HomeMy WebLinkAboutmemo-1CITY OF MIAMI
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and Members Date: March 12, 2004
of the City Commission
From: Priscilla A. Thompson
City Clerk
Subject: Civilian Investigative Panel
References: April 8, 2004 Agenda
Enclosures: List of members
The Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP) was established to: (1) act as independent civilian oversight of the sworn
Police Department; (2) exercise its powers so as to not interfere with any ongoing investigations and conduct its
activities consistent with applicable law, including the Florida Government in the Sunshine Law and with applicable
law and labor contracts; (3) make written recommendations related to the Miami Police Department policies and
procedures concerning but not limited to training, recruitment and notification system for corrective disciplinary
procedures and provide input to the Chief of Police before changes in police department policy or procedure are
implemented, which proposed changes shall be transmitted to the CIP 30 days prior to implementation except if an
emergency requires such change; (4) engage the services of trained investigators and secure adequate training for its
members, including training in police policies and practices; (5) conduct investigations, inquiries and public hearings
to make factual determinations, facilitate resolution and propose recommendations to the City Manager and Police
Chief regarding allegations of misconduct by any sworn officer of the City of Miami Police Department; (6) request
issuance of subpoenas, after consultation with the State Attorney of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, (Miami -Dade
County) and approval of CIP Independent Counsel, for the purpose of obtaining evidence from witnesses and
production of books, papers, and other evidence, which subpoenas shall be signed, served and enforced pursuant to
applicable law, provided that no immunity be conferred by the CIP; (7) enhance understanding of the process of
submitting, processing and responding to citizen complaints regarding misconduct by police officers; (8) issue reports
to the Mayor, City Commission, City Attorney, City Manager, Chief of Police and the public; (9) make
recommendations as to the disposition of alleged incidents of police misconduct, to which the Police Chief is required
to respond in writing within thirty (30) days; (10) forward complaints alleging criminal activity to the City of Miami
Police Department and other relevant agencies; (11) promulgate rules and procedures for internal governance and
standards for training of CIP members and staff.
• There are currently four members whose terms expired on January 23, 2004. All
appointments are made by the Commission At -Large from nominations submitted by the
CIP. The CIP is recommending that the four members listed below be reappointed:
o Brenda B. Shapiro
o Fred St Amand
o Larry Handfield
o Rodolfo H. De La Guardia
There is an additional vacancy created when Peter Roulhac resigned. As soon as the CIP board
submits a recommendation, our office will schedule for Commission consideration.
For your convenience, we have included a copy of the current membership list of the CIP. By copy
of this memorandum, we are requesting that the Agenda Office place this issue on the March 25,
2004 Commission meeting.
PAT:ss
c: Alejandro Vilarello, City Attorney
Joe Arriola, City Manager/Chief Administrator
Maria Chiaro, Assistant City Attorney
John F. Timoney, Chief of Police
Elvi Alonso, Agenda Coordinator
Shirley Richardson, Executive Director, CIP
Larry Handfield, Chairperson, CIP