FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 3, 2009
CONTACT:
Grace Solares, Miami Neighborhoods United, (305) 372-8783
Brandon Hensler, ACLU, (786) 363-2737 or media@aclufl.org
MIAMI – Miami Neighborhoods United is convening a special meeting tonight to discuss a plan to defeat a proposed amendment to the City Ordinance regarding the Civilian Investigative panel (CIP) that would, among other things, eliminate the independence of the Miami Civilian Investigative Panel (CIP). The meeting is open to the public and members of the media.
“We are greatly concerned that the proposed amendment coming before the Miami City Commission will destroy the independence of the Civilian Investigative Panel,” said Grace Solares, President of Miami Neighborhoods United. “In addition, there is a real question as to whether this proposal violates the City Charter; it certainly violates the desire of the voters who overwhelmingly approved an independent body to serve as civilian oversight of our police department,” she added.
WHAT:
Strategy meeting to defeat proposed city ordinance amendment
WHEN:
TONIGHT, Wednesday June 13, 7 p.m.
WHERE:
Simpson Park, 55 SW 17th Road, Miami
WHO:
Miami Neighborhoods United
CIP Members
ACLU
Miami Neighborhoods United and the ACLU of Florida are concerned that the amendment to the ordinance violates the city charter and eliminates the independence of the CIP.
“I doubt that the people of Miami – especially those filing complaints asking for an investigation of allegations of police misconduct – will have confidence in the outcome of an investigation by a CIP that is basically comprised of representatives of public officials of the City,” said Howard Simon, Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida.
All 13 members of the CIP have been invited to attend tonight’s meeting, and only one issue on agenda: discussion on how to defeat the proposed amendment scheduled to come before the Miami City Commission on June 11. The amendment, presented by Commissioners Michelle Spence-Jones and Angel Gonzalez would:
Reduce the number of CIP members from 13 to 9; and
Restructure how CIP members are appointed to make each a political appointee.
The Miami CIP was originally created by referendum, approved by the voters of Miami, and became part of the Miami City Charter. The CIP objective was to be an independent panel to investigate charges of police misconduct and review and make recommendations regarding police department policies. Four organizations came together in 2001 (ACLU, NAACP, P.U.L.S.E.se and Brothers of the Same Mind) after a wave of police shootings that led to the federal indictment of 12 Miami police officers.
About Miami Neighborhoods United
Miami Neighborhoods United is an association of 18 homeowner associations throughout the City if Miami.
About the ACLU of Florida
The ACLU of Florida is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. For additional information, visit our web site at: www.aclufl.org.
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