For most of 2011 the Street Crimes and Vice/Narcotics Unit was combined in an effort to better target specific community problems. The Unit(s) focussed on crimes stemming from and directly related to the illicit narcotics sales and distribution occuring in the City of Leesburg. Officers also worked closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau to go after suppliers bringing the illegal drugs into the City.

Two major multi-jurisdictional operations led to the arrest of over one hundred and fifty of the areas drug dealers and suppliers. Hundreds of investigative hours were invested with a substantially positive end result. Between Operation Double Nickel in 2010 and the current operations, the illicit narcotics trade in Leesburg has been dealt a significant blow.

After an increase in violent crimes, to include multiple armed robberies, shootings, and a homicide, the Special Operations Division created a task force to address the problems. This was mission specific, lasting a total of seven weeks, resulting in nearly 700 self initiated calls and 344 calls for service related to task force operations. In addition to gaining valuable information there were a total of 58 incident reports, 11 supplemental reports, 48 arrests, 40 citations, 12 trespass warnings and 72 field contacts generated. The most noticeable positive impact of this task force was a significant reduction in overall crime throughout the City.