NCJ Number
132214
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1991) Pages: 14-16
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Following the 1989 college student rioting in Virginia Beach on Labor Day weekend, police officials visited Daytona, Fla. to determine how the spring break student crowd was handled there.
Abstract
Virginia Beach police officials found that the Daytona Beach Police-Ministers Association has served as a buffer and liaison between the police and the community. The association is comprised of area chaplains, both black and white, who represent many faiths. Ministers ride with police officers throughout the year, but increase their presence during special events such as spring break and college homecomings. The ministers are trained and sensitized to the rigors of law enforcement and are trained to spot crowd "leaders." As they mingle with groups of young people, they explain what the police are doing and why. A similar association was created in Virginia Beach in 1990 with assistance from the Daytona Beach program coordinator. Minister training has focused on crowd control, communication skills, basic self-defense, police radio operation, patrol regulations and procedures, counseling, coping with failure, human relations skills, and relating to military personnel. Volunteer chaplains working between June and September have proved to be a valuable police resource, and some chaplains continue working with the police year round. Chaplains have provided a calming influence and have reduced anxiety during potentially violent situations. In the process, they have fostered a sense of good will between the police, the community, and visitors to the Virginia Beach resort area.