Dade County Public Schools Police News Media

SWAT

sbcops — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:23:56 +0000

On March 16, 2012, the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (M-DSPD) treated 20 students from Madie Ives Community School and Treasure Island Elementary School to a SWAT (Science With A Twist) event at the Miami Science Museum (MSM). During this field trip, the students were able to see exhibits, planetarium shows, theater presentations, wildlife encounters and related educational programming designed to inspire people of all ages and cultures to enjoy science and technology. This trip to the MSM was an enjoyable and educational day for the students.

The M-DSPD relies on building and developing relationships within the school community, to foster a mutual trust and respect with our students. To that end, we look to identify and collaborate with different venues throughout the community that are willing to host different “Cops and Kids” events. We are extremely pleased to be able to include and expose these students to the MSM, which will contribute to the strengthening of police/youth relations within our school community.

Ride Safe

sbcops — Fri, 11 May 2012 21:50:52 +0000

On Thursday, May 10, 2012, the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (M-DSPD) conducted a Bicycle Safety presentation for students at Caribbean Elementary School. In attendance representing School Board Member, Mr. Carlos Curbelo, was Ms. Jacky Llama. “I appreciate Chief Charles Hurley and the M-DSPD for bringing this important message to the students in our district, I am proud to partner with them in such a valuable project,” stated Mr. Curbelo

The M-DSPD currently has a partnership with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center (FPBSRC). Over the past year, the FPBSRC has provided hundreds of bicycle helmets and safety literature to our Department, for use in presentations to help promote bicycle and pedestrian safety. During the Bicycle Safety presentations, free helmets were provided to students, who were taught how to properly sport this important piece of equipment. Bicycle safety literature was also disseminated, and the students were made aware of the many different safety rules to ride by. By following a few simple practices, they can all have fun on their bikes and stay safe. “Safety extends far beyond the curbsides of our schools. We must ensure our students are safe after the last school bell rings and while they are enjoying the summer,” stated the Chief.

“Bully,” the movie.

sbcops — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:58:23 +0000

On Saturday, April 28, 2012, the United Teachers of Dade hosted an exclusive showing of the documentary film “Bully” at Sunset Place 24 Theater. The movie takes an unflinching look at bullying by bringing the viewer inside the lives of young people who are tormented by bullies. The film tackles a tough subject in a way that can alter the manner in which we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children and society as a whole.

Immediately following the movie, there was a one-hour panel discussion on the topic of bullying. The panel of experts included Miami-Dade Schools Police Department Chief, Charles Hurley; State Senator Oscar Braynon; State Representative Dwight Bullard; Fredrick Ingram, UTD Secretary Treasurer; Suzy Milano, Director, Mental Health & Crisis Management, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS); Trish Ramsey, Melissa Institute; Ruban E. Roberts, M.S.W., Senior Research Assistant, University of Miami; Gepsie M. Metellusr, Executive Director, Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Ctr.

“The issue of bullying is a serious concern for everyone. The School Police have made this a priority over the past 4 years, understanding our role within this arena. We were one of the first police departments in the nation to develop a standard operating procedure on bullying, and to have all of our personnel undergo in-service training,” stated Chief Hurley.

The District is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students. To this end, M-DCPS is dedicated to eradicating bullying and harassment in our schools by providing awareness, prevention and education in promoting a school atmosphere in which bullying, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated by students, school board employees, visitors, or volunteers.

Bicycle Safety

sbcops — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:51:50 +0000

During the month of May, the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (M-DSPD) conducted two presentations on Bicycle Safety for students at Hialeah Miami Lakes K-8 Center and North Hialeah Elementary School. Several high-ranking District officials, including the Honorable School Board Chair, Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman, were in attendance at the presentations. Ms. Hantman is a strong supporter of various programs and events that promote the safety, health and well-being of our students. Ms. Hantman stated, “The safety of our students remains a priority. Together, through innovative programs such as Bicycle Safety, we can educate our students and safeguard them whether at our schools or within the communities.”

The M-DSPD currently has a partnership with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center (FPBSRC). Over the past year, the FPBSRC has provided hundreds of bicycle helmets and safety literature to our Department, for use in presentations to help promote bicycle and pedestrian safety. During the Bicycle Safety presentations, free helmets were provided to students, who were taught how to properly sport this important piece of equipment. Bicycle safety literature was also disseminated, and the students were made aware of the many different safety rules to ride by. By following a few simple practices, they can all have fun on their bikes and stay safe. Chief Charles J. Hurley was joined by other police officials, and participated in the safety lectures. “Safety extends far beyond the curbsides of our schools. We must ensure our students are safe after the last school bell rings and while they are enjoying the summer,” stated the Chief.

K-9 Balto Retires

sbcops — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:10:05 +0000

After eight years of service with the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (M-DSPD) K-9 unit, Canine “Balto” has retired. Balto joined the Department in 2004, and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and City of Miami K-9 School in the area of Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD). Throughout his career, he was assigned to Officer Imtyaz Dad and they conducted many presentations together. They also had the task of sweeping the School Board Auditorium each month before the beginning of every School Board meeting. Balto was a tremendous asset to the M-DSPD and will be greatly missed.

The State of Youth in Miami-Dade County

sbcops — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:01:53 +0000

On April 11, 2012, the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT)/Miami-Dade County Teen Court (M-DCTC), in keeping with their commitment of advocacy, hosted a Youth Forum to address the State of the Youth in Miami-Dade County. The event was held at the City of Miami Springs Theater and featured experts on issues facing our youth on topics including, but not limited to Education, Criminal Justice, Faith, and Employment. The intent of the forum was to capture recommended actions submitted by participants, along with solutions provided by experts, which may include creating legislative policy as an antidote.

The Forum was lead by a panel that provided their perspective on criminal justice, education, and employment. The panel consisted of: Chief Charles Hurley, Miami Dade Schools Police Department; Myria Morgan, South Florida Workforce; Morris Copeland, Juvenile Services Department; and Mark Zaher, Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Chief Hurley stated, “On one hand, we have children that do marvelous things. Children that are going to Ivy League colleges. They are brilliant. They are well spoken, kind and polite. They mind their parents. They are what we all want our children to be. On the other hand, we do have youngsters who are troubled … When you introduce a child into the juvenile justice system you put a label on them. It is our responsibility to shepherd them, love them, care for them and forgive them. To teach them what is right.”

MDEAT also operates M-DCTC, a youth-driven program providing alternative accountability to the juvenile justice system, and helps disrupt the beginning stages of criminal behavior. M-DCTC gives youth and their families a second chance, and provides opportunities to serve the Miami-Dade County community.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/04/22/2753649/commissioner-sosa-holds-forum.html#storylink=cpy

PowerTalk 21

sbcops — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:03:30 +0000

On April 19, 2012, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) held a press conference at Miami Palmetto Sr. High School to help promote the second annual PowerTalk 21® day which is April 21, 2012. This has been designated as the national day for parents to talk with their kids and educate them on the many dangers associated with drinking and driving. MADD wants to equip all parents and caregivers with the tools to help them start this potentially lifesaving conversation.

Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (M-DSPD), Major Gerald Kitchell, spoke on behalf of the department and stated how strongly committed our department is to this effort. “As a long time supporter of MADD and the work they do as an organization to protect our most precious commodity, which is our kids, the M-DSPD has participated in a number of programs over the years designed to protect our students and educate them on the many dangers associated with drinking and driving”, stated Major Kitchell.

MADD and National Presenting Sponsor Nationwide Insurance encourage families to connect on PowerTalk 21 day and encourage parents to start talking with their kids about alcohol , but it’s also a day for parents and other adult role models to realize the power they have in preventing youth from drinking alcohol before age 21.

MADD, along with National Presenting Sponsor Nationwide Insurance, is urging families to get a free Power of Parents, It’s Your Influence™ handbook at www.madd.org/powertalk21.

“One Stop Shop” for Cops

sbcops — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:43:48 +0000

Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County
305.470.1670

FBI
305.944.9101

FDLE
305.470.5500

Florida Abuse Hotline
1.800.962.2873

Kristi House
305.547.6800
http://www.kristihouse.org/contact/contactinformation.html

Miami-Dade County Juvenile Services
305.755.6200

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Bullying Hotline
305.995.CARE

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Citizen Information Center
305.995.1128

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Fingerprinting
305.995.7472

Miami-Dade County Public Schools Mental Health and Crisis Management Services
305.995.7315

Miami-Dade County Services
311

Miami-Dade County Special Victims Bureau
Domestic Crimes Section
305.418.7200
Sexual Crimes Section
305.715.3300
Sexual Predator and Offender Registration
305.715.3333

Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney
305.547.0100

Police Officer Assistance Trust
305.594.6662

Partnering Law Enforcement Department Links
http://police.dadeschools.net/?p=618

Switchboard of Miami
305.358.1640

Charity Raffle

sbcops — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:50:19 +0000

A Good Friday

sbcops — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 18:17:19 +0000

On Friday, April 6, 2012, the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (M-DSPD) took advantage of another Teachers’ Workday to conduct a range of instruction for our personnel while students were out of school. On this day, South Operations conducted safety training, during which I actively participated on the mats with the officers. As this was ongoing, the Department also held shot gun qualifications as we prepare to roll-out the Shot Gun Program. Finally, Report Writing training was conducted for our personnel during roll calls within each operational area.

Knowledge is not only power, it is also one of the greatest resources available to law enforcement. As such, the M-DSPD will continue to take advantage of any opportunity to provide high quality instruction and professional development to our staff. This was indeed a “good” Friday to do just that.