The University of Central Florida Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office today announced an initiative to enhance the safety of the area near campus through additional enforcement.
UCFPD officers and OCSO deputies also are continuing collaboration that started in April to target underage drinking and parties in areas near campus.
UCF Police Chief Richard Beary and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings made the joint announcement to media this afternoon. Summer classes started at UCF on Monday.
“In partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, we are responding to the concerns we have heard from our students and our community and creating a safer environment for everyone,” Beary said.
The targeted off-campus patrol by Sheriff’s Office deputies follows recent high-profile incidents near campus and requests from the community for more enforcement. The partnership also will include crime prevention initiatives such as Crime Free Multi-Housing, which is designed to reduce crime in apartment complexes.
The additional attention on dangerous drug and alcohol-related behaviors targets parties, underage drinking and driving under the influence. UCFPD and OCSO have partnered on weekend noise and alcohol details since April.
During the first detail, a convicted felon and known gang member who had a gun at an off-campus party was arrested by UCFPD on April 18. During the second detail, UCFPD on April 25 arrested a female student for DUI who had breath samples of .232 and .235.