Hello Lauderhill Family,

In this edition of the Lauderhill Living, I want to take a moment to discuss an issue that has affected everyone around the nation: the troubling rise in gun violence. We are not immune from it. A person only needs to turn the news on, and he or she will see (almost daily) another shooting. Another life ended. Another family forever devastated.

Several experts have analyzed the increase. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly contributed, as we must re-learn social interactions after having been apart for so long. Another factor is the division and lack of discourse among various groups within communities, who each want to be heard but are sometimes unwilling to listen.

Recently it was reported that, for the first half of the year, crime in Florida has dropped by almost 16%. Considering the growth in Florida’s population, this is great news! However, there has been a dramatic increase in homicides compared to last year (nearly 15%), with about 80% involving firearms.

This is completely unacceptable to me! In order to curb this senseless violence, your Lauderhill Police Department has implemented a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue. During the month of June, the City of Lauderhill has hosted several events to discuss what would be necessary to move our community in the right direction and prevent future incidents.

June 3^rd-6^th was Gun Violence Awareness Week, during which other leaders, community members, and I held a virtual forum about gun violence and safety. Our forum brought together several perspectives to discuss this rising trend, how to respond to it, and the effect on families and survivors. We also presented a Kids Gun Safety Awareness Day, an event for LPD officers to visit after-school programs to talk about gun safety. On Saturday, June 5^th, we held the Drive-Thru Gun Exchange for individuals to anonymously surrender firearms. Lastly, we joined with our community faith leaders in a “Pray for Peace” event. This allowed members of our communities to come together, regardless of beliefs, to ask for emotional healing and spiritual guidance.

Please understand we cannot do this alone! I need you. Your community needs you. If you choose to exercise your Second Amendment Right, please do so responsibly. Make sure that your firearms are under your control at all times. Don’t leave your weapon in your car or any other place easily accessible to an intruder, a child, or anyone other than YOU. Firearm thefts and accidents ARE preventable! Please do your part. Educate yourself, educate your family, and have those uncomfortable chats – it may save a life. As always, LPD remains vigilant and dedicated to “protecting our community.”