LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Leon County Sheriff's Office is reflecting on what it calls a "very successful operation."
Driving down crime has been a constant goal for LCSO. For four months, "Operation All In" focused on doing just that, and the numbers speak for themselves.
Working with the Florida Highway Patrol and other agencies, LCSO honed in on finding illegal contraband and weapons, apprehending fugitives, and promoting traffic safety.
From Nov. 2017 to Feb. 2018, authorities seized more than $900,000 worth of contraband and assets and more than half a million dollars worth of marijuana, cocaine and other illegal drugs.
Fifteen illegal firearms were taken off the streets.
More than 1,800 traffic stops led to 155 arrests, including 34 fugitives with active warrants.
"Understanding that these players are the same players. They just move from county to county," said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. "So, it doesn't matter, quite honestly, if we arrest them in Gadsden County or arrest them in Leon County, because they're committing crimes in all of our counties."
On paper, Leon County has the state's highest crime rate for the fourth straight year. Sheriff McNeil said he's encouraged by the work his team has done in the last year, but he won't be satisfied until Leon's rate is the lowest.
Sheriffs from Wakulla, Liberty, Taylor and Jefferson counties shared their commitment to the new campaign.
Deputies Without Borders will start training partners this summer.
