Whether he wants it or not, Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito is about to get a little more help.
Paul R. Philip, a former Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in Miami, will be joining City Manager Tony Crapp's staff as a special advisor on public safety, Crapp announced Monday.
"As part of my ongoing review and deliberations regarding police services to the City's neighborhoods and residents, I have determined that I am in need of technical expertise in order to continue a meaningful assessment of the wide range of public safety issues in the City of Miami," Crapp said in an e-mail to Mayor Tomas Regalado and city commissioners.
Crapp said Philip's tasks will include making recommendations regarding the oversight and management of the police department, evaluate all rules and regulations related to the operation of the police department and assess the morale of the department.
Philip, who starts Tuesday and will make $70,000 annually, previously was assistant county manager for public safety in Miami-Dade and the chief of staff for the superintendent of Miami-Dade Schools.
"I’m excited to join the city manager’s administration, and I look forward to working with him, his staff, and the dedicated members of the Miami Police Department," Philip said in a statement.
The move is just the latest in the ongoing battle between Exposito and Regalado, who have clashed over the policing of Miami since last year.
Exposito hasn't commented on the appointment yet. The rift between Exposito and Regalado has intensified in recent weeks, as the mayor has become more critical of the police and Exposito in the wake of several recent police-involved shootings.
