The Fort Lauderdale Police Department held its first Community Police Forum Graduation Class 2014

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department held its first Community Police Forum Graduation Class 2014

From l to r first row: Sophie Riggs, Rev. Paul Schweinler, Carlos Labastilla, Lilleth Bennett, Linda Fadroski, Rivel Dumaine, Torren Pool, Cidoine Dahuramac, Spencer Douglas Jarvis Robinson. From l to r second row: Sgt. Ivory Nelson, Albert McWhite, Robert McKinzie, Sonya Burrows, Ronald Mesia, Stephen Gilbertson, Jason Nurse, Chief Frank Adderley, Commissioner Bobby Dubois, Stephen Stahl, Seth Perlstern, Valentino McFarland, Sheamell Balcazar, LaRhonda Ware and Capt. Reggie Gillis.

The Community Police Forum, formerly known as the Citizens’ Police Academy, was designed to foster an active partnership between the community and the Police Department. Well-informed residents enhance our level of service and are crucial to the success of our community partnership.

The program was very well received by the show of the number of participants, who gave up several nights of personal sacrifice to attend the classes.

Robert McKinzie, resident of Dorsey-Riverbend Neighborhood said it was a show of the outstanding job that the police were doing.  “Job well done by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The forum gives you a true perspective of the community side of policing and I highly recommend the forum to every Fort Lauderdale resident.”

The graduation ceremony was held on June 12 at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Sistrunk Substation located at 1291 Sistrunk Blvd. in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

“Kudos to these fine men and women!!! Great program. More community members should take the program. It will give them a better appreciation for our police department. Also equips individuals to be ambassadors for the Police Department which helps strengthen community relations,” said Sonya Burrows, owner-Burrows Electric Company and resident of Dorsey-Riverbend Neighborhood.

Topics included in the program were: Patrol Operations, Crime Prevention, Internet Investigations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations and much more.

In addition to these subject matters, attendees could participate in an eight-hour ride along with a member o f the Patrol Division, exposing them to real-life experiences.

“The program was very good. I wish that I could get more people to come out,” stated Torren Poole, resident of Dorsey-Riverbend Neighborhood.

Fort Lauderdale resident and real estate developer Jason Robertson, emphasized the need for residents to understand the roll of the police department, “Excellent outreach program! Worthwhile program that allows the community to understand the role that our police department plays in our city.”

“What stood out most, is what the department is doing for and on behalf of the citizens, workers and visitors of Fort Lauderdale.

They (FLPD men and women) all should be personally thanked,” said Rev. Msgr. Paul J. Schweinler, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church.