Keandra Simmons, a notable law enforcement officer whom has served the Miami Police Department and Miami community, since 2004, was demoted by newly appointed Chief Art Acevedo of Miami Police Department.
Simmons, a single mother of a young son, is an exemplary officer, one of many sworn law enforcement officers that possesses the respect and admiration of the Miami community. Simmons, an inductee of 40 Under 40 Honoree of the International Association of Chief of Police is a product of the Miami community, that rose quickly through the ranks of the Miami Police Department.
Simmons made history by being the first black female public information officers, and placed amongst the highest number of promoted, female African American officers in the Miami Police Department, as a result of her outstanding service in the division positions such as battery, communications, general patrol, homicide public information, and sexual assault.
In a November 24, 2019 interview at Excitement Radio Station on Conversations with Charito Radio Show, Simmons expressed her desire to continue to encourage change and positive interaction between police officers and the community, as well as improving her leadership skills while working alongside her male counterparts.
However, after the recent appointment of newly appointed Chief Art Acevedo, and pursuant to Civil Services Rules and Regulations her position was rolled back to Police Lieutenant, in accordance with the City of Miami’s Pay Policy. Simmons is alleging discrimination by Chief Art Acevedo as a result of her demotion, and is seeking whistleblower status. Simmons intends to file a civil rights lawsuit against Miami Police Department, and is seeking reinstatement of her status of Major.
There hasn’t been a discrimination case related to demotion and civil rights in Florida since Bailey v. Town of Lady Lake, Florida where John Patrick Bailey, an African-American male police officer for the Town of Lady Lake Police Department, alleged discrimination as a result of demotion.
Bailey was promoted to sergeant then demoted to a patrol officer, in less than a year, and returned to the rank of sergeant. Bailey’s claims, based on allegations and retaliations, against officers in the department, found to have no merit, according to court documents because Bailey failed to provide evidence of any pattern, policy, or practice of discrimination or retaliation.
In a recent interview with Acevedo at Excitement Radio Station on Conversations with Charito Acevedo was questioned about the recent demotion of Simmons. Acevedo responded that since litigation is involved, he had no comment on the allegations, but he is confident that his decision and the outcome will be favorable towards the Miami Police Department. “My father a former police officer in Cuba, fled the communist country in search of freedom and opportunity in the United States. “I came to this great county as an immigrant, and migrated to Texas for more opportunities. I am not a communist, not a racist, but a person of Christian faith that believes in justice, equality, and opportunity for all.” said Acevedo.
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