North Miami Announces Closure of its Citizens Investigative Board, Following Passage of HB 601 Eliminating Civilian Oversight Agency Functions Statewide
April 15, 2024
On Friday, April 12, the City of North Miami announced, effective July 1, 2024, the disbandment of the office of its Citizens Investigative Board (CIB) and the suspension of its operations following the passing of House Bill 601, on March 7, 2024.
House Bill 601 effectively prohibits any Civilian Oversight Agency (COA), such as North Miami’s Citizens Investigative Board, from performing oversight functions related to the investigation of complaints of law enforcement misconduct. To remain in compliance with the legislation, the City of North Miami will begin the process of shuttering its Citizens Investigative Board (CIB) office this spring.
Monday, March 25, 2024, Assistant to the City Manager/ CIB Executive Director Dr. Philip Harris presented to the CIB Board and the City Manager a timeline for the proper closure of the office. North Miami’s Citizen Investigative Board was conceptualized by the City’s Mayor, Alix Desulme, Ed.D. Following the adoption of the City ordinance that established it in 2020, Harris led the CIB’s initiation and establishment.
Florida House lawmakers voted for passage of the bill, which impacts all COAs operating statewide, 81-28, on Feb. 22, 2024. The bill was amended in the Senate on March 1, 2024, and returned to the House. The House concurred in the Senate amendment and subsequently passed the bill as amended on March 7, 2024. The bill “prohibits a political subdivision from adopting or attempting to enforce any ordinance related to the receipt, processing, or investigation of complaints of misconduct by law enforcement officers or correctional officers, except as expressly provided in s. 112.533, F.S.; or Civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies’ investigations of complaints of misconduct by law enforcement officers or correctional officers.”
“As a resident of the State of Florida and the Mayor of the City of North Miami, I am deeply saddened and disappointed that our State’s lawmakers would take legislative action to stop the important work of Civilian Oversight Agencies like North Miami’s Citizens Investigative Board. Back in 2020, when I led the charge to create the Citizens Investigative Board with the support of my City Council colleagues and dedicated staff, the cultural climate and the need for renewed trust from communities across the nation and their law enforcement agencies showed us all that it was both timely and necessary,” said Desulme. “As an elected leader, I am well-pleased and fully confident in the quality of work, range of skills and level of professionalism shown by our North Miami Police Department and its leadership. Our Citizens Investigations Board played a significant role in ensuring public trust and confidence in local law enforcement through intentional transparency and by giving our residents a voice. Since creating the CIB, we’ve seen noticeable progress as we built public awareness and increased utilization of this vital resource that has been put to an abrupt and unfortunate end.”
Following intensive efforts by City personnel, North Miami’s Citizen’s Investigative Board opened its doors in January 2022. It consists of six resident board members appointed by the City Council. Through combined efforts by the North Miami Police Department, City personnel and board members, the CIB investigated six types of claims: false arrests, criminal conduct, discrimination, harassment, use of slurs and use of force. In 2023, the CIB received 32 complaints, including nine complaints assigned for full investigation and one complaint heard by the board. In 2023, the board also gave one accommodation to a North Miami Police Officer for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Additional information about the City of North Miami’s Citizens Investigative Board is available at its webpage. Please forward all media inquiries to Eunicia Baker, Communications Director. Email Eunicia Baker.
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Media Contact
Eunicia Baker, Communications Director
305-893-6511, Ext. 12151
ebaker@northmiamifl.gov
About the City of North Miami
North Miami is a suburban city located in northeast Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is roughly 10 miles (16 km) north of Miami. The city lies on Biscayne Bay which surrounds the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University. North Miami is home to a diverse demographic of residents. With more than 64,000 residents, North Miami is the sixth-largest city in Miami-Dade County. We are home to the Oleta River State Park, the largest urban park in the Florida State Park System and the nationally accredited Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA North Miami).