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I am requesting that this item be placed on the agenda for the Board of County Commissioner's meeting on September 9, 1997. We will be happy to discuss some options in identifying startup costs at that time. If you have any questions, please call me at 569-6700, ext 404. Sincerely, Gary C. Wheeler, Sheriff sheriff GARY C. WHEELER • INDIAN RIVER COUNTY UEM9ER FLORIDA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION MEMBER OF NATIONAL SHERIFFS -3- 4 4055 41 at AVENUE VERO BEACH, FLORIDA 32980-1808 PHONE 407.589.8700 September 8, 1997 Honorable Carolyn K. Eggert, Chairman Board of County Commissioners Indian River County Administiution Building 1840 25th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Dear Commissioner Eggert, It is my pleasure to respond to the Commission's requests for specific information regarding our level of service as compared to fiscal year 1992-93, during which time I took Office as Sheriff of Indian River County. Upon taking Office in January 1993, the Sheriffs Office had a total strength of 343 positions. In fiscal Year 1996- 97, our total strength is 379. Of the 36 new positions, 11 were civilian and/or correctional officers, 8 were sworn deputies assigned to courthouse security, and 17 were sworn deputies assigned to law enforcement functions. Of the 17 new law enforcement positions, 13 resulted from grants. Four of the 13 grant positions allowed an increase in the COPE Unit as requested by the community, 8 allowed for additional officers on the road, (many of which are still in training) and 1 of the grant positions allowed the assignment of an additional general investigator to assist with the increase in cases as a result of the growth along the SR 60 corridor. Our sworn ratio is 1.9 deputies/ 1000 population (unincorporated). With this ratio, the Sheriffs Office provides a myriad of services in support of road patrol including K-9, aviation, community policing enforcement, ranch and grove, marine, etc. The demand for these services continues to increase. While we have added additional sworn personnel, the growth in calls for service climbs at a higher rate than our manpower, causing the level of service to drop over the past four years from 465 calls for service per deputy per year to over 643 calls for service per deputy per year - The Sheriffs Office continues to seek ways in which to provide an acceptable level of service for the citizens of Indian River County, but the current growth continues to place demands on its services. Seeking grant funded positions has been one way to help defray some of the costs associated with supporting this growth. Should you have any additional questions, I will be more than happy to respond. S. " Gary reeler, Sheriff SEPTEMBER 9, 1997