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Fort Lauderdale’s Community Relations Specialist Bridges the Gap Between Haitian Residents and Police Department

March 13, 2002

Contact:

Alison D. Hibbert, Public Information Specialist (954) 828-4749/alisonh@fortlauderdale.gov

Junia Jeantilus Makes Significant Strides as City’s Creole Connection

Fort Lauderdale – As Fort Lauderdale’s population continues to grow in size and diversity, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) has placed added focus on its Community Support Division to reach out to the City’s growing Haitian community. Just over a year ago, FLPD hired its first Community Relations Specialist to help the City establish and maintain mutual trust by building relationships between police, residents and civic leaders in the Haitian community.

Junia at the Haitian Officers Meeting

Junia Jeantilus, Fort Lauderdale’s Community Relations Specialist, has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to help bridge the language and cultural gap between the residents and police officers. “She has worked on a wide variety of projects that promote understanding and cooperation between police officers and residents,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bruce Roberts.

“Junia Jeantilus has been our diplomat and communicator who brings our department to the residents with the purpose of gaining the community’s trust,” said Chief Roberts. “Junia has made significant strides since coming on board with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. She has earned the respect and admiration of the department and the Haitian community.”

As the City’s Haitian liaison, Jeantilus is responsible for conveying information about programs and services to the Haitian community, coordinating town hall meetings, researching and identifying areas for improvement and training and monitoring the 24-hour Haitian Hotline, which allows residents to voice their concerns about issues in their community.

“Haitian residents in Fort Lauderdale were yearning for someone they could relate to, communicate with and seek guidance from,” said Jeantilus. “Working with Fort Lauderdale’s Haitian-Americans on a daily basis has made me a better person. Each day, I look forward to helping someone understand such things as traffic citations and code violations, things that many people take for granted. I also get great gratification from police officers who call on me to help them at a scene.”

In addition to working with police officers and residents, Jeantilus is the lead coordinator of the Haitian Community Partnership Project, a network made up of the City of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Haitian American Democratic Club, Fort Lauderdale High School, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, Haitian Community Center/Minority Development and Empowerment, Inc., and local homeowner associations and churches. The objective of this group is to expand outreach programs with activities that promote a close, mutually beneficial relationship between the City of Fort Lauderdale and the entire community while boosting interest and increasing participation.

According to Claude Louissaint, associate publisher of the Haitian Times and Haitian community activist, major social barriers between the police and Haitian residents stem from the beliefs about domestic and family issues. “The City of Fort Lauderdale has given the Haitian community a gift, an ambassador, for the people. Junia is knowledgeable of the critical social issues that face the Haitian community on a daily basis,” said Louissaint.

Junia with Officer Roberson

“Junia is the eyes and ears of our community. It took a very long time to find the right person for the job,” said Louissaint. “Members of the Haitian community are less educated and they are afraid of interfacing with government. Junia is educated on both sides of the issues that face the Haitian community on a daily basis. She uses her skills to educate the people by communicating about how our system works.”

Jeantilus, a St. Thomas University graduate, has been called on to assist many City departments in their efforts to reach out to the Haitian community. She has translated at community center grand openings, recorded messages on event hotlines and served as the City’s Haitian delegate at conventions and workshops.

The Haitian Law Enforcement Association, a newly formed organization that promotes and enhances the need of the Haitian community as it pertains to law enforcement, recently appointed Jeantilus as its civilian member. The association consists of law enforcement officers from South Florida police agencies who assist in the advancement and recruitment of police officers of Haitian descent.

“There is a definite need for more Haitians on the police force. I know there are many qualified Haitians in the South Florida area who shy away from law enforcement because of the negative connotations from our homeland. This organization will attempt to change those negative views and recruit more Haitian-Americans to the field,” said Jeantilus. “I am honored to have this opportunity to be a member of the board as a representative of the City of Fort Lauderdale.”

Jeantilus’ newest endeavor is hosting a weekly radio show in Creole to provide information about services, programs and activities in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Callers are urged to call in or contact the City’s 24-hour Haitian hotline for additional information or concerns.

“Our goal is to take a proactive approach to crime prevention and the Community Relations Specialist helps us build that needed trust throughout the community,” said Chief Roberts.

“We recognize the need for cultural awareness on both sides of this issue. Junia has done an outstanding job thus far and as her role evolves, I believe that she will continue to bring our residents and our police officers together.”

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Civilian Employee of the Month

March 2002

Sabrina Harden

The tragic incidents on September 11, 2001 caused the entire nation to remain on high alert. This has been especially true of the Front Desk position in the Police Department lobby. The receptionists have been on increased alert and are observing new rules and regulations recently implemented.

In the early morning hours of January 1, 2002, you were working overtime as the receptionist at the Police Department Lobby Front Desk. While attending to other duties, you increased the volume on the monitor covering the Police Compound east gate next to the confiscation lot. You immediately notified patrol officers of suspicious activities in that area and then continued to monitor the activity while the officers responded to the confiscation lot. The officer notified you that they had 2 suspects in custody. You then informed them that you had observed 3 males subjects climbing the fence. The officers requested the K-9 Unit to respond to the east lot. After a thorough search of the lot, K-9 officers located the third suspect inside the confiscation lot.

Sabrina, your attention to detail and alertness resulted in three suspects being apprehended and charged with numerous felony counts. Please accept my sincere appreciation and gratitude for a job well done!

Bruce G. Roberts
Chief of Police

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Fort Lauderdale Police Department Graduates CIT Officers

On Friday March 1, 2002, Fort Lauderdale Police Department held graduation ceremonies for nineteen police officers that volunteered, were screened, interviewed and selected to become the first Crisis Intervention Team in Broward County. These nineteen officers went through an intense forty-hour training by a faculty of mental health professionals, NAMI family members, consumers and other individuals from the mental health community.

CIT officers are called upon to respond to mental disturbance calls, which present officers face-to-face with complex issues relating to mental illness. CIT officers also perform their regular duties as patrol officers. Officers maintain 24-hour, 7-day week coverage.

NAMI Broward County hosted the graduation together with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Broward Regional Health Planning Council. We were honored to have Major Sam Cochran as our keynote speaker sponsored by the Department of Children and Families. Major Cochran is the CIT coordinator of the CIT program in Memphis, Tennessee, from which all CIT programs are modeled. We were also honored to have as our second speaker the nationally famous Judge Ginger Lerner Wren, Judge of the first mental health court in the country. Other notables in attendance were Jack Moss, District Administrator, Department of Children and Families, District 10, Broward County and Florence Alberque, ADM Program Manager, Department of Children and Families. Captain Drago acting for Major Bob Pusins who was on vacation awarded certificates. Major Cochran awarded CIT pins.

The CIT program will greatly impact emergency mental health care in the city of Fort Lauderdale. Consumers have better choices and better care. NAMI counts CIT as advocates who they can rely on during critical moments. Consumers no longer fall between the cracks. This unique alternative diverts individuals into the mental health system as opposed to jail. Access to care is provided for those who are the least served by the traditional mental health care system.

“CIT is more than just training” coined by the Memphis Police Department¾CIT is a mindset. It develops sensitivity and understanding regarding mental illness through the specialization of CIT officers.

NAMI Broward County says a special thank you to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and all the community partners who joined together with a common goal and who stand committed to the CIT Memphis model that offers safety, understanding and service to the mentally ill and their families.

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L.E.A.C.H. Officer of the Year

March 14, 2002

On March 14, 2002, Detective Rich Love was recognized as the 2001 L.E.A.C.H. OFFICER OF THE YEAR. L.E.A.C.H. stands for Law Enforcement Against Child Harm and is a task force made up of detectives from the tri-county area. Detective Love was the lead detective in many child pornography Internet cases during the past year, most notably the Anthony Gentile case (Broward County Teachers Union President) . Gentile was prosecuted federally and sentenced to 4 years. Detective Love is recognized as and expert in this feild by his peers. It is an award well deserved.

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City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department Donates Bicycles to Charitable Organizations and Needy Families

Bicycle Registration Program Ongoing

March 19, 2002

Contact:

Alison D. Hibbert, Public Information Specialist (954) 828-4749

Mike Rigg (r) inspects a found bicycle

Fort Lauderdale – Over the years, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department has found and impounded thousands of bicycles for various reasons. As the numbers continued to grow, the Department decided to start a bicycle donation program for charitable organizations, schools and needy families.

“We get a request every day for bicycles,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Evidence Supervisor Michael Rigg. “We receive requests from a wide variety of organizations like assisted living shelters, homeowners associations that want to start bicycle patrols and parents who can’t afford to purchase gifts for their children.”

In 2001, police officers impounded 1,460 bicycles, of which 219 were returned to owners and 403 were donated. There are approximately 1,500 bicycles available for donations.

In addition to helping others, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department uses the donation process as an educational tool to boost awareness of the bicycle registration program. Each charitable organization receives literature about the program and is urged to encourage the recipients of the bicycles to register each bicycle.

“City residents who ride a bicycle in Fort Lauderdale need to understand that they must register their bicycle or they face the likelihood of having their property confiscated,” said Rigg.

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission passed City Ordinance #26-183 in June 1997 requiring mandatory bicycle registration for all residents of the city and an optional registration for non-residents who ride their bicycles in the city. The $1 registration fee and proof of ownership or photo identification provides the bicycle owner with a decal that they attach to the bicycle. The serial number and owner’s information is then entered into a database.

Bicycle registrations take place at the following locations:

• Snyder Park, 2800 S.W. 8th Avenue, (954) 828-1585
  Wednesday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  Please call to make an appointment
• Community Support Division, 1113 E. Sunrise Boulevard
  Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• City Marina, Dockmaster’s Office, 2 S.E. New River Drive, (954) 828-5423
  Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Organizations may place requests for bicycle donations by contacting Fort Lauderdale Police Evidence Supervisor Michael Rigg at (954) 828-5445.

For more information about bicycle registration, please call (954) 463-BIKE or (954) 828-6400.

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OFFICERS OF THE MONTH

APRIL 2002

DETECTIVE CHERYL DONISI
AND
DETECTIVE JACK GEE

Acting on information received from concerned citizens and intelligence generated from the Burglary Unit, you initiated an investigation into the activities at the Sistrunk Meat Market. The information indicated that the various clerks and owner of the Sistrunk Meat Market were purchasing stolen property, but only from subjects known to them.

You developed a reliable confidential informant to assist in the investigation. Additionally, you enlisted the assistance of several state law enforcement agencies and private businesses in an attempt to “sting” the suspects at this business. You were able to make several transactions that were audio and video taped. These transactions allowed you to obtain a Search Warrant for the business that was executed in October 2001. The search resulted in the discovery and seizure of stolen property that had been sold to the business during your undercover operation. You also recovered property that had been shoplifted from various area businesses along with a shotgun that the serial numbers had been obliterated. As a result, five subjects were taken into custody and charged with various felonies and an outlet for receiving stolen property was curtailed.

You displayed tenacity, imagination and professionalism during this investigation and you are to be commended for a job well done.

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HONORABLE MENTION

APRIL 2002

DETECTIVE NATE JACKSON

In April 2000, you developed a plan, which focused on introducing the “Speech Craft” concept in two local elementary schools. The program was titled “Alternative Intervention Methods to Help Improve Grades and Hopes” (AIM HIGH). You gathered support from school officials, community groups, local churches and police department staff. You overcame numerous obstacles, including where to obtain funding and other resources to put AIM HIGH into operation. January 2001, AIM HIGH was implemented at North Fork and Sunland Park Elementary Schools. An instructor was hired that focused on the first phase of Speech Craft, which enhanced the student’s writing skills, speaking ability, self-esteem, confidence and scholastic achievement, all in an effort to develop leadership and communication skills. June 2001, twenty-five students graduated from AIM HIGH. The program met with rave reviews from school administrators. At the start of the next school year, four more schools implemented AIM HIGH into their curriculum. Through your efforts and tenacity you have made our community a better place for our future leaders. You exemplify the true philosophy of Community Policing and are to be commended for a job well done.

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FOCUS ON FORT LAUDERDALE - POLICE STORIES

Focus On Fort Lauderdale is a periodical published by the City of Fort Lauderdale. The following stories are reprinted from Focus On Fort Lauderdale.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department has implemented a new community service program that provides bicycles to charitable organizations, schools and needy families.

"We receive at least one request per day for free bicycles," said Fort Lauderdale Police Evidence Supervisor Michael Rigg. "The requests surface from a wide variety of organizations including assisted living shelters, homeowners associations that want to start bicycle patrols and parents who can not afford to purchase gifts for their children. This is an innovative way to keep the wheels spinning in our community by providing bicycles for those who need them, but can’t afford them."

In 2001, police officers impounded 1,460 bicycles, of which 219 were returned to owners and 403 were donated. There are approximately 1,500 bicycles available for donations. Organizations may place requests for bicycle donations by contacting Rigg at (954) 828-5445.

"City residents must note that it is a city requirement to register all bicycles. Non-registered bicycles missing the proper decal identification face the likelihood of having the property confiscated," said Rigg.

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission passed City Ordinance #26-183 in June 1997 requiring mandatory bicycle registration for all residents of the city and an optional registration for non-residents who ride their bicycles in the city. The $1 registration fee and proof of ownership or photo identification provides the bicycle owner with a decal that he or she can attach to the bicycle.

The serial number and owner's information is then entered into a database. The bicycle registration program is designed to assist investigators with returning stolen or lost bikes to their rightful owners. For more information about bicycle registration, call (954) 463-BIKE and (954) 828-6400.

You can register your bicycle at the following locations:

• Snyder Park, 2800 S.W. 8th Ave, Wednesday and Sunday from 10 am to 1 p.m.
  Please make an appointment, by calling (954) 828-4585.
• Community Support Division, 1113 E. Sunrise Boulevard;
  Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department Community Support Division (CSD) offers citizens a variety of tools and resources to promote a safe community. A full curriculum of ongoing classes, programs and services are available at the CSD office, located at 1113 E. Sunrise Blvd. Following is a list of upcoming forums, ongoing training programs and services.

Addressing Identity Theft

Identity theft continues to rise. Using a variety of methods, criminals steal credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, social security numbers, ATM cards and pin codes and other key pieces of individual identities. To combat this crime, the Police Department will host an ID Theft Workshop April 22, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The workshop, presented by Crime Prevention Unit Detective Nate Jackson, will address identity theft and the criminals behind the violation, how victims are targeted, how criminals gain access to personal and company information. For additional information or to attend the class, call (954) 828-6428.

Landlord/Tenant Training

Date: April 17 and May 15; Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Topics include keeping illegal activity out of your property, screening applicants, the Federal Fair Housing Act, Section 8 Housing and more. For more information or to register, please call (954) 828-6428.

Auto Theft Prevention

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department offers free auto theft deterrent - VIN etching (Vehicle Identification Number). Vin etching involves identifying all of the windows of your car with the car’s identification number. The next Vin Etching, Club and Cat sticker giveaway will be on April 20 at the Coral Ridge Mall 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Coral Ridge Mall is located at 3200 N. Federal Highway. For more information, please contact Detective Ed Robinson at (954) 828-5519.

License Plate Theft Prevention

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department is distributing 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. While supplies last, these tools are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free. For more information, please call Alesia Cappuzzello, Project Director, at (954) 828-6433.

Buckle Up Fort Lauderdale

Buckle Up Fort Lauderdale, it's the law. During May 25th - June 2nd, Florida's law enforcement will be on the lookout for adults and children who are not buckled up. The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department requests that you not put yourself or your family at needless risk of death, injury or receiving a citation. Wearing a safety belt is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and your children in a traffic accident. Buckle Up Florida is a Department of Transportation program that works with the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department and other law enforcement agencies statewide to increase safety belt usage in Florida.

City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department officials have mapped out a traffic plan designed to help motorists sail swiftly along streets while 2002 McDonald's Air & Sea Show soars along Fort Lauderdale Beach May 4 and 5. The show will extend along the beach, from Las Olas Boulevard to Oakland Park Boulevard. Prior to the event, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department will release advisories to aid spectators in making their commuting arrangements more efficient and safe. Here are some travel tips:

Street Closures To Keep In Mind

A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard) will be closed to vehicular traffic at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, from Sunrise Boulevard to the 1100 block of A1A and will reopen Monday night, May 6, at 11:59 p.m. A1A will be closed to vehicular traffic between Bayshore Drive and NE 19th Street during show hours.

Sunrise Boulevard will be closed to traffic between Bayview Drive and A1A during show hours. Vehicle access to the beach will be limited and can only be made by way of 17th Street Causeway, East Las Olas Boulevard or East Oakland Park Boulevard. No eastbound traffic will be permitted on Sunrise Boulevard east of the Gateway intersection from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Traffic will be diverted north on US 1 at the Gateway intersection. This will expedite exiting of the beach following the show. All businesses in the areas affected by the traffic restrictions will be open during their normal business hours throughout the weekend.

Access For Residents and Business Employees

Vehicle passes will be issued to those individuals who live or work within the restricted areas and will allow them through various checkpoints.

Spectators who choose to drive to the beach during show hours will be limited to the use of 17th Street Causeway, East Las Olas Boulevard and East Oakland Park Boulevard. Parking on the beach will be limited and the parking lots are expected to fill early. No bicycles, skateboards, or pets will be permitted. Arrangements are being made for continuous park and shuttle ride services. In the weeks leading to the show, traffic advisories will be available. There will be boating advisories indicating safety zones along the stretch of the show. For more information, visit the Air & Sea Show website at www.airseashow.com or call the hotline at (954) 527-5600.

Open Container Ordinance Observed

Open containers will not be permitted on the beach or streets except in designated areas marked specifically for alcohol purchase and consumption. Spectators who do not comply risk possible arrest for non-compliance of a City ordinance.

The City Fort Lauderdale Police Department will host a Comedy Showcase, which is open to the public, to benefit the Bryant Peney Scholarship and the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) fund. A 600-ticket goal has been set for this year’s fundraiser. Proceeds from this year’s COPS fund will benefit the survivors of September 11 officers killed in the terrorist attack. The Police Officer Association Comedy Showcase will take place April 13 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., at the POA Hall located at 4500 S.W. 13th St. Three national headliners will take the stage: Frank Santorelli of the IMPROV and the HBO hit Sopranos; Katie Grady from the Comedy Network; and M.C. Ken “Viper” Rogerson, a regular on the David Letterman & Conan O’Brien shows. Tickets are $20 per person and includes one free drink. Tickets can be purchased at the CSD office located at 1113 East Sunrise Blvd. Cash is the preferred payment method. For ticket s and information, contact Alesia Cappuzzello at (954) 828-6433.

The Fort Lauderdale Fraternal Order of Police recently selected the 2001 Officers of the Year and FOP Member of the Year.

Officer Sam Bryant, a 15-year veteran of the Fort Lauderdale agency, and Robert Norvis, employed with the force since 2001, were recognized for their bravery and valor in a shooting that occurred in September of 2000. Both Officers were injured during the incident.

Sgt. Larry Abrams, a 22 year veteran of the police department, is the recipient of the 2001 FOP Member of the Year Award. Sgt. Abrams has been associated with the Concerns of Police Survivors and has concentrated his efforts on the childrens of police officers killed in the line of duty. The COPS organization is a national support group dedicated to assisting the families of police officers killed in the line of duty. Sgt. Abrams has volunteered his time assisting in individual and group counseling during National Police Week in Washington D.C. each year held in May.

The City Fort Lauderdale Police Department has partnered with the Special Olympics in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

This grass-roots fund raising program unites law enforcement, Special Olympics, and members of the community in one event.

On April 16, law enforcement officers throughout Florida will raise funds for Special Olympics by guiding the torch throughout the state until it reaches its final destination - the 2002 Spring Games in Tampa on April 26, 2002.

Nearly 50 sworn City officers will participate by running a 12-mile leg expected to commence at 10:10 a.m. from the intersection of US-1 and Eller Drive, located just north of Griffin Road. The route will will head north on U.S.1 to 17th Street, turn east toward the beach, cross the 17th Street Intracoastal Bridge to A-1- A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard). At this point, the route will resume north on A-1-A to Sunrise Boulevard where it will head west to the Gateway intersection of U.S-1 and Sunrise Boulevard. From this point it will resume north on U.S.-1 until it reaches McNabb Road where officers will then pass the torch to the corresponding agency.

Citizens are encouraged to cheer for their officer along the marked route. To make a donation, please call Sgt. Mark Furdon at (954) 828-5396 or Major Mary Schertler at (954) 828-5479.

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Promotions

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department wants to take this opportunity to proudly announce its most recent promotions, which will take effect on March 31, 2002. Victor M. London and Michael A. DiMaggio will be promoted to the rank of sergeant, and Sergeant Stephen E. Kinsey will be promoted to the rank of captain.

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