ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has opened a new survey to the public Tuesday. Kicking off in 2020, the Community Crime Survey has worked to provide insights to an advisory council that consults on county initiatives.

What You Need To Know

Beginning in December 2020, residents of 43 different ZIP codes contributed to data for the 2020-21 year. Results of that survey showed 45% of people did not have access to crime prevention or intervention programs.

The Citizens Safety Task Force compiled a report, which included a recommendation to expand access to youth, parenting and mental health services. 

According to a release by Orange County, the results influenced county officials' decision to devote $14.3 million to local nonprofits.

"It will take the involvement of our youth mentors, faith-based leaders, behavioral health professionals, community advocates, law enforcement, education and prevention professionals, service-based organizations, municipalities and residents to bring about the change we want to see and our community deserves," Demings wrote in a letter to the task force.

The previous task force report indicated there was a "burning desire to stop the school-to-prison pipeline for youth of color."  

According to the report, more than 40% of juvenile arrests in Orange County's highest crime areas were from violation of probation or failure to appear.

The task force recommended several items to reduce the incarceration of young people, including incentivizing law enforcement mentorship programs.

Crime has been a major topic in the city of Orlando, with Mayor Buddy Dyer recently advocating for a federal Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

"Since Chief Smith took over the department in August, we've seen a 27% decrease in shootings, a 7% decrease in overall violent crime," Dyer said in a press conference Monday. "But we recognize that law enforcement can't do it alone. It's not the only solution. We're focused on preventing crime and giving at-risk young residents opportunity to thrive."

Residents can participate in the 2023 Orange County Community Crime Survey, here.