Miami Beach PD suspends off-duty policy

Off-duty officers no longer allowed to work at nightclubs

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ā€“ The Miami Beach Police Department has suspended its policy of allowing officers to work off-duty security jobs at nightclubs in the city.

The move comes a day after Sgt. Mike Muley was suspended after he was found to be intoxicated while working off-duty at Mango's Tropical Cafe on Ocean Drive.

Police Chief Daniel Oates made the decision Tuesday and said it will take effect Aug. 1.

"Recent events, as well as a city-funded audit of the police department, suggest that there is a need for a comprehensive review of our off-duty work policies." said Oates. "I am convinced that we need more safeguards and tighter rules before we can consider allowing this kind of work to resume."

Richard Vanleuvan, the manager at Ocean's Ten on Ocean Drive, disagrees with the decision. He said off-duty cops mean added security, with the power to arrest.

"A lot of times we have a lot of problems with people, and when off-duty is here, they take care of it and it's done. It deters a whole lot of crime," he said. ?

Alex Bello, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police, called the chief's decision a "PR stunt" and said safety could be compromised.

"We are concerned, and residents and tourists should be concerned for their safety," he said.

Bello added that not only will officers lose out on extra income, the city of Miami Beach will lose money. The city receives $10 per hour of off-duty work, Bello said.

Currently, 14 establishments are authorized to use Miami Beach police officers in an off-duty capacity.

The suspension is reported to be indefinite.