Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters teamed up with Neptune Beach police for a neighborhood crime prevention walk, meeting residents face to face to discuss local safety concerns, including issues involving e-bikes.
NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters walked alongside Neptune Beach officers Saturday as part of a community-focused crime prevention effort, giving neighbors a direct line to law enforcement about the safety issues they see every day.
Among the concerns raised by residents was e-bike safety, particularly reports of younger riders moving at high speeds on sidewalks and, in some cases, riding without helmets.
“We talked to them a little bit about e-bikes, and how sometimes some of those kids are going pretty fast on the sidewalks, some don’t have a helmet on,” resident Judy Wager said.
Beyond specific safety topics, the walk offered residents a chance to connect with the sheriff and local officers in a more relaxed setting, outside the pressure of an emergency call or police response.
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Waters said being visible and accessible in the community is an important part of his approach to policing.
“I believe in getting out of the public. I’m not afraid to walk around. There’s no part of the city that I won’t touch, and I’m just another part,” Waters said.
Resident Paul Wager said seeing law enforcement in a more relaxed environment can help strengthen relationships between officers and the people they serve.
“So to see them in a pleasant environment and being open and accessible and wanting to introduce and meet me, amen, it makes a difference,” Wager said.
The next crime prevention walk is scheduled for September 26 in District 1.