A NEW ROLE FOR RESERVES

HOLLY HILL, FL  April 13, 2010 - How many times have you heard this lately: “We need to cut the budget; but how can we do that and still provide effective core public services?”

In the City of Holly Hill, Florida, the police department has partnered with the city’s utility billing department to develop a unique answer to one reoccurring public service: reading municipal water meters while increasing police visibility and effectiveness.  

The Holly Hill Police Department has an outstanding Reserve Police Officer program. These men and women are state certified sworn law enforcement officers who work side-by-side with their full-time counterparts to augment staffing when needed, assist during various annual events, as well as perform regular patrol and investigative assignments. 

The only difference between a reserve officer and a full-time officer is that reserves receive no benefits, minimal compensation, and work either to maintain their credentials on a part-time basis, or while awaiting an opening for full-time employment. Thus, they are a major cost saving benefit to the city.

Beginning in February 2010, Holly Hill began giving “special” assignments to reserve officers beyond their normal functions by having them read water meters as part of their normal patrol duties. You may at first ask, “Why are trained police officers reading water meters?”

Here’s how it works: Holly Hill’s municipal water meters are read electronically by means of a computer- based, vehicle mounted mobile data system. 

As a specially equipped marked patrol vehicle slowly drives down each street, in-car telemetry reads and records information on water usage from each residential and commercial meter in the city. In the past, this time consuming task was performed by full-time meter readers assigned to the Public Works Department.

This cost effective new program has allowed the city’s administration to downsize and consolidate staffing while increasing police visibility citywide.

The patrols create a community awareness of police presence, provide additional “eyes and ears” on the street, and place additional officers in the field for immediately availability in the event of an emergency.

The vehicle-borne data terminal does not interfere with other sophisticated law enforcement equipment, and the unit remains a fully functioning police car.

Holly Hill Police Chief Mark Barker says, “I now have more professional officers on the road, we’re saving money, and the citizens are thrilled to see the extra patrols in their neighborhood.  It’s truly proven to be an excellent example of multi-tasking as a cost savings measure.”

Mayor Roland Via and City Manager Dr. Oel Wingo, are equally excited about the prospects of using Reserve Police Officers in multi-purpose roles as budgets continue to be rolled back and belts continue to be tightened.

Sergeant Harvey Morse, who oversees Holly Hill’s Reserve program, tells us that his squad enjoys the new opportunity. “We strive to work together with the City and within our agency towards improving functionality and savings whenever possible and practical, while we serve and protect. The meter reading program is definitely one example of a win-win situation.”

Police and city officials are working together on additional cost effective uses for part-time personnel and plan future announcements as new budget reduction plans are implemented.

For more information, please contact Sergeant Harvey Morse, (386) 248-9495.