By Lorenzo W. Snelling / Special to Le Floridien
Miami Assistant Police Chief Cherise Gause has made history, again.
Last week, Gause became the first Haitian-American woman police chief for the City of North Miami after the City Council voted her the new top cop during a meeting in which residents celebrated her appointment and accomplishments as a law enforcement officer.
Previously, Gause was the first Haitian-American female to serve as the assistant police chief for the City of Miami in the department’s history.
Her law enforcement career spans 30 years, rising through the ranks first as a dispatcher, patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and assistant chief, all with the City of Miami.
Now she’s the police chief for North Miami, a predominantly Haitian-American city nestled between Miami Shores and North Miami Beach.
North Miami encompassses 10 miles with a population of 60,000, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
Gause, 50, will start her new position next month.
“The City of North Miami community welcomes and congratulates Chief Cherise Gause on being appointed as the new Chief of Police,” the City of North Miami said in a released statement. “Mayor Alix Desulme, Ed.D., expressed utmost confidence in the capabilities of Chief Gause and anticipates a safer and more secure future for the city under distinguished leadership.”
Gause was not available for an interview by press time.
Gause replaces interim police chief Angel Rivera who has been serving in that role since Larry Juriga’s retirement earlier this year.
Riviera said in an email to council members and city staff that Gause is the best person for the job.
“Gause will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the City of North Miami,” he said.
Miami Police Chief Manny Morales said he has mixed reactions about Gause’s new role.
He said he hates to lose her but at the same time is happy for her new endeavors in her law enforcement career.
“She’s absolutely the best candidate for any job,”Morales told reporters. “I wish I could talk her into staying.”
U.S. Congresswoman Fredrica Wilson congratulated Gause on becoming the new police chief for North Miami.
“As a Haitian-American leader with extensive law enforcement experience, I have no doubt she will make our community safe and proud,” Wilson said.
The hiring of Gause will make her the fourth female police chief of Miami-Dade’s 34 law enforcement agencies, a higher percentage than most other counties but still a relatively low number considering the percentage of women in policing.
Other local chiefs include Delma Noel-Pratt in Miami Gardens, North Miami Beach Chief Harvette Smith and Medley chief of police Jeanettee Said-Jinete.
According to the City of Miami, Gause is one of only three women in the 126-year history of Miami policing to reach the rank of assistant police chief.
She oversaw 1,000 officers in field operations.
She’s also led criminal investigations and managed the agency’s almost $300 million budget.
