Wanted: New Miami Beach Police Chief As Daniel Oates Plans Retirement
MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) – Wanted: A new police chief for Miami Beach.
Friday, Miami Beach Police Chief Daniel Oates submitted a letter announcing his retirement after five years as the city's top cop to City Manager Jimmy Morales.
"It's been a great experience working for you and with your leadership team, but it finally feels right to end my 38-year career in law enforcement. I write today to ask that you prepare for my retirement and departure when my contract ends in June," wrote Chief Oates in the letter.
"As you know, it has always been my plan to end my career here with the Miami Beach Police Department. It has been an absolute honor to serve with the extraordinary men and women of MBPD. They give so much every day to keep this city safe. They are superheroes."
"I'm disappointed. He has been a phenomenal chief and turned the department around" Morales told
CBS4
Morales said many factors went into the decision but it's not clear what if any role spring break played
The chief was criticized for the handling of spring break which saw many public brawls and displays of outrageous behavior.
Morales praised Oates for restoring professionalism to the department that was in a negative spotlight for questionable shootings and embarrassing incidents five years ago.
Prior to coming to Miami Beach, he was the Police Chief in Aurora, Colorado, the Chief of Police in Ann Arbor, Michigan and served 21 years in the New York Police Department.
Oates says he plans to help with the transition.
"I am willing to stay on while you select and make arrangements for a successor. I will provide my every assistance to the new chief in the transition. I wish him or her the very best."
He added that he is looking forward to retirement and new opportunities outside law enforcement.
Miami Beach activist John Deutzman says he thinks Oates would have stayed if it hadn't been for the problems of spring break.
"Ultimately, you go to the person in charge of public safety," he said.
