In Liberty City, Key Biscayne Police Build Relationships

A Key Biscayne police officer touches the shoulder of a little boy at the Charles R. Drew School Saturday, August 10, 2019. The Summer Jam back to school event, organized by the Charles Press Foundation, is part of the ongoing sister city relationship between Key Biscayne and Liberty City (Key News/Tony Winton)

About 350 underprivileged kids in Liberty City got some back-to-school attention from Key Biscayne’s men and women in uniform Saturday, with new school backpacks, some valuable educational coaching, and time to just play. 

The “Summer Jam,” as it’s known, is one of several events supported by the Chief Press Foundation and the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, part of the sister city program between Key Biscayne and Liberty City. 

In addition to school backpacks, there were giveaway for uniforms, shoes and lunch.

Several officers from the island’s Police Department fit kids with new bicycle helmets while some shot hoops and others helped with activities for parents and kids at the Charles R. Drew school. 

One of the goals of the program is to establish positive attitudes toward police in communities like Liberty City, where overcoming mistrust has long been a struggle. 

It seemed to be completely natural for one little girl.

“Hi Chief Press,” she said, as he walked into the cafeteria.

She pointed at his uniform, and asked a question. 

“What does ‘C’ mean?”

“That’s my name – Charles,” Press answered, looking a bit puzzled.

She looked up – and then stretched her arms out for a hug. 

Parents attended brief seminars on Environmental Wellness, including instruction on using nontoxic materials in keeping your home clean.   

Later in the day, participants gathered for a screening of “The Bridge,” a documentary about a group of young men who make a trip to visit former President Barack Obama and how people in Key Biscayne and Liberty City have connected. 

Also helping to manage the day’s events was a large contingent of volunteers from Key Biscayne Rotary Club, Miami-Dade Police, and other police departments and community  organizations.

Press says the cost of the event is about $35,000, even with donated merchandise. 

“We can do this because of the generosity of people in Key Biscayne,” he added.

Donations can be made here