Winter Springs Police Department

09/01/2026

Statement from Winter Springs Police Chief Matt Tracht on the Use of ALPR Technology

September 1, 2026
Statement on ALPR Use
ALPR technology has provided law enforcement with a valuable investigative tool that has assisted agencies in identifying vehicles, developing investigative leads, locating wanted individuals, finding missing loved ones and solving crimes for many years. Its ability to provide timely information has had a significant impact on our ability to protect our communities and respond effectively to criminal activity.
While the States’ direction will undoubtedly have a significant impact on our communities and on the way law enforcement agencies conduct investigations, I respect the decision and, equally important, I respect the concerns that have been expressed by our residents. Although we did not have a purchase contract with Flock, our community did benefit from their services.
I stand unified with the Sheriff Lemma and my fellow Chiefs of Police in recognizing the value this technology has provided for law enforcement while also acknowledging the concerns surrounding its use. As law enforcement leaders, our responsibility is to balance effective policing with the trust, privacy, and expectations of the communities we are entrusted to serve.
We will continue to work collaboratively with the Sheriff, our fellow Chiefs, state and local partners, as well as our residents to identify other effective technologies, resources, and strategies that will allow us to continue protecting our community and keeping our residents safe.

08/28/2026

Last night, Officer Genao and K9 Lando stopped by Savoy Retirement Living Community for their Family Fun Night and participated in a meet and greet with residents and participants.

It was a great opportunity to connect with members of the community. Thank you to The Savoy for inviting us to be part of the evening!

08/27/2026

Registration is now open!

The Winter Springs Police Department is proud to offer a personal safety program for female Winter Springs citizens interested in increasing their situational awareness and maximizing their safety potential.

The Women's Personal Safety Class is a 2-part program that is approximately 3 hours long. The class will be held at the Winter Springs Police Department Training Room 300 N Moss Rd, Winter Springs. FL 32708.

Both parts of these classes are available to participants 14 years of age and up. An adult must accompany participants under 18.

Registration is free of cost and closes Friday, September 18, 2026 at 5 PM or until the class is full.

Register here: https://buff.ly/ktzomiG

08/26/2026

Thank you for providing this valuable training to our officers and helping strengthen our department’s ability to better serve individuals with autism.

We are back in Winter Springs today for our fourth and final training for Law Enforcement Officers on Autism. Special thanks to Chief Matt Tracht for inviting us. We have now completed 100% of the officers.

08/24/2026

Florida has the highest drowning rate among children under the age of 9 in the country.

With Florida's many pools, waterways, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, water safety is key to preventing drownings.

That is why the Winter Springs Police Department and The Wesley Seth Foundation are partnering to provide free door and window alarms to residents.

Along with adult supervision, swim lessons, and proper pool barriers, these alarms can add an extra layer of protection to help prevent childhood drowning.

Residents can pick up a free alarm at Police Department Headquarters, 300 N. Moss Road, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., while supplies last.

Residents must fill out and sign this form and bring it with them when picking up their alarms. https://buff.ly/uFUBaM0

08/21/2026

The Winter Springs Police Department expresses our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Orange County Sheriff's Office following the passing of Sergeant Julie Rezex. Please join us as we offer our deepest condolences to our colleagues, Deputy Rezex’s family, and the men and women of OCSO.

08/20/2026

Our friends with the Seminole County Fire Department are hosting a free Grandparent Safety Class on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Seminole County Public Safety Building, located at 150 Eslinger Way in Sanford. Details below.

Free Grandparent Safety Class
⏱️Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m.
📍150 Eslinger Way, Public Safety Building
✅ RSVP [email protected] or 407-665-5128
Generations United
The Village of Geneva, FL City of Winter Springs City of Casselberry Winter Springs Police Department City of Altamonte Altamonte Springs Police Department

08/19/2026

Drive Sober or Get pulled over

August 19, through September 7, the Winter Springs Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the country for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

Impaired driving puts everyone on the road at risk. Help us keep our roads safe.

If your plans include alcohol, please plan ahead by having a designated driver or calling a taxi or rideshare.

08/14/2026

On August 14, 2026, the Winter Springs Police Department, along with the Winter Springs Police Foundation, welcomed past members and retirees for a luncheon at police headquarters. Former Police Chief Dan Kerr was on hand to speak about his time with the department and how far things have come since he retired. Thank you to our retirees and the Winter Springs Police Foundation for making this a wonderful event.

08/13/2026

******ATTENTION RESIDENTS--IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM DOH-SEMINOLE********

DOH-Seminole Issues Rabies Alert

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) has issued a rabies alert in Seminole County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a raccoon that was captured in the Tuskawilla area of Winter Springs on August 11, 2026

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Seminole County:
• E Florida 434 to the North
• Greenbriar Lane to the East
• Dinero Drive to the South
• Dunmar Circle to the West

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:
• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH-Seminole by calling 407-665-3243.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Seminole County Animal Services at 407-665-5201.
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.
For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Seminole at 407-665-3243. # # #