Inside JSO

The Next Generation with Our Police Explorers

There is a lot of talk about ‘teen takeovers’ and the need for positive outlets for our next generation. Here’s just one example of a positive outlet.   In our new episode of Inside JSO, we’re giving you a never-before-seen look into our Police Explorers program. Our explorers learn and train like police officers, and they get to build positive relationships with their peers and our officers. It’s a completely FREE program available to students as young at 14 years old. If they’re willing to put in the hard work, we want them to join us. Sign your child up for the Explorers program on our website. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 3:36 What does the JSO Explorer program mean? How does it give our students a positive outlet? 6:03 What are our Explorers learning in the program? 9:49 What do parents need to know about the Explorers program? 11:38 Does this program play a role in cutting down crime? 13:16 What exactly do Explorers get to do? 14:27 Do teens have to want to be police offices to become Explorers? 15:28 What awards have the JSO Explorer program won? 23:31 Conclusion

All About Scams

How do scammers have access to my information? How can I better equip myself to deal with a scammer? What are the types of scams I should be looking out for? Will the police actually call me for missing jury duty? In the first episode of Inside JSO of the year, we’re putting the spotlight on scams. There are thousands of scams, and it seems we see a new type of scam pop up every day. That’s why we invited experts from our agency alongside the Secret Service, the US Postal Inspection Service, and the FBI to share what kinds of cases they’re seeing and an inside look at how these cases are investigated. Moderated by Ashley Harding from our Strategic Communications team, our experts are answering the big question on your mind: How can I protect my family? CHAPTERS 0:00- Introduction 0:38- Meet Our Panelists 1:29- How do our agencies work together to fight against scams? 2:22- What are the types of scams we’re seeing more frequently? 3:04- Do scams cross international borders? 4:01- How do people get their funds back? 5:49- How does AI impact scams? 10:50- What is a money mule? 15:10- What are some warning signs you may be part of a money mule scam? 16:33- How can you protect your information from falling into scammers’ hands? 20:13- How can you protect your public social media accounts? 24:00- Is it true victims can be charged with a crime in a scam? 26:28- Who’s actually falling victims to scams? 30:36- What should you know about sextortion scams? 33:28- What resources exist to protect yourself from scams? 36:58- What can you do to help protect your loved ones? 48:54- Wrap Up

Women in Law Enforcement

What’s it like to be a woman in law enforcement? What special skills do women bring to investigations? Do we need more female police officers? In the new episode of Inside JSO, we’re recognizing some of the awesome women in our agency: Director Jennifer Short (Department of Police Services), Detective Bethany Senterfitt (Special Assault Unit), and Officer Allie Ford (Behavioral Crisis Response Unit). Moderated by Angela Gaff of our Recruitment Unit, our panelists are talking about what it’s like to be a woman in our agency and the important work they do every day. CHAPTERS 0:00- Introduction 0:50- Meet Our Panelists 1:24- What inspired you to pursue a career in law enforcement? What motivates you today? 6:23- How do you balance compassion in your Special Assault investigations? 8:43- What does a day in administration look like? 11:43- What does the Behavioral Crisis Response Unit look like on the ground? 15:23- How do you see women’s perspectives shaping the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office? 24:35- How do you approach de-escalation differently? 26:40- What unique skills do women bring to Special Assault investigations? 33:12- What advice would you give to those who want to grow into leadership positions? 37:00- What support systems do you have in place at home and in our agency? 46:40- What’s your one piece of advice for a woman hesitant to join law enforcement? 54:40- Wrap Up ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Inside JSO is the official podcast of the Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff’s Office. Too often, stories about law enforcement and our agency are told from the outside looking in. Now, we’re opening the doors and giving you a seat at the table. From major investigations to community engagement, from public safety tips and addressing the concerns you have directly, you’ll hear it all directly from your JSO. We believe in full transparency and accountability because we are YOUR law enforcement agency, and we have nothing to hide.

Answering The Questions You Want Answered

What actually happens during an internal investigation? Why isn’t it as simple as “firing a bad officer”? And how safe is Jacksonville, really? In the very first episode of Inside JSO, Sheriff T.K. Waters and members of his team sit down to tackle the questions we know are on your mind. This podcast is our direct line to you, the people we serve. No issue is off the table, so long as we can legally discuss it. Tell us what topics you want to see in future episodes in the comment below. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 1:00 Recap of Our Town Hall Meetings 3:30 Internal Investigations 5:16 The Difference Between A JSO Investigation and A State Attorney’s Office Investigation 7:16 Why do investigations take so long? 12:05 Arresting JSO Officers 15:50 Firing JSO Officers 24:44 Positives We’re seeing in Jacksonville 28:25 Taking Down Motorcycle Takeovers 32:34 Responsive Leadership and Listening to the Public 36:00 Our Relationship with the Media 42:02 Getting Involved in the Legal System 44:32 Addressing Our Open Investigations (February 2025 Traffic Stop, Jail Death Investigation) 51:53 Conclusion Inside JSO is the official podcast of the Jacksonville (FL) Sheriff’s Office. Too often, stories about law enforcement and our agency are told from the outside looking in. Now, we’re opening the doors and giving you a seat at the table. From major investigations to community engagement, from public safety tips and addressing the concerns you have directly, you’ll hear it all directly from your JSO. We believe in full transparency and accountability because we are YOUR law enforcement agency, and we have nothing to hide.