HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo 1CITY OF MIAMI
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and Members Date: March 18, 2005
of the City Commission
Subject: Civilian Investigative Panel
From: Priscilla A. Thompson References: April 14, 2005 Agenda
City Clerk
Enclosures: List of members, Application
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.
The Commission At -Large has three appointments for seats which terms expired on January 23,
2005. The seats are currently held by Donald Bierman, Tangier Scott, Janet McAliley.
Vacancies (other than the position to be filled by the Police Chief) in the membership of the CIP
shall be filled by the Commission exclusively from names submitted to it by the CIP. The CIP is
requesting the Commission to reappoint all three members.
The CIP has an additional vacancy created because Jaime Perez resigned. The panel is not ready at
this time to submit nominations for said seat. As soon as our office receives nominations for the
vacant seat, we will schedule the item for Commission consideration.
For your convenience, we have included a copy of the nominee's resumes and the current
membership list of the CIP. By copy of this memorandum, we are requesting that the Agenda
Office place this issue on the April 14, 2005 Commission meeting.
PAT:ss
c: Jorge L. Fernandez, City Attorney
Joe Arriola, City Manager/Chief Administrator
Charles C. Mays, Independent Counsel
John F. Timoney, Chief of Police
Elvi Alonso, Agenda Coordinator
Shirley Richardson, Executive Director, CIP
Larry Handfield, Chairperson, CIP