Message from the Chief

MESSAGE FROM

THE CHIEF

Police Chief Leonard Burgess

I am pleased to present the Miramar Police Department’s 2021 Annual Report, highlighting our accomplishments, service and vision for 2022. This past year has been a true privilege, serving as Interim Chief of Police of this highly recognized and respected agency. On February 14, 2022, I was appointed as the Chief of Police. I could not be more honored to have the opportunity to lead the men and women of one of the finest police departments, not only in South Florida but in the nation. We take great pride in delivering unparalleled police services to our diverse Miramar community. Ensuring public safety, while maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity is our pledge to you. Our department has been at the forefront of modern policing, committed to 21st Century Policing strategies and the Eight Can’t Wait initiatives, promoting effective crime reduction while building public trust, reducing Use of Force incidents and increasing accountability. In fact, our Internal Affairs Unit documented a significant reduction in Response to Resistance incidents. We are proud to say that the department had zero racially biased complaints in 2021. The past two years have been the most challenging years in the history of the department. The global pandemic affected our agency and the community we serve in an unprecedented manner. Many have been touched by grief, compounded by stress caused by financial trouble or uncertainty. Our department was not spared. We began 2021 with the loss of a dedicated member of our staff due to COVID. Our Miramar PD family united in support and grew stronger in our resolve, delivering excellence with compassion and pride to our residents. In 2021, tangible results were realized as crime was reduced in various areas compared to the previous year. Burglaries decreased 38%, robberies by 22%, vehicle burglaries by

21%, and auto thefts reduced by 8%. It should be noted, the overall reduction of more than 12% in 2021 was in addition to a double-digit reduction of the prior year as well – marking an unprecedented era in crime reduction. 2021 marked a time of progress and new beginnings through the opening of our new 21,000 square foot Public Safety Complex in Historic Miramar and the adoption of innovative technology that keeps us in the forefront of modern policing. This technology includes gunshot detection, a new records management system, upgraded tactical and safety equipment, and various software programs to enhance efficiency. Furthermore, through grant funding, the department will be implementing state of the art, virtual reality de-escalation training for all officers, as we do everything possible to keep them and our community safe. This year also marked 25 years of national accreditation at the highest level possible – meritorious – a distinction that very few police departments across the country can boast. I am proud of what we have already accomplished and am looking forward to our future. As your chief, I believe in the importance of developing leaders that are driven, compassionate and will instill a culture that drives the succession of excellence. In 2021, twenty-four police officers and eleven professional staff members joined our department, representing a myriad of nationalities, languages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I am truly excited of this diverse talent and experience that will bring our organization to higher levels of community engagement and professionalism. A bright future is ahead of us. As we continue recruiting a whole new generation of police officers and professional support staff, rest assured that the future of this agency will carry our commitment of providing you a safe environment to live, work, and play. I look forward to leading this agency with intention, providing a clarity of purpose that will inspire and motivate our TEAM to carry out our MISSION… so let’s continue maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity with excellence into 2022. Thank you all for your friendship, encouragement and unwavering support. I wish continued health, safety, and blessings to each one of you and your families.