HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 146-2017 New Appointments in the Police DepartmentBAL HARBOUR
- VILLAGE -
OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
LETTER TO COUNCIL
NO.146-2017
To: Mayor Gabriel Groisman and Members of the Village Council
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manage
Date: August 25, 2017
Subject: New Appointments in the Police Department
This Letter to Council (LTC) is to inform you of the future leadership structure of the Bal
Harbour Police Department effective September 1, 2017. I am pleased to inform you that
I have appointed Miguel De La Rosa to the position of Chief of Police, Raleigh Flowers has
been promoted to Captain of Police and Jack Young has been promoted to Lieutenant of
Police.
As you know, in January 2014, I appointed Chief Mark Overton to lead the Bal Harbour
Police Department with a mandate to transform the agency. Chief Overton refocused the
police department toward an agency committed to a community policing philosophy,
based on increased police visibility, responsiveness and innovation. He also assembled a
command staff that shared in his vision, philosophy and management style, initially
appointing Captain Miguel De La Rosa as his second in command. Under the direction of
Chief Overton, the Captain's responsibilities included the implementation of the
community policing philosophy which fostered positive citizen engagement and began to
restore the public's trust in our police department. In furtherance of Chief Overton's vision,
the Captain was also responsible for the direct oversight of two Lieutenants, which
provided the presence of command staff seven days a week to ensure a consistent
application of the department's goals and vision throughout our community.
In July 2016, as a result of Chief Overton's unexpected medical emergency, I appointed
Captain De La Rosa to assume full command of the police department during Chief
Overton's absence. While our entire community grieved in the sudden and unexpected
loss of our police chief, Captain De La Rosa has continued Chief Overton's legacy of
forward momentum, demonstrating the capacity to lead the agency and maintain the
community's trust in its police department and leadership.
During this time, Captain De La Rosa has continued in the duties and responsibilities of the
Police Chief, supported by the previously assembled command staff and all members of
the police department. As the Acting Chief, he has maintained the stability of the
department as well as continued in the fulfillment of the agency's level of service and
LTC 146-2017: New Appointments in the Police Department
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commitment to the community. Captain De La Rosa maintained fiduciary responsibility
over the current budget as well as assisted me in the development of the proposed police
department budget for next fiscal year. At my direction, the Acting Chief has presented a
strategic plan outlining the framework for the continued development and direction of the
Police Department.
Acting Chief De La Rosa has demonstrated the qualities and characteristics of a leader. He
has garnered the respect and trust from the community as well as fostered a high level of
cohesiveness within the police department.
Upon careful review of the chief's strategic plan, I concur with his recommendations to
promote Lieutenant Raleigh Flowers to the position of Police Captain and Sergeant Jack
Young to the position of Lieutenant.
Captain Flowers shall assume the role as second in command of the police department.
He has a proven history in both operational and administrative components of executive
police administration with over a decade of command level experience. Captain Flowers
has excelled as a mentor and as a command officer since his appointment to the Bal
Harbour Police Department in January 2015. He is a graduate of the Southern Police
Institute, Command Officers Development Course, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
National Academy, and holds a graduate degree in Human Resource Management from
Florida International University. He is also the current President of the Miami -Dade County
Association of Chiefs of Police Association, assuming the presidency in May 2017.
Lieutenant Young shall assume the vacancy of Police Lieutenant created by Captain
Flower's promotion. Lieutenant Young possesses the skills and leadership abilities to
perform in this capacity. Throughout his fourteen (14) year career with the Bal Harbour
Police Department, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the department
through training, innovation and seeking assignments that broadened his police
management acumen. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute, Command
Officers Development Course, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Leadership in
Police Organizations Course and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree from
Barry University.
The appointment of Police Chief De La Rosa, Captain Flowers and Lieutenant Young will
solidify the continued commitment to the initiatives begun under Chief Overton providing
stability and sustained innovation for this community. A promotional ceremony is planned
for later in the year and you shall all be invited.
Please join me in congratulating Miguel, Raleigh and Jack as they assume their new duties
and wish them much success.
If you have any questions or need additional information please feel free to contact me.
JMG/MdIR