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Weston BSO Programs Build Community Partnerships
TO CREATE CLOSER TIES TO THE COMMUNITY THEY serve, deputies from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Weston are parking their patrol cars and socializing at Starbucks or playing pick-up basketball at the park. It’s all part of their ongoing effort to connect with Weston residents and develop strong community partnerships.
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“One of the most fundamental keys to successful law enforcement is the relationship between the police and the communities we serve,” said Deputy Danielle Quinones, Weston BSO Crime Prevention Specialist. “Good police-community relations are imperative for developing trust and building community partnerships.”
Weston BSO has been able to do this through innovative initiatives such as the quarterly Coffee with a Cop event, where residents can socialize with deputies at local coffee shops. The annual Chillin’ with the Cops is another popular program, especially for families. The deputies love to play around and shoot hoops with the kids and treat everyone to snow cones.
Deputy Quinones says she is excited for the brand-new Paw-ty with Olivia event planned for April. “The mission of this free, family fun day is to show our support to our families and friends with disabilities and special needs. We will have a meet and greet with Olivia, our therapy K-9, as well as arts and crafts, sensory activities, and networking.”
The Weston BSO outreach efforts also help build a safer community. For example, Light It Up Weston is a burglary prevention program that brings deputies into different neighborhoods each month to distribute light bulbs and educate homeowners on what they can do help deter crime.
“Community policing not only helps us develop community partnerships, but it also helps us identify and solve problems proactively,” explains Deputy Quinones. “By developing connections within the community, police are better informed and empowered to solve public safety problems.”
To stay up to date on all the community policing programs taking place be sure to follow Weston BSO (@BSOWeston) on Facebook and Twitter.
