ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings told Orange County commissioners Tuesday morning that violent crime overall is down by double digits in Orlando's troubled Pine Hills community since the start of a crime crackdown that began in mid-December.
"Between the two agencies we've made 200 arrests of what I believe are the right individuals," Demings said. "Right now, things are going very well in Pine Hills. We've had a very concerted effort with the Orlando Police Department for the last 60 days or so and it's looking much better."
Demings said Operation R.I.S.E, a joint crackdown with the Orlando Police Department, has resulted in 187 arrests and 8.8 pounds of marijuana seized, along with 27 bars of Xanax, 43.04 grams of crack cocaine, 8 pills of MDMA, $21,342 in cash and 26 guns, since Dec. 16.
"Holistically, we're working with the county and other entities to make certain that we improve the overall quality of life in Pine Hills," Demings said.
But he also admitted to commissioners that violent crime has increased in Pine Hills.
One slide that Demings presented to commissioners showed a 28 percent increase in aggravated persons crimes, a 67 percent increase in homicides, a 66 percent increase in shots fired calls and an increase in auto burglaries in Pine Hills since 2012.
Residential burglaries and robberies have decreased since 2012.
Another slide that Demings presented read: "Portions of the Pine Hills community continue to be a hub for violent crime. Additional resources and increased collaborative efforts from other agency units are required in order to get the area stabilized so that patrol units can then maintain order."
In front of the barber shop on Pine Hills Road. where the former owner, Brian Berry, was shot and killed on Oct. 26, friends still mourn his death.
"We miss 'B' a lot, we miss him a whole lot. It's just like a dent in the community," friend Wayne Brown said.
Brown said he does not feel any more safe since the start of Operation R.I.S.E.
"Um, not really. I think we need more police presence," Brown said. "I know they're trying a lot within the community, but I think we need more police presence."
Apostle Roland Young Jack, pastor of Heavenly Grace Christian Center which is located in the same strip mall as the barber shop, is also skeptical of the improvement that the Sheriff spoke of.
"It's been really bad," Jack said. "They're probably doing something about it especially having caught that guy Markeith (Loyd) so that's a good step in the right direction but that doesn't do it. I believe it will take more as far as police presence showing they're truly friendly to the neighborhood."
Demings also spoke about community policing, telling commissioners he needs the community's help.
"I believe based upon input from the community that will make a difference in reducing crime and eliminating crime for years to come," Demings said.
Demings said the police trailer parked at the corner of Pills Hills Road and Silver Star Road, which is staffed for several hours a day, is getting crime results.
"It's been effective," Demings said. "People come to that particular center on a daily basis."
Demings asked commissioners to consider additional funding for security cameras, mentoring and counseling-related programs, post-incarceration services and additional law enforcement personnel.
Mayor Teresa Jacobs said she will consider the request.
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