The North Miami Police Department’s “Officer of the Month” for September 2022 is Detective Orestes Torres. Detective Torres is being recognized for his continuous and exceptional contributions to the North Miami Police Department, through the Mounted Patrol Detail, Crime Suppression Unit, and other areas, where he volunteers to make a positive impact.

Detective Torres’ contributions to the Mounted Patrol Detail are known throughout the County.  He is a knowledgeable resource for other agencies, to include the Miami-Dade County Police Department, which is looking to model their new Mounted Unit policy and practices after ours. Detective Torres’ care for the health and safety of the Department’s horses is outstanding, as exhibited by his keen alertness to their medical needs by preventing future problems, discomfort to the horses, and the potential for large expenses. 

Detective Torres is equally dedicated to the Crime Suppression Unit’s success and the Agency’s accreditation process when he requested to assist the Unit with an extensive research and filing tasks.  

Additionally, Detective Torres’ voluntary contributions to our Department, and other agencies seeking assistance with Autism Spectrum Disorder information, is truly commendable. Aside from the commendation he received for taking the lead in organizing the Agency’s first Autism Acceptance Police Caravan, Detective Torres continues to be a resource for other agencies on this topic. For example, Detective Torres was recently contacted by a Crisis Negotiations Team deputy from the Solana County Sheriff’s Office in California, requesting his assistance drafting an Autism-related scenario for training. He was also a guest speaker at this year’s South Florida Parents and Law Enforcement event at the South Florida Autism Charter School. Detective Torres has also assisted other local agencies with their Autism Acceptance-themed vehicles, ensuring that the same are designed with the Autism community’s sensitivities in mind and emphasizing “acceptance.”

Detective Torres is recognized for his steadfast dedication and commitment to the North Miami Police Department, its motto of “Making a Positive Impact,” and displaying all of its values of Respect, Integrity, Professionalism, Courage, Unity, and Empathy to others, near and far.