– Homicides Drop 40-45% as Multi-Pronged Approach Shows Results –
Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons brought encouraging news to a recent episode of “(We Don’t) Color On the Dog,” revealing significant progress in reducing violent crime across the county.
Dramatic Decrease in Homicides
As of November 1, the county has recorded just 13 homicides for the year—a stark contrast to previous years when numbers reached well into the twenties by this time. “We’re probably talking about a 40 to 45% reduction in the homicides alone,” Sheriff Simmons announced. “Now again, that’s just one metric, but it’s something that we can be proud of. It’s something we can look to build on.”
Why? Sheriff Simmons credits the improvement to a comprehensive strategy combining increased personnel, advanced technology, and community involvement.
- “We’re hiring more deputies; we have more deputies on the street than we’ve ever had; we’re more capable than we’ve ever been,” he explained. “I think that you can’t ignore the technology; you can’t ignore the real-time crime centers. Some of the cameras that we have on the roadways, you can’t ignore the fact that we’ve got some license plate readers.”
ShotSpotter Ending
Despite the positive crime trends, the county will lose its ShotSpotter technology on November 6 after Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed state funding. The program, which costs over $600,000 annually between county and city portions, uses microphones to detect gunshots in high-crime areas covering three square miles.
- “We could get that information to our deputy before we even got a 9-1-1 call,” Sheriff Simmons noted, though he acknowledged most activations weren’t actual crimes. He emphasized his priorities: “I’d rather have a deputy on the street available and ready to answer a 9-1-1 call” than sacrifice personnel funding for the technology.
Honoring Rev. John Powell
The conversation also touched on the recent dedication of a street in honor of the late Rev. John Powell. Sheriff Simmons shared heartfelt memories of their partnership, calling Powell “a friend” and describing his legendary Christmas giveaways and youth programs.
- “If you are the sum of your experiences, and my experience with John Powell has made me a better person. It’s made me a better leader,” Simmons reflected.
Holiday Season Community Engagement
Looking ahead, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is ramping up community initiatives, including No Shave November fundraising for the Cashier Foundation, Coffee with a Cop on November 13 at Lucky Goat on North Davis, and enhanced holiday shopping safety measures with video trailers at various locations.
- “We ask that people come out there and talk to us. Tell us what you think. Tell us how we’re doing,” Sheriff Simmons said, emphasizing the department’s commitment to community partnership.
