ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels continued to keep his promise of connecting with the community with a sheriff's walk through the Orange Park mall on Friday.
Daniels and his team of deputies talked with employees and customers as they strolled through the mall, in hopes to develop relationships that can curb violence and crime in the area.
Another pledge from Daniels was to revamp security at the Orange Park mall this summer.
Shoppers at the mall during Daniels' walk told News4Jax it was a unique experience and they were glad to see him and the deputies interacting with the community.
"He was pleasant. Very kind," shopper Laura Moreland said. "He shook my daughter's hand, so he was very nice. I'd never met him before."
Daniels and the other deputies also wanted to ensure that people will feel safe when they spend time at the mall.
"We were wondering why all the cops were down by the food court," Moreland said. "But then I guess they're doing a walk-through which is nice because sometimes it's a little edgy here."
Some of that edge comes after a brawl broke out in the Orange Park mall and went viral. The scene was chaotic and raised a lot of concerns for shoppers and parents.
"This mall walk was scheduled since January of this year and it just so happens there was a well-publicized social media fight that took place here," Daniels said. "I said to my staff that's the reason why we do these walks, to engage in the community and find out what issues are going on and try to mitigate things like this from happening."
Daniels spoke with almost anyone who would slow down and visit with him. Other interaction with deputies included sharing stories and some gifts.
"You know, the safety and security of the folks here in Clay County, when they visit Clay County, is my responsibility and that's paramount in my opinion to the success of Clay County to keep them safe," Daniels said.
Daniels said the community walks are more like meet-and-greets and he believes the interaction develops a trust among the citizens and law enforcement.