Behind the Star

Orange County Sheriff's Office
  • 4.8 (43)
  • GOVERNMENT
Behind the Star Podcast

Behind the Star is the official podcast of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the largest law enforcement agency in Central Florida. From forensics to dispatch to the deputies on patrol, we share stories and talk to the brave men and women of law enforcement.

  1. Inside the 911 Call Center

    JUL 5

    Inside the 911 Call Center

    In this episode of Behind the Star, Garbrielle Griffith, an Emergency Communications Specialist, and Nikayla Phillip , a 911 Supervisor, share their experiences from the front lines of emergency response. They recount some of the most impactful calls they've handled, offering a glimpse into the intense and often unpredictable nature of their work. Garbrielle and Nikayla discuss what it takes to thrive in this demanding role, the kind of person best suited for the job and the preparation required to handle the constant unknowns. They also explore how many use this position as a stepping stone into law enforcement, highlighting the skills and insights gained from their experiences.  (1:55): The seriousness and stress of the job (9:05): The Comm Center looks like you would expect from a TV show or movie (10:17): How long does it take to feel comfortable in the role? (11:23): Learning how to do the job (13:38): Traits and skills needed to be a 911 operator (15:24): How has this job changed you? (17:04): The biggest miscinceptions about 911 operators (18:11): Gabrielle and Nikayla share some of their most memorable calls (25:31): Why you should consider applying for a job here

    29 min
  2. Victim Advocates: Compassionate Heroes in Crisis Situations

    JUN 24

    Victim Advocates: Compassionate Heroes in Crisis Situations

    In this episode of Behind the Star, Koreen Baker and Delaney Saunders from the Victim Advocates Unit discuss the critical support they provide to victims of crime and crisis, the types of calls they respond to, and how they prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for their challenging roles. Koreen and Delaney explain the importance of working closely with deputies and detectives, the resources available to victims, and the essential qualities and training required for their work. They also delve into the structure of the Victim Advocates unit and how their approach compares to other agencies nationwide. Additionally, they highlight the special role of therapy dogs in their work, including the training and significant impact these canine companions have on victims and the community. Tune in to hear personal stories, motivations, and the challenges of being a Victim Advocate, as well as some rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Koreen and Delaney's experiences and perspectives. Join us for an in-depth look at the vital work of Victim Advocates and the profound difference they make in the lives of those they serve.

    29 min
  3. Closing a loophole in Risk Protection Orders

    FEB 8

    Closing a loophole in Risk Protection Orders

    In the concluding episode of our series on legislative reforms, we address a loophole in Risk Protection Orders (RPOs)—the lack of penalties for providing firearms to individuals under an RPO. Sheriff John Mina proposes making it a felony to knowingly give a gun to someone under an RPO. Cristal Maisonet, assistant general counsel at OCSO, joins us to discuss the impact of this change and how it would strengthen protections against gun violence. (1:25) What is a Risk Protection Order (RPO)? (2:10) How are RPO's implemented in Florida? (7:50) Have RPO's been effective so far? (10:10) Explaining the current loophole the law (12:48) How do people respond to being placed under and RPO? (14:02) Addressing the loophole

    17 min
  4. Stiffening penalties for child luring crimes

    FEB 7

    Stiffening penalties for child luring crimes

    In the third episode of our four-part series on Sheriff Mina's legislative priorities, we explore the mission to strengthen protections for our children with Lt. Chip Denmark. We discuss the current law in Florida, where luring or enticing a child under 12 into a secluded space is shockingly only a misdemeanor. Highlighting the need for change, Sheriff Mina proposes making this act a felony. (0:54) Explaining the current Florida law (1:53) Past examples of this law being applied (2:53) Electronic luring of a child is already a felony (3:41) Challenges for law enforement when it is only a misdemeanor (4:42) Explaining Sheriff Mina's goal to make it a felony

    8 min
  5. The fight against reckless driving and street racing

    FEB 6

    The fight against reckless driving and street racing

    In the second episode of our four-part series, we delve into Sheriff John Mina's legislative push against the dangers of street racing, reckless driving and intersection takeovers with Lt. Mike Crabbe. Highlighting the growing menace these activities pose to public safety, the discussion covers proposed legal reforms aimed at escalating penalties, including turning second offenses into felonies and increasing fines for spectators, to deter such hazardous behavior and ensure safer streets for the community. (1:45): A brief history of OCSO's efforts to combat the problem (2:50): All of these illegal street activities are considered RVO's  (4:01): Recent trends we've seen (6:38): The role of social media with reckless vehicle operation (8:26): The problem, and the public's frustration, is widespread (10:10): The Sheriff's legislative proposal to combat the problem (16:10): Success stories from the last year of tackling the issue

    22 min
  6. Confronting the chaos of after hours clubs

    FEB 5

    Confronting the chaos of after hours clubs

    We dive into Sheriff John Mina's legislative initiative aimed at transforming the safety landscape of after hours clubs. Featuring guest Lt. Joseph Bellizio, the episode explores the critical need to elevate illegal alcohol sales to a felony as part of a broader effort to ensure community safety.  (1:13): Strike team established in November to go after after hours clubs (4:20): What dangerous activities happen at these clubs (5:03): Biggest challenges in dealing with these clubs (6:30): What these clubs look like (7:18): Understanding the Sheriff's legislative proposal to combat these clubs (9:20): Strike team is making an impact (11:20): How the public can give tips to OCSO

    12 min
  7. "Zombie drug" Xylazine: A new threat in the battle against drug deaths

    09/21/2023

    "Zombie drug" Xylazine: A new threat in the battle against drug deaths

    Orange County Sheriff's Office Captain Darryl Blanford and a narcotics agent, whose identity remains undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of his work, talk about the enigmatic realm of Xylazine, a drug commonly known as "Tranq" or the "Zombie Drug." (1:39): An overview of Xylazine (5:01): Will Xylazine replace Fentanyl? (8:12): Xylazine can cause rotting of flesh in users (9:10): Because Xylazine is not an opioid, Naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects (14:09): Fake pills are another major concern (18:55): Penalties for trafficking (21:26): Misconceptions about users (26:58): Ways OCSO is combating the drug problem

    30 min
  8. The Marine Unit preps for Memorial Day weekend on the waterways

    05/25/2023

    The Marine Unit preps for Memorial Day weekend on the waterways

    Master Deputy Nick Mahon and Deputy Doug Kimberlin talk about why the Orange County Sheriff's Office has a Marine Unit, break down some of the unique parts of the job and explain some of the challenges of working on the water during summer holiday weekends like Memorial Day.

    34 min
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4.8
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Behind the Star is the official podcast of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the largest law enforcement agency in Central Florida. From forensics to dispatch to the deputies on patrol, we share stories and talk to the brave men and women of law enforcement.

Information

  • Creator
    Orange County Sheriff's Office
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Behind the Star

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