JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sheriff T.K. Waters and other members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office took to the streets of Lakewood Saturday morning.
The monthly Sheriff’s Neighborhood Crime Prevention Walk brought law enforcement right to residents’ front doors, speaking one-on-one about their concerns and priorities.
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“I used to ride over here as a patrolman a long time ago. It’s always been a great community, a great neighborhood,” Waters said.
The sheriff emphasized that the walks are about more than just addressing crime — they’re about visibility and accountability.
“Whether there [are] crime problems or not, people deserve to see their elected sheriff, and they’re going to see me,” Waters said.
Resident Patt Ritter said the personal outreach from the sheriff’s office means a great deal to the neighborhood.
“It shows that he cares. It shows that he’s willing to knock on doors and find out how he can help us,” Ritter said.
During the walk, neighbors raised very few crime concerns — traffic issues were the more pressing topic on the ground.
Ritter offered a broader message about the relationship between residents and law enforcement.
“You need to put your faith in the people that are protecting you,” Ritter said.
The future, however, of not only JSO but for local law enforcement as a whole is on the minds of some residents right now.
Local first responders have been openly encouraging the public to vote no on Amendment 3 — the state’s proposed homestead property tax overhaul on the upcoming November ballot.
News4JAX asked Waters about the measure.
“I’m a 100% believer in tax relief, and I believe that people should have that,” Waters said. “I believe that whatever folks vote for, we’ll adjust.”
News4JAX also asked the sheriff about the status of Flock cameras following the state’s move to have them removed from state roads.
“They’re owned by another company, so they’re going to take those down, and we’re removing them as quickly as possible,” Waters said, adding that some cameras have currently been covered up.
Anyone with major concerns or information about criminal activity can reach JSO several ways — by emailing jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org, calling 904-630-0500, or submitting an anonymous tip through Frist Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
