Miami Police Renews "Silence The Violence" Campaign
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It was an appeal for divine intervention where violence prevails. The young, the old, the politicians, community leaders and police officers gathered hand in hand to remember the innocent lives lost and to put a stop to the violence.
City officials want you to know about their renewed commitment to fighting crime and how you can help them do it.
City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones and Mayor Tomas Regalado held a "Silence the Violence" press conference Wednesday morning. One of the first speakers to take the stand was Police Chief Manuel Orosa with the City of Miami "I am committed to trying to alleviate possible in any community especially in this community because it needs it the most too many young people are being shot for no reason at all" said Chief Orosa.
Before dozens of Liberty City residents 10 crosses each one with the name of a victim were placed at the Sherdavia Jenkins Peace Park in Liberty City to honor each child killed by gunfire the youngest victim 27 day old Mauricio Cruz. The names of the victims were also read and nine year old Sherdavia Jenkins who was killed by a stray bullet as she played with her doll outside her home in 2006 was one of the victims remembered. Her parents David and Lisa Jenkins sat in the front row. "It is devastating can't bring these kids back at least you could prevent it stop it before it gets a chance to start" said Lisa Jenkins to CBS 4's Marybel Rodriguez.
Jacqueline Owens was also present her 16 year old son Jacquil was fatally shot on November 27, 2011 in Liberty Square. "I just feel so empty inside it took a lot I go through a lot everyday" said Owens. Jacquil's shooter has yet to be found that is why at the same event officials reintroduced residents to the city-wide HOTSPOTS campaign. The campaign is a partnership between People United to Lead the Struggle for Equality (P.U.L.S.E.) and Miami Police aimed at combating crime and illegal activity in the community. The campaign gives residents the opportunity to report such activity without giving their name.
Cast members from nationally-syndicated crime show The First 48 Hours attended the event.
