Just wondering

[BobnBev]

I wonder if the counties could give traffic enforcement powers to certain retired police officers who also work for Community Watch. Equip their vehicles with the flashing BLUE lights, in place of YELLOW. Seems like a win-win situation.
All comments welcome.:coolsmiley::ho:

[njbchbum]

I wonder if the counties could give traffic enforcement powers to certain retired police officers who also work for Community Watch. Equip their vehicles with the flashing BLUE lights, in place of YELLOW. Seems like a win-win situation.
All comments welcome.:coolsmiley::ho:

Are you expecting them to pull over all traffic offenders and have to run checks on each speed/DUI/stop sign infraction? I can't imagine why the Community Watch patrol would WANT that power - especially here in the Villages! You could not pay me enough to do it!

[BobnBev]

Are you expecting them to pull over all traffic offenders and have to run checks on each speed/DUI/stop sign infraction? I can't imagine why the Community Watch patrol would WANT that power - especially here in the Villages! You could not pay me enough to do it!

Not only couldn't they pay you enough, they wouldn't pay you at all. You aren't a retired police officer. It would give retired officers a little extra spending money, plus make the roads a whole lot safer.:boom:

[Polar Bear]

Not only couldn't they pay you enough, they wouldn't pay you at all. You aren't a retired police officer...
...All comments welcome...
Apparently not so much.

[Challenger]

I wonder if the counties could give traffic enforcement powers to certain retired police officers who also work for Community Watch. Equip their vehicles with the flashing BLUE lights, in place of YELLOW. Seems like a win-win situation.
All comments welcome.:coolsmiley::ho:

Liability. Liability, Liability- and Liability.

[Polar Bear]

Liability. Liability, Liability- and Liability.

And don't forget...liability.

[asianthree]

Would they wear a hat that said retired PD. So we would behave

[jblum315]

I think retired police mostly have good pensions and don't want to work any more

[Harry Gilbert]

In order to have law enforcement powers they would have to be part of a police force. So what you are proposing is TV's own police force.

[BobnBev]

In order to have law enforcement powers they would have to be part of a police force. So what you are proposing is TV's own police force.

Absolutely not. The sheriff (s) can appoint special deputies, and limit their powers to traffic offenses. The liability would fall under the county sheriffs.

[Shimpy]

[QUOTE=BobnBev;1200665. It would give retired officers a little extra spending money, plus make the roads a whole lot safer.:boom:[/QUOTE]




Are you saying pay them on commission?

[Harry Gilbert]

Absolutely not. The sheriff (s) can appoint special deputies, and limit their powers to traffic offenses. The liability would fall under the county sheriffs.


Personally I don't see why a city of 100000 doesn't have its own police force other than cost.

But if they become part of the Sheriffs dept not community watch they would draw a salary from the Sheriff. Depending on where they retired from that could have an impact on any pension they receive. Not to mention the difficulty in getting retirees from different states all certified under Florida laws. and it's highly unlikely that a county Sheriff wants to take on the paperwork involved.

So the only logical solution is to form a TV police dept. 50000 homes times $100 each works out to 5 mil could get a lot for the money.

And another thought, Anyone performing traffic stops would need to be in uniform and armed.

[redwitch]

I would really hate to see this happen, regardless of who pays for it. The fact is that personalities change as we age. (Think of the retired officer who shot and killed the man in the theater for texting.) Plus, the level of training for police officers varies so much from community to community, let alone from state to state.

Things work pretty well here the way they are. We are in three counties and thus are patrolled by different entities (Sumter and Marion County Sheriffs and Lady Lake Police). All three forces seem to do a great job and cooperate well with each other.

This is definitely not a boat I want to see rocked.

[Trayderjoe]

Personally I don't see why a city of 100000 doesn't have its own police force other than cost.

But if they become part of the Sheriffs dept not community watch they would draw a salary from the Sheriff. Depending on where they retired from that could have an impact on any pension they receive. Not to mention the difficulty in getting retirees from different states all certified under Florida laws. and it's highly unlikely that a county Sheriff wants to take on the paperwork involved.

So the only logical solution is to form a TV police dept. 50000 homes times $100 each works out to 5 mil could get a lot for the money.

And another thought, Anyone performing traffic stops would need to be in uniform and armed.

I am curious, in order to have a police force would The Villages have to first become a town or city so that the police force could then be "recognized" as a legal enforcement agency? Otherwise, wouldn't they then be an "armed security team"? I really don't know, perhaps someone else would know the answer? Should this be the case, then everything that is great about living in the Villages goes out the window.............

[njbchbum]

snipped
All comments welcome.:coolsmiley::ho:

Apparently not so much.

Ya got that right, PB!

[Kannon451]

Not only couldn't they pay you enough, they wouldn't pay you at all. You aren't a retired police officer. It would give retired officers a little extra spending money, plus make the roads a whole lot safer.:boom:

For there to be a need to make The Villages "a whole lot safer" with this proposal, this place must be very dangerous relative to driving and traffic. I am not aware of any official police data stating how dangerous The Villages is relative to other local areas.

[Walter123]

I would really hate to see this happen, regardless of who pays for it. The fact is that personalities change as we age. (Think of the retired officer who shot and killed the man in the theater for texting.) Plus, the level of training for police officers varies so much from community to community, let alone from state to state.

Things work pretty well here the way they are. We are in three counties and thus are patrolled by different entities (Sumter and Marion County Sheriffs and Lady Lake Police). All three forces seem to do a great job and cooperate well with each other.

This is definitely not a boat I want to see rocked.

Yep, I agree with you. Leave it to the professionals.

[Walter123]

I am curious, in order to have a police force would The Villages have to first become a town or city so that the police force could then be "recognized" as a legal enforcement agency? Otherwise, wouldn't they then be an "armed security team"? I really don't know, perhaps someone else would know the answer? Should this be the case, then everything that is great about living in the Villages goes out the window.............

The Villages IS a city and as Redwitch said we cover three counties and the three police departments do a great job.

[Walter123]

For there to be a need to make The Villages "a whole lot safer" with this proposal, this place must be very dangerous relative to driving and traffic. I am not aware of any official police data stating how dangerous The Villages is relative to other local areas.

TV is not a dangerous to live.

[Carl in Tampa]

Personally I don't see why a city of 100000 doesn't have its own police force other than cost.

But if they become part of the Sheriffs dept not community watch they would draw a salary from the Sheriff. Depending on where they retired from that could have an impact on any pension they receive. Not to mention the difficulty in getting retirees from different states all certified under Florida laws. and it's highly unlikely that a county Sheriff wants to take on the paperwork involved.

So the only logical solution is to form a TV police dept. 50000 homes times $100 each works out to 5 mil could get a lot for the money.

And another thought, Anyone performing traffic stops would need to be in uniform and armed.

1. The Villages is not a city. The politics of incorporating as a city and pre-empting part of the tax base from three counties and the City of Lady Lake would be virtually impossible politically, not to mention the difficulty with the various taxing districts we now operate under.

2. The Sheriff's Offices have budgets. They could not add more paid personnel without getting their respective County Commissions to raise their budgets, which would probably mean raising taxes. Don't hold your breath until that happens.

3. Even Reserve or Auxiliary Deputies would have to be trained in all aspects of Florida Law, and pass physical fitness, driving and firearms testing annually. Another BIG expense. And as a previously poster has said, repeatedly, liability, liability, liability.

4. I don't know how it is in Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties, but in Hillsborough, where I am from, Reserve II (Auxiliary) Deputies (who have never passed full Police Academy training) cannot perform law enforcement duties unless in the presence of a full-time Certified Deputy.

5. The Villages could hire a licensed guard service to provide "Security Guards" for security purposes, but they would not have law enforcement powers.

6. The need has not been demonstrated. It was simply someone's thought that perhaps we could get a little more traffic enforcement at a cheap price.

[Carl in Tampa]

The Villages IS a city and as Redwitch said we cover three counties and the three police departments do a great job.

The Villages is not a city. Being a city requires incorporation as a city, and recognition by the State. The Villages is a census-designated place which originated in Sumter County, Florida. It shares its name with a broader master-planned age-restricted community that spreads into portions of Lake and Marion counties

[Carl in Tampa]

I would really hate to see this happen, regardless of who pays for it. The fact is that personalities change as we age. (Think of the retired officer who shot and killed the man in the theater for texting.) Plus, the level of training for police officers varies so much from community to community, let alone from state to state.

Things work pretty well here the way they are. We are in three counties and thus are patrolled by different entities (Sumter and Marion County Sheriffs and Lady Lake Police). All three forces seem to do a great job and cooperate well with each other.

This is definitely not a boat I want to see rocked.

Just as a matter of interest, part of The Villages is in Lake County. There are three Counties and the City of Lady Lake policing various parts of the area. Not to mention the Florida Highway Patrol on all State Roads.

And in all of these areas there are various federal law enforcement and different state and federal regulatory agencies operating in areas that you don't even think about. Add Community Watch and all of the traffic cameras and surveillance areas in the town squares and in the entrances to the individual Villages, and it is no wonder the crime rate is comparatively low for such a populous area.

[Walter123]

Pretty sure you're wrong unless I'm missing something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida

The US Census ranked The Villages as the fastest-growing U.S. city for the second year in a row (during the 12 months ended July 2014)

Maybe there is something I don't understand about a CDP?

[CFrance]

Pretty sure you're wrong unless I'm missing something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida

The US Census ranked The Villages as the fastest-growing U.S. city for the second year in a row (during the 12 months ended July 2014)

Maybe there is something I don't understand about a CDP?
I don't think a CDD's structure allows for its own police force.

And if TV is a city, why is there no mayor? I agree with Carl that it isn't a city.

[Walter123]

I don't think a CDD's structure allows for its own police force.

And if TV is a city, why is there no mayor? I agree with Carl that it isn't a city.

Everything I read says that TV is a city but it's 2 to 1 so I guess I'm wrong. I concede.

[Polar Bear]

Good call Walter.

TV is bigger than many cities, and has many of the same characteristics of a city. But it is technically a CDD, a specific development designation somewhat similar to a city, but different in some very important ways.

[BobnBev]

Are you saying pay them on commission?

Where in the world did that come from? :ohdear: They would be paid from the sheriff's budget.

[rubicon]

This thread with few exception illustrates how little some resident understand the government model etc of The Villages. The community district model clearly speaks out to the fact that it was organized with no policing powers. This model has worked well. Crime has remained at a low ebb thanks to the Sheriffs Dept, Lady Lake Police, State Troopers and the watchful eye of Community Watch.

The demands made by some residents on these pages convince me that TVLSI (Developer) may be better at the management of this community because there are a number of residents that keep trying to fix something that "ain't" broke. They keeping inviting regulations that are unnecessary and will interfere with our way of life. And last but not least many of their suggestions seem to be made without the thought of the economic consequences.

Perhaps we all would be better off if we kick around our thoughts with our neighbors and consider their responses before we post here. Because those 3:00 o'clock in the morning ideas often lead to the road of "I should have had a V8".:ohdear:

Personal Best Regards:

[Challenger]

This thread with few exception illustrates how little some resident understand the government model etc of The Villages. The community district model clearly speaks out to the fact that it was organized with no policing powers. This model has worked well. Crime has remained at a low ebb thanks to the Sheriffs Dept, Lady Lake Police, State Troopers and the watchful eye of Community Watch.

The demands made by some residents on these pages convince me that TVLSI (Developer) may be better at the management of this community because there are a number of residents that keep trying to fix something that "ain't" broke. They keeping inviting regulations that are unnecessary and will interfere with our way of life. And last but not least many of their suggestions seem to be made without the thought of the economic consequences.

Perhaps we all would be better off if we kick around our thoughts with our neighbors and consider their responses before we post here. Because those 3:00 o'clock in the morning ideas often lead to the road of "I should have had a V8".:ohdear:

Personal Best Regards:

Ditto

[rubicon]

Ditto

I like V-8

[virgind]

I'm reading this thread and am wondering do any of you live here.

[RickeyD]

Pretty sure you're wrong unless I'm missing something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida

The US Census ranked The Villages as the fastest-growing U.S. city for the second year in a row (during the 12 months ended July 2014)

Maybe there is something I don't understand about a CDP?

From the air it sure doesn't look like a city. As the song goes...

Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky,
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses
All went to the university,
Where they were put in boxes
And they came out all the same,
And there's doctors and lawyers,
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf course
And drink their martinis dry,
And they all have pretty children
And the children go to school,
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
Where they are put in boxes
And they come out all the same.

And the boys go into business
And marry and raise a family
In boxes made of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one,
And they're all made out of ticky tacky
And they all look just the same.

[wisbad1]

Would they get fre cigars at Garvino's ?

[CWGUY]

Would they get fre cigars at Garvino's ?

Most will not get it..... but it's a good one.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Carl in Tampa]

Pretty sure you're wrong unless I'm missing something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida

The US Census ranked The Villages as the fastest-growing U.S. city for the second year in a row (during the 12 months ended July 2014)

Maybe there is something I don't understand about a CDP?

I am reminded of the university professor who announced on the first day of class, "If any of you turns in a paper in which you use Wikipedia as a resource, you will fail this course."

Wikipedia is an "open source" resource. Anyone can go in and write anything, and in most cases can edit anything that has already been written. If you will look at the entry that you linked you will see the illustration of a pencil to the right top of each area of information. If you click on that pencil YOU can change the entry to whatever you want it to say.

In addition, the statement that refers to The Villages as a "city" has a numbered footnote. If you go to that footnote you will find that the source used by the Wikipedia editor was a Fox News article, which contained several other errors.

Community Development Districts are authorized by the State of Florida to be special taxing districts for the purpose of funding community improvements. They do not constitute an incorporated City or Town.

[Shimpy]

I am reminded of the university professor who announced on the first day of class, "If any of you turns in a paper in which you use Wikipedia as a resource, you will fail this course."

Wikipedia is an "open source" resource. Anyone can go in and write anything, and in most cases can edit anything that has already been written. If you will look at the entry that you linked you will see the illustration of a pencil to the right top of each area of information. If you click on that pencil YOU can change the entry to whatever you want it to say.

In addition, the statement that refers to The Villages as a "city" has a numbered footnote. If you go to that footnote you will find that the source used by the Wikipedia editor was a Fox News article, which contained several other errors.

Community Development Districts are authorized by the State of Florida to be special taxing districts for the purpose of funding community improvements. They do not constitute an incorporated City or Town.


Great reply.

[Walter123]

I am reminded of the university professor who announced on the first day of class, "If any of you turns in a paper in which you use Wikipedia as a resource, you will fail this course."

Wikipedia is an "open source" resource. Anyone can go in and write anything, and in most cases can edit anything that has already been written. If you will look at the entry that you linked you will see the illustration of a pencil to the right top of each area of information. If you click on that pencil YOU can change the entry to whatever you want it to say.

In addition, the statement that refers to The Villages as a "city" has a numbered footnote. If you go to that footnote you will find that the source used by the Wikipedia editor was a Fox News article, which contained several other errors.

Community Development Districts are authorized by the State of Florida to be special taxing districts for the purpose of funding community improvements. They do not constitute an incorporated City or Town.

Thank you Carl. I am smarter today than I was yesterday because of you.

[Barefoot]

Pretty sure you're wrong unless I'm missing something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida

The US Census ranked The Villages as the fastest-growing U.S. city for the second year in a row (during the 12 months ended July 2014)

Maybe there is something I don't understand about a CDP?

Carl in Tampa is rarely wrong about anything (if ever).

[Walter123]

Carl in Tampa is rarely wrong about anything (if ever).

Yes, Carl is a very, very smart individual. I was very, very foolish to question him. I will never, ever question him again.:bigbow::bigbow:

[Polar Bear]

Just a bit of additional info...

The US Census has several "fastest growing" lists they publish annually. The one referred to in this post is for "Metropolitan Areas", a very generic term. For example, a nearby metro area is Tampa-St. Petersburg. The Census studies do not care about the specifics of type of government or anything like that. They are just rating high population areas.

[Carl in Tampa]

Yes, Carl is a very, very smart individual. I was very, very foolish to question him. I will never, ever question him again.:bigbow::bigbow:


"Aw, shucks," he said, blushing, hanging his head and digging his toe into the sand.

:)

[dbussone]

"Aw, shucks," he said, blushing, hanging his head and digging his toe into the sand.

:)

Are you in Tampa right now, Carl. I never saw sand when I lived there - excluding sand traps. Not questioning you, just wondering where your toe might be! ::jester::

[gman13]

That sounds easy but it can't be done under the laws of Florida. Since The Villages is not incorporated and operates under Chapter 190 of the Florida Statutes the only law enforcement is the County Sheriffs or Local Law Enforcement Agencies. It is possible to get law enforcement authority from the State to enforce laws on Villages properties such as the Multimodel paths, but it takes an act of the State Legislature and it is VERY expensive. Your question also brings to mind "be careful for what you wish for, because you just may get it'. The liability issue on having law enforcement powers are huge.

[VillagerNut]

The Villages IS a city and as Redwitch said we cover three counties and the three police departments do a great job.
The Villages is not in an official city! It is technically in Lady Lake. But we are recognized by the US post office as a city so the mailing address can be as such. But to technically be a city we would have to have all the officials that other cities have like their own police force, mayors, etc. The only reason that the current police force does not enforce everything is the fact that the higher powers here do not want it enforced at this time. Time will allow it to change when build out is complete. But compared to most places we have very little to complain about here!

[graciegirl]

The Villages is not in an official city! It is technically in Lady Lake. But we are recognized by the US post office as a city so the mailing address can be as such. But to technically be a city we would have to have all the officials that other cities have like their own police force, mayors, etc. The only reason that the current police force does not enforce everything is the fact that the higher powers here do not want it enforced at this time. Time will allow it to change when build out is complete. But compared to most places we have very little to complain about here!



Then we can be JUST like all the yucky areas of the same size all across the country. Do NOT look a gift horse in the mouth.

[billstrickland]

You would have to be a sworn officer, with full arrest powers, certification, badge and gun. Well meaning citizens cannot make traffic stops or write citations. That is one of the reasons all cameras at red light intersections are being thrown out. You have to be a sworn police officer to make a traffic stop.

[caroleartchilds]

Illegal parking is the worst problem in The Villages, especially around behind Red Sauce.
Needs serious enforcement.

[theruizs]

The Sheriff does not care in any way shape or form about Villagers obeying traffic laws. His total traffic control program amounts to PSA announcements at TV's movie theaters warning golf carters to obey the 20mph speed limit, which of course falls on deaf ears. If there were ever any threat of actual enforcement you wouldn't have 1 in 3 golf carts illegally modified to go well over 20 mph, and vendors who totally ignore speed limits on the roads ripping through our community with their monster trucks pulling trailers that often have no working lights. Traffic laws in the TV are really just a suggestion. Kind of sad really. It is the one huge downside to living here, IMHO.

[RayAmb]

I am a retired police officer from Florida. I am familiar with our laws. I certainly see the need in some communities but frankly not in The Villages. Some of you are correct about the liability. The equipment, training and support costs are far more reaching than you would expect at first glance. The idea sounds great but we have a good Sherriff. Call him if you have an issue. Retired law enforcement officers really need to realize their time is over. That's why you see the deputies and police are younger and better able to do I the job. Neighborhood watch is great for the all of us RETIRED guys.

[Carl in Tampa]

Are you in Tampa right now, Carl. I never saw sand when I lived there - excluding sand traps. Not questioning you, just wondering where your toe might be! ::jester::

Really? I never thought of Tampa having any soil other than sand. My first experience with Tampa sand was when I was digging a drainage ditch at our house on West Powhattan near Florida Avenue.

Next was when digging up an orange tree near N. Boulevard and W. Waters.

Then there was the time that my dad got his car stuck in the sand at a construction site on Gandy Boulevard near South Westshore.

There was the time I was digging post holes for a residential fence on North Edison in Forest Hills, not far from the Babe Zaharias Golf Course.

And, when laying sod at my house in Carrollwood, blocks away from the original Carrollwood development, I found there is nothing but sand under the thin layer of sod.

I'm curious, where did you experience soil that wasn't sand, other than where developers trucked in fill dirt or crushed shell?

(In answer to your question, I'm in The Villages for a few days right now.)

[Challenger]

Illegal parking is the worst problem in The Villages, especially around behind Red Sauce.
Needs serious enforcement.

And that is an issue that with the proper authorization, could be handled by an auxiliary group (Community Watch)

[twoplanekid]

Most of the preceding information is correct. To find out the real scope of policing powers in the Villages, attend the welcome Wednesday meeting at 11 A.M. to personally ask questions of community leaders and police officials who are always in attendance.

On the other hand, I also like to blow in the wind and think outside of the box. I love to discuss new ideas no matter how outlandish. Sometimes, we all learn something new by doing so.

[Carl in Tampa]

Illegal parking is the worst problem in The Villages, especially around behind Red Sauce.
Needs serious enforcement.

And that is an issue that with the proper authorization, could be handled by an auxiliary group (Community Watch)

The parking lot behind Red Sauce is private property. It the owner had the will to enforce the parking problem, it could be done by simply towing away the offenders.

Technically, it is not illegal parking, but rather improper parking on private property except for the designated handicapped parking spaces.

The exception to this might be on parking lots with a designated "fire lane" for the use of fire fighting equipment in an emergency.

If our "biggest problem" is parking congestion we are most fortunate.

[dbussone]

Really? I never thought of Tampa having any soil other than sand. My first experience with Tampa sand was when I was digging a drainage ditch at our house on West Powhattan near Florida Avenue.

Next was when digging up an orange tree near N. Boulevard and W. Waters.

Then there was the time that my dad got his car stuck in the sand at a construction site on Gandy Boulevard near South Westshore.

There was the time I was digging post holes for a residential fence on North Edison in Forest Hills, not far from the Babe Zaharias Golf Course.

And, when laying sod at my house in Carrollwood, blocks away from the original Carrollwood development, I found there is nothing but sand under the thin layer of sod.

I'm curious, where did you experience soil that wasn't sand, other than where developers trucked in fill dirt or crushed shell?

(In answer to your question, I'm in The Villages for a few days right now.)


Glad you are here.

[outlaw]

I would really hate to see this happen, regardless of who pays for it. The fact is that personalities change as we age. (Think of the retired officer who shot and killed the man in the theater for texting.) Plus, the level of training for police officers varies so much from community to community, let alone from state to state.

Things work pretty well here the way they are. We are in three counties and thus are patrolled by different entities (Sumter and Marion County Sheriffs and Lady Lake Police). All three forces seem to do a great job and cooperate well with each other.

This is definitely not a boat I want to see rocked.

He DID NOT shoot the man because he was texting. He shot him because he threw popcorn at him...

[Walter123]

He DID NOT shoot the man because he was texting. He shot him because he threw popcorn at him...

Outlaw, you forgot this!:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::popcorn: :popcorn::popcorn:

[CFrance]

He DID NOT shoot the man because he was texting. He shot him because he threw popcorn at him...
Oh, that explains it.

[Walter123]

Oh, that explains it.

Yeah 'cause some of those un-popped kernels can leave a mark or put an eye out!

[Carl in Tampa]

On the other hand, I also like to blow in the wind and think outside of the box. I love to discuss new ideas no matter how outlandish. Sometimes, we all learn something new by doing so.

No matter how much we might discuss Vne, I'm still not going there!

:plane:

[2BNTV]

Liability. Liability, Liability- and Liability.

:agree: :agree: :agree: and :agree:

Having worked in security, there can be a blurred line of interpretation as to what powers a psuedo police would have, as opposed to the regular LEO.

I hope my comment is welcomed!

[BobnBev]

:agree: :agree: :agree: and :agree:

Having worked in security, there can be a blurred line of interpretation as to what powers a psuedo police would have, as opposed to the regular LEO.

I hope my comment is welcomed!

Your comments are always welcomed.

The Sheriff can appoint "Special Deputy's", and can authorize any powers that he deems necessary. The only restriction, as far as I can see, is that he/she cannot carry a firearm, unless they have a concealed carry permit issued by the State, or have a current certificate from a police academy, stating they are a qualified LEO.