Cape CopCast

• Chief’s Chat #27: Working Together to Stay Florida’s Second Safest City

  A safety ranking means little if it doesn’t match how people actually feel while living their lives. We unpack Cape Coral’s recognition as one of Florida’s safest cities by focusing on the daily experience of residents: running errands without fear, walking to the car without worry, and raising families in neighborhoods where people look out for one another. That lived sense of security comes from a clear vision, a mission built on partnership, and values that show up in every interaction.We take you inside the model that guides our work: be the safest city in Florida, and get there by partnering with the community to deliver the highest level of safety for all. You’ll hear how real conversations shape policy more than surveys do, how doorbell camera clips can be the missing piece in a case timeline, and why solvability rates rise when people feel heard. We also talk about the power of ownership: many of our officers live here, navigate the same roads, visit the same parks, and bring that personal stake to every call for service. It’s “your police department,” not just “the police department.”We don’t ignore small problems that can grow into big ones. That includes a candid look at risky biking and e‑bike behavior—wheelies in traffic, riding three or four across, and blocking lanes. We outline the plan: educate first, enforce next, and keep kids safe while protecting everyone on the road. Our Community Oriented Policing unit is coordinating with businesses on trespass authority, and we encourage residents to call when they see unsafe behavior so we can address it in the moment. The throughline is simple: early reporting, shared information, and steady service keep fear off the front of people’s minds.Proud of the progress, focused on the work. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a neighbor, and leave a review to help others find the show. What safety topic should we tackle next?

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• Inside a Crash Investigation with Traffic Homicide Investigators Schwigk & Leonard

  What happens after a serious, or even deadly crash? How do investigators determine who's at fault, what caused the tragedy, and whether criminal charges should be filed? In this episode of the Cape CopCast, Cape Coral Police Department Traffic Homicide Investigators George Schwigk and Stephen Leonard pull back the curtain on their specialized world where mathematics, physics, and detective work combine to solve complex crash puzzles.These officers explain the tedious and sometimes heartbreaking process of reconstructing crashes. They reveal how speed rarely acts alone in causing fatal crashes - it's typically combined with other factors like impairment, or inattentiveness. The investigators share why solving hit-and-run cases is even more rewarding, as they track down drivers who attempt to escape accountability only to face much more severe consequences than if they had remained at the scene.The conversation shifts to cutting-edge technology transforming police work, particularly the department's UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) program. These aerial tools provide critical bird's-eye perspectives of crash scenes, help locate missing persons, and enhance security at public events. THI Schwigk & THI Leonard also discuss Cape Coral's unique traffic challenges: the blend of year-round residents, seasonal visitors, and the proliferation of electric bikes and scooters creating new safety concerns. They provide essential advice about which vehicles are street legal and warn that standard bicycle helmets aren't designed for the speeds many electric bikes can achieve. Their message resonates clearly: through a combination of enforcement, education, and individual responsibility, we can all contribute to the ultimate goal of zero traffic fatalities in our community.

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• Chief's Chat #26: Why Embracing AI Gives Communities Faster, Safer Policing

  What if the camera on an officer’s chest could listen, watch, and turn a call or scene scene into a clean first draft of the report before anyone sits down at a keyboard? We dig into the real-world ways AI is changing police work in Cape Coral—speeding up documentation, meeting urgent NCIC deadlines for missing kids, and giving officers more time where it matters most: with people.We walk through how body-worn cameras now pair with AI to identify call types, pull key details from audio and video, and create structured reports that officers review and approve. That shift doesn’t replace human judgment—it protects it, freeing officers from retyping interviews and letting them stay in the field longer. We also unpack a powerful translation feature that detects language on the fly and delivers near real-time two-way communication, cutting delays and misunderstandings when clarity is critical.We talk transparently about total how strategic tech investment can reduce the need for future positions without cutting current jobs, recapturing workload while guarding against burnout. The takeaway is simple: you won’t be replaced by AI, but you could be outpaced by leaders who use it well. We’re choosing to move forward—measuring results, keeping human skills at the core, and using the right tools to serve Cape Coral better every day.The Cape Coral Police Department is hiring. To apply: www.capecops.com/careers

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• 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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