As the streets of South Florida continue to be plagued by gangs and gun violence, a community resilience forum was held to discuss ways to combat the issue and support community initiatives. The forum, hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, brought together members of law enforcement, concerned citizens, and local leaders to discuss the importance of citizen and law enforcement collaboration in preventing and combating crime.
The forum was attended by Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami-Dade County State Attorney, Ari Sharpira, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, Juan Perez, Acting Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), Rodolfo Llanes, Chief, City of Miami Police Department, and Kareem Shora, Senior Policy Advisor and Chief of Community Engagement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to combat internal and external national security threats, violent crime, firearms trafficking, gangs, illegal firearms purchases, gun violence, hate crimes, and acts of intimidation. It is the duty of all law enforcement personnel to protect the community from danger. Community policing is an avenue by which law enforcement can work toward crime prevention and detection, but it requires community collaboration.
Community members must report criminal activity to law enforcement, take a stance against violence and illegal gun possession, and protect themselves from potential harm by strengthening the security of their person, residence, and places of worship. A community’s resilience depends on the fused forces of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and the voices of our citizens.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will host future community resilience forums to continue the important dialogue and allow for substantive problem-solving sessions. Mr. Ferrer commends the collective efforts of the State Attorney’s Office, FBI, ATF, MDPD, City of Miami Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, concerned citizens, and local leaders to combat criminal conduct and support the resilience of our communities.
Residents of South Florida are urged to take an active role in preventing and combating crime. By working together, we can create safer and more resilient communities. To learn more about the partnership to combat violence and support community initiatives, please contact (305) 961-9134 or visit usafls.vrp@usdoj.gov.
The forum was a step in the right direction, but it is just the beginning. It will take continued effort and collaboration from all parties involved to make a meaningful impact and reduce the crime rate in South Florida.
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Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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