5 Shocking Facts About The North Miami Beach Police Department's Accreditation Crisis And New Chief In 2025

The North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD) has been thrust into the spotlight in 2025 following a series of high-profile leadership changes and a major institutional setback. As of late 2025, the department is navigating a critical period of transition, integrity review, and a renewed commitment to its mission to serve the community. The most significant development revolves around the department's accreditation status, a benchmark of professional excellence that was recently lost after nearly three decades. This article dives deep into the current state of the NMBPD, examining the controversies, the new command structure, and the path forward for law enforcement in the North Miami Beach area.

The recent turmoil, which includes the suspension of a former police chief and the unprecedented loss of its state accreditation, highlights the intense scrutiny facing the NMBPD. The community and city officials are demanding greater transparency and accountability as the department works to rebuild its reputation and ensure professional, courteous, and ethical police services are delivered to the citizens of North Miami Beach.

Chief Juan Pinillos: A Miami Native Leading the NMBPD's New Era

The North Miami Beach Police Department's leadership underwent a pivotal change amid the recent controversies. The current Chief of Police, Juan Pinillos, has been tasked with steering the department through its most challenging period in recent memory.

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• Full Name: Juan Pinillos
• Current Role: Chief of Police, North Miami Beach Police Department (NMBPD)
• Swearing-In: Sworn in as Chief of Police in 2025, alongside Deputy Chief Stuart Nichols.
• Hometown/Background: A Miami native with a lifelong commitment to serving the local community.
• Education: Graduate of Miami Sunset Senior High School.
• Key Achievement: Recognized for his role in solving a decade-old murder case, demonstrating a commitment to cold case investigations.
• Predecessor: Chief Pinillos was preceded by Chief Harvette S. Smith, who was suspended amid an active investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Chief Pinillos has stepped into the role during a period of intense institutional pressure. His background as a local figure is seen by some as a necessary grounding force for a department striving to reaffirm its connection and trust with the community.

The Accreditation Crisis: What Led to the Loss of CFA Status?

In a major institutional blow, the North Miami Beach Police Department lost its state accreditation for the first time since 1997. This development, which became public knowledge around May 2025, marked a significant shift for a department that once held the prestigious Excelsior Status.

The loss of accreditation stems from the department's failure to meet the standards set by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).

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Voluntary Withdrawal Amid Scrutiny

The official loss of accreditation was preceded by the NMBPD's voluntary withdrawal from the state accreditation program.

• Date of Withdrawal: Chief Juan Pinillos voluntarily withdrew the department from the accreditation program in an April 30 letter to the CFA.
• Underlying Issues: The decision was made following an acknowledgment of "longstanding problems" within the department.
• Impact: The loss of accreditation, whether voluntary or forced, means the department failed to comply with a rigorous set of professional standards designed to ensure best practices in law enforcement.

The accreditation process is a crucial mechanism for ensuring accountability, improving operational efficiency, and reducing liability. The department's current focus is on a comprehensive review and reform effort to address the deficiencies that led to this crisis and regain its status. This effort includes hiring new officers through a federal COPS grant to bolster its ranks.

Inside the NMBPD: Structure, Divisions, and the Push for Integrity

Despite the recent controversies and institutional challenges, the North Miami Beach Police Department remains the primary law enforcement agency responsible for public safety in the city. The department is structured into several key divisions, each vital to maintaining order and investigating criminal activity.

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Core Operational Divisions

The NMBPD operates through a streamlined structure designed to maximize efficiency and community engagement:

• Operations Division: Often referred to as the "backbone" of the Police Department, this division is typically the first point of contact for citizens. It encompasses the uniformed patrol officers who respond to emergency calls and conduct proactive policing efforts across North Miami Beach.
• Investigations Division: This unit, which includes the Detective Bureau, is responsible for following up on criminal cases that require more intensive and specialized investigation than can be handled by uniformed patrol personnel. They handle cases ranging from property crimes to homicides.
• Administrative Division: This division handles the critical support functions of the department, including records, training, and internal logistics, operating under the authority of a Division Major.

The Internal Affairs Unit and Accountability

A central component of the NMBPD's commitment to integrity is the Internal Affairs Unit.

This unit reports directly to the Chief of Police and is authorized to initiate and conduct all necessary investigations into allegations of misconduct, suspicion, or complaints against police personnel. The recent suspension of former Chief Harvette S. Smith amid an active Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) probe underscores the serious nature of internal accountability issues that the department is currently facing.

The mission of the NMBPD emphasizes providing professional, courteous, and ethical police services. The current focus on restoring accreditation and maintaining the integrity of the Internal Affairs process is crucial for rebuilding public trust and ensuring that officers meet the highest standards of performance and conduct.

The Path Forward: Rebuilding Trust and Standards

The events of 2025 have placed the North Miami Beach Police Department at a crossroads. The loss of accreditation is not merely a bureaucratic failure; it signals a fundamental challenge in meeting modern law enforcement standards. Chief Juan Pinillos and his leadership team, including Deputy Chief Stuart Nichols, face the monumental task of addressing the "longstanding problems" while simultaneously fighting crime and serving the community.

The department's immediate future hinges on several key initiatives:

1. Restoring Accreditation: Implementing the necessary changes to meet the CFA's standards and formally regaining accredited status.
2. Enhancing Training: Addressing any deficiencies in officer training and professional development that contributed to the failure to meet standards.
3. Promoting Transparency: Ensuring the Internal Affairs process is robust and transparent to restore community confidence following high-profile leadership investigations.
4. Community Engagement: Reaffirming the department's role as a partner in public safety, working closely with citizens of North Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County.

The NMBPD's journey in late 2025 and beyond will be defined by its ability to transform its challenges into an opportunity for comprehensive reform, ultimately delivering the high-quality, ethical police services the city deserves.