Cape CopCast

• Chief's Chat #25: Next-Level Policing Starts with You (Join the Team!)

  Think of a police department that treats excellence like a system, not a slogan—where performance, pay, wellness, and readiness all move together. We’re nearly fully staffed, crime is down double digits, and our response times are trending in the right direction. Now we’re aiming higher, inviting top talent to bring their experience without losing their hard-won momentum.We break down our new Collective Bargaining Agreement and why it changes the recruiting game. Lateral officers can receive up to five years of step credit and start around $95,000, with the option to buy back up to five years of time at zero percent interest. The goal isn’t to poach for numbers; it’s to raise the bar with people who want to build a career where wellness is baked into the culture, not stapled on. If you’re new to the profession, we explain how our training, tools, and leadership support set you up to succeed. If you’re experienced, we show you how your years translate on day one—financially and professionally.We also spotlight a project that’s been quietly moving from idea to reality: high-water vehicles designed for multi-use operations and storm response. We walk through how our team scoped, vetted, funded, and delivered the capability—so we’re ready when blue skies turn gray. It’s a glimpse into how we turn data, need, and insight into real capacity the community can feel.If you’ve ever wondered what “be brave, be best, be Cape” looks like in practice, this conversation lays it out—clear incentives, a wellness-first approach, modern tools, and a standard of service that respects both the badge and the person wearing it.Ready to explore a move or start your career? Apply before November 14th and grab the $10,000 hiring bonus!TO APPLY: www.capecops.com/careers

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• Bridging Barriers: Bilingual Policing with Chief Sizemore, Officer Prieto & Officer Rodriguez (in Español AND English)

  Language can be the difference between getting help in a crisis or suffering in silence. It's Hispanic Heritage month, and in this special edition of 'Chiefs Chat' on the Cape CopCast, Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore sits down with Officer Carlos Prieto and Officer Amanda Rodriguez to explore how the police force is evolving to serve its rapidly growing Spanish-speaking community.While officially documented at 25% Spanish-speaking, Chief Sizemore believes Cape Coral's Hispanic population is closer to 30% or higher. This population shift presents unique challenges for emergency services, particularly during high-stress situations when communication barriers can mean the difference between life and death. As Officer Prieto eloquently explains, when a domestic violence victim sees an officer who speaks their language, it creates an immediate sense of trust and comfort that encourages them to share crucial information.Both officers bring powerful personal perspectives to the discussion. Officer Prieto shares his journey from Cuba in 2012, fleeing communism and waiting five years to become a US citizen before joining the force. Officer Rodriguez, born in Puerto Rico and a Cape Coral resident for over 20 years, transitioned from being a 911 call taker to fulfilling her dream of becoming a police officer. Their stories illuminate why representation matters in effective policing, beyond simply meeting diversity statistics.The message to Cape Coral's Spanish-speaking residents is clear and compassionate: don't hesitate to call the police when you need help. It's about ensuring everyone enjoys the safety and protection they deserve. As Officer Rodriguez reassures listeners, "If you come to this country to work and fight and move forward, we're here to support you." 

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• Chief's Chat #24: Inside CCPD's Promotional Process

  What does it really take to become a police leader? In this episode of the Cape CopCast 'Chief's Chat,' we pull back the curtain on the Cape Coral Police Department's comprehensive promotional process that recently elevated eleven officers to new leadership positions as sergeants and lieutenants.Far from the arbitrary selection that many might imagine, Chief Sizemore walks us through the meticulous, multi-month journey candidates undertake—studying Florida statutes, department policies, city ordinances, and leadership principles before facing a gauntlet of assessments. The process combines written tests, simulated roll calls, scenario-based interviews, and practical exercises designed to identify not just knowledgeable officers, but true leaders who can make sound decisions under pressure.Most fascinating is the "Rule of Eight" system that allows department leadership to select from among top candidates based on specific needs rather than rigid numerical rankings. As the Chief explains, it's about finding "square pegs for square holes"—matching the right officer to the right position through collaborative decision-making with command staff who observe candidates' daily performance. The resulting promotions create a cascade effect throughout the department, with nearly 50 position changes as officers move up and into specialty units.We also discuss the department's continuous recruitment efforts and data-driven approach to staffing through "Project 35," which has already yielded impressive crime reduction results despite budget challenges. At around 500 employees and growing, the department operates like what Chief Sizemore calls "a cruise ship—a giant, big, slow-moving vessel with a lot of stuff happening on all these different decks."

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• Spectrum Alert for People with Autism ft. Family Initiative

  When a child with autism wanders away from safety, every second counts. Now, thanks to Florida's new Spectrum Alert system, there's a structured response that could save lives.In this episode of the Cape CopCast, the Cape Coral Police Department  welcomes Family Initiative Vice President Anjali Van Drie and Director of Community Development Stephanie Hoffman to discuss this crucial safety development. Family Initiative, celebrating a decade of service in Cape Coral, has witnessed firsthand how the prevalence of autism has skyrocketed from 1 in 110 to 1 in 31 children. This non-profit's comprehensive approach includes everything from clinical services and a specialized K-12 school to community programs for individuals of all ages on the spectrum.The conversation centered on Florida's Spectrum Alert system, which launched July 1st. Similar to Amber and Silver Alerts, this notification system activates when a person with autism elopes—a frighteningly common occurrence that affects over 50% of individuals with autism. What makes this particularly dangerous in Southwest Florida? Water attraction. Many children with autism are drawn to water for sensory reasons, and with Cape Coral's abundant canals and waterways, the risk is significant. Last year alone, over 60% of childhood drowning deaths in Florida involved children with autism.This partnership goes beyond alerts. The Cape Coral Police Department is implementing scannable identification bracelets and receiving specialized training from Family Initiative to better interact with nonverbal individuals. Meanwhile, Stephanie Hoffman shared both professional and personal perspectives as both an organization leader and mother to a child with autism, offering practical safety measures families can implement: specialized locks, alarms, tracking devices, and proactively introducing children to neighbors and "safe strangers" like police officers.Perhaps most important was the reassurance that parents should call police immediately when a child wanders—not wait until they've exhausted their own search efforts. Officers would much rather respond and find a child already safe than arrive too late; their goal is safety, not judgment.Reach out to the Cape Coral Police Department or Family Initiative to learn more about Spectrum Alert and available resources. Together, we're building a community where our most vulnerable members are protected through understanding, preparation, and swift action.Learn more about Family Initiative here: https://www.fi-florida.org/

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• Chief's Chat #23: Building a Safer Cape Coral: Crime Stats & Accreditation Success

  Crime is down 28% in Cape Coral, and in this episode of the Cape CopCast 'Chief's Chat,' we're breaking down exactly how it happened. Despite our growing population and increasing calls for service, we've achieved remarkable reductions across both violent and property crime categories while maintaining solvability rates well above national averages.What's our secret? Chief Anthony Sizemore says it's right there in our mission statement: "Partnering with the community to ensure the highest level of safety for all." This isn't just aspirational language—it's a practical approach that yields measurable results. When community members lock their doors, report suspicious activity, and maintain open lines of communication with officers, we create a foundation for success. Combine that with strategic deployment, advanced technology, and dedicated personnel who genuinely care about this city, and you've got a winning formula.We're particularly proud of our recent CALEA assessment—the gold standard in law enforcement accreditation that we've maintained since 1989. Assessors came to the department and conducted an exhaustive evaluation of our policies, procedures, and practices, from use of force guidelines to hiring practices that reflect our community's diversity. The result? The most successful evaluation in our department's history, with assessors recommending us as a national model in several areas. This recognition validates the significant innovations we've implemented over the past five years and confirms we're not just meeting standards—we're setting them.Looking ahead, we're expanding our ranks to keep pace with Cape Coral's growth, creating promotional opportunities from top to bottom within our organization. This combination of proven success, external validation, and internal development has created tremendous momentum. Have questions about our approach to community safety? Reach out—partnership is what makes this work, and we're just getting started.

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