John McGowan

Strategic Advisor @Lee County Sheriff\'s Office

US

Working with Command Staff in developing a Strategic Plan to expand the V.O.I.C.E. volunteer Unit. Volunteer Observers Impacting Community Effort, more commonly known by its acronym, V.O.I.C.E. began in 1988 when the Lee County Sheriff\'s Office needed additional deputies but did not have the budget to hire them. V.O.I.C.E. members contributed more than hours service in 2017 reflecting a $1.2 million dollar savings to tax paying citizens in Lee County. V.O.I.C.E. is comprised of concerned citizens who care about their community and are dedicated to helping the Sheriff’s Office provide a higher level of service to its citizens and visitors. Initially, the primary function of the volunteers was neighborhood patrol, but over the years those responsibilities have greatly expanded. V.O.I.C.E. members continue to patrol as extra eyes and ears in the neighborhoods enabling certified law enforcement deputies to respond to the more serious calls for service. You\'ll see these volunteers assisting in traffic control, traffic surveys, business patrols, picking up found property, canvassing neighborhoods, tagging abandoned vehicles, and many clerical and support service duties. Members also enjoy assisting non-profit organizations and civic groups with event traffic control, fingerprinting, lost children searches and coordination of medical emergencies.We changed the name to Civilian Support Unit (CSU) to better represent our Mission. CSU has volunteers on Road Patrol that assist certified deputies, Marine Auxiliary working with LCSO Marine Unit, School Support Team assisting School Resource Officers, IT support, Admin and the list is growing. We have great Americans from all backgrounds making a difference. We have a place for you if you have the time!