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Sheriff’s Office Aims To Boost Convenience Store Security
October 9, 2013
In an effort to deter crime and provide a more secure environment for convenience store employees and patrons, Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan has implemented a program designed to ensure certain safety standards are being met as required by the Convenience Business Security Act.
The focus under this legislation is on stores that are open between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Inspectors make special note of factors which can deter criminals, mitigate losses and aid in the identification of suspects. Inspectors are certified through the Florida Attorney General’s Office with the designation of Florida Crime Prevention Practitioner (FCPP).
Notable problems are reported to the Florida Office of the Attorney General which mandates compliance with the safety and security standards.
Corporate offices of major convenience store chains have been notified and are aware of the Act. Morgan expressed his gratitude for the outstanding cooperation the Sheriff’s Office has received so far from convenience store owners and managers.
“Although the State of Florida mandates minimum safety standards for convenience stores, I believe that the key to convenience store related crime prevention is thorough a concerted effort between the store owners and local law enforcement,” he said. “I am encouraged by the response we have had so far and believe it’s going to be a win-win for everyone, perhaps with the exception of would-be criminals.”
For more information about the program, contact David Craig at (850) 436-9281 or email win@escambiaso.com.
Pictured: This Century convenience store was an armed robbery victim twice in 2012. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
6 Responses to “Sheriff’s Office Aims To Boost Convenience Store Security”
What I stated is that the inspection “helps to ensure minimum required safety standards.” We can’t make any business or individual “robbery-proof.” But good crime prevention practices help mitigate damages and decrease the probability of a crime happening. It’s true that the law has required compliance with the Act. The Inspections give the store employees & management an education on the requirements of the CBSA. Not all convenience store operators are aware of the law. They are given an opportunity to correct deficiencies. If they present serious safety violations then they are reported to the office of the Attorney General for further action and possible sanctions. The idea is to make convenience store shopping a more safe and secure event for everyone. Without enforcement laws are often ignored. This process does bring about compliance with the standards mandated by the law. It is effective. I hope that helped to clarify this matter. Details about the CBSA can be found at the following link: http://www.fcpti.com/fcpti.nsf/pages/CBSA For additional information contact the ECSO Community Services Unit at 850 436-9281 or email win@escambiaso.com. Thank you.
This law is not new, it was passed in 1992. Even though the SO has not actively participated since then, the convenience stores have been required to participate by law. The inspection by the Sheriffs Department does not ensure that the business will not be robbed, it merely hopes for a “better outcome” if the store is robbed. Mr. Craig is an employee of Sheriff Morgan but doesn’t really make that clear.
The Convenience Business Security Act helps to ensure minimum required safety standards. This results in more deterrence to crime, a better outcome for employees should there be a robbery and higher probability for capture of suspects. These Inspections must be performed by Florida Crime Prevention Practitioners. Until the Morgan Administration there where no qualified inspectors at the ECSO. Sheriff Morgan has emphasized training for all employees and we now have the personnel to conduct such inspections. Details about the CBSA can be found at the following link: http://www.fcpti.com/fcpti.nsf/pages/CBSA For additional information contact the ECSO Community Services Unit at 850 436-9281 or email win@escambiaso.com. Thank you.
I have read this twice and don’t understand yet as to what is going to change. I personally feel as though each convienence store owner should hire an off duty officer for those hours. my daughter worked at one and there were always crazy people in there during those hours…
Why hasn’t this been done earlier, sheriff ?
This is the step-child of the “Donut Store Security Act.” We know where that led . . . .
Actually, I believe this is a good idea. Employees who work at stores that are open late at night need some kind of assurance of protection. Small towns on the state lines and with smaller numbers of law enforcement personnel seem to be an ideal place to commit a robbery – or even a murder. Late at night when there are less people on the streets (so fewer witnesses), it is easy to zip across the state line and possibly never be seen again. I’m not sure how this will work, but even Flomaton will benefit in the end. If something happens there and the violator flees south, amybe the added seciruty in Century will be able to head them off. Just a thought.
Maybe Sheriff Morgan is right on this one. A win-win-win situation for the citizens in the North Escambia are.