Talk of Downtown
Citizens Police Academy
Downtown resident Steve Dutton was one of the eleven graduates of the first Citizens Police Academy.
Training takes place over five consecutive weekday evenings from 6 to 9pm, and the Police Department plans to offer the program every month. Major Albert Guerra, who leads Community Relations, welcomed the class, and each night various Police units gave presentations and demonstrations that allowed participants to gain a firsthand look into the Police Department’s day-to-day operations.
Surprises abounded, including wearing the body-worn cameras now required of all patrol officers, and Defensive Tactics training by Officer Joseph and Sergeant Reyes. Participants were enthralled by the information presented.
“The Department hopes the program will help bridge the gap between the police and our community,” said Steve Dutton, and added: “I hope all the City’s neighborhoods, including Downtown, will recognize the importance of exploring greater means of partnering with the Police Department to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents and businesses.”
Downtown News: Did the training trigger ideas for specific projects to make downtown streets safer?
SD: One project that I would like to set in motion as Chairman of the DNA’s Quality of Life Committee is a Neighborhood Watch, also known as Neighborhood Crime Watch, which is an organized group of civilians devoted to crime and vandalism prevention within a neighborhood.
I am hoping other Downtown residents and business owners will consider attending the Citizens Police Academy so we can begin the Neighborhood Watch and the Police Department acknowledged they can help make this happen.
DN: Is this an ongoing program?
SD: The Department is planning to offer the training each month. Training Coordinator, Officer Hope Jones, provided the flyer for April, describing the activities included and the pre-enrollment requirements, and an updated Application can be obtained by emailing her at the address: communityrelationsmpd@miami-police.org
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