Behind the Star artwork

Behind the Star

76 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 42 ratings

Behind the Star is the official podcast of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the largest law enforcement agency in Central Florida. From forensics to dispatch to the deputies on patrol, we share stories and talk to the brave men and women of law enforcement.

Government News florida lawenforcement orangecounty police
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Closing a loophole in Risk Protection Orders

February 08, 2024 20:41 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MB

In the concluding episode of our series on legislative reforms, we address a loophole in Risk Protection Orders (RPOs)—the lack of penalties for providing firearms to individuals under an RPO. Sheriff John Mina proposes making it a felony to knowingly give a gun to someone under an RPO. Cristal Maisonet, assistant general counsel at OCSO, joins us to discuss the impact of this change and how it would strengthen protections against gun violence. (1:25) What is a Risk Protection Order (RPO)?...

Stiffening penalties for child luring crimes

February 07, 2024 18:39 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MB

In the third episode of our four-part series on Sheriff Mina's legislative priorities, we explore the mission to strengthen protections for our children with Lt. Chip Denmark. We discuss the current law in Florida, where luring or enticing a child under 12 into a secluded space is shockingly only a misdemeanor. Highlighting the need for change, Sheriff Mina proposes making this act a felony. (0:54) Explaining the current Florida law (1:53) Past examples of this law being applied (2:53)...

The fight against reckless driving and street racing

February 06, 2024 18:17 - 22 minutes - 30.4 MB

In the second episode of our four-part series, we delve into Sheriff John Mina's legislative push against the dangers of street racing, reckless driving and intersection takeovers with Lt. Mike Crabbe. Highlighting the growing menace these activities pose to public safety, the discussion covers proposed legal reforms aimed at escalating penalties, including turning second offenses into felonies and increasing fines for spectators, to deter such hazardous behavior and ensure safer streets for...

Confronting the chaos of after hours clubs

February 05, 2024 20:12 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MB

We dive into Sheriff John Mina's legislative initiative aimed at transforming the safety landscape of after hours clubs. Featuring guest Lt. Joseph Bellizio, the episode explores the critical need to elevate illegal alcohol sales to a felony as part of a broader effort to ensure community safety.  (1:13): Strike team established in November to go after after hours clubs (4:20): What dangerous activities happen at these clubs (5:03): Biggest challenges in dealing with these clubs (6:30...

"Zombie drug" Xylazine: A new threat in the battle against drug deaths

September 21, 2023 17:40 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MB

Orange County Sheriff's Office Captain Darryl Blanford and a narcotics agent, whose identity remains undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of his work, talk about the enigmatic realm of Xylazine, a drug commonly known as "Tranq" or the "Zombie Drug." (1:39): An overview of Xylazine (5:01): Will Xylazine replace Fentanyl? (8:12): Xylazine can cause rotting of flesh in users (9:10): Because Xylazine is not an opioid, Naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects (14:09): Fake pills...

The Marine Unit preps for Memorial Day weekend on the waterways

May 25, 2023 19:23 - 34 minutes - 46.9 MB

Master Deputy Nick Mahon and Deputy Doug Kimberlin talk about why the Orange County Sheriff's Office has a Marine Unit, break down some of the unique parts of the job and explain some of the challenges of working on the water during summer holiday weekends like Memorial Day.

Scent kits - What are they and how do they work?

May 12, 2023 15:20 - 18 minutes - 25.1 MB

For people diagnosed with a memory disorder or family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, the dangers of wandering and getting lost are a major concern. The Orange County Sheriff's Office offers free Scent Preservation Kits to pre-collect and preserve a person’s unique scent ahead of time giving responding K-9 Units a head start during a search with an uncontaminated scent article.  In this episode, Corporal Kyle Ramsey and Deputy Angie Keller talk about how the scen...

SPORTS! - The Orange County Police Athletic League

January 24, 2023 15:15 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MB

The Orange County Police Athletic League provides athletic, recreational, and educational programs for kids by using dedicated Orange County Sheriff’s deputies as coaches and mentors. The deputies work at select schools in Orange County and organize flag football, soccer and basketball leagues. PAL Deputies Maurice Crum and Shawn Randall join Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to talk about sports, the students and why PAL matters. 

The Smell Test - K9 Training School

December 12, 2022 15:03 - 32 minutes - 44.1 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office K9s go through extensive training. On this episode, OCSO deputies Robert Lees and Angie Keller discuss K9 Tracking School, a 400-hour training course for dogs and handlers. 

Getting Deputies Ready - Basic Recruit Training

October 10, 2022 21:17 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MB

New deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office must undergo Basic Recruit Training. The 8-week training teaches deputies "the Orange County Way" of law enforcement. Corporal Ken Jorgensen and Master Deputy Autumn Chouinard of the Training Section join Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to discuss Basic Recruit Training.      

Emergency Response Team - Hurricane Ian

October 04, 2022 15:56 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MB

The OCSO Emergency Response Team (ERT) is made up of more than 75 deputies whose job is to respond to emergencies, including hurricane rescue efforts. Following Hurricane Ian, the Emergency Response Team was deployed to flooded neighborhoods in Orange County to evacuate residents. Sgt. Matt Schroeder and Master Deputy Kent Matherne talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the team prepared for Hurricane Ian and the on-going rescue efforts across Florida. 

The Murder of John Stagner

August 15, 2022 15:52 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MB

In August 1992, deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office found the body of John Stagner. An Orange County maintenance worker, Stagner had been beaten to death in his bed at a county maintenance property where he lived.  Last week, Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced the arrest of Ronald Cates in connection with the murder. Corporal Dave Nutting and Detective Kevin Wilson talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the murder and how the case was solved.

The Death of John Stagner

August 15, 2022 15:52 - 39 minutes - 53.9 MB

In August 1992, deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office found the body of John Stagner. An Orange County maintenance worker, Stagner had been beaten to death in his bed at a county maintenance property where he lived.  Last week, Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced the arrest of Ronald Cates in connection with the murder. Corporal Dave Nutting and Detective Kevin Wilson talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the murder and how the case was solved.

Crime Prevention: Stopping Crime Before It Happens

July 26, 2022 18:53 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MB

Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit work with the community to stop a crime before it can occur. Sgt. Helen Harvey and Master Deputy Stanley Murray talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Crime Prevention Unit and how a few simple upgrades can reduce the likelihood of being a victim of crime.

Riding with the Motor Unit

June 30, 2022 17:53 - 37 minutes - 51 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Motor Unit is a county-wide unit that conducts traffic enforcement as well as provides security escorts for visiting dignitaries, conducts funeral escorts and participates in community relations and educational events. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Lt. Mark Conner and Sgt. Dave McDaniels of the Motor Unit about speeding and aggressive driving in Orange County, how to get them to come to your neighborhood and what it's like cruising around on a ...

Ready Player One - The OCSO Mobile Video Game Trailer

May 17, 2022 18:32 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office's Mobile Video Game Theater is one of the newest vehicles at the agency. The "Game Trailer," which is decked out with some of the latest video game systems, is meant to create a connection between law enforcement and the youth in Orange County. Sgt. D'Angelo Bell and Deputy Micheaux Boyce talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Video Game Theater and how OCSO's Community Relations Section uses it.      

The First First Responders

April 06, 2022 19:55 - 34 minutes - 47 MB

If you dial 9-1-1 in Orange County, the call goes to the Orange County Sheriff's Office Communications Center. The center receives more than a million calls every year. On this episode of Behind the Star, Emergency Communications Specialist Nancy Grassi and Dispatcher Nikayla Phillip talk to host Jon Busdeker about life at the Comm Center.

Talking About AIM: Analytics, Intelligence and Monitoring

February 08, 2022 14:42 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MB

Analytics, Intelligence and Monitoring, better known as AIM, is a unit that assists deputies in real-time. With access to thousands of video feeds from across the county, detectives and analysts can monitor a situation and help deputies responding to calls for service.  Sergeant Glenn Arguilla talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about AIM and how it works.

Sector 5: The Tourist Corridor of OCSO

January 11, 2022 21:46 - 29 minutes - 41.2 MB

Sector V is commonly known as the tourist corridor. Home to many attractions and hotels, as well as more than 25,000 residents, the sector includes Sea World Orlando, Universal Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center. Captain Joe Scutero talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about Sector 5 and its unique challenges.

Sheriff John Mina: A Year in Review

December 21, 2021 14:07 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB

Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to talk about the agency and its initiatives in 2021. From the launch of the Autism Decal Program to the new policy of releasing body-worn camera video, Mina discusses a wide range of topics in this year in a review podcast. 

Cold Case: The Lil' Champ Murder

November 23, 2021 16:16 - 41 minutes - 57.2 MB

In 1996, Terry Paquette was murdered at the Lil' Champ convenience store in northwest Orange County. He was stabbed 73 times. The case went unsolved for more than 25 years. OCSO Det. Brian Savelli and Corporal Dave Nutting talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talk about the case, how it was solved and the man arrested for Paquette's murder. 

What's Up with the West Side?: Sector III Captain Dennis Ela

October 13, 2021 19:09 - 32 minutes - 44 MB

Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker returns to Sector III to talk to Captain Dennis Ela. Sector III is comprised of the western portion of Orange County and includes the communities of Pine Hills, Orlo Vista, Horizon West and more. Captain Ela is a 26-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office and was assigned to Sector III in January 2021. 

Learning to Ride: OCSO Bike School

September 29, 2021 14:46 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MB

Sgt. Wayne Lenihan teaches Bike School at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. During the 40-hour training session, deputies learn the proper way to ride a bike, including how to brake, dismount and maneuver various terrains. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Lenihan about the class and why deputies on bikes are so vital to the agency.

Fighting Terrorism and Crime: Central Florida Intelligence Exchange

September 20, 2021 15:40 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MB

The Central Florida Intelligence Exchange, better known as CFIX, is a partnership between law enforcement agencies across the region to exchange information and intelligence. At its core, the mission of CFIX is to disrupt and deny terrorist and criminal activity. CFIX Director Matt Butler and Deputy Director Jon Cute talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the role of CFIX and how it's protecting Central Florida.

Service Members Wanted: The OCSO Military Recruiter

September 07, 2021 19:10 - 39 minutes - 63.9 MB

If you are active military or a veteran, the Orange County Sheriff's Office wants you. But if you have questions about joining the agency, the person to talk to is Orange County Sheriff's Office Military Field Recruiter Rick DeMarco. For the past six years, DeMarco has assisted military service members in the hiring process. In this episode, host Jon Busdeker talks to DeMarco about where he finds military recruits, what happens if a deputy gets deployed and how OCSO is one of the best agenci...

It's Da Bomb - OCSO Hazardous Devices Team

June 21, 2021 14:49 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MB

What happens if an explosive is discovered in Orange County? The OCSO Hazardous Devices Team, or Bomb Squad, is usually called out to dispose of it. Lieutenant Chris Hall and Master Deputy Kris Brooks talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about explosives, the bomb suit and how the team gets to blow stuff up. 

Pulse Remembered - Special Episode

June 10, 2021 14:04 - 27 minutes - 43.7 MB

Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Undersheriff Mark Canty discuss the Pulse nightclub shooting, how law enforcement responded and how the community can honor the victims.  In  2016, at the time of the shooting, both Mina and Canty worked for the Orlando Police Department. It has been five years since a gunman killed 49 people and injured dozens at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. 

Saving You $$$ - Economic Crimes Squad

April 15, 2021 18:07 - 30 minutes - 56.1 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Economic Crimes Squad is responsible for investigating the crimes of identity theft, credit card fraud, check fraud, embezzlement and various other “white collar” type crimes. Detectives Brian Hummel and Jacob Devine talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker wild world of economic crimes and how to avoid being scammed. 

Patrolling OBT and Beyond: Sector 4 Capt. Chris Barrett

April 07, 2021 19:33 - 28 minutes - 52.1 MB

Sector 4 of the Orange County Sheriff's Office is made up of mostly South Orange County, including the areas around Orange Blossom Trail. Captain Chris Barrett took over the Sector in October 2020. A native of Central Florida, Barrett has been at OCSO for 25 years. Barrett talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about Sector 4, the challenges patrolling the area and what he hopes to accomplish as Captain. 

Patrolling OBT and Beyond: Sector 4 Capt. Chris Barrett

April 07, 2021 19:33 - 28 minutes - 52.1 MB

Sector 4 of the Orange County Sheriff's Office is made up of mostly South Orange County, including the areas around Orange Blossom Trail. Captain Chris Barrett took over the Sector in October 2020. A native of Central Florida, Barrett has been at OCSO for 25 years. Barrett talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about Sector 4, the challenges patrolling the area and what he hopes to accomplish as Captain. 

Operation Quiet Nights: Stopping Street Racing and Illegal Motorcycles

March 31, 2021 14:24 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MB

Operation Quiet Nights is a multi-agency effort designed to stop street racers and illegal motorcycles in Orange County. Lt. Michael Crabb, the incident commander of Operation Quiet Nights, talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the operation and how teams of law enforcement officers issued more than 1,700 tickets in two months. 

Meet the new Chief Deputy: Denise Demps

March 11, 2021 21:17 - 41 minutes - 75.4 MB

Denise Demps is the newest Chief Deputy at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. An Orlando native, Demps has been with OCSO for nearly 30 years and is the first Black woman promoted to Chief Deputy. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker sat down with Demps to talk about her career at OCSO and her goals as the new Chief Deputy. 

Meet the LGBTQ Liaisons

March 01, 2021 16:17 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MB

The OCSO LGBTQ Liaisons are available to work work with all sectors and units of the Sheriff’s Office to identify with LGBT citizens and address their concerns. Lt. Brandon Ragan and Det. Mara Everson talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the LGBTQ Liaison program, working at OCSO and how to sign up for the Safe Place initiative. 

Driving the OCSO Way

January 20, 2021 15:07 - 43 minutes - 59.2 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (LEVO) section offers training designed to enhance the driving skills of OCSO deputies and civilians. Sgt. Michael Rosignol talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about PIT maneuvers, braking exercises and just how difficult it is for some drivers to go in reverse.

Launching the Behavioral Response Unit

January 11, 2021 14:09 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MB

The new Behavioral Response Unit at the Orange County Sheriff's Office pairs an OCSO deputy with a trained clinician from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. Sgt. Bruce Vail and Christin Edwards-Salinas discuss the new Behavioral Response Unit, how the unit will respond to calls and what the teams have encountered in the field.

From Blood to Bikes - A Trip to OCSO Evidence

November 02, 2020 20:50 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MB

Every month, the Orange County Sheriff's Office takes in roughly 7,000 pieces of evidence. From firearms to bicycles to blood, a majority of the evidence is stored in a warehouse in Orange County. Evidence Manager Gene Bernal talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the evidence process and how OCSO stores 500,000 pieces of evidence. 

Sector 6 - Keeping Walt Disney World Safe

October 07, 2020 13:12 - 33 minutes - 60.9 MB

Sector 6 of the Orange County Sheriff's Office is tasked with keeping Walt Disney World and the areas around it safe. Sector Commander Captain Bill Van de Water talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the unique challenges of Sector 6, the growth in the sector and how deputies interact with tourists from across the globe. 

Nightriders - OCSO Evening Traffic Unit

September 18, 2020 20:21 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MB

It's a different world on the roads at night in Orange County. The Orange County County Sheriff's Office Evening Traffic Unit patrols the streets in marked and unmarked cars, specializing in DUI investigations, street racing and more. Deputies Ernesto Martinez and Steve Hallock talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about what goes on after dark. 

How to Train a Deputy

August 20, 2020 16:05 - 34 minutes - 47.7 MB

From simulators to how to drive a patrol vehicle, training is ongoing at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Cpl. Sebastian Santos of the Field Training and Evaluation Unit talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how OCSO deputies train and what they do to prepare for the job. 

The Joy of Sketching

July 30, 2020 14:58 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MB

Bigger nose? Smaller eyes? Taller forehead? Master Deputy Timothy Horne can do it all as the Sketch Artist at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Horne, a near 25-year veteran of law enforcement, talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the process of sketching a suspect, how he learned to draw and how he works with victims on crafting a sketch. 

Taking a Dip with the OCSO Dive Team

July 17, 2020 17:54 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Dive Team is made up of 20 members who are responsible for recovering items or people in Central Florida's bodies of water. OCSO Dive Team Corporal Bim Lowers and Master Deputy Billy McCoy talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about finding guns in lakes, how difficult it is to locate a submerged car and what happens when they find a body in the water.

Victim Advocate Squad - Supporting The Victims Of Crime

July 14, 2020 16:18 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MB

The sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one is a most difficult time for family members, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. When that loss is the result of a criminal act, suicide, or violent accident the tragedy becomes unbearable.  OCSO Victim Advocate Koreen Baker talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Victim Advocate Squad and its role assisting crime victims or family members who have lost a loved one through violent act or unforeseen accident.

Protecting Northwest Orange County

June 25, 2020 19:29 - 33 minutes - 45.9 MB

Orange County native Captain Joe Carter oversees more than 110 deputies in Sector I in Northwest Orange County. Carter, who has been with OCSO for 30 years, talks with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about community policing, how the agency has changed since 1990 and why he loves his community. 

Volunteer Deputies - The OCSO Reserve Unit

June 03, 2020 15:02 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit is made up of more than 70 volunteer deputies. A Reserve Deputy has the same “police power” as a full-time Orange County Deputy Sheriff. OCSO Reserve Chief Deputy Ross Wolf talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Reserve Unit and why it's beneficial to the agency.

Homicide Squad - Cold Case Team

May 14, 2020 20:02 - 38 minutes - 52.3 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Team is tasked with solving cases that, for whatever reason, have gone cold over the years. Corporal Dave Nutting and Det. Kevin Wilson talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the difficulty of solving cold cases and what OCSO is doing to bring justice to victims and their families. 

Wellness, Fitness and Health at OCSO

May 08, 2020 14:36 - 37 minutes - 52.1 MB

The wellness program at the Orange County Sheriff's Office works with employees in many areas of wellness, including fitness, nutrition, stress management, weight management and finances. Senior Wellness Analyst Valerie Reed talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the variety of classes, programs and events OCSO offers its employees. 

Keeping Us On The Road - OCSO Fleet Management

April 23, 2020 15:55 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office has more than 2,200 vehicles, from patrol cars to motorcycles. Fleet Management services and repairs many of those vehicles. Acting Fleet Supervisor Bob Jewell talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how his team keeps OCSO on the road.  

Coronavirus: How OCSO Manages an Emergency

March 18, 2020 20:00 - 23 minutes - 31.6 MB

Coronavirus and COVID-19 has dramatically changed life in America. At the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Lt. Bill Bartlett oversees Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Bartlett talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the agency is responding to Coronavirus, how it trains for a pandemic and what OCSO is doing to keep deputies safe.

Protecting Animals - Agricultural Crimes Unit

March 12, 2020 15:55 - 31 minutes - 42.9 MB

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Agricultural Crimes Unit is tasked with protecting domestic animals and livestock in the county. Sgt. Al Giardiello and Master Deputy Drew Risser talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the role of the unit and what happens when someone is accused of animal cruelty. 

Gather 'Round...It's the OCSO Storyteller

February 26, 2020 20:11 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

Behind the Star host and OCSO Storyteller Jon Busdeker passes the mic to Deputy Christian Marrero for this special episode. Marrero, a Public Information Officer, interviews Busdeker about the role of the OCSO Storyteller, how he finds stories to profile and how Busdeker ended up at the agency. 

Twitter Mentions

@orangecosheriff 1 Episode