Chief Delma K. Noel-Pratt
City of Miami Gardens Police Department
Chief Delma K. Noel-Pratt is an accomplished police executive with over 30 years of sworn law enforcement experience. She began her career as a Public Service Aide for the City of Miami Police Department in 1989. In 1993, she transitioned to the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), where she achieved a 24.5-year career. During her tenure with MDPD, she held every rank from Police Officer to Division Chief. She was responsible for the oversight of several major and critical entities, including but not limited to the Miami International Airport, Port of Miami (PortMiami), Public Corruption Bureau, Special Investigations Division, Special Response Team, Aviation Unit, etc., making her a well-rounded candidate for greater heights.
Subsequently, on May 1, 2017, Chief Noel-Pratt was sworn in as the first Black female police chief for the City of Miami Gardens Police Department. Under her leadership, several internal and multi-agency proactive operations have been conducted, which focused on the arrests of repeat violent offenders. This effort has aided in the continuous decrease in homicides. As an additional method of crime prevention, the Safe Exchange Zone was implemented; this initiative brought forth a decrease in violent crimes. Seeking further growth and progress, the Department was assessed and granted its initial CFA Accreditation in 2020. Chief Noel-Pratt highly emphasizes the community policing platform which is geared toward building and strengthening bonds between the Police Department and the community. To this end, she approved the implementation of an innovative community engagement/enforcement Unit titled “Community Action Team” which falls under her tutelage. Chief Noel-Pratt also prioritizes accountability and integrity, hence the appliance of mandatory Body Worn Cameras for her Patrol Unit. Overall, her vision includes working in partnership with citizens and various community/civic organizations within the City, to continue reducing crime and increasing quality of life, as well as equipping personnel with the tools and resources to stay safe and service the community effectively, justly and transparently.
Her educational background consists of an Associate of Arts Degree from Miami-Dade Community College, Bachelor of Science Degree and Legal Assistant Certificate from Barry University, as well as a Master of Science Degree from Lynn University. She is a graduate of Broward Sheriff’s Office Executive Leadership Program, Major Cities Chiefs Association-Police Executive Leadership Institute, and the FBI National Academy (NA 245). She has received numerous awards and is a Lifetime Member of the Progressive Officers Club, and a member of the South Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
Notably, on May 19, 2022, Chief Noel-Pratt was sworn in as the first Black female president for the Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police, and she currently serves as the immediate past president of the organization.
