HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetterSTATE ATTORNEY
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
E. R. GRAHAM BUILDING
1350 N.W. 12TH AVENUE
MIAMI, FLORIDA 33136-2111
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE
STATE ATTORNEY
August 11, 2008
Chief John Timoney
City of Miami Police Department
400 N.W. 2nd Avenue
Miami, Florida 33128
Dear Chief Timoney:
TELEPHONE (305) 547-0100
www.miamiSAO.com
Office o
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AUG 15 2008
RECEIVED
The South Florida Money Laundering Strike Force has effectively dismantled and
prosecuted significant Drug Trafficking Organizations since 1994 through the outstanding
collaboration of its law enforcement partners. Although the departure of the Florida Department
of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will result in a change of management, the Strike Force's important
mission and operation will remain the same. The State Attorney's Office (SAO) continues to be
committed to the good work and great success of the Strike Force.
The State Attorney's Office will work diligently with all the participating agencies to
ensure a smooth transition as well as the uninterrupted operation of the Strike Force. To that
end, enclosed is a copy of the new Mutual Aid Agreement for your review. The primary change
to the Agreement was to replace the language pertaining to the "FDLE" with the "State
Attorney's Office."
As to issues relating to an agency's jurisdiction, Florida law specifically provides that
each law enforcement officer that renders aid outside of his/her jurisdiction pursuant to a Mutual
Aid Agreement has the same powers, duties, rights, privileges and immunities as if he/she were
performing those duties inside of his/her own jurisdiction. (See Section 23.127(1), Florida
Statutes). My legal department has reviewed this statute and concurs. However, if you have any
questions relating to jurisdiction, please advise accordingly.
The current Mutual Aid Agreement with the FDLE expires on or about September 18,
2008. The State Attorney's Office is requesting that the participating agencies review and sign
the new Mutual Aid Agreement by September 2, 2008, in order to maintain continuity of Strike
Force operations.
Notwithstanding this transition, the SFMLSF will continue to be a national model for
drug trafficking and money laundering investigations. It is an honor to have been selected to
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manage the Strike Force and I will work closely with the Steering Committee to preserve and
promote the important mission of the SFMLSF.
Sincerely,
KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE
State Attorney
By:
David M. Paulus
Executive Director Designee
South Florida Money Laundering
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