By Tamas Mondovics
News that keeps residents up-to-date as well as alert to crime and safety comes by turning the pages of their local newspapers or by a click of a button on their TVs, home computers and mobile devices.
Recent news such as a very dangerous situation in Brandon that threatened the lives of two seasoned deputies, or the investigation of the shooting death of a three-year-old child, or the case of a body found in a Brandon neighborhood, or the recent string of armed robberies at area convenience stores, stir the minds of local residents, who look to their local law enforcement for updates and safety tips.
While it is important to know what is happening within one’s own community or neighborhood, even more important is the information’s accuracy, which is best-received through reports from the right source or trusted media.
To that end, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Division has decided to produce and launch “Inside HCSO”, a mini-newscast, anchored by its own personnel, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Sheriff’s Office operations.
“It is a bi-weekly program featuring a unique perspective of our organization,” said HCSO Captain, Chad Chronister. “The segments include information ripped right off “the police blotter,” showcasing the quick actions of our patrol deputies, SWAT, dive, and aviation teams, all captured within the past couple of weeks.
In its debut edition “Inside HCSO” features crime scene photos and updated information from active investigations the department is trying to solve. In the segment “Unsolved Homicide”, Homicide Section Sgt. Chris Baumann makes a direct plea to the public for help.
The latest edition profiles the cases of missing person, Doris Carter, and homicide victim, Kelly Moriarty, both women who vanished in December 2011.
On a regular basis “Inside HCSO” asks the public to help find the county’s most wanted criminals as Warrants Section Sgt. Sean Peters zeros in on a “Fugitive of the Week”.
HCSO officials promise the program’s success as they count on citizens that can help catch robbers and thieves by checking out dramatic surveillance video from convenience store heists and other crimes caught on camera.
The webcast will run on HCSO’s social media channels: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and its website – every other Friday – posted before noon.
Residents can watch Episode I at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlkCk1AxWfs
For more information, please call 247-8071 or visit www.hcso.tampa.fl.us.
