Miami-Dade Police Department Introduces “Pride Vehicle” To Promote Engagement Between Police & Community
The Miami-Dade Police Department in Florida, unveiled its “Pride vehicle” to honor the LGBTQ community and recently announced its ‘Operation Summer Heat’ to crackdown on violent crime in the city.
“The vehicle — which is decorated with the colors of the Pride flag and the words “hope,” “love,” “equality,” “inclusion,” “kindness,” “peace,” and also the phrase “strength through unity” — will be used “to establish a more trusting relationship within our communities,” MDPD Sergeant Orlando Lopez said during the unveiling ceremony reported by NY Daily News.
“What better way to assist in educating the public about Pride and in promoting engagement between law enforcement and the community we serve?,” Lopez stated.
The side of the patrol car included a police awareness ribbon that is supposed to represent the members in the force who are LGBTQ and who also ‘proudly serve all communities across the nation.’
The vehicle’s rear cargo window has an anti-hate logo, while the back has an American flag and two stickers of rainbow-colored hands flashing the peace sign.
“Today, now more than ever, trust and acceptance is the number one virtue of our community without a doubt. We as law enforcement cannot do our job without that. That is the fuel that lifts us.” said MDPD Director Alfredo Ramirez III.
Operation Summer Heat
Community leaders in Miami-Dade are also taking action with the recent violent shootings happening in the city.
“It’s 12 weeks of stepped-up enforcement to combat crime before another major blow-up,” Miami’s CBS Local reported.
“We will be strategically going after those people that are involved in violent acts, gun violence, narcotics, and anything that is an ingredient of violence,” Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez said.
“You’ll see more officers, they are working on overtime, extended shifts into our most vulnerable time. It will be heightened patrol. That also provides a deterrent and makes our community feel safe at night,” Ramirez said.
Director Ramirez is in charge of the operation, which brings together police agencies from around the county to apprehend violent offenders and follow up on tips.
This task force is different from previous, according to Director Ramirez, since it is focusing on a new wave of violence.
“What we’re seeing now is a different type of violence. Now we’re seeing a more brazen type of violence, a more reckless and more targeted,” he said.
“We know if you need it, we will do what we can to protect you. We will continue to do that. People want us to get the killers and guns off the street, and people want to be safe and feel safe right now. To the people of Miami-Dade County, your message is clear. We hear you, but we need you. We need you to step up and be part an essential part of this antiviolence fight,” State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said.
