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Features
Public Housing CEO ‘Disgusted’ Over Recent Shootings
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
In less than a week, four people have been shot at the Robles Park Public Housing Complex, and Tampa Hous- ing Authority CEO, Jerome Ryans said the incidents have left him completely dis- gusted.
“As in the past, we’re working with the police to find out what’s going on, but without the involvement of the residents, there’s not much the police can do.
“A week ago, Chief Jane Castor came over and met with the residents to appeal to them to work with the po- lice.”
Ryans said he’s gotten in- formation that there are gang-bangers hanging around the public housing complexes, and right now he’s not sure what more they can do.
“I’d like to put armed guards there, but that’s not possible. It’s really up to the residents to determine how much more they will tolerate.
“People can call us or the police to put a stop to this. They know who is responsible for these crimes, but wont’ say a thing. They don’t under- stand by keeping silent they are endangering their lives and the lives of their children and other innocent people.”
Ryans said the whole thing makes no sense, and he’s very upset about it.
“Resident leaders at Rob- les are trying to do what they
JEROME RYANS Tampa Housing Authority CEO
can, but they feel threatened and fear retaliation.
“It’s really a matter of peo- ple caring more, and under- standing that our young people need a safe place to live. They will never get it if the people threatening their lives are allowed to continue.”
Ryans said there are a lot of underground clubs going on, and a lot of confronta- tions have been created at those venues and found their way onto public housing properties.
Ryans said they are look- ing ahead at some residents from North Boulevard Homes relocating to Robles and the problems escalating.
“We’re anticipating there may be some problems, and we’re preparing to handle it. We’re not going to put any of our residents in harm’s way.
“It should also be made clear that everyone that lives in Robles Park isn’t bad.”
Tampa Police Launches Body Camera Pilot Program
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Friday, the Tampa Po- lice Department launched its Body Camera Pilot Program. The program was approved by members of City Council in January.
City Council unanimously approved spending nearly $84,000 for body cameras. The pilot program will con- tinue for the next year. At that time, officials will evalu- ate the program and deter- mine if all officers with the cameras or if they will dis- continue it.
For a week, the 60 offi- cers who volunteered for the program have been in train- ing. They have also been test- ing the cameras to determine where they will be worn.
Officer Levi Newton is one of the individuals who volunteered to wear the body camera. He is currently as- signed to Tampa Police De- partment Bicycle Squad. “I volunteered because we’re al- ways being videoed anyway by people using their phones.
“I’musedtoitsoitwasno big deal for me. I think this
JANE CASTOR Tampa Police Chief
will be an opportunity for the citizens of Tampa to have first-hand experience of what we go through. They will have a chance to see both the great and not-so-great inter- actions we have with the peo- ple.”
The Bicycle Squad is newly implemented and went into effect on January 18th. There are two squads with 8 members each. Offi- cer Newton said his squad is based out of downtown, but they go where they are needed. “I was one of the lucky ones who were chosen
for this squad. I’m really ex- cited about it.”
Becoming a law enforce- ment officer was a dream come true for the 30-year- old Jacksonville native. He has been a member of the Tampa Police Department for 3 years. Prior to being hired by the Tampa Police Department, Officer New- ton was a member of the St. Petersburg Police Depart- ment. He decided to switch departments because of the time it took for him to get to work, the take-home car pro- gram, and the retirement benefits, he said.
Officer Newton enjoys being outside so the Bicycle Squad was a perfect choice for him. Officer Newton said he dedicates all of his spare time to being with his wife and daughter.
Chief Jane Castor said the officers will be used as a control group. Those officers will work the same areas and come from the same squads as the officers wearing the cameras.
Chief Castor said, “My prediction is it will improve officer behavior to a small degree and will improve the behavior of the citizens to a very large degree. This is going to be a whole new real- ity show for the rest of the community because citizens have no idea what officers do out there on the streets every day.”
The cost of the cameras, video, and housing is $83,845. The funding for the pilot program will be pro- vided from the police forfei- ture fund.
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2015