City of Miami Police Department Policy Manual

The City of Miami Police Department publishes many of its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on a public portal, covering patrol procedures, internal investigations, training, firearms, professional standards, and other operational topics. These SOPs, combined with internal directives and city rules, form the framework that guides how Miami officers operate in a dense, diverse, and high-visibility urban environment with heavy tourism, special events, and waterfront activity.

For promotion-focused study at the City of Miami Police Department, begin by cataloging the public SOP library into major topics: (1) use of force, (2) arrests and searches, (3) pursuits and emergency operations, (4) professional standards and discipline, (5) training and personnel development, and (6) special operations. Build a study binder or digital notebook where each topic has: a summary of the SOP purpose, a list of key definitions, and a section outlining specific supervisory duties. As you progress, add short real-world scenarios based on common City of Miami calls—nightlife districts, special events, port or waterfront activity—and practice applying the SOPs from a supervisor’s perspective.

Key City of Miami SOP areas to emphasize include:

- Use of force and response to resistance: definitions, reporting thresholds, review procedures, and supervisory responsibilities.
- Patrol and call-handling procedures: priority calls, back-up, and coordination with neighboring agencies.
- Vehicle pursuits and emergency driving: initiation, risk evaluation, multi-unit response, and termination.
- Professional compliance and internal investigations: complaint intake, investigative steps, and employee rights.
- Training, firearms range use, and qualifications: documentation, compliance, and supervisor enforcement of standards.
- Cooperation with county and regional partners: interactions with Miami-Dade and surrounding jurisdictions.

Focusing on these areas will help connect SOP language to daily operations and promotion exams.

When preparing for City of Miami PD promotional exams:

1. Highlight every line that describes a supervisor’s duty to respond, approve, investigate, or document.
2. Develop short checklists for high-risk topics such as use of force incidents, detainee injuries, or pursuits that end in crashes.
3. Practice scenario questions in which you must balance operational demands with policy compliance, especially in nightlife and special event areas.
4. Track any updated SOPs and policy bulletins, and give newly revised sections extra attention before testing.