by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Given the necessity of the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless and the nature and circumstances of some of its hundreds of daily residents, there are a remarkably small number of instances in which Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office assistance is needed.
And that number may be going down.
Recently, JSO and the Center teamed up to establish a one-desk JSO “Stop Station” in the administrative offices at the Center. Officers equipped with electronic access card scanners will be able to stop by the Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Assistant Chief Patrol Division East Zone One J.R. Ross and Sulzbacher President and CEO Audrey Moran both said the station isn’t needed for any specific law enforcement needs. But, the station — which was relocated from the Police Memorial Building — will give Sulzbacher staff and residents peace of mind knowing that at any given moment a JSO officer may be on campus.
“This is a cooperative effort between JSO and the Center to improve our already close working relationship,” said Ross, a 33-year JSO veteran.
Ross explained the stop station will not be manned by anyone with JSO on a permanent basis. However, any one of the 125 officers assigned to Ross’ Zone One will be able to use the office to fill out paperwork and perform other tasks that require desk time. At the same time, Moran says their presence is already being felt.
“The staff and residents will get to know the officers. It’s a wonderful addition,” said Moran, explaining that on average an officer is needed once or twice a week, usually to handle an altercation between residents or serve as a go-between in a Baker Act case. “We have an open campus, so occasionally we have to ask someone to leave.”
Sgt. Ronnie Booker, who has 20 years on the force, is a Zone One supervisor. He said there are 10-15 traffic or beat officers in the area and all will have access to the stop station.
“It’s an added service. We got together for the good of the Center and the Sheriff’s Office,” said Ross.
“This will enhance a past relationship we have had with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for many years,” said Moran. “The Sheriff’s Office has always been good about responding to our every need, whether they are on campus or not.”
The Sulzbacher Center is a full-service homeless shelter for over 300 men, women and families. The Center has a full kitchen that provides three meals a day. Also, residents receive basic medical care and job and life skills training.