Miami

‘We'll Protect You': Police Agencies Reintroducing Themselves

Police departments all over South Florida know the perception of them right now is not in their favor, but those same agencies are doing what they can to reintroduce themselves to the public.

"It's a real interesting time in American policing. We've been under a lot of scrutiny," said Chief Dan Oates with Miami Beach Police.

On Wednesday, Miami Beach Police gave NBC 6 exclusive academy access to its class for citizens. It's open to the public and was created to educate and build relationships.

NBC 6 will participate in the three-month course, which is in the 57th session. 1,200 people have already graduated from it.

"For the next two weeks you're going to have unprecedented access to the Miami Beach Police Department. We're going to take you through our shooting range, going to see a marine patrol in action, even test drive one of our police vehicles," said Officer Ernesto Rodriguez with MBPD.

In the last nine days, eight officers have been attacked. The academy is just one method police are using to reintroduce themselves to the public.

In Miami-Dade on Wednesday, a ceremony was held to remember law enforcement who lost their lives in the line of duty. 138 shirts were on display for the 138 officers killed.

"There is no doubt people have declared war on police and we have to fight back, and we'll do it by ourselves or help of the community," said John Rivera with PBA.

From Miami to Broward, officials echo that sentiment.

"We are here with you, we need you, we know the overwhelming majority of the community is hardworking and we'll protect you," said BSO Undersheriff Steve Kinsley.

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