Bob Hansell
Osceola County Sheriff

Local law enforcement is the front line for protecting our residents and we are always looking for ways to work together to enhance public safety.

Five years ago, we partnered with the Osceola News-Gazette to offer our residents a comprehensive sex offender/predator guide. You will find that publication in today’s newspaper. For additional copies, call the Sheriff's Office at 407-348-1105.

It is our hope that this guide will assist you and your family to become more aware of those who live around you. As a parent, be vigilant in protecting your children. Know who lives in your neighborhood, know where your children are at all times and make them accountable for their whereabouts. This insert includes helpful information for parents about keeping children safe, fingerprinting, safety tips for children and how to report crimes.

In addition to this guide, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office was the first law enforcement agency in Central Florida to offer OffenderWatch, a free program that notifies residents when offenders and predators move into their neighborhood or within a one mile radius of any other designated location. Residents may select an unlimited number of addresses and/or offenders and predators to track, and can update their selections at any time. The alert system will send e-mail notifications within 24 to 48 hours of an address change. To sign up for this free program, log onto our website at www.osceolasheriff.org.

Florida law requires sexual offenders and predators to register with local law enforcement when they move into a community. We work very hard to keep track of these offenders and predators and ensure they are following the law, but it is important for all residents to help us protect our children. Because these individuals frequently move, I encourage you to log onto the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/ for the most current information.

By working together, we can make Osceola County a stronger and safer community.