Riverside Police Department Press Release

Cops and Clergy Meeting Held

Riverside, Ca-  The Cops and Clergy Luncheon was held on November 13, 2002 at the New Life Christian Fellowship.  In attendance were representatives from the Riverside Police Department, California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Sheriffs Office.

Lt. Tortes, of the Riverside Police Department, opened the luncheon by delivering an update on the Eastside violence problems, stating hate is behind the violence.

Ms Fonda McKinzi, representing “Operation Safehouse,” delivered a presentation about the benefits of the Safehouse Program.  The program provides shelter locations for children, ages 12 to 17, up to 14 day dtays.

Officer Medina gave a presentation describing the benefits of the Riverside Police Department’s Explorer Post program.  The program, available for young adults, ages 14 to 21, is designed to provide exposure to law enforcement as a career.

Dr. Larnel Jackson spoke on the psychology of an abuser.  Statistics reveal that abusers kill 4 to 6 women daily in the U.S..

Vick Jackson with the Inland Empire Cops and Clergy Network passed out handouts explaining how to start a mentoring program.

The next meeting of Cops and Clergy will be held December 11, 2002 at the Riverside 1^st Assembly of God, located at 3510 Fairmount. 

Prepared by Sgt. Andy Flores