Innovative Strategies to Maintain Community Safety
Police Department
Data plays an integral role in the Police Department ’ s ongoing efforts to maintain Port St . Lucie ’ s standing as one of the safest cities in the state and the country .
The Police Department uses a stratified policing model , an approach that focuses on problem solving , analysis and accountability processes at every level of the organization . This model is applied to immediate , short- and long-term issues , all of which can benefit from utilizing appropriate data to help in their resolution .
The results have been substantial through the years for Port St . Lucie : over the last decade , the City has seen a reduction in crime of nearly 50 %.
A similar strategic approach has been used in the recruitment of new police officers to the City . Law enforcement agencies across the country have been struggling to recruit and retain personnel over the past few years , which has placed a premium on ensuring organizations are doing everything in their power to attract potential candidates .
In 2023 , Acting Chief Richard Del Toro implemented five strategic initiatives to help recruit and retain the most qualified applicants . As a result , the Police Department improved overall employee benefits and the hiring process was streamlined to reduce the amount of time for new applicants to be processed from an average of six months to two months .
City Council also has approved funding for 26 additional sworn police officer positions . Most of those positions will be for District 5 , our most recent policing district located in the western part of Port St . Lucie .
Additionally , at the end of 2023 , the City was in the design-build phase for the construction of a new police training facility , which is scheduled to begin construction in 2024 . This facility will play a crucial role in providing officers with state-of-the-art training , ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to uphold the safety and well-being of our citizens . This investment underscores our ongoing commitment to the professional development and preparedness of our law enforcement officers .
By using data and innovative thinking , the Police Department is continuing to provide a safe , secure community .
46 %
The percentage reduction in crime over the last 10 years in Port St . Lucie .
13
The number of consecutive years Port St . Lucie has had the lowest crime rate for a city in Florida with a population over 100,000 .
14 | 2023 City Manager ’ s Annual Report