The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit is dedicated to building and maintaining strong connections within the community. By fostering positive relationships, the unit works to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public. Through partnerships with local community-based organizations, the Community Response Unit helps provide alternative resources and support during calls for service.
The unit also serves as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and both public and private communities throughout Lee County.
Phone: 239-477-1CRU (1278)
Email: cru@sheriffleefl.org
Below are some of the programs offered by the Community Response Unit focused on outreach, education, mentorship, and community engagement throughout Lee County.
Investigates animal abuse, neglect, abandonment, and cruelty-related offenses while working with local partners to protect animals and promote responsible pet ownership throughout Lee County.
A hands-on driver safety program that combines classroom instruction and practical driving exercises to help teen drivers build confidence, improve vehicle control, and make safe decisions behind the wheel.
Provides youth with mentorship, discipline, and structured boxing training that promotes respect, accountability, confidence, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
A 12-week interactive program that gives residents an inside look at the operations, services, and specialized units of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office while strengthening community relationships.
Community policing plays a vital role in strengthening the relationship between deputies and the public by fostering trust, collaboration, and open communication. The Community Response Unit is actively engaged at neighborhood events, schools, and community programs, allowing deputies to have the opportunity to connect with residents on a personal level and better understand the needs and concerns of the community they serve. These positive interactions help build mutual respect, encourage community involvement, and create partnerships focused on improving public safety and quality of life. By working together, law enforcement and the community can develop stronger, safer, and more connected neighborhoods.
to be added
to be added
The Autism Awareness Initiative, a partnership between the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Family Initiative, is dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families through education, outreach, and community collaboration. This initiative helps strengthen understanding between law enforcement and the autism community by providing specialized training for deputies and creating meaningful opportunities for positive engagement. Through awareness programs, safety resources, and community events, the partnership promotes inclusion, improves communication, and enhances public safety for individuals with autism. Together, the initiative continues to make a lasting impact by building trust, fostering acceptance, and creating a more supportive community for families throughout Lee County. For registration information please call 239-477-1CRU (1278).
The REUNITE Program, a partnership between the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and United Way, is dedicated to helping protect individuals who may wander or become lost due to cognitive memory conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other special needs. The program provides families with scent preservation kits that can assist law enforcement and K-9 bloodhound teams in locating missing individuals more quickly and effectively during critical incidents. By equipping families with these valuable tools and increasing community awareness, the REUNITE Program enhances public safety, supports caregivers, and provides peace of mind to families throughout Lee County. For registration information please contact United Way Program Coordinator, Jen Carolluzzi at (239) 841-4637.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing Program is a long-standing youth recognition initiative, established in partnership with the Lee County School District, that celebrates students who demonstrate outstanding character, positive decision-making, and acts of kindness. The program’s purpose is to encourage, honor, and reward students who choose to “do the right thing,” with a focus on compassion, courage, responsibility, and respect. For further information, or to nominate a Lee County student, please contact Program Coordinator, Tony Schall at 239-258-3215.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Care K-9 Unit provides comfort, compassion, and emotional support to individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, or loss. Specially trained handlers and Golden PAWS therapy dogs work together to assist victims, first responders, students, and community members during difficult situations, helping reduce stress and promote healing. Through community outreach, critical incident response, and ongoing support services, the unit strengthens the connection between law enforcement and the community while bringing hope and reassurance when it is needed most.
In partnership with Human and Veteran Services, the Veterans Program provides specialized support for incarcerated veterans.
Veterans participate in Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)—an evidence-based, cognitivebehavioral treatment program that follows a step-by-step approach to enhance moral reasoning, strengthen personal responsibility, and improve decision-making.
The Construction Special Investigations Unit within the Community Response Unit is dedicated to investigating crimes targeting construction sites throughout the community. The unit focuses on preventing and investigating thefts, vandalism, trespassing, and other criminal activity that can impact construction projects, businesses, and surrounding neighborhoods. By working closely with contractors, developers, and community partners, the unit helps enhance site security, identify crime trends, and develop proactive strategies to reduce criminal activity. Through these efforts, the Construction Special Investigations Unit supports public safety while helping protect valuable resources and ongoing development within the community.
The unit also serves as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and both public and private communities throughout Lee County, supported through outreach centers that provide direct access to resources and services across the county.
Address:Â 4522 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Phone:Â 239-980-9298
Hours: Tues – Fri 9am – 5pm, Sat 10am – 2pm
Address:Â 5828 Cape Harbour Dr, Suite 100, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Phone:Â 239-258-3834
Hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 5pm
Address:Â 23181 Village Shops Way, Suite 101, Estero, FL 33928
Phone:Â 239-258-3840 / 239-258-3841
Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 6pm
Address:Â Â 2125 First Street, Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone:Â 239-220-0329
Hours: Mon – Sun 9am – 5pm
Address:Â Â 4125 Cleveland Avenue, #1930, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone:Â 239-910-6585
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am – 7pm, Fri-Sat 10am – 8pm, Sun 12pm – 6pm
Address: 1207 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone:Â (239) 266-5570
Hours: Mon – Sun 8:30am – 4:30pm
Address:Â 9918 Gulf Coast Main Street, #B120, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Phone:Â 239-910-9210
Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 6pm
Address:Â 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Suite 190, Estero, FL 33928 Â (by playground)
Phone:Â 239-258-3842
Hours: Mon – Sun 10am – 6pm
Address:Â 11000 Terminal Access Road, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Phone: 239-469-2152
Hours: Sun – Mon 11am-4:30pm