Welcome to the Bureau of Support Operations. In this bureau, Major Vitt is responsible for the divisions of Financial Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Emergency Operations and Special Operations. Each division has various assigned units and teams. She oversees management within those divisions for compliance with policies and procedures

This bureau is comprised of highly trained specialized units that provide the vital resources necessary for the daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office to fulfill its vision to make Citrus County the safest community in Florida. Operations here encompasses the areas of emergency dispatch, search and rescue, training, and the specialized units of Aviation, Mounted Posse Unit, Hazardous Devices Team and many more. The men and women under this bureau strive to develop positive working relationships with the community members it serves. 

Emergency Operations

Emergency management officials work year-round preparing two very important needs for the community, one is for the everyday needs of residents around the county needing Emergency Services by calling 911. Whether it’s a minor event or the beginning of a critical situation, it generally starts with a call to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC, under the leadership of Capt. Dave DeCarlo, is home to the 911 Center, Emergency Management Section.

Current EOC Status

Citrus County evacuation map

In 2007, the Citrus County Emergency Operations Center, specifically the 911 Center, received national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies' Public Safety Communications Accreditation Program. This achievement is noteworthy because only four other centers in the State of Florida and only 47 centers across the nation have earned this honor.

The EOC 911 Center handles all emergency calls for the county. When you place an emergency call, it goes directly to the EOC 911 Center in Lecanto. Dispatchers route these calls to the appropriate service: law enforcement (Sheriff’s Office) and EMS. Using an enhanced 911 system, communications officers are able to determine the address and phone number of the caller. The Citrus County EOC is one of the few 911 centers across the state that effectively and efficiently houses all services together, ensuring that no time is lost in transferring calls.

The other is always being on the alert for natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, as well as catastrophic events, like a terrorist attack. Any of these situations could mean some or all of Citrus County is without electrical power, water or other basic necessities. During this time period, it becomes critical that people understand how to take care of themselves for at least 7 days and have a family disaster plan already in place.

When the EOC activates due to a pending threat, or a disaster strikes, Citizen Information Lines will be staffed.

When necessary, this line is open 24 hours a day.
The number is 352-249-2775

Check the Tides

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CERT

What is CERT? The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains people to be prepared for emergency situations in their community and neighborhood. CERT members give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, collect important disaster information and provide that first neighborhood help in the immediate hours following a major emergency.

During the initial hours following a disaster, emergency personnel are overloaded, unable to reach areas or are short of workers to respond. Others often have had to pitch in to help persons in their immediate neighborhood.

A CERT team is made up of your neighbors and business colleagues whose actions make a difference. Following a 21-hour basic training program and ongoing efforts, the team can manage utilities, put out small fires, provide lifesaving interventions, perform basic search and rescue operations, plus assist in damage assessment, evacuation and rapid sheltering. CERT is active in over 30 Florida counties, and Citrus County offers CERT training through the Sheriff’s Office. Contact the Emergency Management Section at 746-6555 to find out about classes and how your neighborhood can learn to work together.

For more info, view our CERT Brochure. To apply, please fill out our CERT Volunteer Application

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Special Needs

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, acting within the Florida State Statutes, may order or recommend evacuation of specific areas of the county for reasons that include Natural Disasters (Hurricane, Fire, Flood), Man-Made Disasters (Rail, Hazardous or Transportation Incidents) or Technological Disasters (Power Loss).

Special Needs is a voluntary program that provides transportation, evacuation assistance and sheltering to residents during such times for those who do not have the means to evacuate or for those requiring health or medical considerations to the Special Needs Shelter.   The primary Special Needs Shelter is located at Forest Ridge Elementary School, 2927 N Forest Ridge Blvd, Hernando, FL 34442. However, this location may not always be used, depending on the type of incident. Follow local emergency official’s announcements of shelter locations and critical information.

People are encouraged to register on-line at the following address: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736729697#/login

Download and print our registration form.

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Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES), part of national association for Amateur Radio in the US, consists of licensed amateurs who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment, with their local ARES leadership, for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. 

Founded in 1914 by Hiram Percy Maxim as The American Radio Relay League, ARRL is a noncommercial organization of radio amateurs and is the parent of ARES. (ARRL 2020)

Citrus County Sheriff’s Emergency Operations has a dedicated group of volunteers who dedicate their time to disaster response and recovery, special events and critical issues.  They may provide communications at emergency shelters, report severe weather conditions or pass along important information. Members are able to communicate locally, to our state of Florida Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee or around the world. 

We always are in need of additional volunteers and welcome you to apply. 

If you would like to apply, you will need to complete a Sheriff’s Volunteer Application along with the ARES application.  (have link for pdf application and online submission that goes to ares@sheriffcitrus.org)

For more information, you may call 352-249-2703 or email ares@sheriffcitrus.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

ARES Vol App

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Pets

Lecanto Primary School will be the site for the Pet Friendly Shelter for Citrus County residents. Animal Control will be in charge of this shelter.

Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm’s way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster. If you plan to shelter your pet, work it into your evacuation route planning.

Contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.

View a list of items needed and things to do to prepare your pet for an evacuation.

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Before & After the Disaster How Can the Clerk of Court Help?

By: Angela Vick, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller

June 1st marks the beginning of Hurricane Season.   Hurricanes, as we all know, are natural disasters with the potential of catastrophic consequences.  While disasters are not always avoidable, with diligent planning the Clerk of Court is prepared to minimize the impact on services if a disaster strikes. The Clerk has a comprehensive emergency management plan in place to ensure our ability to serve you within 72 hours depending upon the severity of the disaster.  Cooperative agreements guarantee alternate locations to conduct business should the courthouse sustain damage.  The Clerk participates at the policy table with County officials when decisions are made regarding events that affect all of Citrus County.

The Clerk’s Office continuously strives to deliver the highest level of quality customer service while keeping the public informed. In all emergency situations, including but not limited to, inclement weather, natural disasters, or other emergencies; we will post announcements on www.citrusclerk.org and www.facebook.com/CitrusCountyClerk. Local television and radio stations also broadcast information providing citizens and stakeholders the necessary support and communication channels to minimize confusion and ensure restoration of services. 

The Clerk utilizes server redundancy offsite (out of county and out of state) to protect all information and to safeguard continuity of critical operations. Continuity of Government operations and Interlocal Agreements are in place with judicial, local, and state government agencies to deliver timely assistance. 

Living in Florida, we are most often prepared for the threat of a hurricane.  Be sure to include a certified deed to your property in your personal hurricane kit or an alternate safe place away from your home.  A certified copy of your recorded deed is substantive proof of ownership of your home and/or other property and is a requirement to apply for disaster assistance.

To obtain certified copies of your deed or other recorded documents, please visit us in person at the Citrus County Clerk of Court Annex at 120 N Montgomery Avenue, Inverness, FL 34450.  You may also access our website online at www.citrusclerk.org, or call our office at 352-341-6424.  We are available to serve you Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm; closed holidays.

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Damage Reporting

Emergency Management Officials can use reported damage information to assess and document damages within Citrus County. The importance of the initial local assessment of damages is essential in determining:

What happened and how it has affected individuals and communities
How residential, business, and infrastructure property has been affected
Which areas were hardest hit
Provides “situational awareness” to emergency mangers
What types of assistance may be needed (e.g., local, state, or federal)

Accurate and timely damage reporting is crucial to successfully requesting and receiving federal assistance in the form of either low-interest loans or grants to help citizens, businesses, and infrastructure recover from a disaster (during federally declared events only).

If you have any questions regarding the reporting of information, please reach out to our Division of Emergency Operations at 352-249-2703 or via email at citrusem@sheriffcitrus.org.

Storm Damage Report Form

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Alert Messaging Program (AMP)

AMPlifying the message to save lives!

Using digital media boards in our community to spread the word of life saving information…

The Sheriff’s Emergency Management Alert Messaging Program or AMP, was created to amplify an emergency message from government authorities to the

community regarding natural and man-made disasters by using those businesses, not-for-profits or faith based organizations who utilize digital message boards in

front of their establishments.   During an event, Sheriff’s Emergency Management would push out emergency

information for broadcast to the community on your digital message board.

FAQ…

Will we be bombarded with messages to broadcast? Not at all.  AMP is designed for severe incidents only.

How does our business, not-for-profit or faith based organization join? Click here to download to application.

What kind of information is broadcast? Emergency notifications such as severe weather, flooding or evacuations.

Is there a cost to join or any special hardware? None at all.  We would send you an email and or text message with the important broadcast and all you do is copy it into your digital messaging system .

Have more questions? Contact us!

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office
Division of Emergency Operations
352-249-2703 or email citrusem@sheriffcitrus.org

Special Operations

The Special Operations Division is a multifaceted division that operates at the highest levels of modern law enforcement. This division is comprised of various units, teams, and departments that collectively provide operational support during critical situations.

Specialty Units

Aviation

The primary mission of the Aviation Unit is to support our deputies on the road. Some of our primary duties are to assist with searches for missing/lost individuals, pursuits of wanted subject(s) and surveillance-type activities. The Air Unit is a force multiplier and can conduct a search in a specific area in a quarter of the time it would take ground units to search on foot. We are also called to assist other law enforcement agencies or fire services throughout the state if the need arises.

Marine

The Marine Unit enforces marine laws and ordinances and provides high-visibility patrol in waterways, investigates boating accidents and related crime scenes, and promotes boating education and safety to the residents and tourists that visit Citrus County waterways. Aside from routine patrol duties for manatee zones and safety violations, the Marine Unit is also tasked with responding to boaters and vessels in distress and searching for missing boaters. The Marine Unit actively works with the U.S. Coast Guard and other State and Federal agencies in the area to enforce safe boating operations.

K9

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit brings to you one of the best assets available to the community and agency in reference to protecting our citizens and apprehending criminals. Teaming up a deputy with a highly trained German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois has proved to be invaluable. Some of the capabilities of our K9 Unit includes tracking lost or missing persons in need, as well as suicidal subjects and criminal suspects; K9 demonstrations, area searches, article searches, building searches, handler protection and criminal apprehension; narcotics detection consisting of Marijuana, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin and MDMA/Ecstasy. Our K9 Unit is made up of 8 dual purpose K9 teams with the addition of a Volunteer Bloodhound Team who excel in tracking and trailing lost or missing subjects. Our K9 Units are always available and on duty 24/7. Each K9 and handler must complete a challenging 480 hour course together and pass an annual K9 team certification.

Traffic

The Traffic Unit is responsible for Traffic Enforcement and the safety of pedestrian school children, the issuance of parking tickets to those illegally parked in handicapped parking and other locations, and the enforcement of DUI statutes in support of the patrolling function. If you want to report a problem with speeding or any other traffic related issue, call our non-emergency line at 352-726-1121 so we can take appropriate action in response to your complaints.

Specialty Teams

SWAT

S.W.A.T. supports all Citrus County operations by providing rapid response and enhanced capabilities to assist in keeping Citrus County resident’s safe, as well as offering services to other counties when needed. This unit is prepared at any time to deploy personnel and equipment for tactical response, to support warrant service, conduct low visibility counter-surveillance, investigations, and provide enhanced support for special events.

Hazardous Devices Team

All members of the Hazardous Devices Team are assigned to full-time duties in the agency and respond as needed. The CCSO’s Office Hazardous Devices Team responds to a variety of calls including bomb threats, suspicious packages, demolition and disposal of explosives, citizen demonstrations, drug labs, hazardous materials calls, and provides the robot for assistance on SWAT call.

Crisis Negotiations Team

The Crisis Negotiation Team, or CNT, responds to incidents involving barricaded persons, hostage situations or critical incidents. Team members have regular duty assignments and perform this function above their regular duties. The mission of the CNT is to respond to a situation in order to negotiate a safe and reasonable conclusion. “Resolution through communication” is their motto.

DIVE

The CCSO’s DIVE team, also known as the Underwater Recovery Team is one of the specialized units within the Special Operations Division. Citrus County is beautifully situation on the west coast of the state and has numerous rivers, lakes, and ponds, as well as numerous other man-made bodies of water within its jurisdiction. The mission of our DIVE team is the recovery of drowning victims, evidence, or anything else which would require entry into one of these bodies of water.

Sheriff’s Posse

The Posse Unit is a valuable asset to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. These volunteers participate in various Citrus County functions such as assisting local and state agencies in the upholding laws; search and rescue missions, representation at city events, and participate in various training opportunities in an effort to enhance their skills and abilities. Posse riders and their horses welcome the opportunity to represent the Sheriff’s Office whenever possible. They take time to answer questions regarding the Posse and most especially, their horses. Horses must be calm and patient, allowing strangers and especially small children, to interact with them while working. Members of this unit are volunteers who own their own horses, and they use their own equipment to care for and transport the animals when needed.

Mobile Response Team

Our Mobile Response Team is a collaborative effort between the various specialty teams, units, and divisions of CCSO. They respond together in a caring and compassionate way to those in crisis or in need of emergency or non-emergency health services anywhere in Citrus County. The intent is to connect individuals with the appropriate services and avoid unnecessary arrest or incarceration.

SMART

The Sheriff's Mutual Aid Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T) is a specialized team deployed to respond to emergency law enforcement activities, search and rescue missions, evidence searches, and requests for mutual aid. The members of this team are highly trained and possess a variety of technical skills. This team is available to respond to mutual aid requests throughout Citrus County and the State of Florida on a twenty-four hour basis. The goal of SMART is to swiftly and safely respond to requests for assistance, support, and coordinate the needed services in a manner that promotes the safety and security of the community.

Mobile Field Force

The Mobile Field Force provides a rapid, organized response to situations requiring a large scale police presence.  Mobile Field Force may be utilized in situations like civil disorder, riots, natural disasters, or cases where crowd control is necessary.  Personnel assigned to the Mobile Field Force undergo extensive training in victim rescue, crowd control, problem area isolation, criminal apprehension, and deployment of less lethal and chemical munitions (tear gas, OC spray, etc.).  They utilize a variety of protective equipment including shields, ballistic helmets, etc.

Honor Guard

The Honor Guard Unit is a secondary duty assignment and members are selected from varying units within the agency. Members are required to maintain impeccable appearance, high moral standards, and strict order and discipline. The Honor Guard performs funeral honors for Sheriff's Office members killed in the line of duty, as well as for members of other law enforcement agencies when requested. The team proudly represents the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at parades, a variety of ceremonial functions and community events requiring the Presentation of Colors.

Departments

Animal Control

Animal Control Officers (ACO’s) joined the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office on September 1, 2009 and are part of the Patrol Division Special Operations Unit. ACO’s respond to complaints involving domestic animals and livestock, including calls involving animals that are abused, dangerous or a nuisance to the citizens of Citrus County. They have the authority to remove these animals and issue citations for violations of the county’s Animal Control ordinance.

Fleet Management

The Fleet Management Department is responsible for the repairs and maintenance of CCSO’s entire fleet of vehicles and equipment used for day operations. While a large part of the department’s responsibilities include maintenance, employees of fleet conduct repairs that occur from traffic accidents, theft, vandalism and other mishaps.

Domestic Security

The Domestic Security Department is responsible for investigating, collecting, analyzing and disseminating intelligence information concerning criminal activity, international and domestic terrorism, pawn, street gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, warrants, inmate telephone monitoring, registered felons and sexual offenders/predators. The department gathers criminal intelligence information for the purpose of tracking and identifying emerging crime patterns and developing enforcement and prevention strategies.

Community Relations (Public Information)

This department serves as the agency liaison to the news media. Personnel in this department are responsible for engagement with members of the press and the dissemination of agency information in an accurate and timely fashion via press conferences, news releases, response to media public records requests, and social media. Efforts are made by this department to establish a positive, professional relationship between the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and various media outlets in an attempt to keep the public informed. Members are also responsible for the coordination of various events throughout the year and managing the agency’s Citizens’ Academy and Speakers Bureau.

Citizens’ Academy

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy is a hands-on, interactive, behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of your Sheriff’s Office.  This 12-week educational series of classes is taught by experienced sheriff’s officials who share their unique perspective on law enforcement. The Citizens’ Academy, which is offered three times a year with both an afternoon and evening class option, even includes two field trips!  Best of all – it is free.

Volunteers

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Unit is comprised of nearly 800 citizens serving Citrus County. Our members come from all walks of life and bring with them many years of life experience. This experience, combined with dedication and a willingness to help fellow citizens, is an excellent example of people “helping one another.”

Senior Affairs

Seniors Affairs is comprised of CCSO’s Volunteer Unit and Seniors vs. Crime Unit. Seniors vs. Crime is a joint project of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Attorney General’s Office. It is designed to assist people in the community who have been scammed or taken advantage of.

Special Projects

The Special Projects Department consists of numerous projects for the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, which may consist of renovation, retrofits, implementation of new programs, research and development, planning, and statistical projections.

Information Technology

The Information Technology Division supports the information technology needs for every division in the Sheriff’s Office. This division is responsible for every aspect of computer use within the agency from the purchase and installation of software for an employee's desktop system to the development and implementation of the complex systems behind the scenes. The Information Technology Division impacts virtually every part of the Sheriff's Office and is vital to the day to day operation of the agency.

The Information Technology Division supports hundreds of computers in several locations throughout Citrus County. Critical applications include Records Management, Criminal Intelligence and Analysis, Mapping (GIS), Payroll and Human Resources.

The Information Technology Division plays an integral role in support of the Sheriff's Office by identifying opportunities for the agency to improve its effectiveness and productivity through the strategic use of technology. This division provides the computing to support hundreds of desktop and mobile clients.

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to providing the latest cutting edge technologies to increase employee productivity which in turn increases our ability to provide services for the public. The Sheriff is aware of today's needs for technological improvements and has tasked the Information Technology Division with researching, evaluating, and making formal recommendations in reference to future technological advancements. This division is committed to providing the best recommendations to continue moving forward as technology continually progresses.

The units in this division include:

• Systems & Servers
• Network & Security
• Software Applications
• Hardware & Devices
• Support
• Records and Transcribing

Financial Services

: The Financial Services Division is responsible for managing the budget of the agency. Some of the financial management responsibilities of this division include general ledger accounting, payroll, accounts payable, inventory, internal controls, grants, and purchasing.

Managing the budget is the single largest function of this division. In addition to preparing all accounts receivable and payable, this division also handles a bi-weekly payroll schedule for the entire agency. Funds allocated by the county commission, along with special revenue and grant funding, are all monitored and accounted for through an annual audit session. The Financial Services division also oversees the Purchasing Unit which maintains ample law enforcement supplies for the troops, and the Inventory and Property Unit conducts an annual inventory of issued equipment.

One of the most diverse divisions at the Sheriff’s Office is Purchasing, which includes everything from keeping our patrol cars on the road and in good working order to ensuring weapons and uniforms are on hand and ready for new hires. The Purchasing Unit maintains ample law enforcement supplies for the troops, and the Inventory and Property Unit conducts an annual inventory of issued equipment.

The units in this division include:

• Budget Control
• Accounting
• Payroll
• Accounts Payable
• Audits
• Grants
• Risk Management
• Fixed Assets/Inventory Control
• Purchasing

View our Approved Budget for 2018/2019

Human Resources

The Human Resources Division is responsible for planning, developing, and administering a comprehensive personnel program which includes such programs as recruitment, selection, classification, job pay evaluation, performance appraisal, affirmative action, organizational development, and disciplinary actions.

The Human Resources Division is responsible for planning, developing, and administering a comprehensive personnel program which includes such programs as recruitment, selection, classification, job pay evaluation, performance appraisal, affirmative action, organizational development, and disciplinary actions.

This division also is responsible for advising the Sheriff and division commanders regarding federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations applicable to personnel administration. Human Resources develops, administers, and maintains standardized personnel policies and procedures; establishes and maintains all personnel records; and selects, develops, and administers all employee benefit programs including health, dental, life, and retirement.

Social and community functions are also administered under the direction of the human resource personnel in conjunction with the employee activity fund.

The Internal Affairs Detective is assigned to the Human Resources Division and also conducts background investigations for potential employees and is responsible for receiving, documenting, investigating and resolving complaints against the Citrus County Sheriff's Office and/or its personnel.

The units in this division include:

• Recruitment
• Employee Benefits
• Background Investigations
• Employee Records
• Employee Events