ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Are deputy discounts on everything from coffee to houses a conflict of interest or a perk of the job? You've probably seen cops congregating at certain restaurants that give freebies to police in exchange for safety. Now, a housing developer is offering a similar special favor.

---

VOTE: Allow Police Officers And Deputies To Take Free Items?

---

The sheriff's office and Orlando police said there's nothing wrong with it, as long as no favors are being done.

The developer sees empty homes that are in foreclosure and thinks, why not make deals to fill them with officers who, in their spare time, might protect the community. A patrol car parked on the street can be a huge deterrent to crime. It's one reason the owner of Avalon Park wants cops to come. He's offering deals, everything from special financing to lower down payments to get officers to move in.

"This is my goal that people know the police officers, because they not only work here but they live here, too, and that's the philosophy of Avalon Park," said Beat Khali, Avalon Park Group.

At Bozer's coffee shop, a badge and a uniform will get you free coffee. She figures the more cops come inside, the less crime.

"We have an alarm system. It went off [and] we thought somebody broke into the store, and before I even got here to check on the alarm, an off-duty officer had gotten here and he said, 'Nobody messes with my Barney's,'" she said.

But is it right? Sheriff's policy prohibits deputies from "accepting gifts, presents or gratuities in return for favors." It's the same for Orlando police. Their policy says officers can't accept anything that will influence "the actions of said employee."

The topic is hot enough that neither agency will talk on camera, but both said there's nothing wrong with the Avalon Park deal. Resident Raul Aldarondo lives next to an officer. He wants more to move in, even if they get a cheaper home.

"They put their life at risk and by offering help like that it will make our neighborhood more secure," he said.

The developer said he will offer similar breaks to teachers who work in schools around Avalon Park.

Eyewitness News checked Florida law and it is unlawful for any public official, including deputies and police officers, to accept anything of value in exchange for a special service. Whether the safety provided simply by an officer's presence is a special service is up for debate.