Help Wanted: City of Miami Police Chief

Do you enjoy politics and care to live in sunny South Florida?  If you have a management background in law enforcement, you may be just what the City of Miami is looking for – a new police chief.

Notwithstanding the lack of occupancy in the position, the City of Miami has posted to their website an opening for police chief. 

With a salary of between $136,045.94 and $181,045.23 and benefits including health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, and a take-home car, the opportunity to lead an agency with over 1,100 employees appears to be available.

“Fifteen (15) years responsible police experience which must have included executive management experience. Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Administration, Police Science, Criminal Justice, Management or a related field is preferred. Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (FBINNA) certification is highly desirable,” reads the job description posted late Friday on the city’s website.

The open position was posted barely a day after one of the larger battles in Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado’s year-long attempt to oust Police Chief Miguel Exposito. 

“It was no more than coincidence,” said City Manager Johnny Martinez. “I just want to see what’s out there.  I don’t want to get caught last minute.”

Exposito is scheduled to retire from the Miami Police Department in January 2012. 

According to Martinez, he does not plan on firing Exposito before his retirement.  In advertising the position, the manager said he was simply taking the advice of former FBI field chief Paul Philip, whose evaluation of the Miami Police Department noted the city should advertise nationally for a new chief with Exposito’s pending departure.

On Wednesday, a voided check surfaced for $200,000 that was written to the Exposito in January.  Mayor Regalado explained that the check was part of a perfectly legal severance package negotiated by former CFO Larry Spring and no different than Exposito’s predecessor, former Chief John Timoney, who accepted a similar amount. 

Chief Exposito, who said the actual offer was $400,000, stated that he was promised another $200,000 after he actually he left the department.  In refusing the check, Exposito implied that he had contacted state and federal law enforcement officials about possible criminal activity.

As police chief:

This position directs and coordinates activities of the department, which operates on a 24-hour basis every day of the year. Promulgates departmental rules and regulations. Coordinates and administers divisions through subordinate personnel. Divisions administered may include: Field Operations, Investigations and Administration. Directly administers and monitors departmental subdivisions which report directly to the Office of the Chief of Police. Coordinates and monitors external assigned officers involved in high level and confidential federal investigations. Reviews internal investigations of members of department for alleged misconduct. Under general supervision of the City Manager and in accordance with Civil Service Rules, relevant labor contracts and departmental orders, may suspend, demote or terminate employees of the department for infraction of the rules. May mobilize force during emergencies, such as civil disturbances. Oversees development of departmental budget, activity reports, and plans for future development. May address various groups to inform the public of goals or operations of the department. Reports to the City Manager.

For more information on this exciting, but not quite available position within the Miami Police Department, please visit: www.miamigov.com