ORLANDO, Fla. — Disney World officials are looking into possibly doubling the amount of uniformed deputies on property in an effort to beef up security at its parks, a source told Channel 9.
Last week, two people were arrested for trying to bring a gun into Disney parks.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District pays to have 36 deputies assigned to Walt Disney World property, along with 20 supervisors and staff and seven detectives.
The other part of the force at the parks is made up of off-duty deputies.
That adds up to almost 100 uniformed officers.
“I think just seeing police all over the place would make it feel more like I am supposed to be nervous,” said tourist Monique McGhee.
No more permanent deputies have been approved for now, but more off-duty deputies could be.
Reedy Creek has budgeted about about $1.5 million a year since 2011 for off-duty work; $5.6 million has been allocated for the next budget year.
There is currently a shortage of deputies in Orange County, and Channel 9 reporter Shannon Butler was told there aren’t enough to give extra to Disney even if the sheriff agreed to do it.
But could still happen soon: Hiring even 50 more deputies at an average of about $40,000 would cost much less than what the sheriff’s office is budgeting this year for off-duty pay.
Cox Media Group
