JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The local organization iCARE and other Jacksonville residents said they have noticed less violent crime in their neighborhood and they've noticed Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is better with communication.
For 60 years, Geneva Pittman's called Jacksonville home. Six months ago, she spoke with First Coast News and she was calling for more to be done.
"We are tired of the violence it must stop," she said.
Today she said she's noticed a decline.
"We wanted the violence to stop and we are seeing a great reduction," said Pittman.
Pittman is also a member of iCARE, known as the Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment. A coalition of Jacksonville religious faith leaders.
The organization invited Sheriff T.K. Waters to their April action assembly earlier this year but he declined. However, iCARE Co-President Keith Oglesby said the group did meet with the sheriff on May 8.
"We felt much better connection with the sheriff and his office," said Oglesby.
Both Pittman and Oglesby said they believe Sheriff Waters and JSO have become more transparent and engaged.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office conducted a community survey. Of the 600 people who they surveyed, 68% of people said they feel JSO handles their job well while 21% disagree. Nearly 56% said JSO has gotten better at accountability while 15% disagree. About 56% of people believe their transparency has gotten better and nearly 54% said JSO has done better with community engagement.
"We’re really gratified to hear the numbers are better," said Oglesby.
"Just like he wants to see the violence reduced, the people in Jacksonville want to see the same," said Pittman.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office community survey also shows 89% of people feel safe in their neighborhood and 68% believe Jacksonville is a safe place to live.