It’s not part of a Police Explorer Scout’s duty to assist in making an arrest, but Samantha Simo, 16, of Miami-Dade Hammocks District Post 800, not only assisted an officer on patrol, but received a special citation from Capt. Hernan M. Organvidez for her “great observation and investigative skills.”
An Academy graduate and corporal in the Hammocks Post, Simo spotted a white Latin male walking in the rain, appearing disheveled, overly wet and heated as she accompanied Hammocks Officer Idania Felipe on an Aug. 19 “ride along” patrol near SW 157th Avenue and 56th Street.
After his “answers didn’t make sense” when questioned about his appearance when stopped by Officer Felipe, Simo spotted bleeding on the subject’s leg, leading to additional questioning and contact with the district’s burglary detectives.
Once their roadside investigation was completed, it was determined that the detained subject was involved in a burglary leading to his apprehension along with recovery of a firearm and property.
Explorer members must pass a rigorous three-week summer academy training program before being permitted to participate in a ride-along with an officer.
Simo, a junior at John A. Ferguson High School, has been an Explorer in Hammocks Post 800 since Nov. 8, 2010. She graduated from the academy’s 2011 summer term, which included assessing traffic stops, burglaries-in-progress, domestic disputes and interviewing techniques.
She was awarded the special citation in front of members of the Citizens Advisory Committee during a Sept. 28 meeting. Presentation was made by Capt. Hernan M. Organvidez, acting major, and CAC chair James Blough.
