HomeMy WebLinkAboutmemoCITY OF MIAMI
INTER -OFFICE MEMORANDUM
To: Honorable Mayor and Members Date: January 13, 2006
of the City Commission
Subject: Civilian Investigative Panel
From: Priscilla A. Thompson References: February 9, 2006 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.
• There are currently three members whose terms expired on January 23, 2006. All
appointments are made by the Commission At -Large from nominations submitted by the
CIP. The CIP is recommending that the three members listed below be reappointed:
o Tanya Brinkley
o Danny Couch
o Tom Rebull
• The CIP has an additional two vacancies created because Donald Bierman resigned and
John Ruiz does not wish to be considered for a new term. 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:
o Bess L. McElroy
o Andrew K. Fishman
For your convenience, we have included a copy of the nominee's application, brief personal
history, 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 February 9, 2006 Commission meeting.
PAT: am
c: Maria J. Chiaro, Assistant City Attorney
Charles C. Mays, Independent Counsel
John F. Timoney, Chief of Police
Elvi Alonso, Agenda Coordinator
Shirley Richardson, Executive Director, CIP
Larry Handfield, Chairperson, CIP