FOP Video Urges Officers To Reconsider Miami PD Jobs
MIAMI (CBS4) -- Budget cuts mean fewer officers on the streets of Miami. While many people agree that more officers are needed, no one wants to pay for them.
That led to an advertisement on YouTube by the Miami Fraternal Order of Police, telling potential officers to apply to elsewhere.
The advertisement is making its way around the internet.
"I understand that it is harsh, but it is also a harsh reality," said Javier Ortiz, the President of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Ortiz insists the "bad-mouthing" of the department is deserving and necessary.
"We have approximately 200 police officers leaving in the next three years and we are one of the lowest paid police departments in South Florida, why on earth would you want to work here if you are a good applicant," Ortiz added.
Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff responded to the advertisement with concern and urged the FOP to pull back with the advertisement, something that is not so easily done now that the ad is poised to go viral.
"I just think they've gone too far," Sarnoff said.
Sarnoff is worried about the potential impact it will have on the city.
"Do you really want to be in Miami, is this place you want to bring up your children, if the police department doesn't want to be here and the police officers don't want to be here, why do the school kids want to be here and from that why do the business leaders want to be here?" Sarnoff said.
Miami's mayor also voiced concern.
"It bothers me because it attacks the police force and I'm proud of the police department, I think that we have a great force and that the issues that we have, have been solved and I think that the police is moving forward," said Mayor Tomás Regalado.
However, Marc Sarnoff said crime is up and police officers are desperately needed as the bitter war of words continues.
"I hope this campaign will bring some awareness not only to the public, but as well as to our commissioners and just to let them know how bad things are internally here at the Miami Police Department," Ortiz added.
