Miami Gardens names Delma K. Noel-Pratt its first female police chief

Noel-Pratt has been in law enforcement for 24 years

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Gardens has named its first female police chief.

Chief Delma K. Noel-Pratt has 24 years of police experience and has served throughout Miami-Dade County.

"The city of Miami Gardens is fortunate to have a leader of her caliber, expertise and talent in service of the greater Miami Gardens community," City Manager Cameron Benson said.

The new chief is expected to assume her role on May 1.

Noel-Pratt began her career in 1989 as a public service aide for the Miami Police Department. In 1993, she joined the Miami-Dade Police Department as a certified police officer.

While with Miami-Dade police Noel-Pratt worked her way up to the rank of major.

In her last position, she  was responsible for areas such as Miami International Airport and Port Miami, oversaw about 450 sworn and non-sworn employees and was responsible for all functions in the court services, economic crimes, narcotics, informational technology services, Homeland Security and warrants bureaus.

Noel-Pratt holds an associate degree from Miami-Dade Community College, a bachelor’s degree and legal assistant certificate from Barry University and a master's degree from Lynn University.

"We are so excited to welcome Chief Pratt to Miami Gardens," Mayor Oliver Gilbert said.  "Her long career with the county brings extensive knowledge and experience to meet the needs of our community.  We're looking forward to taking our police department to new levels of excellence under her leadership."