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New Homeland Security Website Introduced

WWW.Ready.Gov Aims To Strengthen National Security, Citizen Preparedness

The Department of Homeland Security has unveiled a new website, www.Ready.Gov aimed at helping American families be better prepared for unlikely emergency scenarios.

“All Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during an attack,” said City of Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bruce Roberts. “While there is no way to predict what will happen, or what your personal circumstances will be, there are simple things you can do now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.”

Much of the information being distributed is not new. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s "Are You Ready?" booklet has been available for a decade, and has been updated in the last few months to account for new realities. The American Red Cross has long provided emergency and preparedness information, even helping communities make emergency kits.

However, www.Ready.gov makes all the information available in one place. Website information details how people should respond before and after various types of terrorist strikes, with sections on such topics as “Make an Emergency Kit,” Basic Survival Needs,” “Creating a Family Plan,” “Deciding to Stay or Go,” “At Work and School,” “In a Moving Vehicle” and “In a High-Rise Building.”

The site has been in development for more than a year, and it has been tested by focus groups in Baltimore and New York City.

While the site provides information for citizens, it does not provide "alerts" in the event of a threat. That information would come from other agencies, such as the FEMA and your local law enforcement agencies.

Originally published in the April/May 2003 edition of "Focus On Fort Lauderdale"

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Support Your Officers During Special Olympics Torch Run

The City Fort Lauderdale Police Department has partnered with the Special Olympics in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Tuesday, April 15.

This grass-roots fund raising program unites law enforcement, Special Olympics, and members of the community in one event. On April 15, law enforcement officers throughout Florida will raise funds for Special Olympics by guiding the torch through the state until it reaches its final destination. In 2002, this international program helped raise $20.5 million to support Special Olympics programs.

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 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 proceed 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 go north on U.S.-1 until it reaches McNab Road where officers will then pass the torch to the corresponding agency.

Citizens are encouraged to cheer their officer along the marked route. Various sponsorship opportunities are available - sponsor a runner "adopt a Cop" for $50, or be a "supporter" for $25. Various levels of corporate sponsorships are available from $100 to $2,500. To make a donation, please call Major Mary Schertler at (954) 828-5479, or Broward County Special Olympics Coordinator Linda Mills at (954) 486-7464.

Originally published in the April/May 2003 edition of "Focus On Fort Lauderdale"

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Haitian Outreach Workshops Planned

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Haitian Outreach Program has implemented a series of crime prevention workshops for the Haitian community.

The Haitian Refugee Victimization Grant, awarded by The Florida Department of Children and Families --Office of Refugee Services is sponsoring these workshops. Members of the Haitian community will have the opportunity to listen to presentations on topics such as crime prevention techniques and code enforcement as well as answer questions from the community regarding neighborhood issues. Attendees also receive pertinent information that serves as a learning tool in acclimating to the community and the American way of life. Currently, workshops are held at locations including Fort Lauderdale High School, Northside Elementary School and Devine Mercy Catholic Church. During these workshops, Creole-speaking staff members are available to serve as translators. The Code Enforcement team has conducted the most recent workshops.

For a schedule of upcoming workshops and dates, call the Haitian Hotline at (954) 828-3336.

Originally published in the April/May 2003 edition of "Focus On Fort Lauderdale"

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Robbery/Murder Subjects Arrested

April 10, 2003

Two people were accosted in the 1200 block of Bayview Drive when they exited a city bus. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victims, took their property and fled. Officer Edgar Cruz spotted two subjects on bicycles a short time later on Sunrise Boulevard at Gateway and gave chase. One of the subjects was a robber. He dropped his weapon, which was retrieved, and was apprehended by Officer Cruz. One of our canines successfully tracked the second subject. Both males were taken into custody without further incident.

Detective Jack Dicristofalo was working General Duty Investigations and interviewed both the subjects at Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The suspects gave false information regarding their identification.

The investigating detectives finally revealed the two subjects true identities and also discovered they were wanted for homicide in the Carolinas. That murder occurred during a drug rip-off.

The victims subsequently positively identified the robber. The second suspect did not participate in the robbery.

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