News Release

Police chief to discuss Spring Break safety

February 18, 2009

For college students, Spring Break should be a time of relaxation, catching up on studies, or spending time with families and friends.

But South Miami Police Chief Robert F. Richardson knows firsthand the dangers lurking for students during that week away from classes.

Richardson will share his knowledge of what happens when drugs, alcohol, and partying are included in a student’s spring break when he visits campus Wednesday, March 4. His visit to the college to speak with students was arranged by his former professor in Miami, Penn State Harrisburg Instructor in Spanish Jose Vargas-Vila.

Hosted by the School of Humanities and the School of Public Affairs’ Criminal Justice Club, Richardson’s presentation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Morrison Gallery of the library. Pizza and soda will be served.

Richardson was appointed to acting chief with the City of South Miami Police Department in March 2008 and was later appointed chief. A 21-year veteran of the department, he has held key positions in his hometown law enforcement agency in the areas of patrol, narcotics, crime suppression, criminal investigation, community patrol, and special weapons and tactics.

He holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Miami Dade College and bachelor’s and master’s in public administration from Barry University.