The first female police chief of the City of Miami Gardens was sworn in Monday. Chief Delma K. Noel-Pratt began her new historic role after 24 years of law enforcement experience.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the City Council Chambers, with many community and city leaders in attendance.
“I feel very humble and honored to have this position and I don’t take it lightly,” said Chief Noel-Pratt.
The top cop began her career as a public service aide at the Miami Police Department and in 1993 she became a police officer for the Miami-Dade Police Department. She worked her way up the ranks, earning the title of Division Chief before landing the Miami Gardens job.
“We have one of the best police officers/chiefs from Miami-Dade County who has been a part of county government for over 20 years,” said Commissioner Barbara Jordan of District 1. “I cannot be prouder to have chief Pratt come to the city of Miami Gardens.”
Chief Noel-Pratt will be the city’s fourth police chief since 2013 after some scandal-ridden departures of some of her predecessors.
“We want a Miami Gardens that is safe for all our residents and all of our businesses, and for our visitors - we have a good chief who is going to make that happen for us,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert.
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The new chief says her goal is to reduce crime in Miami Gardens and build bridges in the community.