Jacksonville Sheriff Leads Community Crime Prevention Walk

Sheriff T.K. Waters and residents discuss neighborhood concerns and ways to improve public safety.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a police badge or handcuffs, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of gritty investigation and law enforcement presence in the community.A community-focused approach to public safety aims to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and residents.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office organized a community crime prevention walk in the Lakeshore area, with Sheriff T.K. Waters and residents going door-to-door to discuss concerns and build relationships between law enforcement and the public. The walk aimed to increase visibility, encourage open communication, and gather feedback to help shape the department's future efforts to reduce crime and improve service.

Why it matters

These community engagement walks are part of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office's ongoing efforts to build trust and work closely with residents to address public safety issues. By directly soliciting feedback and input from community members, the department hopes to better understand neighborhood concerns and develop more effective crime prevention strategies.

The details

The walk began and ended at the American Legion Post 137, with officers and residents discussing issues in real-time. Resident Jahmel Morgan emphasized the need for a consistent police presence with a clear purpose, not just 'standing around.' Community organizations like the Justice Coalition, which supports victims of violent crime, also participated to help build connections that could aid in solving cases.

  • The community crime prevention walk took place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The players

T.K. Waters

The Sheriff of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, who led the community crime prevention walk.

Jahmel Morgan

A resident of the Lakeshore area who participated in the walk and emphasized the need for a consistent police presence with a clear purpose.

Robert Barcewell

The executive director of the Justice Coalition, a community organization that works closely with victims of violent crime and participated in the walk.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Them seeing all of us walking through the neighborhood, being attentive, and making sure they understand and know that we're here for them.'”

— T.K. Waters, Sheriff

“'But if I we're to request more presence, it'll have to have a purpose with it. You know, presence with purpose. Not just standing around looking around or trying to point fingers at anybody or accused, but to you know, have a purpose to build to actually start what you do to build them out to be better to stop criminal activity.'”

— Jahmel Morgan, Resident

“'We advocate for victims of violent crime. We walked them through the process, through the court system. We help them with resources such as financial and with victims' compensation, and counseling.'”

— Robert Barcewell, Executive Director, Justice Coalition

What’s next

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said more community walks like this are planned throughout the year as part of ongoing efforts to reduce crime and build trust across the city.

The takeaway

This community engagement initiative demonstrates the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office's commitment to working closely with residents to address public safety concerns and build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve.