MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Five Miami Gardens police officers have announced plans to file a lawsuit against the city.
They are demanding the termination of Chief Delma Noel-Pratt after claiming they were discriminated against because they’re Hispanic.
“We’ve been subject to transfers, demotions, several of us were relieved of duty, including myself with no cause, a violation of the bill of rights, and this has been going on for several years now,” said Miami Gardens Police Department Sgt. Pedro Valdes.
Three of the veteran officers spoke during a press conference in Miami Lakes, including Francisco Mejido, who says he was removed from the department’s K-9 unit after 10 years for raising concerns about inconsistent discipline among officers.
“My dog was taken from me, I had to break that news to my two young kids, to my wife, and ever since then, the agency has come after me with multiple forms of discipline to include trying to suspend me without pay for things that were just beyond my control,” he said.
Officer Juan Gonzalez was also demoted, he says, for talking to other Hispanic officers at a homicide scene.
“I was brought up to his office, and I was scolded for talking to Hispanic officers on scene,” he said. “I asked for permission to speak freely, and spoke my mind and when I didn’t agree, I stood up. I walked out and I was followed by my supervisor in a threatening manner, in a hostile fighting position, with both fists clenched.”
In addition to the chief’s firing, the officers involved in the pending suit are also demanding back pay due to lost wages following their demotions.
“This ongoing policy of discrimination, arbitrary treatment, violating the rights of police officers, has a very serious negative effect on public safety for all of the citizens and businesses in the City of Miami Gardens,” said attorney Michael Pizzi.
Local 10 News reached out to Noel-Pratt’s office, but they said they would not be commenting.
Miami Gardens City Manager Cameron Benson’s office told Local 10 News they plan to file their own response in court.
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