On any given day of the week, morning or afternoon, you can
turn your radio dial and hear either Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos “Cry Wolf” Gimenez and county commissioners speaking to the masses.
While it’s not equal time, now the county cops want to reach an audience, too.
The Dade County Police Benevolent Association launched its own radio show on 880 AM radio last week. The hour long show, called “Rapid Response,” will air twice a month at 9 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at 880 AM radio.
“The show was born from the idea that there are so many topics and issues facing our community which require more than 15 second soundbite responses,” said PBA President John Rivera.
“There are stories that aren’t being told and news that isn’t being covered. We want the chance to delve deep into issues and interact with the community,” Rivera said. “We want the community to know that we are listening to them. We want them to have a better understanding of issues facing law enforcement and we want to give them a behind the scenes look at what is going on in government.”
Read related story: Email to Miami-Dade Commissioners questions police transfers
The next show is this Thursday on the Nov. 4 election and specifically the two big ballot questions — the tax for the new courthouse and FIU’s expansion onto the Youth Fair grounds.
Right now, the hour is during the Gray Zone and the PBA got the time by paying for it. But they may go weekly and eventually end up with their own show if they get community sponsors. The first show got a very positive response, Rivera said, adding that people heard it in New York via i heart radio. The PBA is thinking about doing it weekly and setting up a studio in their office so they don’t have to travel for it.
Naturally, the show will also be a way for the police union to highlight the “positive news” cops always complain doesn’t get in the paper or on Channel 7. You don’t get a platform like this and not use it for that.
But, staying true to his form and the PBA’s reputation, Rivera promises the show will be provocative and controversial, with guests from the community 
to keep it fresh and engaging.
Like Gimenez? The mayor and the PBA have long been at odds in a very public feud that has gotten ugly in the past. Earlier this month, Rivera accused Gimenez of lying about layoffs and political retaliation when the administration sent layoff notices to three civilian police employees, all in the PBA bargaining unit.
Read related story: Did Mayor Carlos Gimenez lie? Police layoffs after all
“We’re going to invite him in the future. Whether he shows up or not is up to him,” Rivera said. “But it’s not going to be all about the county. We are going to do stories about Sunny Isles and Homestead, everywhere in the county, but a little more attention to those areas we represent.
“And whether other elected officials decide to show up or not is up to them.”
Rivera extended Ladra an invitation and, of course, I’m in. But I told him he has to do a show in Spanish, too.
“Baby steps,” Rivera said.
PBA launches own radio show for ‘equal’ air time added by Ladra on
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