Sustained findings since 2017 (Professional Compliance Unit Of The Miami Gardens Police Department)

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Florida Sunshine Law, I hereby request the following records:

Pursuant to Article I, section 24 of the Florida Constitution, and chapter 119, F.S., I am requesting copies of records related to cases of sustained findings of police misconduct at the Professional Compliance Unit of the Miami Police, between 2017 and 2022. This includes, but is not limited to, documents, reports, multimedia, body-worn camera footage, arrest filings, and so on. It also includes all documents, notes, correspondence and memoranda evidencing sustained findings reports and investigations, and all communication and correspondence in whatever tangible medium between the officials, the victims and the overseeing agency.

I am requesting digital copies of all responsive documents.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request.

Here, misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

Excessive (unreasonable) force – beatings, manhandling of people in handcuffs, improper use of Tasers, injuries inflicted by police dogs, improper use of deadly force, and other police brutality or disregard for the safety of suspects. It also includes, but is not limited to: physical and verbal abuse, restraints happening unreasonably, coerced or forced confessions, and sexual abuse and assault.

False arrests – pulling over, detention, questioning and searches conducted without any probable cause whatsoever, including cases of planted evidence, racial profiling and trumped-up charges of resisting arrest.

As per the Florida statutes, any record made or received in connection with the transaction of official business is a public record subject to disclosure, unless there is a specific statutory exemption making that record, or the information contained therein, confidential or exempt. Without an express legislative exemption, law enforcement personnel records are open to inspection just like those of other public employees and until the investigation is no longer active or until the agency head or his designee provides written notice to the officer who is the subject of the complaint that the agency has concluded the investigation with a finding to either proceed or not to proceed with disciplinary action or the filing of charges.

Should you deny my request, or any part of the request, please state in writing the basis for the denial, including the exact statutory citation authorizing the denial as required by s. 119.07(1)(d), F.S.

I will contact your office within one week to discuss when I may expect fulfillment of my request, and payment of any statutorily prescribed fees. If you have any questions in the interim, you may contact me at 415-769-8210 or ananyatiwarijournalism@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Ananya Tiwari

415-769-8210

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days.

Sincerely,

Ananya Tiwari