County Sheriff uses of social media to catch bad guys.

 Written by Dale Borchardt

 Sunday, April 19, 2026

      Brevard County – The Sheriff of one of the largest counties in Florida has used social media to add to the tools used to capture criminals. By creating an online presence with his own shows with titles kike Wheel of Fugitive, Super Speeder Saturday, 60 Seconds or less, and 10-94. (Radio call for back-up) With this online presence, he has managed to capture a lot of subjects wanted for offences that would normally need a lot of manpower and time to catch these people. 

Shariff Wayne Ivey, an over 40-year veteran of law enforcement and the recipient of the President’s Award for efforts in crime prevention and community awareness from the Florida Crime Prevention Association. (FCPA), along with various other awards and distinctions. Taking office in 2012 and being re-elected in 20116, 2020, and again in 2024. He quickly took to social media and used it as another tool for something other than just showing. 

Creating YouTube shorts targeted at individuals with criminal warrants and showcasing arrestees who have committed serious crimes. Later, updating the public on major incidents that have happened in the Brevard communities. Taking major pride in Brevard County, always wanting better for the Sheriff’s Department.

“As sheriff, I strongly believe that it takes a community to protect a community. By working together, we can keep Brevard County and the state of Florida a safe place to call home! ~ Sheriff Wayne Ivey

 Reported by Florida Today Newspaper, due to the adoption of Facebook and other social media, crime has been reduced 51% since Sheriff Ivey took office. Calling the use of Facebook a force multiplier in the fight against crime. Other effects are high engagement policing, public education, citizen information on the need of services, controversy, and Criticism.  

On the other hand, many online critics have commented that the Sheriff is more interested in creating a brand and not using it for law enforcement duties. However, with popular series like Wheel of Fugitive, Fishing for Fugitives, Cookin up Justice, Let me break it down for ya, and Sheriff’s Hit List, and with the effectiveness in crime reduction, there is no denying that it is working. 

Reference: 

(2026). Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/6YnhSDg8qGk?si=ZuCslDc6pYOdSUOl 

Sheriff Wayne Ivey - Florida Sheriffs Association. (2025, April 23). Florida Sheriffs Association. https://flsheriffs.org/staff/sheriff-wayne-ivey/ 

https://www.fox35orlando.com/video/1476460 https://www.facebook.com/tightlineproductions. (2025, May). Wayne Ivey | BCSO. 

Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. https://www.brevardsheriff.com/command/wayne-ivey/