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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” Rumble in Little Havana: Ball & Chain owner sues city of Miami for $28M
Mad Room Hospitality and its affiliates allege Miami officials broke laws and acted unethically in shutting down nightlife venue and restaurant”
The lawsuit is Fuller’s latest salvo against the city, stemming from a feud with Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo that has been ongoing since 2018. Carollo, a controversial elected official, allegedly targeted Ball & Chain and the developer’s other properties because Fuller supported an opposing candidate in the 2017 election. Ball & Chain, at 1513 Southwest Eighth Street, was forced to close last October after the city revoked its certificate of occupancy.
In an explosive Sept. 24 memo to City Manager Art Noriega and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, Acevedo accused Carrollo of using the Miami Police Department as “his personal enforcer against anyone he perceives as offensive.”
Doesn’t Alex DLP live OUTSIDE his district? That is illegal. If the Chief was a real man he would investigate that crime. And Carollo was rumored to live outside his district too.
” having lived in this town for the last 68 years of my life”
I’m in Doral and a friends father was showing me pictures of when they used to hunt here in Doral think in 80s and lagoons where he would snorkel right by what are now buildings by Miami beach .
What a huge change Miami has seen so quickly .
” Joe Carollo and Alex D should be indicted. Reyes should be in jail too as an accomplice. Acevedo should move faster to provide evidence to the Feds of corruption by Miami officials. That spineless city manager Art Noriega lives up to his reputation for being a whiny leach.”
BEAUTIFUL .
” They need to fire Art Noriega. Clean house!”
Agree but in order to clean house these three Cosa Nostra Commissioners should go along with him .
The three amigos of Carollo, Reyes, and De La Portillo should fire the person who hired Chief Acevedo and completely ignored the hiring process to begin with. They need to fire Art Noriega. Clean house! While the Chief wrote a scathing letter, Art Noriega stuck his middle finger at the 3 Commissioners and said I don’t give a shit about your hiring process. I hire whoever the hell I want. He his arrogant as hell!
…but, push the reset-button, translates into, ” borron y cuenta nueva ” , in Spanish, and that’s a very handy recourse for first-time falling-outs.
Taxpayers are getting screwed.
Joe Carollo and Alex D should be indicted. Reyes should be in jail too as an accomplice. Acevedo should move faster to provide evidence to the Feds of corruption by Miami officials. That spineless city manager Art Noriega lives up to his reputation for being a whiny leach.
I like Chief Acevedo. If commissioners are truly abusing their office they should be called on it. However, he should have solid proof. I believe there is abuse because, having lived in this town for the last 68 years of my life, I know the history of most of these politicians.