Roughly one month after a renewed effort to fight crime in the Pine Hills neighborhood, Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that they’re seeing encouraging results.

  • 1 month into Operation R.I.S.E. in Pine Hills
  • Law enforcement arrests 187 people
  • Sheriff Jerry Demings to present details to commission Tuesday

Collaborative efforts with Orlando Police Department lead to 187 arrests, according to OCSO. In addition, the effort led to seizures of cannabis, crack cocaine, other drugs and cash; they took 26 guns off the street.

The update spans December 16, 2016 to January 17, 2017.

On Tuesday, Sheriff Jerry Demings will give a presentation to county commissioners, highlighting some facets and tactics of OCSO's work. While the Sheriff would not discuss them Monday, the agency's public information officer shared an outline, including:

  • Historical Pine Hills Crime Statistics
  • A four-pronged approach to Combat Violent Crime in Pine Hills
  • Results of Operation R.I.S.E.
  • Future OCSO initiatives in the Pine Hills Community

“My customers feel that it’s a safer community. It helps you feel like somebody watching over you," said Tim Haberkamp.

For the last 50 years, Haberkamp's family have managed the Hardee's restaurant along Silver Star Road. As crime rose in recent years, Haberkamp joined the Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District, hoping to make a difference in his community.

“The Sheriff’s Office puts emphasis here sometimes, then they have other issues they have to handle," he said with a shrug.

But, Haberkamp said that he's seen a difference since the Sheriff's Office set up a substation catty-corner to his restaurant.

“It just tells the law-abiding citizens that want to have a good family life that it’s a safer place to live," he said. "The Sheriff’s Office has come out here full force, and really putting in effort, picking up people who should have been arrested.”

Operation R.I.S.E. went into effect in mid-December, with a substation opening days later along Silver Star and Pine Hills Roads.

Law enforcement hoped to solicit tips from the community, leading to more targeted crime prevention. Tips in the past month led deputies to suspicious people and stolen cars.

The substation is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.