DPCC LIAISON SGT MIKEL EDWARDS
ABOUT
A coalition formed between the DeSoto Police, concerned citizens and the ministers who live in DeSoto or serve citizens in our community. DeSoto Police Clergy and Communi- ty, DPCC , was formed to help our community address the root causes of violence in the community.
MISSION .
DPCC partner with the Police Department as a resource for the community. DPCC provides tools to help area youth achieve great things, and strengthen and assist families in preventing negative outcomes that can hinder their well - being. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVISORY COMMISSION: One member of DPCC serves on this commission, which provides advice and recommendations to the City Council and DeSoto Police Department on how to improve the city ’ s response to vio- lence against victims, and institute other programs, with the goal of eliminating domestic violence in totality in the city.
DESCRIPTION
In 2010, we began discussions to address the growing violence among youth in the com- munity; and thus, DeSoto Police Clergy and Community “ DPCC ” was officially formed. Monthly meetings are held to strategize on how to address important topics that affect our community. This collaboration of numerous churches and the Police Department led to the implementation of several important programs, including “ Ministers on Call Now, “ Lay Person On Call, ” “ Gang Prevention & Behavioral Management Ministry Pro- grams, ” Tutorial Programs, Counseling, Mentoring & Parenting Programs. DPCC is a volunteer based organization and continues to grow. It reflects a community working to- gether to solve issues of concern. The ministers attend formal training similar to the cur- riculum for the Citizen Police Academy. The training sessions ensure that the Lay partici- pants understand the policies and procedures of the Police Department. The members al- so share information about the ministries available through their own churches. Some have programs in place to provide counseling for family violence, alcohol and drug reha- bilitation and support groups for Child Sexual Abuse, etc. They also have special out- reach ministries for our youth. The sessions are an opportunity to exchange information and forge a solid working relationship. Through this coalition with the Police Depart- ment, ministers from various faith groups volunteer to be “ on call ” when a family mem- ber, victim or perpetrator requests counseling. DeSoto Police Clergy and Community (DPCC) can be called on to provide counseling for family violence situations, car acci- dents, or disruptive behavior among our adolescents. You will also see them at athletic events and other public gatherings. The DPCC Program has marked its 12th full year of operation in April 2021.
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