Page 1 of 6 You're receiving this email because of your relationship with Polk County Sheriff's Office. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us. You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. In this issue... Store Owners Warned: Sale of K2 Illegal Captain Ray Saves The Day Animal Control FAQ's Holiday Safety Tips Visit Us On The Web PCSO Facebook page PCSO Myspace page PCSO Twitter page PCSO Youtube page Polk County Sheriff's Office 1891 Jim Keene Blvd Winter Haven, Florida 33880 Dear Theresa, You know that I am a big fan of the Second Amendment right for all U.S. citizens to legally possess a firearm. I also believe that guns don't commit violent crimes people commit violent crimes. Although our violent crime rate is down 17% so far this year compared to last year, we are still committed to getting illegally possessed firearms off the streets of Polk County we want to keep the violent crime rate on a decline, and keep the citizens, and our deputies, safe. In fact, every deputy who has been confronted with a firearm during the past four years (since Deputy Sheriff Matt Williams, his K 9 partner DiOGi, and Deputy Sheriff Doug Speirs were shot on September 28, 2006) every deputy who had to fire his or her weapon to eliminate a deadly threat was confronted by a convicted felon who shouldn't have even had a firearm, or who was otherwise illegally in possession of a firearm. The Gun Crimes Bounty Program is simple: 1. Call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1 800 226 TIPS (8477); 2. Anonymously provide information about a person who is illegally in possession of a firearm, give us information on the whereabouts of a stolen or illegally altered firearm, or tell us who has a stolen or illegally altered gun; 3. If your information leads to an arrest and the recovery of a stolen or illegally possessed firearm YOU WILL RECEIVE $500 cash. No questions asked. Remember: Firearm + Felon = Five Hundred. Thank you as always for helping us keep the community safe.
Page 2 of 6 863.298.6200 Sincerely, Sheriff Grady Judd Store Owners Are Warned: The Sale Of K-2 Is Illegal The Polk County Sheriff's Office, Haines City Police Department, and Office of the State Attorney 10th Judicial Circuit recently announced that store owners will face criminal enforcement for the sale of products sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids: K2, "Spice," and others. "These synthetic marijuana products are not just being sold to adults throughout Polk County, they are routinely sold to our kids," said Sheriff Judd. "K2, Spice, or whatever this stuff is packaged as, is being sold as incense or potpourri, but the sellers clearly know it is being smoked with the purpose of getting high. Because the wholesalers are telling retail stores that it is 'legal' to sell this drug, we are providing this warning to stores in Polk County: stop selling this product today, or you will be arrested for selling an imitation controlled substance, a third degree felony." The three agencies will begin criminal enforcement of sales of synthetic cannabinoids. PCSO and HCPD detectives, working with attorneys at the State Attorney's Office, 10th Judicial Circuit, have determined that the sale of K2/Spice, and other similar products containing synthetic cannabinoids is currently illegal under Florida Statue 817.564, titled: "Imitation controlled substances defined; possession and distribution prohibited." These substances are packaged as "herbal incense" or "potpourri" and claims on packaging state they are not intended for human consumption. The packages contain herbs, spices, and various types of dried plant material sprayed with (chemical) synthetic cannabinoids. The products are informally marketed as synthetic marijuana, widely discussed on the Internet, and overtly marketed on the Internet as "synthetic marijuana."
Page 3 of 6 These synthetic cannabinoid compounds are known by several different chemical names, including: JWH 018, JWH 073, JWH 200, CP 47/497, JWH 081, JWH 250, HU 211, HU 210, and other similar chemicals. The Missouri Poison Center has identified more than 25 cases of youth (ranging in ages from 14 to 21 years old) who, after smoking K2, presented to emergency departments with the following adverse symptoms: agitation, anxiety, tachycardia, hypertension, vomiting, and hallucinations. ("K2: Coming Soon to your ER," Missouri Poison Center). K2 and other synthetic cannabinoids represent a danger to those smoking the unregulated ingredients there are no short or longterm studies related to determining whether or not there are any adverse health effects of smoking these products. K2, "Spice," and other similar products tend to be sold at independently owned gas stations, convenience stores, and other small retailers. The products are sold under various names and marketing gimmicks, including: Mister Happy Time (with a smiley face on the package), K2 Grape, K2 Blue, K2 Pink, K2 Orange, K2 Pineapple, K2 Cloud Nine, K2 Blonde, K2 Crush, Spike Diamond, K3 Black Mamba, K3 Kryptonite, and K3 Dynamite. Local prices for about 3 grams of product range from $15 to $20. The products are clearly marketed toward juveniles and young adults. Captain Andy Ray Saves The Day! "Not only are our members focused on fighting crime in Polk County," said Sheriff Judd. "They fight crime while vacationing in other communities too!" Sheriff Judd's remarks were made in reference to Captain Andy Ray's (in charge of the PCSO Central District Command) recent involvement in capturing armed suspects in Thomasville, Georgia. Captain Ray, a 23 year veteran of the agency, was on vacation traveling in the area during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 16, 2010 he and his family were on their way to a football game. His family was asleep in the car when Captain Ray drove past a convenience store where he saw a customer raise
Page 4 of 6 his hands, and suddenly leave the store. Seeing that an Armed Robbery was in progress, Captain Ray called 9 1 1 and began to follow the suspects, undetected, as they fled the store. Captain Ray provided local law enforcement with a full description of the vehicle, along with the tag number, to the call taker, who in turn provided responding officers with the critical information. "I'm pretty sure my reaction woke everyone in the car," said Captain Ray. "I was able to stay a safe distance from the suspect vehicle I've seen a lot of crimes in progress before, but that's the first time I've seen an Armed Robbery unfold right in front of me!" As a result of Captain Ray's training and attention to detail, local law enforcement captured the suspects, charging them with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Fleeting/Attempting to Elude, Reckless Driving, and Open Container Violations. Sheriff R. Carlton Powell, Thomas County, GA, sent a letter of thanks to Sheriff Judd. "Because of Captain Ray's alertness and response, the offenders were apprehended, the money was recovered and a similar robbery, from an adjoining county the previous night, was solved." Sheriff Powell expressed his gratitude for Captain Ray's "calm, professional" attitude, and for his true spirit to "protect and serve." Way to go Captain Ray!!! Animal Control FAQ's The Polk County Sheriff's Animal Control facility has plenty of adoptable pets ready to go to a good home. Many people ask how these pets arrive at Animal Control hopefully the following information will answer some of those questions, and other frequently asked Animal Control questions: Does Animal Control pick up unwanted dogs and cats from homes? No. Owners who wish to surrender their pets must bring the pets to our facility during normal business hours 7115 de
Page 5 of 6 Castro Road, Winter Haven, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. What about stray or found pets? What happens to those? Stray or found pets that arrive at Animal Control are entered into our database, which is searchable on our website (see the link below), but we strongly recommend that you come to our kennels to search for your lost pet in person. We also strongly encourage pet owners to have their pets micro chipped (another service that we offer!). How can I get my pet from your shelter? Please bring proof of ownership, such as a proof of rabies vaccination form. We also accept bills of sale, veterinary medical records with both the pet and owner's names on them, breed or kennel club registration papers, or adoption contracts. What types of calls does Animal Control respond to? Animal Control Officers respond to calls involving bites or attacks to humans or animals by domesticated and nondomesticated animals, particularly if the attacking animal might possibly be a rabies carrier (fox, raccoon, etc.). Animal Control does not respond to wildlife nuisance calls or trapped wildlife calls for calls such as these, please contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. How much does it cost to adopt a cat or dog from Animal Control? Cats and Kittens = $40; Puppies under 6 months old = $40; Dogs 6 months old & older = $70; Senior discount for people aged 55 years and older = $25 for any adoption. Our website is updated daily with adoptable cats and dogs, so please visit the website or come to our facility and walk through our kennels to find that special pet to share your home! Click here to visit the PCSO Animal Control website and see which pets are available for adoption! Holiday Safety Tips The holidays are an exciting time of year. During this season our thoughts turn to gifts and visiting friends and relatives. To help ensure you have a safe and pleasant holiday season,
Page 6 of 6 here are some helpful crime prevention tips: Please remember to always lock your doors and windows. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and always have your keys in your hand when walking out to your car or returning to your home. Park in well lit, heavily traveled areas. When shopping, do not carry large amounts of cash on your persons; women keep purses close to the body and men place wallets in the front pocket of your pants to prevent robbery. Keep holiday gifts and valuables out of sight while at your home and place packages in your vehicle trunk after shopping. When shopping online only buy from known, reputable businesses and limit the amount of personal information you provide. Trust your instincts if something does not look or feel right, it probably isn't. Forward email This email was sent to te6466@polksheriff.org by gjudd@polksheriff.org Update Profile/Email Address Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe Privacy Policy. Polk County Sheriff's Office 1891 Jim Keene Blvd. Winter Haven FL 33880