MIAMI (WSVN) — Tomorrow at the White House, the Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department will be honored as a "Champion of Change."
The Director, Juan Perez, has only held the position for a short amount time, but he has already had a lasting impact on the community. Perez is one of only 10 people who will be honored in the ceremony, which recognizes individuals who work to help those with criminal records become productive members of society again once they’ve served their sentences.
"It certainly is an honor," Perez said, "but really it is not an award for me but more for the county overall and for the efforts that not only the police department has over the year implemented, but it culminates a lot of different partner agencies."
Director Perez participates in a re-entry committee of the Miami-Dade Criminal Justice Council to help people find jobs and recently started a "Youth Outreach Unit" which helps at-risk kids.