Ferguson, Missouri remains a tense community after more than a week of unrest following the deadly shooting of a teen by a police officer.
Sanford was in the national spotlight for about two years because of the George Zimmerman case. Zimmerman was eventually found not guilty of the shooting death of 16-year-old Trayvon Martin.
The protests in Central Florida were small in comparison to the violent situation between police and rioters in Missouri.
“We’ve got at least a year under our belts with everything that has happened with the trial, two years with the marches, and the city has remained peaceful,” said Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith.
Chief Smith spoke at a community meeting in Sanford Monday night. Smith took the position as chief before the Zimmerman trial and wants to extend a helping hand to the city of Ferguson. Sanford’s city manager is sending an email to the city of Ferguson.
“[We] offered up our assistance in anyway that we possibly can and we’re essentially waiting to see if they are going to need any additional assistance,” said Smith.
What that assistance is depends on what may be needed. According to Smith, the offer goes to out to any city.
“You want to reach out to the people when you need them, whether it’s in Ferguson, Cincinnati or New York,” Smith said.
Smith said being on the outside looking into what Ferguson is currently experiencing offers a different perspective on how situations like these can be learning tools - for both police and residents.
“If we can share the lessons learned with them then hopefully have a better opportunity to resolve the issues that are occurring in the community,” said Smith.
The Chief will hold meeting a with community members everything third Monday at 6 p.m. at the Sanford Police Department.