Tourist Oriented Policing Squad provides proactive, high profile
law enforcement presence in county's tourist corridor
Orange County’s International Drive area has long been a favorite destination for tourists who come to this part of the world for their vacation. The “Drive” hosts a variety of unique lodging and dining establishments and is a stone's throw from some of the area's premier theme, amusement, and water parks. The area caters specifically to travelers looking for the ideal destination for either amusement or business. While the area has always been regarded as one of the safest tourist destinations in the world, the public-private partnership with Orange County Government, the International Drive Master Transit and Improvement District, and the Sheriff’s Office promises to continue our commitment to the safety of our visitors and the citizens of Orange County.
On March 31, 2010 Sheriff Demings, Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, and I-Drive Master Transit and 
Improvement District Chairperson Allan Villaverde announced the implementation of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Tourist Policing Squad (TOPS). TOPS, which officially went into service on April 4, 2010, is intended to create a highly visible and proactive law enforcement presence in the area’s tourist corridor and provide a safe experience for the Drive’s 5.3 million annual visitors, 30,000 tourist industry employees, and countless area residents who simply enjoy its diverse offerings.
The Sheriff’s Office proactive presence on the International Drive corridor will include bike patrols, marked cars, and Deputies on foot patrol. In addition to our six patrol squads, ten of Orange County’s finest have been specifically trained for their TOPS assignment. In addition to their patrol duties they assist with educational seminars, crime prevention training, and safety assessments for area businesses. The primary mission of the ageny's TOPS personnel is to insure the safety and security of all who come to Orange County to live, work, and have that dream vacation.