In recent years, we have seen increased efforts to try to demonize our law enforcement heroes. These disingenuous attacks can influence our youth and create a chasm between law enforcement and the communities they have sworn an oath to protect.

It is vital to our state that we do everything in our power to build trust and respect between law enforcement and the communities they serve. This week, we took steps toward that end.

Joined by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, I announced a partnership to help build bonds between law enforcement and at-risk kids and teens.

Through an existing state administrative leave program, our respective agencies are encouraging law enforcement officers to mentor children through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bigs in Blue Program. The program provides the framework for law enforcement to volunteer as one-on-one mentors to children in the communities they serve. The program has paired more than 3,000 children with mentors since its creation in 2017.

In June, I saw firsthand the impact this program has on local communities when I presented a Back the Blue Award to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Ever since then, I have been working to enhance the reach of this effective program.

I believe our new partnership will have a tremendous effect on young people throughout Florida. And I am committed to ensuring that we, as a state, are supporting and promoting the good deeds and heroic actions of law enforcement. By doing this, we will help build a stronger, safer Florida.