2021 C.O.P., Walter Lynch, Team Leader

2020 was a very hard year for the Sheriff’s Office. Several deputies and Sheriff Mascara acquired the Covid virus. As a result, the Citizens Observation Patrol was shut down from April until late August. District 9 logged 176 patrol hours on South Hutchinson Island. The majority of our activity involved dogs on the beaches and in the parks and unregistered golf carts. To drive a golf cart on the island it must be registered with a license plate and the driver must have a valid driver’s license. The FPPD is now issuing citations for golf cart/slow-moving vehicle violations. We have brochures issued by the city that outline the requirements to convert a golf cart into a slow-moving vehicle which would be legal. If you have any questions flag me down as I pass on the street I will be happy to talk and give you a brochure.

I really enjoy it when people wave as I pass by, especially when they use all five fingers.

As most of you know the COP is part of The Community Engagement Unit of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. Our unit has been conducting the Covid clinics at the Fair Grounds and the Fenn Center.

We have experienced several people leaving our team for various reasons. We will resume training as soon as the pandemic is under control. I am looking forward to rebuilding the unit later this year. If you are interested in participating please contact me at waltdistrict9@gmail.com. I will call you to answer any questions.