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ACLU Responds to Police Indictments By Issuing Renewed Call for
Community Support of a Civilian Investigative Panel
September 7, 2001
MIAMI ? Saying the Miami Police Department failed to take the necessary steps to terminate bad cops and bring them to justice, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida today issued a renewed call for community support for an independent civilian panel to investigate allegations of police wrongdoing.
At a news conference today, the U.S. Attorney announced federal indictments against City of Miami police officers for allegedly planting weapons in an effort to justify police shootings.
"The fact that federal indictments were handed down today clearly demonstrates that the Miami Police Department is incapable of adequately policing itself," said ACLU of Florida Executive Director Howard Simon. "It should now be clear to everyone that there is a problem with the Miami Police Department's internal investigations process."
In an effort to overhaul the complaint process to ensure oversight and accountability of the Miami Police Department, the ACLU, along with several other civil rights and community organizations, have called for the creation of a civilian investigative panel to conduct investigations independently of the Miami Police Department's Division of Internal Affairs. The panel, which will investigate complaints of alleged police misconduct, will have subpoena power that can only be used after consultation with the State Attorney's office. The panel also will have the authority to review polices of the police department and make recommendations on discipline to the City Manager and/or Police Chief.
The panel will be composed of civilians who are nominated by the public and approved by the City Commission. It will also have one member who is a law enforcement officer ? outside the City of Miami ? to be appointed by the Miami Police Chief.
On August 9, the Miami City Commissioners unanimously approved the wording of an amendment to the Miami City Charter that would create a civilian investigative panel. Miami residents will vote on whether to create the panel and amend the charter at the November 6 general election.
"There's a crisis in the public confidence in policing," said Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, president of the ACLU Greater Miami Chapter. "Only through adequate civilian investigation and oversight will reform within the Miami Police Department be successful. Members of this community need to take action by going to the polls on Nov. 6 and voting for a civilian investigative panel that will enable all of us to regain trust in the police."
