City of North Miami and Police Department Extend Invitation to Justice Department for C.O.P.S. Unit Organizational Assessment
March 29, 2024
The City of North Miami and the North Miami Police Department (NMPD), at the invitation of the Chief of Police, enthusiastically welcome the Justice Department's organizational assessment. This assessment, initiated through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services' (COPS) Collaborative Reform Initiative, is scheduled to take place from this year through 2025.
The NMPD will work with the COPS Office's Collaborative Reform Initiative Team to focus on the following areas: crime prevention and analysis, community engagement, technology, employee wellness, training and development, retention, resource analysis and strategic planning, and oversight and accountability.
Mayor Alix Desulme, Ed.D. stated, "I applaud the police department for initiating this important step, and I am grateful that the DOJ has selected North Miami to conduct the organizational assessment and I look forward to sharing the updates with our residents. This assessment aligns with our city's dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive community where all residents feel respected and protected."
The City of North Miami remains fully committed to supporting the assessment process and collaborating with the Justice Department to implement any recommended improvements. We are confident that this evaluation will contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community.
Chief of Police Cherise G. Gause added, "As the Chief of this great department, I sought the opportunity to assess our agency. Although we presently have a top-notch police department, constructive feedback and evaluations are essential for us to improve and better serve our community continuously. This organizational assessment is crucial for promoting efficiency, accountability, transparency, community trust, officer well-being, strategic planning, and alignment with best practices. Our agency's volunteer work for this assessment reflects my commitment to improving public safety and serving North Miami's citizens. I believe that undergoing assessments helps identify areas for growth and demonstrates our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, two of our department's core values.
Chief Gause continued, "We look forward to working with the external accessors from the Collaborative Reform Initiative to ensure that our department remains responsive to our community's evolving needs. I invite our community stakeholders to take this journey with us by checking in for updates on our progress."
The City of North Miami looks forward to the findings and recommendations that will emerge from this assessment, and we are committed to implementing any necessary changes to improve the effectiveness and integrity of our police department. Community members and stakeholders can view the progress of the Organizational Assessment.
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Media Contact
Sa'Vanna D. Smith, Interim Communications Director
305-893-6511, Ext. 12156
ssmith@northmiamifl.gov
About the City of North Miami
North Miami is a suburban city located in northeast Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is roughly 10 miles (16 km) north of Miami. The city lies on Biscayne Bay, which surrounds the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University. North Miami is home to a diverse demographic of residents. With more than 64,000 residents, North Miami is the sixth-largest city in Miami-Dade County. We are home to the Oleta River State Park; the largest urban park in the Florida State Park System, and the nationally accredited Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA North Miami).