In this episode of the Cape CopCast "Chief's Chat" edition, we're giving you updates on several major projects within the Cape Coral Police Department. We're gearing up for the annual NAMI Walk, benefitting the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Chief Sizemore, the king of analogies, then illustrates the progress of Project 35 using the analogy of building a snowman. We also talk about entering the design and development phase of our police precinct buildings, which will be in each of the four quadrants of the city.

We also recount a tale that exemplifies the power of teamwork and the spirit of Cape Coral. When a local gentleman experienced cardiac arrest, a quick-thinking family member and our dedicated police and fire rescue teams came together to save his life. We talk about reuniting with the man and his family, complete with plans for a future golf outing. It's stories like these that make us pause and appreciate the unique teamwork that thrives in our community.

Deputy Chief Dana Coston joins us on the Cape CopCast to share his remarkable journey through the ranks of law enforcement. He started his career in the midst of the crack epidemic in Fulton County, Atlanta, and eventually relocated to Cape Coral in 2000, where he's served his community since. Learn how his diverse experiences from serving as a school resource officer to his pioneering work with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, have shaped his approach to modernizing law enforcement communications and social media strategies. Deputy Chief Coston is responsible for the creation of the department's Public Affairs Office, which serves as the liaison between the community and the agency. He played a pioneering role in the department's focus on transparency and adaptability.

Explore the intricacies of maintaining public trust in law enforcement through transparent communication and strategic social media use. Delve into the Cape Coral Police Department’s innovative approach to storytelling, where Deputy Chief Coston emphasizes the importance of being upfront about both triumphs and setbacks. Discover how the department’s guerrilla news outlet-style Public Affairs Office engages the community with dynamic content, especially during critical situations. This episode shines a light on the evolving relationship between the department and the community through social media engagement and the diverse experiences of the Public Affairs team.

In this edition of the Cape CopCast "Chief's Chat," host Lisa Greenberg talks to Chief Anthony Sizemore about our new police training center, which is having it's grand opening soon. The new center includes a shooting range and simulation environments that are redefining police training. Learn how the integration of these resources not only enhances training efficiency but offers a cost-effective solution by centralizing all training activities within the city. We also talk about the Motors School and training happening this week and the rigorous obstacle courses they go through, designed to prepare motorcycle officers for the high demands of traffic enforcement, ensuring their readiness and safety on the roads. We also tackle critical issues surrounding road safety, reflecting on a recent tragic motorcycle accident and a crash involving a medical episode. 

This episode ends by highlighting the heroic actions of one of our School Resource Officers, who saved a baby's life during a traffic stop.

Join us as we explore a pivotal issue affecting many communities today—homelessness and public space management—alongside Chief Anthony Sizemore in this edition of the Cape CopCast "Chief's Chat." 

Hosts Lisa Greenberg and Officer Mercedes Simonds talk about the intricacies of Cape Coral's new proposed ordinance that seeks to manage public spaces by prohibiting outdoor camping, a topic often linked to homelessness. We shed light on how this measure, born from House Bill 1365, is not an anti-homeless law but a means to ensure constitutionality in maintaining public order. As we draw insights from a recent US Supreme Court decision on a similar ordinance in Grants Pass, Oregon, we promise you'll leave with a clearer understanding of the balance between legal enforcement and compassionate outreach.

In this spirited conversation, we also uncover the critical role specialized officers play in supporting individuals without homes, focusing on connecting them to essential services through comprehensive training. We discuss the challenges of enforcing such ordinances while emphasizing that the primary aim is care and support, not just enforcement. By addressing the visible aspects of homelessness and recognizing its persistent nature due to global economic conditions and human psychology, we stress the need for both immediate action and long-term strategies. Tune in for a nuanced discussion that navigates the complexities of homelessness and the efforts made to tackle it for the benefit of the entire community.

In this episode of the Cape CopCast 'Chief's Chat,' hosts Lisa Greenberg and Officer Mercedes Simonds sit down with Chief Anthony Sizemore to address the shooting in the Fuego's Lounge parking lot and a domestic violence-related stabbing, emphasizing the swift actions taken by the Cape Coral Police Department. We also honor the memory of Sergeant Elio Diaz with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, highlighting the importance of community support during times of tragedy.

We cover:
• The shooting incident at Fuego's Lounge, the quick response from our Violent Crimes Unit and collaboration with the U.S. Marshals Task Force 
• A stabbing case rooted in domestic violence 
• The line of duty death of Sergeant Elio Diaz with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office and how it's impacted law enforcement and our community

Officer Coby Palmer joins us on this episode of the Cape CopCast to talk about our department's Police Athletic League (PAL). This program is about building healthy lifestyles and positive relationships between Police Officers and the youth of Cape Coral.

With a background in sports management, Officer Palmer is the perfect guide through the transformative power of sports to connect at-risk youth and police officers. Cape Coral PAL, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has grown to support 29 kids, fostering a community that feels like family. We dive into Officer Palmer's personal journey and discover how PAL makes a real difference in young lives, while learning ways to contribute to this inspiring initiative.

We also cover upcoming events and fundraisers for PAL, including a charity softball event, a comedy show, and a collaborative 5K race. We discuss the different sports programs for kids, from basketball to archery to boxing to gymnastics.

Listen to the passion and dedication that fuels PAL's mission to uplift Cape Coral's youth, and find out how you can play a part in this empowering movement.

We're doing the week in review for this episode of the Cape CopCast "Chief's Chat" edition! 

Hosts Lisa Greenberg and Officer Mercedes Simonds sit down with Chief Anthony Sizemore talk about:

• The arrest made in a home invasion and the importance of staying vigilant.
• The crucial role of technology and collaboration in solving crime and maintaining safety.
• The vandalism committed at a local home that's being investigated as a hate crime, how our collaboration with the local chapter of the NAACP has fostered transparency, and the award they presented the Chief.
• A tragic DUI-related crash in which a man is suffering life-threatening injuries, and how this highlights the need for safe driving as the holiday season approaches. 
• The other crimes our department sees an uptick in around the holidays and how our department is maintaining visibility to prevent them.
• Our upcoming 'Shop with a Cop' event.

Thanks for joining us!

Tune into this episode of the Cape CopCast "Chief's Chat" as hosts Lisa Greenberg and Officer Mercedes Simonds tackle the arrest of a TikToker caught for retail theft, showcasing the complex relationship between social media influence and illegal activities. We talk with Chief Anthony Sizemore about the issue from both a law enforcement and societal perspective, discussing how actions like these can  normalize crime, while emphasizing the urgent need for accountability among social media creators.

Shifting gears, we bring to light the strategic foresight of our city's police department as it prepares for anticipated population growth. Through our plan, called Project 35, we reveal how the department is using scientific forecasting to ensure that our community remains safe and well-prepared for the future. From envisioning advanced infrastructure to enhancing staffing and technology, we highlight the importance of transparency and public education in fostering public trust. Join us to understand how these forward-thinking strategies are being implemented to maintain an exceptional level of service, preparing us for the challenges of tomorrow.

Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and fun memories! Join hosts Lisa Greenberg and Officer Mercedes Simonds as they take you on a nostalgic journey through their beloved Thanksgiving celebrations on the Cape CopCast "Chief's Chat." From sweet potato casserole and gruyere cheese scalloped potatoes, to Mission Barbecue, to Chief Sizemore's unique leftover tradition, you'll hear stories that will make you smile and maybe even inspire your own holiday menu. And if you're not a cook, Lisa's got a Whole Foods hack that'll have your guests thinking you're a culinary genius.

In this episode of the Cape CopCast "Chief's Chat," discover how Cape Coral Police Detectives swiftly brought a wave of smash-and-grab burglaries to an end and protected local businesses, and learn about our new vision for community policing. Tune in as Hosts Lisa Greenberg and Officer Mercedes Simonds chat with Chief Anthony Sizemore about the impressive strategies the department employed to apprehend the burglary suspect.

Chief Sizemore also takes us on a journey into the future of policing in Cape Coral with the introduction of a decentralization model aimed at bringing precincts closer to residents. Listen to his insights on the meticulous planning behind these new precincts, which promise to enhance accessibility and reduce travel burdens for both officers and the public. Through Project 35 and the development of new facilities over the next decade, Chief Sizemore shares how the city is preparing for future growth, ensuring that resources and infrastructure are aligned with the community’s evolving needs. Don't miss this engaging discussion about smart, sustainable growth and the proactive steps being taken to support Cape Coral’s thriving community.