BY CARMEN CALDWELL

(Miami-Dade Posted on Sun, Nov. 30, 2008)
O n Tuesday morning, the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force will be conducting its ”Transit Shield” rail security initiative.
You ask, what is the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force? It is one of seven such regional task forces throughout the state. In the event of a terrorist incident affecting Florida, the task force would immediately be called to aid in recovery and response.
Tuesday’s event will be held between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. at all 67 Amtrak, Tri-Rail and Metro-Rail stations from southern Miami-Dade to Palm Beach County. Officers from approximately 25 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies will be deployed to provide information about the need for vigilance for any suspicious packages, persons, or events.
According to the information I received from Miami-Dade Police Major Glenn Stolzenberg, the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force was established to address preparation and response efforts by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, emergency management agencies, fire and rescue departments, first responder personnel and others in dealing with potential or actual terrorist acts within or affecting our region.
Folks, this is a collective effort to expand familiarization with local stations and rail environments, as well as to provide a highly visible security presence during rush hour and peak times. We all need to be alert and, just as we call the police for our neighborhoods on suspicious incidents, we need to do the same when we use public transportation.
So on Tuesday, if you use public transportation, become familiar with the information they will be distributing, keep it handy and remember that keeping our communities safe is all our responsibility. Thank you to the Task Force for providing me with this information, again helping to keep our residents safe and informed.
Last week, I received lots of e-mails regarding the holiday safety suggestions. Many of you were not aware of the crimes that can be committed, but I was happy to hear that you will take these recommendations serious. Another common crime during the holidays is when thieves prey on your car, loaded with gifts and packages, if you stop at a gas station. Please lock your car when going in to pay or while you are pumping gas, and make sure your purse is not on the front seat!
Until next week, be safe, be alert and be vigilant.

Carmen Caldwell
Executive Director
Crime Prevention Practitioner
Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County
1515 NW 79th Avenue
Doral, Florida 33126
305-470-1670 office
305-298-6632 cell
305-470-1676 fax
I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.
-Booker T. Washington
www.citizenscrimewatch.com
As of September 1, 2008 new email: Carmen@citizenscrimewatch.com

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/northwest/story/790650.html