Administrative Support
Administrative Support, supervised by a Captain, includes training, code enforcement, technical services (crime scene), park rangers and accreditation.
Training
The department's training unit develops training programs using relevant training methodologies to stimulate interest on the part of all personnel. The training materials include video and audiotapes, lectures and scenarios (hands on). These materials bring to light the practical and ethical problems that officers may face on a day-to-day basis. Liability issues today encourage comprehensive documentation of all officers training qualifications and performance. The training unit schedules training and maintains all records pertaining to: In-Service Training for all certified positions; Collision Avoidance Training; Bloodborne/Airborne Pathogens Policy and Training; Domestic Violence/Juvenile Sex Offender Training; Firearm Qualifications; Defensive Tactics Training; Legal Updates; and FCIC/NCIC Training. The department has modern training facilities and equipment to ensure all personnel have the latest information to do their duties.
The training unit is supervised by a sergeant who is also responsible for department recruiting, the administration of employment entrance examinations, employment background investigations, and reviewing and updating all current training programs. Additionally, all department weapon's maintenance and inventory are overseen by this unit.
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement officers work directly for the police department. Code enforcement officers initiate actions to maintain and enhance the quality of life in Apopka. Those actions include the enforcement of regulations that preserve and protect property values and ensure a safe environment for all citizens in the city. Code Enforcement inspects and provides notifications of violations regarding existing land uses and structures. The Code Enforcement Officers routinely observe violations, take appropriate legal actions to remedy the violations, including, if necessary scheduling a matter to be heard by the Code Enforcement Board. Members of the public wishing to initiate a code enforcement case may contact the office at 407-703-1738 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Specific actions by Code Enforcement includes enforcing codes relating to existing structures and land uses, construction activities without permits, residential and commercial dilapidated structures, sheds and fence structures, unsightly or discarded articles, overgrowth of tall weeds and grass, disabled motor vehicles, businesses operating without occupational license, illegal commercial activities in a residential district, and illegal uses within commercial districts.
Technical Services
Crime Scene Investigations involves a specialized team of civilians responsible for providing logistical assistance for the investigation of criminal activity. The services provided by this unit include maintaining property and evidence, staffing the department's forensic laboratory, providing photographic services, and responding to crime scene in order to process them.
The members maintain the property and evidence vault and are responsible for the intake, storage, and disposition of all property and/or evidence categorized as general evidence, controlled substance, money, jewelry and weapons. Evidence received is properly documented, charted and tracked throughout the system utilizing computer generated bar code labels. The evidence is preserved and maintained, whereby it can be located and presented at any given moment. Presently the Property and Evidence Section houses nearly 10,000 individual pieces of property and/or evidence. Additionally, the technicians process crime scenes and staff a preliminary lab to prepare evidence for court or for further processing by FDLE. The primary focus is on latent search and development and a variety of chemicals and powders are used in conjunction with alternative light sources to develop and document latents on both porous and non-porous surfaces. The members routinely respond to assist detectives and patrol officers in the processing of crime scenes. They are available to respond 24-hours, 7 days a week. Each investigator is fully equipped to document the crime scene with digital video recordings, digital photography, laser measurements, computer generated diagrams, and written reports. Each Investigator is professionally trained to recognize, identify, preserve and collect all types of physical evidence. The Investigators each maintain a crime scene vehicle that is fully stocked and capable of immediate response to any type of crime scene.
Both the Administrative Support Captain and the Operational Support Captain monitor and maintain the nearly $10 million budget of the department, grant procurement and reporting, processing various bills and purchasing of equipment. The captains work closely with the City's finance department to ensure fiscal responsibility.
