A message from Chief Antoine Sheppard:
Florida communities have a new tool to protect children with the groundbreaking and bipartisan new law HB657, which provides for automated enforcement of school zones when children are present. This new statewide law offers Florida communities a simple, effective, and inexpensive way to protect our students.
The City of High Springs is leading the charge and will implement photo speed enforcement in our school zone during the next school year. An aggressive educational campaign is forthcoming.
Last year, we held four public meetings to discuss this zero-cost initiative and its proven benefits. We also conducted a speed study, which revealed excessive speeding violations in our school zone. Your active participation in these discussions and studies has been instrumental in shaping this important decision.
Benefits - FACTS
- Up to a 90% Reduction of Speeding in School Zone.
- A vital law enforcement tool for Amber Alerts, Sexual Predators, or other fugitives near the school zone.
- A proven success in other states, including the state of Georgia.
- Video Transactions are officer-verified, and there is a judicial appeal process.
- Speeding violations must be excessive, exceeding the speed limit by eleven miles.
- A 30-day warning period and educational campaign must be conducted.
- Most of the funds are returned to the community and restricted to crossing-guard salaries and public safety improvements.
Breakdown of $100 Civil Penalty
$60 Local municipality or county for public safety
$20 State General Fund
$12 Local school districts security, improve safety of student working conditions
$3 FDLE Criminal Standards & Training Fund
$5 School Crossing Guard Recruitment and Retention
My primary responsibility is safety and security, and we must combat traffic issues in our growing community. The community I serve is not monolithic, and there will be community members who differ in my policing approach. Nevertheless, I am always willing to listen, discuss those differences, and explain how the program works individually or in a group setting.
I appreciate your continued support, and it is an honor and privilege to serve as your Police Chief.
Antoine Sheppard
Chief Antoine Sheppard – High Springs Police Dept.