Private security officers to patrol Azalea Park, Holden Heights areas

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Armed private security guards have started patrolling Azalea Park neighborhoods in Orange County to augment the Orange County Sheriff's Office's efforts.
 
More armed guards will begin patrolling Holden Heights Tuesday, according to officials.
 
The sheriff's office said they're placing G4S security officers in the areas, because residents have worked hard to eradicate crime.
 
Azalea Park has many senior citizens living on their own, and some believe the visibility of security officers will discourage crime.
 
"I walk around here, and I've had people come over and be concerned about me, because they saw a car stop right beside me," resident Joyce Hare said.
 
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings said he's providing what many gated communities have at no cost to residents or taxpayers.
 
"The people who live in those neighborhoods have the ability to pay for additional security. In neighborhoods like this, they might not have the ability to augment police resources with private security," Demings said.
 
The $150,000 used to pay for the security is coming from property and cash seized from criminals.
 
G4S said they'll place veteran officers with military or law enforcement experience, but that they won't have police powers.
 
"Our personnel do not have the power to arrest. However, in the case of a crime being committed in their presence, just like any other citizen, they can execute a citizen's arrest," G4S General Manager Steven Billips said.
 
University of Central Florida researchers will track the success of the private security force.
 
Demings said if it's successful, he might do more of it, because it's cheaper than if his department were to provide extra patrols.

Cox Media Group