Miami Gardens police chief pushes back on allegations of discrimination
'These allegations are without merit,' Noel-Pratt said at a news conference outside police headquarters, where she stood flanked by dozens of officers from Miami Gardens, Miramar and the Florida Highway Patrol. 'Every decision I make, as difficult as some may be, is rooted in operational necessity — not personal bias.'
MORE: Hispanic officers allege mistreatment in Miami Gardens, call for chief's removal
The officers — Juan Gonzalez, Christian Vega, Francisco Mejido, Rudy Hernandez and Sgt. Pedro Valdes — claim they were demoted, suspended or reassigned after raising concerns about unfair treatment. They've also demanded Noel-Pratt's resignation.
'The current police chief is out of control in terms of the mistreatment and abuse of officers — in particular Hispanic officers and officers who complain about wrongdoing,' said their attorney, Michael Pizzi, during a news conference Wednesday.
Noel-Pratt, the city's first Black female police chief and appointed in 2017, strongly denied that race played any role in personnel decisions. She said all transfers were made based on 'feasibility, staffing needs and the goal of maintaining effective and efficient departmental operations.'
'These decisions are not made lightly,' she said. 'And certainly not based on race, ethnicity, or any other protected characteristic.'
She also addressed specific allegations, including claims that Mejido had his K-9 partner unfairly taken from him. Mejido, a 13-year veteran, said he was removed from the K-9 unit and disciplined for a minor body camera infraction, while his replacement had committed the same violation.
'I had to break that news to my two young kids, to my wife,' Mejido said. 'Ever since then, the agency has come after me with multiple forms of discipline.'
Noel-Pratt dismissed the K-9 claim as misleading.
'The canine in question was city property,' she said. 'A canine assignment is a privilege based on performance and operational needs — not an entitlement.'
Sgt. Valdes, a 17-year veteran, also claimed retaliation. He said he was relieved of duty for six months without explanation and only recently reinstated.
Noel-Pratt confirmed Valdes had been informed of the reason for his leave but declined to provide details.
While she acknowledged the situation has affected morale in the department, Noel-Pratt made it clear she's not stepping down.
'While I acknowledge the officers' right to voice their concerns, the demand for my resignation is misguided and misplaced,' she said. 'I will not allow these claims to overshadow the progress we've made or disrupt our service to the people of Miami Gardens.'
Noel-Pratt said officers who no longer feel the department aligns with their values or career goals can explore other opportunities.
And to the officers threatening legal action?
'I'm not afraid of a federal lawsuit,' she said.
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