Javier Ortiz, the former Miami police captain known for a slew of citizen complaints regarding beatings, false arrests, and harassment, has enlisted in Governor Ron DeSantis' Florida State Guard. Ortiz's checkered past includes a two-year investigative report by state and federal law enforcement, which did not result in criminal charges due to a lack of evidence within the statute of limitations, despite allegations of bias and abuse against minorities, most notably African Americans, the Miami Herald reports.
Ortiz, 44, joined the "Crisis Response Battalion" of the State Guard, which can deploy to various emergencies and natural disasters. He can also be used to halt migrants at sea or the southern border in Texas. The Miami cop's controversial career includes nearly $600,000 in settlements paid by the city for citizen complaints and excessive use of force allegations, according to the Miami Herald.
Despite this backdrop, the news of his signing up with the paramilitary force, broke by an X post, has raised concerns about the judgement of State Guard leaders.
NEW: Javier Ortiz, the Miami police captain whose long history of citizen complaints alleging beatings, false arrests and harassment made him notorious in the city he swore to protect and serve, has joined Ron DeSantis’ Florida State Guard.
— Ana Ceballos (@anaceballos_) May 7, 2024
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Rodney Jacobs, director of Miami’s civilian police review panel and a candidate for the Florida Senate, expressed his consternation to the Miami Herald, saying, "I can't wrap my mind around how concerning this is." His concerns echo the sentiments of those who believe Ortiz's history of poor judgment and troubling interactions with civilians should have been taken seriously by State Guard officials during the vetting process.
Initiated by DeSantis, the Florida State Guard has started accepting members to bolster its ranks, aiming for a formidable 1,500-strong force. Ortiz was allowed back into public service after an agreement in May 2023, stipulating an early retirement by November 2025 following his short-lived dismissal by Miami Police Chief Manny Morales in September 2022. The Florida State Guard has recently sought to conduct more extensive background checks on recruits following some incidents involving criminal and mental health issues. However, the changes would not have affected Ortiz, who has no criminal convictions, the Miami Herald highlights.
During his tenure with the Miami Police Department, Ortiz made headlines for the wrong reasons, including various controversial racial comments and confrontations. He once derided 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was killed by a police officer, and participated in events that were seen as tone-deaf to the societal outcry against police brutality. Ortiz's history of antagonistic behavior, and the substantial taxpayer settlements arising from it, casts a long shadow as he transitions to his role in the State Guard, with many continuing to question the implications for the communities he may serve.
