Q&A: Former Orlando police chief discusses security, response after downtown mass shooting
Read full article: Q&A: Former Orlando police chief discusses security, response after downtown mass shootingNews 6 speaks with former Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon about security measures in place for large events like Halloween and more.
Jury selection to begin in trial of convicted Orange County rapist accused of attacking, mutilating woman
Read full article: Jury selection to begin in trial of convicted Orange County rapist accused of attacking, mutilating womanJury selection is set in the trial of a convicted rapist in Orange County who is accused of attacking a woman months after being released from prison.
‘Looking into technology:’ Orlando International Airport tries to address illegal parking problem
Read full article: ‘Looking into technology:’ Orlando International Airport tries to address illegal parking problemOrlando International Airport officials said it is getting results and addressing the persistent illegal parking problem on the main roads leading up to its terminals.
Dangerous, illegal shoulder parking continues at Orlando International Airport
Read full article: Dangerous, illegal shoulder parking continues at Orlando International AirportDrivers are parking illegally on the shoulders of Jeff Fuqua Blvd, the main road on Orlando International Airport property leading up to the passenger terminals.
Orange County schools to use new absent notification system after death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto
Read full article: Orange County schools to use new absent notification system after death of 13-year-old Madeline SotoSuperintendent Maria Vazquez announced the upcoming changes during a Tuesday night meeting.
Family of man killed in road-rage shooting warns others of risk
Read full article: Family of man killed in road-rage shooting warns others of riskFollowing several road rage shootings on Florida roadways, law enforcement is working to make arrests and send a stern message to any possible future offenders.
Florida bill would eliminate police review boards in the state
Read full article: Florida bill would eliminate police review boards in the stateSenate Bill 576 claims review boards are divisive and second guess police. If passed, it could ban all police review boards that investigate law enforcement across the state.
Former Orlando police chief reacts to video of child handcuffed by Oviedo officers
Read full article: Former Orlando police chief reacts to video of child handcuffed by Oviedo officersFormer Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolón is reacting to body-camera video that shows a 9-year-old who was handcuffed by Oviedo officers earlier this year.
Former Orlando police chief offers safety tips ahead of Fourth of July celebration
Read full article: Former Orlando police chief offers safety tips ahead of Fourth of July celebrationLast year, thousands of people panicked and rushed away from Lake Eola after someone had yelled there was some sort of incident. However, law enforcement said there was no actual safety threat outside of the unnecessary panic.
Ocala shooter likely not covered under self-defense laws, attorney says
Read full article: Ocala shooter likely not covered under self-defense laws, attorney saysThe man at the center of the case that brought Florida’s Stand Your Ground law to the national conversation said he doesn’t think the law applies to a Marion County woman accused of manslaughter.
‘Take that active role:’ Orange County residents urged to keep eye on red flags for homemade explosives
Read full article: ‘Take that active role:’ Orange County residents urged to keep eye on red flags for homemade explosivesLaw enforcement in Orange County and Orlando are teaming up federal authorities to set up a new initiative in the area to help report possible homemade explosives.
‘What was going on there?’ Orlando police release new video, seek info after chaos erupts at Lake Eola
Read full article: ‘What was going on there?’ Orlando police release new video, seek info after chaos erupts at Lake EolaNew video showing the start of chaos erupting at Lake Eola during the city’s fireworks show was released by the Orlando Police Department during a news conference Tuesday.
Tattoos? No problem. Orlando police welcomes you to apply
Read full article: Tattoos? No problem. Orlando police welcomes you to applyBy all accounts, James Baker — instantly recognizable by his hulking 6 feet, 5 inches frame, bulging biceps and tattoo-covered arms — is an effective police officer within the Orlando Police Department’s Neighborhood Patrol Unit (NPU).
Retiring Orlando police chief reflects on legacy, hints at run for public office
Read full article: Retiring Orlando police chief reflects on legacy, hints at run for public officeAs Orlando’s first Hispanic police chief prepares to retire later this year, the 30-year agency veteran said he’s considering a run for public office.
Orlando police chief announces retirement in letter to mayor’s office
Read full article: Orlando police chief announces retirement in letter to mayor’s officeOrlando Chief of Police Orlando Rolón submitted his resignation letter to the mayor’s office Wednesday after approximately four years in the position.
Here’s what the most effective Neighborhood Watch groups in Orlando do best
Read full article: Here’s what the most effective Neighborhood Watch groups in Orlando do bestSome Neighborhood Watch groups struggle with participation and interest. Many neighbors don’t seem to care. No one wants to lead or get involved.
Orlando police welcome 11 new officers to connect with diverse communities
Read full article: Orlando police welcome 11 new officers to connect with diverse communitiesChief Orlando Rolon spoke to News 6 about the recruitment troubles he’s seen over the last two years, mostly due to the pandemic and social unrest around the country.
Marion deputies shot an armed woman at a hospital. It’s a scenario simulators train police for
Read full article: Marion deputies shot an armed woman at a hospital. It’s a scenario simulators train police forThe Orlando Police Dept. trains for nearly the exact scenario with their virtual training simulator: an armed suicidal person headed for a crowded building.
Local law enforcement agencies reveal successful recruitment tactics as applicant pool declines
Read full article: Local law enforcement agencies reveal successful recruitment tactics as applicant pool declinesSocial unrest, negative headlines, COVID-19: those are just some of the things local sheriffs and chiefs listed when News 6 asked them about recruitment troubles.
No arrests made since downtown Orlando shootings injured 3 teens, 4 adults, police say
Read full article: No arrests made since downtown Orlando shootings injured 3 teens, 4 adults, police sayNearly 24 hours since two shootings that left seven people injured in downtown Orlando, investigators have yet to make an arrest.
Orlando officers participating in National Faith and Blue weekend to create more community connection
Read full article: Orlando officers participating in National Faith and Blue weekend to create more community connectionOfficers with the Orlando Police Department gathered virtually for National Day of Prayer on Thursday.
Orlando chief highlights problem of repeat offenders after brick attack, ambush on officers
Read full article: Orlando chief highlights problem of repeat offenders after brick attack, ambush on officersAfter two recent attacks on police officers, Orlando's police chief is bringing attention to an issue of keeping repeat criminal offenders off the streets.
Orlando police in final stages of upgrading body cameras for all officers
Read full article: Orlando police in final stages of upgrading body cameras for all officersThe Orlando police chief says his department is in the final stages of outfitting all officers with upgraded body cameras, as his department continues to expand transparency and add layers of safety for both the public and the officers.
Orlando police chief says his department is committed to transparency
Read full article: Orlando police chief says his department is committed to transparencyOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said he’s invested into making sure his department is even more transparent after an independent review of his agency found that OPD lacks data collection.
Recommendations discussed to bridge gap between Orlando police and the community
Read full article: Recommendations discussed to bridge gap between Orlando police and the communityThere were heated conversations and candid discussions at a community meeting Tuesday aimed at bridging the gap between the Orlando Police Department and the community they serve.
DNA leads to arrest in ‘Woodline Rapist’ cold cases dating back nearly 20 years
Read full article: DNA leads to arrest in ‘Woodline Rapist’ cold cases dating back nearly 20 yearsAfter nearly two decades, authorities have made an arrest in at least two sexual battery cases by the “Woodline Rapist” with the help of genetic genealogy, according to a news release.
Orlando leaders donate blood to honor Pulse nightclub victims
Read full article: Orlando leaders donate blood to honor Pulse nightclub victimsOneBlood brought it’s “Big Red Bus” to Orlando City Hall on Friday where local leaders, such as Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Sheriff John Mina, and Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon, teamed up to donate their blood.
‘Enough is enough:’ Orlando police chief wants end to violence as 16-year-old’s death investigated
Read full article: ‘Enough is enough:’ Orlando police chief wants end to violence as 16-year-old’s death investigatedOrlando police continue searching for the person or people who shot and killed 16-year-old Evans High sophomore, Tavyiah King early Sunday morning.
Orlando police chief responds to viral video showing officers ordering men to the ground
Read full article: Orlando police chief responds to viral video showing officers ordering men to the groundOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said his officers acted appropriately when conducting a stop of two black men riding their bikes on Monday night.
Here’s how Orlando police recruits’ meetings are better preparing them for duty
Read full article: Here’s how Orlando police recruits’ meetings are better preparing them for dutyAs part of his field training, Orlando police recruit Officer Wakens Leonard was required to meet virtually with the people he will serve in his community before serving them.
‘They’re responding to the unknown:’ Orlando police chief reminds of officers’ sacrifices after Colorado mass shooting
Read full article: ‘They’re responding to the unknown:’ Orlando police chief reminds of officers’ sacrifices after Colorado mass shootingORLANDO, Fla. – Across the country, flags are at half-staff in honor of the victims of a deadly mass shooting at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, on Monday. [TRENDING: ‘Tragedy and nightmare:’ 10 killed in Colorado | Fla. woman who coughed on cancer patients could face jail time | AstraZeneca may have used outdated info in vaccine trial]AdOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón is reacting to the tragedy. https://t.co/4NxhmiBTJ2 — Chief Orlando Rolón (@OrlandoPDChief) March 23, 2021He said what happened in Boulder is devastating all the way around, but is also an example of the sacrifice made by officers daily. He said his department has made changes especially after the Pulse Nightclub Shooting in Orlando and the shooting in Las Vegas. There’s now a growing memorial outside of the Orlando Police Department in Valencia’s honor.
DUI suspected in wrong-way crash that injured 2 Orlando police officers
Read full article: DUI suspected in wrong-way crash that injured 2 Orlando police officersORLANDO, Fla. – Three men, including two Orlando police officers, were injured early Thursday in a two-vehicle, wrong-way crash, authorities said. The crash happened on Princeton Street near John Young Parkway. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon told reporters Thursday afternoon both officers required surgery. “I’m telling you the good Lord has been watching over officers here in the city of Orlando,” Rolon said. AdOn Wednesday, another officer was involved in a crash during the procession escorting fallen Officer Kevin Valencia to an Orlando funeral home.
Procession held for fallen Orlando police officer
Read full article: Procession held for fallen Orlando police officerORLANDO, Fla. – Officers with Orlando Police Department on Wednesday escorted the body of Officer Kevin Valencia from Lake County to his final resting place. The Orlando Police Department announced Monday that Valencia had died of his injuries. The procession began around 10 a.m. Wednesday in Leesburg and concluded at Baldwin Fairchild funeral home in Orlando. During the 55-mile journey, the vehicle carrying Valencia was escorted by a formal procession of vehicles, motorcycles and officers to honor the fallen police officer. It hurts, but our officers are strong,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said.
‘It’s never guaranteed’ officers will come home, Orlando police chief says of Officer Kevin Valencia’s passing
Read full article: ‘It’s never guaranteed’ officers will come home, Orlando police chief says of Officer Kevin Valencia’s passingORLANDO, Fla. – When a police officer puts on their uniform and starts a shift, there’s always a chance they might not come home, Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said Tuesday following the passing of Officer Kevin Valencia, who died this week more than two years after he was shot while responding to a hostage situation. Valencia was shot in the head on June 11, 2018 as he tried to enter an Orlando apartment where a man had barricaded himself and four children inside. After 33 months, including rehabilitation, the Orlando Police Department announced Monday Valencia had died of his injuries. Ad[RELATED: What is qualified immunity and how has it impacted Central Florida law enforcement?] (WKMG)Valencia was afforded the ability to do the job he was trained for with qualified immunity, Rolon said.
‘He is a hero:’ Orlando officer Kevin Valencia dies after being shot during 2018 standoff
Read full article: ‘He is a hero:’ Orlando officer Kevin Valencia dies after being shot during 2018 standoffORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Police Officer Kevin Valencia has died from injuries he suffered during a standoff on June 11, 2018 when he was shot, according to the Orlando Police Department. “It is with deep regret and heartache that I inform you of the passing of Officer Kevin Valencia,” Chief Orlando Rolon said in a statement Monday. Officer Kevin Valencia risked his life for this community and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said. Officer Kevin Valencia risked his life for this community and paid the ultimate sacrifice. This evening, Officer Kevin Valencia was escorted by our officers, as well as those from other agencies.
Orlando police take new approach at recruiting more officers
Read full article: Orlando police take new approach at recruiting more officersORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police officers are taking a new approach to raising the next generation of law enforcement leaders. The Junior Reserve Law Enforcement program was created for freshman and sophomores at Jones High School and Lake Nona High School. Cliff Long from the Orlando Regional Realtor Association said he wanted to educate young people more about unity. He said he approached Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon about the idea months ago. “To help even those who have gone into a bit of trouble and help put them back on track,” Chief Orlando Rolon said.
‘Obviously there was a failure yesterday:’ Orlando police chief responds to violence at Capitol
Read full article: ‘Obviously there was a failure yesterday:’ Orlando police chief responds to violence at CapitolThis coming after an angry mob of violent Trump supporters forced their way inside the Capitol. It looked like it was a normal day in D.C,” Montiero said. As a trained law enforcement officer, Montiero was asked why the Capitol police didn’t use more force. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon shared his thoughts from the incident at the Capitol. He said in fact the law enforcement response to the protest in D.C. just made him mad.
UPDATE: Police release name of teen shot and killed in Orlando
Read full article: UPDATE: Police release name of teen shot and killed in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. – A 15-year-old was shot to death Tuesday afternoon in Orlando, and investigators are seeking information to track down the killer, police said. The fatal shooting of Antwan Roberts Jr. was reported around 2 p.m. in the 700 block of Columbia Street near West Gore Street and Parramore Avenue. RIGHT NOW: @OrlandoPolice are working a fatal shooting on Columbia Street. On Wednesday, grief counselors were at the high school in the wake of the teen’s death. Anyone with information about the crime or the suspect is urged to call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423 TIPS.
9 years since Michelle Parker’s disappearance her family is still seeking answers
Read full article: 9 years since Michelle Parker’s disappearance her family is still seeking answersORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando mother Michelle Parker disappeared nine years ago Tuesday after appearing on a reality TV show, and she is still missing. On the anniversary of her disappearance Parker’s familt and Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon discussed the questions they are still trying to answer. “It’s been a long nine years and the hurt does not go away,” Brad Parker, Michelle’s father said. Gayle Parker, Michelle’s stepmother, said the 33-year-old mom was last seen with her children at her ex’s house. Anyone with information concerning Parker’s whereabouts is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
10 Orlando officers commit to rebuilding trust, relationships in crime hotspots
Read full article: 10 Orlando officers commit to rebuilding trust, relationships in crime hotspotsORLANDO, Fla. – Ten Orlando police officers will be dedicated to five high-crime areas around the city tasked exclusively with getting to know the community they serve, Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon announced Monday. The new Neighborhood Patrol Unit (NPU) will not be a “call-taking unit.” Officers will assist with crime but will primarily spend their days walking, talking, meeting and greeting. The officers, working in pairs, will get to know people in five areas around Orlando where gun violence has spiked this year. Yong Hall, the supervisor over the Neighborhood Patrol Unit, said the officers will work to build and rebuild trust. “Our goals are to have everyone in the community know our neighborhood officers by name.”Hall said a new grant has allowed OPD to hire more officers to be able to dedicate the 10 exclusively to the Neighborhood Patrol Unit.
New Citizen’s Safety Task Force pledges to take solutions to community gun violence
Read full article: New Citizen’s Safety Task Force pledges to take solutions to community gun violenceThe task force is a result of seven shootings involving teens and children under the age of 17 in recent months. In each of these case, Orange County Sheriff John Mina reported they have received only six Crimeline tips or less. “The community working with the agencies, working with all the parties involved in the process is key,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings broke up the task force into subcommittees with four main objectives: prevention, intervention, enforcement and prosecution. He’s given the task force 120 days to set recommendations and actionable goals to fight gun violence.
UPDATES: Trump wins Florida; Floridians approve minimum wage increase
Read full article: UPDATES: Trump wins Florida; Floridians approve minimum wage increaseLIVE LOOK | Long line forms at Volusia County voting location LIVE LOOK | Long line forms for voting at McInnis Elementary in Volusia County. In Marion County, voters are also set to surpass 2016 total turnout with 72% by 3 p.m. In fact, President Trump made several campaign stops here within the last couple of weeks. pic.twitter.com/qb22CE2U4e — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) November 3, 202010:08 a.m.More people have voted in Orange County, Florida, this year than in 2016. Florida residents will also get to vote on six state constitutional amendments, including an increase on minimum wage.
Orlando police bring back neighborhood patrol units
Read full article: Orlando police bring back neighborhood patrol unitsOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said he’s bringing back the neighborhood patrol unit so officers can better understand the areas they serve, and help improve relationships between community members and police. It’s a program that, unfortunately when violent crime took a spike in the 2008 era, we did away with most of our resources when it comes to the neighborhood patrol unit so we could form violent-offender-type units to bring down violent crime activity. Changes include 10 additional officers reviving the neighborhood patrol unit and the department getting funding through the COPS grant and additional budgetary funds through the City of Orlando. “Walk them through the community, introduce them to people so community members will be familiar with them... the relationship between law enforcement and community is essential in transforming the community,” Andrews said. OPD will livestream another conversation with community members Friday at 7 p.m. on its Facebook page.
Former longtime Orlando commissioner Daisy Lynum dies
Read full article: Former longtime Orlando commissioner Daisy Lynum diesORLANDO, Fla. – Daisy Lynum, who spent 16 years serving on Orlando’s city council, has died. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon announced the news in a tweet Thursday evening, although he didn’t provide further details about Lynum’s cause of death. On behalf of the @OrlandoPolice Department, condolences to the Lynum family on the passing of former @citybeautiful Commissioner Daisy Lynum. pic.twitter.com/uq3q4a2dby — Chief Orlando Rolón (@OrlandoPDChief) October 8, 2020Lynum served from 1998 until she retired in 2014. Commissioner Regina Hill now represents the district Lynum served.
Orlando police recruits meet with community members
Read full article: Orlando police recruits meet with community membersORLANDO, Fla. – The newest recruiting class from Orlando Police met with community members on Thursday in an effort to build relationships between officers and the neighborhoods they serve. Chief Orlando Rolon said the opportunities for conversation are critical to help build the trust necessary for successful community policing. “Allowing (officers) an opportunity to hear from the people that we serve from the different neighborhoods that make Orlando the city that it is, is golden,” Rolon said. “It kind of sets what we know the expectations of their police officers are,” Torres said. “I don’t want them to think that we’re being targeted just because of the color of our skin,” Duffus said.
Driver rescued after car flips into lake near I-4 in Orlando
Read full article: Driver rescued after car flips into lake near I-4 in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. A woman was rescued Tuesday morning after she lost control of car, which flipped upside down into a retention pond off Interstate 4 in Orlando, police said. Heavy delays on EB I-4 approaching Conroy Rd. https://t.co/oKwLRG3MLM pic.twitter.com/tKhlIo8pBj Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) September 8, 2020Were on scene at a vehicle into a pond along EB I-4 at the Conroy on-ramp. https://t.co/oKwLRG3MLM pic.twitter.com/z1db02yx79 Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) September 8, 2020OFD divers on scene of a vehicle submerged into a retention pond at I4 Eastbound and Conroy. pic.twitter.com/SqGBG4YwoQ Orlando Fire Dept (@OrlandoFireDept) September 8, 2020ALERT : OPD Units responded to an emergency call of a single vehicle crash into a retention pond.
Woman shot, killed outside Navy Federal Credit Union in Orlando
Read full article: Woman shot, killed outside Navy Federal Credit Union in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. A woman was shot and killed Tuesday morning outside an Orlando credit union, and a search is underway for the suspected shooter, police said. The fatal shooting was reported at the Navy Federal Credit Union on Garden Parks Boulevard, west of John Young Parkway and north of the Mall at Millenia. Orlando police said the woman, who worked at the credit union, was shot by a man whom she knows. You can tell that shes trying to get inside (the credit union). pic.twitter.com/Ms2fSUhZVS Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) September 8, 2020#BREAKING: @OrlandoPolice are investigating a shooting outside @NavyFederal on Garden Parks Blvd.
Citizen Review Board tests new Orlando police training simulator
Read full article: Citizen Review Board tests new Orlando police training simulatorThe Citizen Police Review Board was invited to test out different scenarios in OPDs new high-tech 4K high-definition surround-screen training simulator. The simulator tests trainees to see if they can apply the right amount of force in the right situation. Board members de-briefed after the scenarios with training officers. "So I guess the idea was he was going to attack me but I wasn't ready," one board member commented. Rolon invites anyone else interested in seeing how officers train to try out the simulator, critics included.
How does Orlando PD get it right? New 4K training simulator tests use of force
Read full article: How does Orlando PD get it right? New 4K training simulator tests use of forceORLANDO, Fla. The Orlando Police Department invited News 6 on Wednesday to see its most realistic, life-life training simulator ever. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said the simulator tests training and teaches trainees how to control their emotions and adrenaline during "sensory overload." Rolon said OPD purchased the simulator in 2019 long before police protests broke out nationwide but the simulator is ensuring that officers use the right force in the right situation. "We're always looking for ways to modify the way we do business to better serve our citizens," Rolon said. He also invited anyone interested in seeing how Orlando police officers train - critics included - to come and test the simulator.
The Weekly: Justin Warmoth recaps News 6s Real Talk special
Read full article: The Weekly: Justin Warmoth recaps News 6s Real Talk specialORLANDO, Fla. ClickOrlando.com hosted Real Talk: A Candid Conversation last week to discuss racial injustice amongst a panel of experts. The experts provided their unique perspectives and solutions when it comes to the problems our society is facing today all while News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsden serves as the moderator. Our experts included University of Central Florida assistant sociology professor Dr. Jonathan Cox, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, American Academy of Pediatrics spokeswoman Dr. Candice Jones, Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon, Sen. David Simmons and vice president of the Brevard Federation of Teachers Vanessa Skipper. To rewatch Real Talk: A Candid Conversation, click the blue link below. [REWATCH: News 6 hosts Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on racial inequality in America]Watch The Weekly Sunday mornings only on News 6.
REWATCH: News 6 hosts Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on racial inequality in America
Read full article: REWATCH: News 6 hosts Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on racial inequality in America[Use the video player at the top of this story to rewatch the Real Talk town hall]Nationwide, as well as in our own backyard, we’ve seen protests and calls for change, including cries for more transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. Activists say that list proves that Floyd’s death wasn’t a tragic one-off example; it was part of a larger, disturbing trend of police brutality directed toward black people in America. That’s why ClickOrlando.com hosted Real Talk: A Candid Conversation from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. It fell on Juneteenth, an unofficial holiday known as Black Independence Day that commemorates the events of June 19, 1865. To rewatch Real Talk: A Candid Conversation, click the video player at the top of this story.
Orlando, Sanford police chiefs to serve on new subcommittee on law enforcement accountability
Read full article: Orlando, Sanford police chiefs to serve on new subcommittee on law enforcement accountabilityIn response to the recent protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, The Florida Police Chiefs Association has announced a new subcommittee dedicated to the topic of law enforcement accountability and two Central Florida police chiefs will be among the members. In a news release Wednesday, the FPCA said the 8 Can’t-Wait principles, crafted by Campaign Zero, a group focused on ending police violence, will be a starting point for the Subcommittee on Accountability and Societal Change’s initial discussion. Those eight tenants are:Ban chokeholds and strangleholdsRequire de-escalationRequire warning before shootingExhaust all alternatives before shootingDuty to interveneBan shooting at moving vehiclesRequire use of force continuumRequire comprehensive reportingOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon and Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith will be among the law enforcement leaders discussing those ideas and coming up with solutions to the problems our country is facing today. FPCA president and Temple Terrace Police Department Chief Kenneth Albano said the ultimate goals of the new subcommittee are to lead the way for positive change, rebuild trust and accountability and create standardized procedures that can be used statewide. Below are the subcommittee members, who have each been asked to pick a member of the community to serve alongside them to ensure a variety of input:
WATCH LIVE: News 6 hosts Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race Relations
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: News 6 hosts Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race RelationsORLANDO, Fla. In honor of Juneteenth and as a result of recent protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, News 6 is hosting Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race Relations. The town hall discussion will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and will be streamed on Facebook and at ClickOrlando.com/Juneteenth. The event, which will be moderated by News 6 anchor Ginger Gadsden, will feature talks about racial inequality in America, police accountability and developing solutions that will lead to a more fair and just future. Were also inviting the public to take part in the dialogue. You can submit questions by going to ClickOrlando.com/Juneteenth.
Meet the Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race panelists
Read full article: Meet the Real Talk: A Candid Conversation on Race panelistsBefore our event takes place, you can read about each of our panelists and their roles in the communities they serve. University of Central Florida assistant sociology professor Dr. Jonathan CoxDr. Jonathan Cox (Courtesy)Dr. Jonathan Cox is a race scholar and assistant sociology professor at the University of Central Florida who specializes in racial and ethnic identities and racial ideologies. Before that, he was the first black Orlando Police Department chief in 1998 and the first black Orange County sheriff in 2008. He served in the last position for 10 years before making his way out of law enforcement and into politics. Orlando Police Chief Orlando RolonOrlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon (Courtesy)Orlando Rolon moved to Orlando’s Engelwood neighborhood in 1977 and has called Central Florida home ever since.
Church leaders join hundreds of participants during ‘Walk of Mourning’
Read full article: Church leaders join hundreds of participants during ‘Walk of Mourning’ORLANDO, Fla. – Hundreds of people showed up in front of Camping World Stadium on Friday to join local pastors and leaders for a mile walk of mourning. “We wanna mourn together so we can heal together,” said Pastor Tim Johnson of Orlando World Outreach Center. "We need to make sure that aside from what's happened let's focus on the positive things we can do moving forward," Chief Orlando Rolon, Orlando Police Department said. Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chief Orlando Rolon & Sheriff John Mina pray before starting walk of mourning in front of Camping World Stadium. @news6wkmg @OrangeCoSheriff @OrlandoPolice @citybeautiful pic.twitter.com/aEryOUI6Y7 — Ezzy Castro (@EzzyCastro) June 5, 2020The crowd walked from Church Street to Division Street, a street Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill said is forever history.
We are done dying: Black Orlando leaders reflect on changes needed after George Floyds death
Read full article: We are done dying: Black Orlando leaders reflect on changes needed after George Floyds deathORANGE COUNTY, Fla. The conversation surrounding the death of George Floyd hasnt stopped and on Friday, local leaders channeled that discussion as part of a town hall focused on police and community relations. Like I said were here, were not afraid to fight and... we are done dying, Neal said. The former Orlando police chief spoke on the panel alongside her husband, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who prior to taking office served as sheriff. Most were directed toward Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon and Orange County Sheriff John Mina. Another point brought up during the Q&A was the use of a citizens review board, which the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriffs Office both have.
Orange County leaders explain how they can mend law enforcement-community relationships
Read full article: Orange County leaders explain how they can mend law enforcement-community relationshipsORANGE COUNTY, Fla. Following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Orange Countys former and current sheriff spoke about ongoing efforts to build law enforcement and community relations after several days of protests and demonstrations across the region. Orange County Sheriff John Mina said his department is taking policy steps and physically going out into the community to build relationships. We need to use these opportunities to come together & talk about these issues.#kneelforsolidarity #KneelWithUs pic.twitter.com/HXUXUSCDnZ Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) May 31, 2020Mina said he works with the Sheriffs Office Citizens Advisory Committee on policy changes and he regularly looks to the independent group for recommendations. Mina also said there are hundreds of positive interactions between law enforcement and the community that many never hear about. And again, a number of businesses were broken into in unincorporated Orange County last night as well as in the city of Orlando.Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, the former Orange County sheriff, said the county has been planning a candid conversation in a town hall-style format as part of its MLK initiative.
Protesters gather all around Orlando to make voices heard
Read full article: Protesters gather all around Orlando to make voices heardFor hours Sunday, protesters made their voices loud and clear on the streets of Orlando. Im mad.From Lake Eola Park to Orlando City Hall, then to Orlando police headquarters, hundreds marched for justice for George Floyd after his death in Minneapolis. Its time out for just sitting back and letting people kneel on our necks, said protester Archangel Bryant. In the meantime, hours before police Chief Orlando Rolon and Orange County Sheriff John Mina shared the grief of Floyds death. This came one day after protesters made their way across the streets of Orlando and even blocked parts of I-4 and State road 408.
Orlando-area law enforcement leaders react to death of George Floyd
Read full article: Orlando-area law enforcement leaders react to death of George FloydIts an incident that started a national conversation, and now, both the Orange County sheriff and the Orlando Police chief are sharing their reactions to the death of George Floyd. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said in part, How did that take place?To those in law enforcement, don't hesitate to step in & assist fellow officers who are performing their duties in accordance with our professional standards. Likewise don't hesitate to step in & prevent fellow officers from performing their duties contrary to our high standards. https://t.co/p6YjysiYIc Chief Orlando Roln (@OrlandoPDChief) May 27, 2020Orange County Sheriff, John Mina, echoed Rolons shock, saying, That video is upsetting to me, as a law man for 30 years.. The two leaders of law enforcement released similar messages, and its one Rolon said hes seen all across the nation.
Not social distancing? Orlando police will hand out Stay-At-Home flyers to violators
Read full article: Not social distancing? Orlando police will hand out Stay-At-Home flyers to violatorsORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolón said on Tuesday his officers have been seeing people out and about while the stay-at-home order is still in effect in Orange County. "What's sad is that someone will always push the limit that enforces our hand and potentially take some sort of enforcement action," Rolón said. The flyers explain in English and in Spanish the Stay-At-Home guidelines and what residents can and cannot do. “The point here is that obviously the City of Orlando is doing an amazing job to try and keep everyone informed. The chief mentioned the executive order is not about arresting people but rather educating the community during this time.
Under Armour shooting suspect likely found dead in vehicle, police say
Read full article: Under Armour shooting suspect likely found dead in vehicle, police sayFORT PIERCE, Fla. – The man accused of fatally shooting a manager at Under Armour has likely been found dead inside his vehicle in Fort Pierce, according to the Orlando Police Department. [RELATED: Wanted suspect in outlet mall shooting returned to kill manager hours after he was fired, police say | U.S. Marshals search for man accused of shooting manager at Under Armour store]Also on Friday, authorities released surveillance photos showing Everett inside the store in the moments before and after the shooting. A few minutes after that, he went to the store and shot Vasquez, authorities said. Sprague said Everett likely planned and executed the shooting that same day after he was fired.