Titusville Police Department Newsletter

[The Rocket logo, featuring a cartoon German Shepherd on a rocket reading a book.]

August 2024 / Issue 02

[Photo of four Titusville Police officers standing on the front porch steps of a yellow house.] Caption: Titusville Police attended and engaged with attendees during the June 29th Juneteenth celebration event at the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Cultural Complex and Museum.

Are You Prepared?

[Photo showing a yellow diamond caution sign with the words Hurricane Season.]

- Officer Chappell

Before a Hurricane

• Follow evacuation orders from authorities
• Secure home & property
• Register for local alerts
• Stock up on emergency supplies
• Plan communication with family

 After a Hurricane

• Watch for law enforcement instructions
• Avoid disaster areas unless helping
• Watch for hazards like power lines
• Document damage for insurance
• Be aware of scams

 During a Hurricane

• Stay indoors, away from windows
• Stay updated via local news
• Do not drive through floodwaters
• Be ready to evacuate if told

Upcoming Events

August 3 — 11am – 1pm

Brevard County Public School BBQ and Backpack giveaway at Sandpoint Park.  A no-cost citywide event featuring free hotdogs, haircuts, school supplies, and much more!

October 1 — 5:30 – 8pm

National Night Out Crime Prevention and Local First Responder Citywide event at Titus Landing.  A no-cost event featuring free hotdogs, popcorn, face painting, inflatable obstacle courses, a K9 demo, law enforcement, and fire department static displays with interactive activities, DJ Dale, and much more!

[Photo of Titusville Police officers and local children participating in Teen Night basketball games at the Titusville YMCA.] Caption: The Titusville Police Department basketball team participated in basketball games at the YMCA during their teen night event!

For more information on community events: 321-223-5316

Crime Statistics - April – June, 2023 vs April – June, 2024

"Violent crime is down 13.68% year over year for the period of April 1st - June 30th of 2023 versus 2024. Property crime is down 20.69% year over year for the period of April 1st - June 30th of 2023 versus 2024." - Megan Laurencio

Traffic Talk

Traffic Officer Kraeuter #244

Know Your School Zones

• Titusville High: 8 – 8:45 am AND 3 – 3:45 pm
• Madison: 8:30 – 9:30 am AND 4:00 – 4:30 pm
• Astronaut: 8 – 8:35 am AND 3 – 3:30 pm
• Park Avenue: 7:30 - 8:15 am AND 2:45 - 3:30 pm
• Jackson: 8:30 - 9:30am AND 4 – 4:30pm
• South Lake / Coquina / Oak Park / Imperial Estates / Apollo: 7 – 8 am AND 2 – 3 pm

School Zone Fines Doubled

• 1-9 mph over: $159
• 10-14 mph over: $309
• 15-19 mph over: $409
• 20-29 mph over: $459
• 30+ mph over: $609

[Photo of Titusville Police officer holding a RADAR speed gun, aiming it at oncoming traffic.]

Know Before You Go

• Take extra care to look for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
• Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn forcing pedestrians to go around you. This could put them in the path of moving traffic
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection

DRIVE SAFE TITUSVILLE!

The Award Goes To:

[Photo of SRO John Cruz]

Officer of the Month — School Resource Officer John Cruz

While on patrol, Officer John Cruz responded to an active alarm at a local Titusville business. Upon arrival, he met with a keyholder and gained access to the premises. During his security assessment, Officer Cruz discovered a male suspect hiding behind the building. Demonstrating his experience and composure, he commanded the suspect to show his hands and identified signs of potential burglary. After obtaining a statement from the suspect, Officer Cruz made an arrest. Further investigation revealed the suspect was involved in several other burglaries and had pending charges. Officer John Cruz's dedication and professionalism have made him an invaluable asset to the Titusville Police Department, earning him the Officer of the Month award.

-Erlina Lively

Quarter 2, 2024 Awards

• Det. Brandon Williams - Detective of the Quarter
• PST Max Barnett - 911 Dispatcher of the Quarter
• Service Manager Mike Bates - Civilian of the Quarter
• Code Manager Glenn Tolleson - Supervisor of the Quarter

Safety Advisory

How do I Report Price Gouging During a State of Emergency?

Florida statute 501.160 prohibits unconscionable prices of essential commodities during a state of emergency. When a state of emergency is in effect, possible price gouging can be reported to the Office of Attorney General. Reports can be submitted toll free by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM or via the No Scam Mobile App. The Florida Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division relies on direct evidence of pricing information from citizens to aggressively investigate allegations of price gouging.

-Megan Laurencio

Case CLOSED

- Detective Wood

On July 14, 2024, officers from the Titusville Police Department were directed to an address on Bermuda Street following the identification of a vehicle tag captured in security camera footage during an attempted burglary at local business. Upon arriving at the location, investigators identified a male suspect matching the individual seen in the footage. During an interview, the suspect confessed to the attempted burglary of the business. Further investigation of the suspect's residence led to the discovery of items linked to other burglaries, successfully resolving three burglary cases in total.

Meet the Team

SRO Officer Leamon Jackson

[Photo of officer Leamon Jackson]

The Titusville Police Department proudly introduces Master School Resource Officer Leamon Jackson. His dedication to the citizens of Titusville is paralleled by his service to the United States as a Marine. After enlisting in 1990, he served as a Motor Vehicle Operator and Logistical Vehicle System Operator, earning numerous awards including the Expert Rifle Badge, Marksman Pistol Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.

After his military service, Master Officer Jackson joined the Titusville Police Department in 2002. He has served in various roles, including Detective in the Special Investigation Section and School Resource Officer since 2006. For eighteen years, he has been honorably dedicated to the students of Andrew Jackson Middle School. 

Master Officer Leamon Jackson is currently the most senior Officer at the Titusville Police Department. Over his twenty-two years of service, he has received many accolades, including unit citations, City Employee of the Month, Exceptional Service Awards, Titusville Police Officer of The Year, Officer of the Month, Distinguished Merit Award, 2013 Andrew Jackson Employee of the Year, and a Life Saving Award. 

Colleagues describe him as energetic, positive, and committed to helping others. Letters of appreciation highlight his tenacity, courtesy, and professionalism. Master Officer Leamon Jackson's achievements as a Marine and police officer have rightfully earned him the respect of his fellow law enforcement officers and citizens alike.

- Sergeant R. Holden

Records Manager Lavada Jenkins

[Photo of Lavada Jenkins]

Lavada Jenkins has dedicated 34 years to the Titusville Police Department, showcasing unwavering commitment and passion. She began her career in June 1991 as a records clerk, holding that role for six years before being promoted to Records Manager. Her enthusiasm for records maintenance comes from the dynamic nature of the job, presenting new challenges and tasks daily.

Lavada has played a key role in the department's evolution, especially during its transition to digital records. One of her career's most challenging aspects has been adapting from Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). She has tackled this transition with determination and resilience. 

Lavada values her team's contributions, emphasizing the importance of remembering her roots. She prides herself on being a hands-on supervisor who avoids micromanagement, fostering a work environment of trust and support. Lavada believes in collaborative problem-solving and encourages her team to seek her guidance as needed.

As she approaches retirement in May 2026, Lavada's goal is to thoroughly understand NIBRS and ensure a smooth transition for her successor. Her legacy will be marked by her dedication, adaptability, and the positive impact she has had on the department.

Lavada Jenkins is more than a records manager; she is a cornerstone of the Titusville Police Department, whose contributions will be felt long after her retirement.

-Officer K. Kelly