Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian James Surrency.  James
guest speaker was Colonel Chad Chronister of the Hillsborough County
Sheriff department. Colonel Chronister is a veteran law enforcement officer
who has been employed with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since
1992. He has a master's degree in criminology from St. Leo University and
is a graduate of the FBI National Academy's 260th Session.  Colonel
Chronister has held numerous positions throughout his career, most of which
were in a covert capacity.  He is currently the commander of the Department
of Operational Support. His experience ranges from assignments in patrol,
street crimes and S.W.A.T. to serving as a supervisor in the narcotics, warrants
and intelligence sections and the Community Outreach Division.   Colonel
Chronister gave us the “State of the Union” address for HCSO.  Hillsborough
Sheriff department has over 4,000 employees making it the 7th largest Sheriff
Department in the United States.  The department has over 2,200 vehicles on
the road putting on more than 21 million miles per year.  Population growth is
the biggest obstacle.  Crime in our area has decreased every year since 2006
and is at a 12 year low.  It is a constant struggle to keep the crime rate low as
the population continues to grow.  Currently there are approximately 3,000
people in jail each day.  Crime prevention is the key to keep crime low.
  Community outreach is a big focus of the HCSO.  Working with the Boy’s
and Girl’s clubs help to reduce crime.  99% of the graduates from the Boy’s
and Girl’s clubs never see the criminal justice system.  Investing in
employees and technology are key.  Rapid ID is a portable finger printer
that ID’s suspects.  Shot Spotter listens for gun shots in high crime areas,
and pin points it on a map for rapid response.  Eye on crime cameras in
high crime areas.  Cameras have tag readers and have found several stolen
cars.  A new 40’ Intrepid boat was purchased on a grant to help search boats
coming into the port.  The communications center answers over 1 million
calls a year including kids mooning a driver while on the bus, an animal in
the middle of the road, etc.  HCSO has a bi-weekly webcast and needs
support from the community more than ever. -submitted by Mike Arndt

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