MIAMI BEACH — Miami Beach Police Chief Daniel Oates has named Lauretta Hill deputy chief, making her the highest-ranking African American in the history of the city police department.
“Her experience, integrity, professionalism and impressive body of work make her an exceptional choice” Oates said in a statement announcing the appointment. “Lauretta comes to us from a well-respected and progressive police department. We are extremely fortunate that she has agreed to join us.”
Hill, who will assume duties in early August, is a 20-year veteran of the Arlington Police Department in Texas, where she is serving as assistant chief in a force with about 829 sworn and non-sworn personal and a budget of $87 million. She is responsible for about 300 personnel and oversees a $22 million budget.
Hill rose through the ranks to become deputy chief for Patrol and of Operations Support. As commander of
Arlington’s North Division, covering an area with 120,000 residents, officers under her command achieved significant crime reductions by applying community policing techniques and engagement efforts, the Miami Beach statement said.
Hill also has extensive experience with ensuring safe and secure major events, having coordinated overall security operations for Super Bowl XLV, the 2011 World Series and the 2010 NBA All-Star Game by working with local, regional, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
That experience should come in handy in a resort city that periodically comes under fire for its dealings with very large crowds, especially those involving blacks.
Hill earned a Master of Liberal Arts from Texas Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice from the University of Texas. She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police.
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