Miami Gardens — At the invitation of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Wifredo “Willy” Ferrer, Assistant State Attorney David Maer, Miami Gardens Police Chief Matthew Boyd and Chief Juan Santana of the Miami-Dade Police recently unveiled their strategy to target crime in District 1.
Clergy, crime watch leaders and elected officials listened as law enforcement officers laid out a blueprint that explained crime-fighting efforts at the federal, state and local levels.
“I am fed up with the shootings, not only in my district, but throughout the entire county,” said Commissioner Jordan.
“The elderly are afraid to come outside of their homes and children don’t feel safe in their own neighborhoods. The complaints of people living in a state of fear prompted me to do something.”
In December 2011, Commissioner Jordan enlisted the support of the U.S. attorney, Miami-Dade state attorney, Miami-Dade police and the Miami Gardens police chief.
Each agency agreed to strategically address the violent crime issue within their jurisdiction.
Officials said the Oct. 10 meeting was an opportunity to inform community leaders of the collaborative efforts in place to reduce and eradicate the assaults from gangs and career criminals.
“One of the issues that we’ve got to address is the “cone of silence” that our residents self-impose when they witness violent crimes,” said Commissioner Jordan. "We can’t expect law enforcement to clean up the streets alone. Our residents have got to step to the plate and report the people who are committing illegal acts and violent crimes.”
No Comment