It may have been a day late, but Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo responded to the city manager’s request for an action plan that included steps to kiss and make up with city commissioners he has accused of misconduct.
Like that’s going to happen.
It was less than two weeks ago that Acevedo — plucked from Houston in March by Mayor Francis Suarez — wrote a scathing 8-page memo that accused Commissioners Joe Carollo, Alex Diaz de la Portilla and Manolo Reyes of interfering in internal investigations, abusing their elected office and using the police force as their own personal goon squad to arrest “agitators” (read: critics) and harass political enemies.
The Cuban-born Acevedo said Loco Joe and ADLP had “target lists” and that if they had their way “I and my family might as well have remained in communist Cuba, because Miami and MPD would be no better than the repressive regime and the police state we left behind.”
Ouch. Harsh words for Dinner Key.
Now, he says he can work with them. #Ooops. #Nevermind.
Know more: Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo gets memo from manager = cover for firing
In a 24-page reply to the city manager’s demand for an action plan moving forward from the slash and burn war of words in the last couple of weeks, Acevedo provided policing and management policy details with 30-. 60- and 90-day measurable goals to reduce gun violence, increase responsiveness to crime trends through the newly created Special Operations Division, and improve morale, among other things.
While Acevedo says he may have moved on reform too quickly for Miami tastes, he also reminded City Manager Art Noriega (who is setting up to get rid of the chief) that he and the mayor knew he would shake things up.
“Having honestly and openly discussed my leadership style with you and Mayor Suarez prior to my selection as chief, you both assured me my style of public service would work well in Miami and at MPD,” Acevedo wrote. “Our city leaders have a unique operational style of their own and are much different than what I have previously encountered.”
Yeah, we know. Welcome to Miami.
“As such, I probably moved too quickly to effect change and engage publicly and I have experienced some friction with members of the city commission and some employees,” he wrote.
And Ladra thinks friction? You accused some of them of misconduct.
Know more: Train wreck Miami City Commission goes off rails on Police Chief Acevedo
“I have since adjusted my approach and will continue to do so to ensure I meet the expectations of city commissioners, our community, and our MPD family,” he said.
He apologized again for using that “Cuban Mafia” comment at roll call, which isn’t really the issue but provides the politicos with good cover to get rid of him because he knows what they are up to.
“While there have been bumps in the road, I have hit the reset button and look forward to working diligently to accomplish my given mission of building on the successes of my predecessors,” Acevedo wrote.
The chief also released early results of a survey in which officers and civilian employees have participated, providing input on what they like most and what they like least about the department. It comes on the heels of an online Fraternal Order of Police survey that shows the majority of the force has no confidence in him and feel the chief doesn’t have their backs.
But, most notably, he sorta apologized for ruffling feathers on the dais and said he would meet repeatedly with commissioners to repair the relationships.
“Our elected officials speak for the people of our city,” Acevedo wrote, “and as law enforcement officers, we swear an oath to serve — without fear or favor — the people of our city. Therefore, as the representatives of the people, our city’s elected officials are owed the utmost respect and collegiality.
“While I may not always agree with the mayor and individual members of the city commission, my respect for them as an elected body and for the people they represent must be unwavering, and my disagreements should be expressed in the context of issues, not personalities.”
Um, ahem, these are the same people he accused earlier this month of being criminals.
Know more: Chief Art Acevedo fights back, reports misconduct by Miami city electeds
How can the police chief really make nice with commissioners he truly believes are abusing their office and committing acts of official misconduct, and perhaps breaking laws? And if he doesn’t think that, how can commissioners — indeed, the very citizens of Miami — tolerate a police chief that would make such public accusations without solid proof?
They can’t. Which means that this response and the relative quiet that has followed is more City Hall theater. Acevedo’s days are still numbered. They’re just going through some motions.
Chief, you’re a law enforcement officer. You know what is going on there is not kosher. The fact of the matter is that it took someone from outside the Miami culture to notice how bad the political corruption is and call it out.
Is Acevedo going to just shrug it off to save his job, which is worth $438,000 with benefits? “Look away, people. Nothing to see here.”
Sorry, Chief. But there’s not a reset button big enough for this.
Police Chief Art Acevedo sets ‘reset button’ after accusing Miami electeds added by Ladra on
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