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As apart of our Haitian Outreach efforts the Fort Lauderdale Police Department is mandating Haitian Cultural Awareness Training for Officers and Civilian employees. Officer Michael Stitt, who is of Haitian descent, teaches the two-hour course. In his presentation he disvalues stereotypes and misconceptions that do not accurately portray Haitian people or their culture. Through this course officers are able to gain a better understanding of Haitian culture and norms. To better facilitate communication with the Haitian Community, Officer Stitt also provided Creole translation for commonly used words, such as hello, good-bye, and are you okay?

Community Relations Specialist Junia Jeantilus, along with her assistant, Maria Elbreisus are currently working on a Creole Pocket Translation Card for Officers. On this card officers are provided with a compact cheat sheet to assist them when interacting with persons of Haitian descent, who may not have a full understanding or command of the English language. They have also created a Haitian Information Packet, which contains valuable information for our Haitian Community members pertaining to driver licenses, schools, churches, courts, resources, etc.

PSAs Terry Bryant and Laura Todaro were invited to attend the promotional ceremony of Boy Scout Joseph Sanders of Troop 175 promotion to Eagle Scout.

To achieve this title, Joseph had to complete over a hundred different assignments. One of the assignments was collect stuffed toys for children involved in traumatic incidents. Joseph collected over 400 toys and distributed them to various police departments.

On behalf of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department we would all like to say to Joseph, “Congratulations on a job well done!”

PERSONNEL

On Friday, November 22, Officers from Components I and III, with the assistance of State Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Agent Mike Fraher, conducted an undercover operation to combat the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. We visited 24 stores in the southern part of the city and made eight arrests. The arrests were the result of store clerks selling alcohol or tobacco products to minors. We will continue to conduct other operations of this nature in the future. If you know of a convenience store or gas station that sells alcohol or tobacco to minors, please call us at (954) 828-6416 and give the name and address of the violators.

Component One Officers assisted the Special Investigations Division with a P.E.T. (Prostitution Enforcement Team) operation on November 22nd. The operation was part of SID’s on-going efforts to combat prostitution in the city. The operation resulted with five arrests for prostitution related offenses. We will continue to support SID’s PET operations in the future.

Component I Officers, along with District II Patrol and SID, continued to work the 13th Street Action Plan. The following are some of the statistics contributed by Component One Officers: 15 traffic citations, eight bicycle citations, seven bicycles were seized, six arrests, 16 investigative stops, and one trespass affidavit was updated.

Component I Officers noted a decrease in the number of drug dealers working the Middle River Terrace area on bicycles and contributes this reduction to their high visibility, and enforcement of the City’s Bicycle Registration Ordinance.

Officer Martinez participated in four community related events in the Middle River Terrace area. These events are the weekly bicycle rides on Wednesday nights and the weekly crime walks on Friday nights. Both events begin in Middle River Terrace Park. The bike ride starts at 8:00p.m. and the walks start at 7:30p.m. For more information, contact Cindy Smith at (954) 728-9290.

During the past several months, Lake Ridge has been experiencing major changes in the neighborhood. Castle’s Auto Care was torn down to make way for the expansion of the shopping center at East Sunrise Boulevard and Northeast 15th Avenue. The Livingston Manor is now vacant and is being prepared for demolition. We can’t overlook that the town homes in the 1200 block of North Victoria Park Road are almost completed. Along with all the new improvements, the area has seen a decrease in the level of street crime. The level of pedestrian and bicycle traffic along Northeast 11th Street is practically non-existent. Although Sunrise Boulevard is still experiencing some problems, Component I Officers are working hard to address them.

While street crime is decreasing in the Lake Ridge area, Officer Feldewert has noticed an increase in traffic violations. He has issued citations to area residents primarily for running stop signs and speeding. Please remind everyone to drive with care and obey all traffic laws.

Officer Feldewert met with Rixon Rafter, the president of Lake Ridge Homeowners’ Association, and discussed the possibility of putting the Home Safety Tips brochure in their neighborhood newsletter. Rixon was able to meet with the publisher and the pamphlet was included in last month’s newsletter. The pamphlet has valuable tips for home safety. We recommend that you read this pamphlet and use the tips to make your home safe.

Officer Fontalvo continues to work with District II Patrol Officer Mario Diaz on problems in the area. Once again, the main concern expressed by the Flagler Heights residents, are pedestrian traffic and drug dealing in the area of the Swiss Village Apartments. Officer Fontalvo requested the assistance of Detective John Liguori of the Special Investigations Division. Detective Liguori is in the process of bringing this property before the Nuisance Abatement Board. Detective Liguori, Officer Diaz, and Officer Fontalvo met with the property owner on November 21st. The meeting resulted with 10 tenants are being slated for eviction. The owner has retained a tow company to ensure abandoned vehicles are removed and has hired a Police detail to eliminate the heavy flow of pedestrian traffic. These Officers will continue to monitor the activity in this area and will take enforcement when necessary.

Officer Fontalvo continues to deal with prostitutes and undesirable pedestrian traffic in the area between 600 and the 900 block of Northeast 5th Terrace. Several investigative stops have identified people in the area that are responsible for illegal activities. Officer Fontalvo has forwarded his findings to officers on all three shifts and the Street Narcotics Unit.

PERSONNEL

Sergeant Harvey Jacques 828-6412 South Middle River Officer Brian Kaplan 828-6404 Sailboat Bend Officer Jamie Costas 828-6405 Dorsey Riverbend Officer Rosalind Wilson 828-6405 Durrs Vacant 828-6409 PSA Pati Dube 828-6402 Crime Prevention Detective Nate Jackson 828-6422

Component II Officers are currently assigned to the District II Robbery Action Plan.

PSAs Laura Todaro and Pati Dube escorted Boy Scout Troops into several clean-up areas downtown, which included Las Olas and the Riverwalk.

Officers Brian Kaplan and Rosalind Wilson escorted other Boy Scout Troops to their clean up areas Northwest Fort Lauderdale. Litter and recyclables materials were collected and separated.

The participating Boy Scouts ended the day with a pizza party at the Broward County Public Library.

PSAs Laura Todaro and Pati Dube assisted the First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, 301 East Broward Boulevard with their annual Feast of Plenty. Along with setting up tables and preparing the area for this event, they gave away coloring books and stickers to kids and fingerprint ID kits to parents.

PERSONNEL

Sergeant Mike DiMaggio 828-6430 Patrol Officers Shady Banks River Oaks Edgewood Officer Wayne Swenson 828-6407 Sunset Civic Melrose Manors Officer Darren Ogden 828-6403 Riverside Park Croissant Park Officer Darren Ogden 828-6409 Riverland Poinciana Park Officer Sal Vasi 828-6409   PSA Laura Todaro 828-6402   Narcotics K-9 Officer Jon Appel Narcotics K-9 "Iris" 828-6415 Officer Paul Ostrikis Narcotics K-9 "Kelly" 828-6415     Alarm Specialist Evelyn Moran 828-5476

On November 9, 2002 PSA Teresa Bryant, Officers Darren Ogden and Sal Vasi attended a Safety Day event at Bethany Christian School, 615 Southeast 9th Street. PSA Terry Bryant demonstrated bicycle safety, stranger awareness, Internet safety and the proper use of the emergency number 911. Officers Ogden and Vasi registered over a dozen bicycles and answered police related questions from the students.

We would like to recognize Clement Minnis Jr. and Steven Yates, the new property owners of 640 and 624 Southwest 16th Avenue. As you may remember these three apartment buildings were shut down by the City for numerous code violations. They stood vacant for over a year and the new property owners have made tremendous strides in revitalizing this area. All of the properties have been renovated with new architecture, doors, windows, and lighting. Recently we noted that the swale, which neighbors Stranahan High School, was littered with debris, which tends to multiply. The debris was removed. We encourage residents to notify Component III Officers if such a problem arises so we can adequately address it in a timely manner.

Due to an increase of residential and vehicle burglaries, increased patrol was initiated in the Riverside Park area. We encourage residents to keep their vehicles and residences secured when unattended and report suspicious activity as soon as possible. Several leads are currently being followed up. Suspects’ names and addresses are currently being withheld pending further investigation.

Twelve vehicles were red tagged in the Riverside Park area for various code violations and all of the vehicles owners complied.

As we have discussed in a previous newsletter, the vacant lot on the northeast corner of State Road 7 and Davie Boulevard, the original signs that stated “No Parking Anytime” have been replaced with signs stating “No Parking Tow Away Zone.” This is a significant step in allowing officers to address private unlicensed vendors putting vehicles on the lot for sale. These vehicles in the past were issued notices to be removed after a certain number of days. Many of the violators took advantage of the process, which allowed them to leave their cars in the lot over an extended period. With the new signs the vehicle owners are immediately notified, which allows officers to take necessary steps in eradicating this behavior.

Ten vehicles were red tagged in the Sunset area for various code violations. One of the vehicles was being towed for non-compliance.

The action plan to clean up the 3000 block of West Broward Boulevard was completed. There were only two arrests made and the property has been maintained since the cleanup. The parking violations and trespassers have been eliminated. Our patrol officers on all shifts have been instrumental in assisting with this clean up.

In response to community complaints on the residence at Southwest 12th Court, the code team is investigating the issues. The owner has received daily fines reaching in excess of $50,000. As the case comes to conclusion information will be provided to residents.

Fifteen vehicles were red tagged in the Riverland area and all of the owners complied.

PERSONNEL

Sergeant Anthony Williams 828-6420 Sunrise Middle Officer Robert Bolden 828-6408 Officer Art Jones 828-6408 Dillard High Officer Jeff Alexander 797-4800 Fort Lauderdale High Officer Charles Livingston 765-6921 Stranahan High Officer Dennis Nelson 765-6893 JAM Project Officer Pete Balcunas 847-3434 D.A.R.E. Officer Mary Gillis 828-6408 D.A.R.E. Officer Clay Barrett 828-6408 D.A.R.E. Officer Duval Madrigal 828-6408 D.A.R.E. Officer Rick Temple 828-6408 D.A.R.E. Officer Ivory Nelson 828-6408 Truancy Unit Officer Bill Jacobsen 828-6400 New River Middle Officer Mike Tucker 828-6408

PSAs Laura Todaro and Pati Dube along with Citizen On Patrol volunteer Ron Laffey attended a Kids Safety Day at Virginia Young Elementary School 1101 East Broward Boulevard. Parents were given kids fingerprint I.D. kits, along with instructions on how to use them. Students received coloring books and activity books, that covered many child safety issues including Stranger Danger, Bicycle and Home Safety.

PSA Laura Todaro attended a group meeting of several City of Fort Lauderdale Boy Scout Troops. The event was held at the 2nd Presbyterian Church, 1400 North Federal Highway. PSA Todaro gave an instructional speech to the troops how to deal with strangers and preventative measures to keep themselves safe. PSA Todaro also showed safety videos and gave the troops an opportunity to ask questions regarding the subject matter. Coloring books, crayons and police trading cards were also passed out at the event.

If you want a code inspector to investigate an illegal dumping site or a bulk trash violation, please call Community Inspections at 828-5207. To address trash on City property, or to find out what your bulk trash pick up days are, you can call the City of Fort Lauderdale Public Services Department at 828-8000. Please help us to keep Fort Lauderdale clean!

To report a problem area in your neighborhood, send the following info to the Community Support Division. Remember, be specific with the information that you provide so that we may take the appropriate actions. Send info to: Community Support Division, 533 NE 13th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Or e-mail us with the following information:

Address:
Business Name(& Type):
Problem Observed:
Date:

PSAs Bryant and Blackmon are assisting Code Enforcement in their efforts to reduce the number of derelict vehicle violations throughout the City. These are quality-of-life issues which devalue the neighborhood as well as present safety hazards.

To report graffiti, contact the graffiti hotline at 828-6402. Or, click here to send an e-mail to PSA Teresa Bryant.

Bicycles can be registered at the following locations:

Community Support Division Center 533 NE 13th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Snyder Park 2800 S.W. 8th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 Wednesday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. By appointment only! Please call first 954-828-4585

Contact PSA Bryant if you would like to schedule bicycle registrations during a community event.

Call 463-BIKE for more information.

Demonstration Center
Project Director Alesia Russell (954) 828-6433
Training Coordinator Rosa Vazquez (954) 828-6428	Community Information Specialist Blanca Alvarez (954) 828-6429
Volunteer Coordinator (954) 828-6432	Records Clerk Treciann Collman (954) 828-6431

The Community Support Center offers various events such as workshops, training classes and community forums. The Center is also available to the community as a meeting place. Some of the courses that are offered to civilians and law enforcement personnel are outlined below.

Community Calendar

License Plate Theft Prevention Program, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while supplies last, at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Community Support Division, 533 Northeast 13th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is distributing, free of charge, special screws that are created to prevent the theft of license plates. The screws are affixed with a regular screwdriver, but can only be removed with a special tool held by the Police Department. For information, call 954-828-6400.

Landlord/Tenant Training, Wednesday, January 15, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Community Support Division, 533 Northeast 13th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Topics include keeping illegal activity out of your property, screening applicants, the Federal Fair Housing Act, Section 8 Housing and more. Certificates of attendance will be issued upon completion of the course. The workshop is open to all interested. Captain Kiley and Sergeant Kridos of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will be presenting the class. Call (954) 828-6428 for more information and to register.

19th Community Police Academy, Wednesdays, February 19 – May 21, 2002, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This 14-week program is offered to residents of the City of Fort Lauderdale, civic and government organizations members. The academy is designed to foster active partnership with the community. Topics addressed include Community Policing, Officer Selection/Recruiting, Drug Enforcement, Special Investigations, Range/Firearms, Detention Tour, Communications and more. In addition to the scheduled classes, an eight-hour “ride along” with Patrol Officers will be made available to the attendees. For more information and for applications please call (954) 828-6432. You may also download an application from the Fort Lauderdale Police website at: http://www.ci.ftlaud.fl.us/police/cpa.html.

***ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE OF CHARGE***

Briefing Room