New police chief tries to repair relations with community

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Fort Myers police chief Derrick Diggs is unveiling his new policing plan on Thursday at the Harbor Side Event Center with the hope that it will bridge the divide between the department and the community.

He plans on bringing big changes and these changes have not gone unnoticed. Some Dunbar residents, like John Tobler, say police officers seem nicer and more caring.

“It’s great, especially Officer Brown,” Tobler said. “He always stops by and makes sure everything’s OK, asking questions as to what could be better in the community.”

This change — officers out of their patrol cars and engaging with residents — is being embraced by many as Fort Myers police and the community come together.

Mayor Randy Henderson has high hopes that Diggs’ new approach will work.

“He is showing through his actions that he is serious about bringing a new way forward to Fort Myers PD,” Henderson said.

Diggs wants community leaders, business owners and the public to come together to form close relationships.

The Fort Myers Police Department will be hosting a two-day event beginning on Thursday at the Harbor Side Event Center to explain the agency’s new initiative:

Day 1 Session 1: Harborside Event Center (1345 Monroe Street) at 10:30 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Invited: Dignitaries, church leaders, educators, law enforcement, business owners, and community leaders

Day 1 Session 2: Dr. Carrie Robinson Center (2990 Edison Avenue) at 4:00 p.m. — 5:30 p.m.
Invited: Open to the public

Day 2: Dr. Carrie Robinson Center (2990 Edison Avenue) Informal Community
Discussions between 10:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m.
Invited: Open to the public