U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida Joins Law Enforcement Partners to Support National Community Policing Week, October 3-7, 2016

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is committed to supporting and promoting strong relationships between law enforcement and the individuals, families and communities we serve and protect every day.  Community policing – public safety efforts built on resilient bonds of mutual trust and respect between local police officers and neighborhood residents – is an essential component of law enforcement work. Community policing is a fundamental part of the public safety mission shared by our law enforcement partners, local community leaders, and youth advocates.  In support of this mission, October 3-7, 2016, had been designated as the inaugural National Community Policing Week. 

During Community Policing Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, community organizations, stakeholders and concerned citizens, will come together to host and participate in events and engagement activities that support our commitment to effective and impactful community policing.   Members of the community are invited and encouraged to participate.  Our collective efforts will continue to help us make our diverse, vibrant local neighborhoods safer, stronger, and more united. 

“Throughout the upcoming week, you will see that by bringing together law enforcement and the communities we protect, we are breaking down barriers, bridging divides, building trust and working toward universal support and respect,” stated U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer for the Southern District of Florida.  “We encourage you to join our efforts and become part of the solution, as we unite to make our South Florida community safer and more resilient.”

Throughout the week, our partners in the Southern District of Florida will host a variety of Community Policing events, including:

Youth and Cops Basketball Tournament:  On Monday, October 3, 2016, an all-day Youth and Cops Basketball Tournament will be held at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, located at 3000 NW 199th St, Miami Gardens, FL 33056.  Teams made up of local youth (ages 12 to 17) and law enforcement officers will come together for the friendly competition.

Local Children Will Be Police Chiefs for A Day: Throughout the week, participating law enforcement agencies will invite a child from the local community to shadow the Police Chief for the day.  The children will experience “a day in the life of law enforcement” by participating in activities that include: roll call, tours of the dispatch areas, community patrol, mock crime scene scenarios, management meetings, and K-9 patrol reviews. 

Coral Gables Police Department

Coral Springs Police Department

Doral Police Department

Golden Beach Police Department

Lauderhill Police Department

Margate Police Department

Medley Police Department

Miami-Dade Police Department

Miami-Dade Schools Police Department

Miami Gardens Police Department

Miami Police Department

Miami Springs Police Department

Seminole Police Department

Sunny Isles Beach Police Department

Sunrise Police Department

Surfside Police Department

National Night Out Events: -- During National Night Out events, citizens who benefit from the hard work and dedication of our police forces are encouraged to join in the fight against crime.  Law enforcement cannot combat crime without the help of the community and, now more than ever, they need the support of the communities they protect and serve.  National Night Out events heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to those who victimize and poison our communities with their criminal conduct that South Florida residents are taking back their neighborhoods. The events are typically organized by block watches, non-for-profit organizations, companies, and police departments. These events can be as simple as backyard cookouts to full-blown festivals.  Police Departments, including those listed below, will be holding National Night Out events during Community Policing week:

Coral Gables Police Department October 4th

South Miami Police Department - October 4th

West Miami Police Department - October 4th

Palm Beach Gardens Police Department - October 7th

Community Resource Fair and Freed Food Distribution Program: On Thursday, October 6, 2016, a Community Resource Fair and Farm Share Free Food Distribution Program will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Phichol Williams Community Center, located at 951 SW 4th Street, Homestead, FL 33030.  The program is being held in collaboration with the Homestead Police Department.

For more information regarding National Community Policing Week and to learn how you can get involved with local programming, please call (305) 961-9134 or visit usafls.vrp@usdoj.gov.