December 3, 2011 Sheriff Stuby and Manatee County Sheriff Department sponsored a BBQ for the Washington Park, Washington Garden, Lake Park, Apollo Park area was a great event and time to have our neighbors to voice their concerns about violence, robberies and bullying. The question is constantly being asked: How can we better our community and what can we do to stop the violence, bullying and gang related incidents from happening?
We were introduced to our community deputies and thanked them for doing a great job. However, our young people have voiced their opinions and are requesting that we have more black officers be placed into our community. "The reason for this is that they feel that there are times when there is a language barrier between the white officers and blacks. Sometimes the white officers are down to earth and do understand and there are times they don't really understand the way we express ourselves. They misinterpret what is being said and this can lead up to being arrested and vice versa."
We want our neighborhood to be a safe and loving environment for our children. A place where they can enjoy their childhood and not grow up too fast.
What do you think will be the solution to the above issues?
