Public Safety

The Foundation: A Safe City

Port St. Lucie has earned its place as one of Florida's safest large cities for 13 consecutive years. With crime rates approximately 60% lower than the national average and 50% below the Florida state average, our community has built something worth protecting. But safety isn't just about statistics—it's about how secure every resident feels in their neighborhood, their parks, and their daily lives.

The Challenge: Growing Pains

As Port St. Lucie continues to grow—now exceeding 258,000 residents—we face new public safety challenges. Rapid development in areas like Tradition and St. Lucie West requires strategic police presence. Property crimes, while declining, still affect too many families. And we must ensure our youth have positive alternatives to keep them engaged and away from trouble.

The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) has already implemented innovative programs like the Stratified Policing model and District 5 deployment in Tradition with 24 dedicated officers. But there's more we can do together.

Steven's Plan: Community-First Public Safety

1. Increase Police Visibility

• Expand Bicycle Patrols - Build on PSLPD's successful bike patrol program to increase officer presence in neighborhoods, parks, and business districts.
• Neighborhood Watch Partnerships - Strengthen collaboration between residents and law enforcement with regular community meetings and training.
• Visible Patrol Routes - Ensure consistent police presence in high-traffic areas and residential neighborhoods during peak hours.

2. Invest in Youth Programs

• Expand Police Athletic League (PAL) - Increase funding and program offerings for PAL, which builds positive relationships between officers and young people through sports and mentorship.
• Explorer Post 411 Growth - Support this career-oriented program that introduces teens to law enforcement while developing leadership skills.
• After-School Safe Zones - Partner with schools and community centers to provide supervised activities during critical after-school hours.
• radKIDS Program Expansion - Bring this empowering safety education program to more elementary schools, teaching children how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations.

3. Support Law Enforcement Excellence

• Competitive Compensation - Ensure PSLPD officers receive competitive salaries to attract and retain the best talent.
• Advanced Training - Invest in ongoing professional development, including de-escalation techniques, mental health crisis response, and community policing best practices.
• Modern Equipment - Provide officers with the tools and technology they need to serve safely and effectively.
• Officer Wellness Programs - Support mental health resources and wellness initiatives for officers who face challenging situations daily.

4. Prevention and Intervention

• School Resource Officer Program - Maintain strong SRO presence in all public high schools and charter schools, building trust with students while ensuring campus safety.
• Domestic Violence Prevention - Expand resources for victims and prevention programs to address this critical community issue.
• Substance Abuse Outreach - Partner with healthcare providers and nonprofits to connect individuals with treatment and support services.

Why It Matters

With nearly 17 years in public safety, including extensive work with the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and as a Nuclear Security Officer, Steven Giordano understands what it takes to keep a community secure. He knows that true safety comes from a combination of professional law enforcement, engaged citizens, and opportunities for young people to succeed.

Port St. Lucie's safety record is something to be proud of. Together, we can make it even better—ensuring that as our city grows, our commitment to security and community wellbeing grows with it.