Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons is doubling down on technology to fight crime. In a recent interview, the sheriff detailed plans to expand the county’s Real-Time Crime Center, including more camera installations at Pensacola Beach to improve public safety at the area’s most popular destination.
- After nearly two years of operation, the Real-Time Crime Center has proven its worth. The facility, staffed by data analysts and missing persons investigators, monitors a growing network of cameras and license plate readers across Escambia County.
“We’ve never been as capable as we are today, and we’re not as capable as we’re going to be tomorrow,” Simmons said.
Pensacola Beach Gets Enhanced Protection
The latest expansion focuses on Pensacola Beach, where 14 new camera sites will be installed as part of phase two of the boardwalk camera project. Seven cameras will cover the boardwalk parking lots, while another seven will monitor the Casino Beach parking area.
- “We’re not trying to keep these cameras secret,” Simmons explained. “We’re trying to let everyone know that this is a place where you can come and you can have fun, bring your family, but it’s not a place where you can screw around and destroy our beautiful beach.”
Real-Time Results
The center’s effectiveness extends far beyond deterrence. In one recent “jugging” case—where criminals target people leaving banks or ATM with cash—investigators used vehicle descriptions and license plate readers to identify a suspect vehicle. Within an hour, the suspect was apprehended in Fort Walton Beach, thanks to the network of cameras that extends throughout Florida and into Alabama.
- At the center, analysts review overnight reports, check cameras for relevant footage, and coordinate with a registry of residential cameras. That registry has exploded in recent weeks, growing from 600 to over 1,300 registered cameras after a social media push by the sheriff’s office.
Technology Meets Traditional Policing
Simmons is quick to note that technology doesn’t replace deputies—it enhances their capabilities. The center features AI-enabled cameras that can search for specific vehicle types and colors, while license plate readers automatically flag vehicles of interest. Two Pensacola Police Department officers work alongside sheriff’s deputies in the facility, and other agencies are exploring partnerships.
- The sheriff credits County Commissioners Ashlee Hofberger, Robert Bender (who was elected Supervisor of Elections in 2024), and Lumon May for their support, noting that cameras installed in the Montclair area have already helped solve crimes.
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Victor Jones was convicted on January 9, 1990 of armed robbery, the offense committed on December 12, 1989.
Victor Jones for the 1990 convictions, the sentence for each is listed as 4 years, 6 months.
Victor Jones was convicted in 1987 for three different burglaries, and each carried a sentence of 5 years.
We therefore know that Victor Jones is sentenced on December 11, 1987 and two years and a day to that sentencing, commits a robbery that he soon is convicted of.
Now, Victor Jones is not in incarceration on December 12, 1990 when he commits capital murder.
Now, Victor Jones was in custody of the Florida Department of Corrections during these times
January 4, 1988-November 16, 1988
January 22, 1990-November 27, 1990
September 25, 1991-October 14, 1991
June 2, 1993-present
Now the murders in 1990 were committed 15 days after Jones was released from custody of the Florida Department of Corrections, he literally is released again from prison, and commits murder.
Why was Victor Jones released in 1990 when he had a 25 year sentence, a sentence that began in 1990?