I wasn't going to post this report, on the chance that the world would end yesterday, and it wouldn't be necessary. But it seems we're all back in business, and back to the grind, so let me tell you about yesterday's event.
We have an annual CrimeWatch lunch, and our police have an annual lunch for themselves. This year we (Chuck Ross, Ray Atesiano, and Ana Garcia) decided to combine the events. So we had a nice lunch that included representatives of CrimeWatch, the police, and the administration. It was catered by PizzaFiore at NE 2nd and 96th in Miami Shores, and the food was very good.
We had about equal numbers residents, police, and administration/employees. The focus of our time together was awards. Lots of awards, and more than enough cause for them. Our police have done a breathtaking job, moreso every year and every month. Three kinds of indicators were presented. One is arrests, for anything. This sounds like bad news, but if you remember my explanation in "They Don't Call it CrimeWatch for Nothing," you'll remember that lots of arrests is a good thing. We are off the charts in terms of arrest statistics. I think Chuck or Ray said we're now over 800 for the year. This number is unthinkable, except it's true. The point here is that arrests are made for an identifiable cause, and we have intimidated a lot of mischief makers, who will now not want to come anywhere near us the next time they're in the mood to make mischief. This is the operative dynamic.
The second indicator is arrest "clearance," or the rate at which crimes are solved. I'm going to quote you the number from yesterday, though it's hard to believe it. It's over 80% for this year. To remind you, 30% is a very impressive number for most municipalities. Nobody, ever, clears 80% of arrests. Nobody except Ray Atesiano and his officers. Here's what's going to happen to us. Our police will realize what they're doing, they'll form a coalition, and they'll demand that we triple their salaries, or they'll jump ship. And we won't have any choice but to give them whatever they want. I told this to Nick Wollschlager, and he told me no, it's their pleasure to do what they can for us, who employ them. You think I'm making this up, right? Nope. And I'll tell you now, Nick won the Officer of the Year Award.
The third indicator of the job our police are doing is the proof of the pudding. Two years ago, there were about 60 burglaries in Biscayne Park. Last year, there were about 40. This year, there have been about 20. Ray says his goal for next year is 10. Do you want to live in a really safe community? Done. It's not gated, there are no security cameras, and it's not swarming with police. The result of solid, persistent police work is a place where criminals don't bother to go, and the residents live in peace. If it gets better than that, I'd like to know how.
The awards. The shorter list is who didn't get one. Nick did. Guillermo Ravelo is the Rookie of the year. Jason Santiago is the Reserve Officer of the Year. Most Improved, or something, is Carlos Meza. Charlie Dayoub got an award, as did Mark Tarr, Roy Camara, and Rafael Del Villar . The latter two are also BP residents. Larry Churchman got an award. So did Ray Atesiano, who has the abundant support and appreciation of his troops. And the growing gratitude of this community.
Chuck got an award from the police, and Rosemary Wais got an award from Chuck. It was the first ever CrimeWatch award given to a member of Citizens' CrimeWatch, and Rosemary got it for general participation, enthusiasm, and helpfulness. She was taken completely off guard, and I won't say there wasn't a bit of choking up and loss for some words.
Our police gave an award to their boss, Ana Garcia. They figured out exactly how girlie she is, and what a tough guy she is. They managed both to get some tears from her, and present her with a statue of an eagle. She could not have been more appreciative and moved. And the way had been paved earlier by Candido Sosa, her Assistant, who reportedly told her how "bad-ass" she looked, which she did. The perfect combination of girlie and tough guy.
Not enough of "us" were there, but those who were enjoyed ourselves, got even closer and more personal with our guys, had a nice meal, and felt the love. Of which there was plenty. And it would be an omission not to give props to our two stalwart, reliable, dedicated Commissioners, who are always there, always contributing, and never flinch. Thanks Rox, and thanks, Bob. That's the kind of day it was. Next year, come. It's free, it's fun, and we're all welcome.
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