Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to do a ride along with police. Now, I can finally say I had the chance and believe me, it did not disappoint!
I had the privilege of riding along with Detective Neader of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit during their Group Violence Initiative where the unit does proactive police work by visiting hot spots in Jacksonville to get guns and drugs off the streets:
JSO’s Gang Unit not only investigates local gangs and its members but they do an amazing community outreach initiative where they partner with local pastors and other community members to bring them to at risk youth/young adults and get them the services and help needed to get on the right path.
I saw this first hand during my ride along when detectives stopped a local teenager to make sure he was okay and had all the resources he needed. They plan to visit the kid in the coming weeks as part of the initiative to help him and his siblings stay safe.
Needless to say, I gained a whole new respect for JSO’s Gang Unit, seeing in action all the amazing work they’re doing to keep our communities safe.
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