DeSoto Police and Clergy, DPAC, was formed to help our community address the root causes of violence in the community. In 2010, we began discussions to address the growing violence among youth in the community; and in 2011, DeSoto Police and Clergy “DPAC” 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 Minister on Call, Gang Prevention & Behavioral Management Ministry Programs, Tutorial Programs, and Counseling, Mentoring, & Parenting Programs. DPAC is a volunteer based organization and continues to grow. It reflects a community working together to solve issues of concern.
“This coalition is not a new idea, it has been implemented in other cities and communities across the United States”, according to DeSoto Mayor Pro Tem, Denise Valentine. “I learned about the program by attending a workshop in Fort Worth given by leaders of the organization called Uniting Clergy and Police”, said Valentine. Oscar Epps, pastor of Community Missionary Baptist Church in DeSoto and Former DeSoto Police Chief Mike Brodnax subsequently met with the Fort Worth coalition and created the DeSoto alliance customizing it to match the needs of our community. The ministers attend formal training similar to the curriculum for Citizen Police Academy. The training sessions ensure that the ministers understand the policies and procedures of the police department. Ministers also share information about the ministries available through their own churches. Some have programs in place to provide counseling for family violence, alcohol and drug rehabilitation, support groups for Child Sexual Abuse, etc. They also have special outreach ministries for our youth. The sessions are an opportunity to exchange information and forge a solid working relationship. Through this coalition with the police department, ministers from various faith groups are volunteering to be “on call” when a family member, victim or perpetrator, requests ministerial counseling. DeSoto Police and Clergy (DPAC) can be called in to provide ministerial counseling for family violence situations, car accidents, or disruptive behavior among our adolescents. You will also see them at athletic events and other public gatherings. The DPAC program has marked its 3rd full year of operation in April 2013. We look forward to growing the program by increasing the number of ministers involved and invite ministers in the DeSoto area to join the team at the DeSoto Police Department. If you’d like more information about the DPAC program please call the DeSoto Police Department at 469-658-3000.
