched, the Web site is a tool the police department can use to quickly disseminate urgent information through e-mails and text messages, said Officer Cadore.
Dan Zell, strategic director for the Web site, said it is a tool for law enforcement to extend their reach without a lot of staff resources.
"The police department is in control of the content, and the alert can cover anything from a traffic alert, a crime, enhancement of an Amber Alert or a community event notification," he said.
There is also a link on the page for residents to submit anonymous tips.
Officer Cadore said he hopes these new programs will help make Rockledge a safer city and a great place to live.
"Nothing can beat that one-on-one, in-person contact. Between neighborhood and business watches, the Vial of Life, and the Citizen Observer Web site, we have the tools to make Rockledge a safer city," he said.
Residents can sign up to receive alerts by visiting www.citizenobserver.com.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the Police Department at (321) 690-3988, Ext. 307. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.