January 2025
Officer of the Month
Officer Zephyr Jean
The North Miami Police Department’s “Officer of the Month” for January 2025 is Officer Zephyr Jean. Officer Jean is currently assigned to the Uniform Patrol Section, Midnight Shift. He is being recognized for his outstanding performance during the following incident:
I would like to call attention to the exemplary performance of Officer Zephyr Jean in his apprehension of a dangerous, convicted felon. The incident occurred at NE 6 Avenue and NE 143rd Street, in the City of North Miami. Officer Jean utilized keen observational skills and proactive style policing to address criminal activity in an area plagued with vehicle burglaries.
On January 29, 2025, at 0154 hours, Officer Jean’s attention to detail and situational awareness allowed him to identify suspicious behavior from a group of individuals attempting to conceal themselves behind parked vehicles at an apartment complex located at 14280 Northeast 6 Avenue. Officer Jean’s decision to approach this potentially dangerous situation demonstrated his courage and commitment to public safety. When Officer Jean made contact with the suspects, he maintained his steadiness despite the immense danger and pressure that multiple subjects with unknown intentions or weapons pose. One of the subjects captured Officer Jean’s attention because of his furtive movements. Officer Jean maintained visual attentiveness and observed the subject concealing a dark, unidentifiable object between the tire and fender of an unoccupied parked vehicle. Simultaneously, he had to keep visual and mental track of the other individuals in the parking lot. Based on the factors available to him, Officer Jean believed that the subject was either concealing illegal narcotics, property stolen from one of the vehicles in the parking lot, or a firearm. Fearing for the safety of those persons and property in the immediate vicinity, Officer Jean issued loud verbal commands to effectively gain control of the subject and then physically take him into custody.
Afterwards, Officer Jean conducted a thorough search of the parking lot that resulted in the discovery of a loaded firearm that had been secreted away by the subject. Undoubtedly that weapon would have been used to victimize members of the North Miami community had Officer Jean not intervened. A records check of the subject was conducted and revealed he had a previous firearm conviction.
Officer Jean’s adherence to Department protocol, sound police tactics and constitutional policing were evident throughout this interaction. Officer Jean’s work reflects his dedication to the professionalism of law enforcement and commitment to upholding the legal rights of individuals he encounters.
I am proud to recognize the outstanding professionalism, courage and dedication to the North Miami Police Department and the North Miami community. Officer Jean’s actions made a positive impact on the residents of our city.