Miami Springs Police Chief, Armando Guzman, issued a statement today regarding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

A message from Miami Springs Police Chief Armando Guzman About the Death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis

“The Miami Springs Police Department does not condone the death of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers. Our Department is at a loss for words over the incident and our hearts go out to Mr. Floyd’s family and loved ones. These last few days have been incredibly frustrating and painful for me, more than at any other time throughout my forty-year career.  The actions of these four men have gravely harmed the community relations that the majority of law enforcement professionals have worked very hard and long to develop and maintain.
Chief Guzman with State Attorney
Chief Guzman with the State Attorney

The use of force beyond what is required is not and never will be tolerated by this Department. Every member of our Department is expected to act according to their training and the Departmental Policies and Procedures. Our oath requires us to never betray the badge, our integrity, our character or the public trust. We swore to hold not only ourselves accountable for our actions but the actions of others as well.

In the words of NYPD Detective Third-Grade Frank Serpico (NYPD 1959-1972) “We must create an atmosphere in which the dishonest officer fears the honest one and not the other way around.”

I demand nothing less than the highest level of professionalism from every member of the Miami Spring Police Department.  As a member of the Miami-Dade County Chiefs of Police Association we have met with and are open to meeting with peaceful groups to hear their concerns, create forms of open dialogue and reach solutions for the betterment of police and community relations.”

Chief Guzman helped to lead a community bike ride for charity.
Chief Guzman helped to lead a community bike ride for charity.

1 COMMENT

  1. I grew up in the Springs in the 50s-70s. I have always felt a fondness for the MS police department. Always kind and helpful, never any complaints of police brutality. You guys were always the beloved ‘small town police’. Showing up at all events, friendly to all, community minded, you guys were our neighbors and knew our families. Some of us went to the same schools. It is still the same to me, although I don’t live there anymore, just visiting now and then. You all made it the ‘Safe Miami Springs’ that it still is today. I am grateful for you all.

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