AT MARINA VILLAGE EVENT CENTER: Riviera Beach Police Chief Michael Coleman introduces his leadership team to attendees who included the Rev. A. Scott Carter, pastor of Pleasant Heights Baptist Church, and members of the Ambassadors program. Katrina Granger, principal of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, also addressed the audience during the workshop conducted by speaker and educator Dwayne Bryant. PHOTO COURTESY OF SERENA SPATES

Riviera Beach, Fla. – In a step towards enhancing community relations, speaker and educator Dwayne Bryant led a seminar in Riviera Beach, bringing together members of the clergy, law enforcement officers, government officials and community members.

The event at the Riviera Beach Marina Village Event Center aimed to improve trust and build meaningful relationships between the police and the community.

The seminar, titled “The New Conversation Featuring Dwayne Bryant,” was attended by nearly 100 participants, including local pastors, police officers, a city council member, and residents. The diverse group engaged in open and frank dialogue, addressing critical issues and exploring solutions to foster a safer and more cohesive community.

Bryant, known for his dynamic and impactful presentations, emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding.

“Trust is the cornerstone of any strong relationship,” said Bryant, whose efforts have earned him an FBI Community Leadership Award. “By coming together and having these difficult conversations, we can begin to break down barriers and build a foundation of trust and cooperation.”

Throughout the two-hour meeting, Bryant engaged his audience in various role-playing scenarios, some lighthearted and humorous, designed to promote empathy and collaboration.

Police officers enlightened attendees on innovative measures they have deployed to fight crime in the southeast section of the city popularly known as Riviera Beach Heights or Firehouse and along the Broadway Boulevard corridor.

The community policing unit has towed derelict vehicles, done landscaping, pressure washed sidewalks in front of businesses and painted more than 50 homes to help rejuvenate the 37-block area.

“The work we are doing in this community is a testament to our commitment to transforming a neighborhood too often associated with crime and violence into a cleaner and safer environment,” said police Major Gordon, who grew up in the neighborhood and is one of the visionaries behind the effort.

Police Chief Michael Coleman heralded the seminar.

“Mr. Bryant’s infectious energy was both inviting and engaging, and he skillfully included the audience, which was incredibly valuable for our officers and the community,” Coleman said. “It has provided a valuable blueprint for enhancing collaboration and trust between law enforcement and the citizens.”

The Rev. A. Scott Carter, who has served as the pastor of Pleasant Heights Baptist Church the past two years, emphasized the importance of building trust among the clergy, the police department and the city.

“Building trust requires effort from all sides, particularly in overcoming the disconnect between the clergy, the police department, and the city,” he said.

He has been actively addressing this disconnect by providing healthcare and food services to area residents. Additionally, he hosted a breakfast meeting where members of the clergy and the police chief engaged in discussions about these issues.

Carter said he plans to further the efforts after the holidays by collaborating with local ministers to understand the reasons behind their distrust of the police and the city. “When I mention the police or the city, I often receive frowns,” he said.

Community members had the chance to voice their concerns and ask questions directly to law enforcement officials. The transparency and willingness to engage in dialogue were praised by attendees such as Tolanda Ford, a local business owner, who highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering community unity.

“Events like this are crucial in bridging the gap between the police and the community,” said Ford who owns and operates Sweet Life Nutrition. “We need to continue these conversations and work collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of all our residents.”

The success of the seminar has sparked plans for future initiatives to strengthen community-police relations. Bryant and organizing committee members said they are committed to continuing their efforts to promote trust, transparency, and mutual respect.

“This is only the beginning,” Coleman said. “There is so much more work to be done.”