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Q: Officer Gloria, Ald. Donovan calls the CLO the "living, breathing personification of the MPD" on neighborhood streets and in schools, churches and businesses throughout the district. As a CLO what is your biggest challenge on a daily basis?
A: My biggest challenge on a daily basis is managing my time so that I follow up with citizens in a timely manner and provide them with accurate crime prevention information.
Q: As the MPD's first fully bilingual CLO, do you find Spanish-speaking residents are more inclined to approach you with info and requests? Are they appreciative of having a police officer who speaks Spanish?
A: Yes, Spanish-speaking residents are more inclined to provide information, requests and questions, and they are very appreciative of having a Community Officer who speaks Spanish. More importantly, not only do I speak Spanish like many near south side residents, but I also understand where they are coming from.
Q: As CLO what is your basic philosophy or motto in how you approach your work?
A: My philosophy is that I try to provide people with accurate information, with answers to their questions, and I try to return their calls in a timely manner.
Q: How do you interact with businesses and merchants?
A: I try to get to know them and their workers, and I take their concerns very seriously. I help by guiding them on preventing crime while being safe at the same time.
Q: If you could provide one basic piece of advice to citizens, what would that be?
A: Contact your Community Liaison Officer and request a Block Watch start-up meeting for you and your neighbors as soon as possible. Don't wait for a crime to happen!
Q: If you could make one basic request of residents/business owners, what would that be?
A: Please come to our crime analysis meetings at the District Six Police Station, 3006 S. 27th St., on the last Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. I urge people to inform themselves about the crimes reported in the district and in their neighborhoods. Also, I urge residents to get to know their Community Liaison Officer so they can be provided with information on how to prevent crime.
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