The President of the Dade County Police Benevolent Association says there's a record-breaking shortage of Miami-Dade police officers.
In a statement released Wednesday, PBA President John Rivera pointed the finger at Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
"We are, at best, 390 officers short since Carlos Gimenez took over," said Rivera.
This week, 140 police officer trainees graduated, but the PBA says the new addition will do little to offset the shortage at the department.
"During his time in office, Mayor Carlos Gimenez has severely depleted manpower, slashed departmental resources and cut important community programs," added Rivera.
The PBA head also said the mayor's policies have had deleterious effects on the department.
NBC 6 reached out to the mayor's office for comment.
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County officials said the department has added a record number of police officers, calling Rivera's comments "half-truths" and "distortions".
"Mayor Gimenez will continue to support adding police officers, equipping them with body-worn cameras and encouraging community-oriented policing. Mr. Rivera will continuing issuing press releases," said Mike Hernandez, Director of Communications at the mayor's office.
