by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The idea of an independent police department serving Jacksonville’s Port will be presented to the Port Authority board of directors Monday and part of that presentation will include the possible savings of $1 million.
“We have worked with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to meet state and federal security requirements for the port and they have been absolutely fabulous and a great partner in what we are doing,” said Chris Kauffmann, chief operating officer and interim executive director for the port authority.
“But we have discovered that we can save some significant funds by utilizing our own people.”
Kauffmann estimated that the port spends about $6 million annually for security costs. That cost is expected to be reduced by $1 million by transitioning from JSO to the independent police department, similar to what the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and Duval County Public Schools have done.
When the Duval County Public Schools police department decided to take over school resource officer duties from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the district reported it would save money in salaries.
Law enforcement organizations already contribute to maintaining the safety of the port, including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigations and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
“This new department would work together with those agencies,” said Nancy Rubin, director of communications for the port authority. “But the department would be focused on safety of the port and our tenants.”
Kauffmann explained that the department would create about 17 new positions and, if the board approves the new department, it could be in place by October.
The port board will discuss the issue at its Monday meeting and could decide to vote on a resolution in support of the new department. If approved, it would begin the application process with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to create the department.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5-30 President Nelson Cuba was supportive of creating a new police department at the port.
“I think it’s a good thing,” said Cuba. “I am surprised it took so long to create after 9/11. The airport already has one. I think it will be a good complement to what we do at JSO.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office could not be reached for comment.
Also on the agenda Monday is the rehabilitation of the St. Johns Ferry. It is being considered as a sole source/proprietary award because BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards’ facilities and location make it the most cost-effective company to provide the services, according to Rubin.
The company’s Jacksonville location specializes in mega-yacht repairs and refits, as well as commercial and U.S. Navy ship repairs.
The ferry rehabilitation and gantry repairs at the docks are both scheduled to take place in December, one of the slowest months for usage for the ferry.
The port board meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday at 2831 Talleyrand Ave.
356-2466