PCIB Vision Statement

The goal of the Public Corruption Investigations Bureau is to effectively investigate allegations of misconduct and corruption, as well as other related criminal activities that directly or indirectly affect the ability of Miami-Dade County government to operate in a manner free from corrupt practices that would otherwise impact the delivery of efficient and responsible government service to the citizens of Miami-Dade County.  In keeping with the best interest of the public we serve, The PCIB will maintain the highest level of professionalism, integrity, respect, and fairness in conducting its investigations.

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PCIB Investigations

Bid Tampering, Bribery, Fraud, Official Misconduct, Unlawful Compensation, and Theft investigations are generally initiated from criminal allegations made by citizens, county employees, public officials, agency referrals, informants, and investigative leads from other cases.  The length of each investigation varies depending on the complexity of the case.  PCIB investigators are well trained and experienced police and civilian personnel who specialize in the investigation of public corruption.  Allegations are reviewed and investigated with the strictest of confidentiality.  Once it is determined that a criminal violation has occurred, the case is thoroughly investigated in consultation with the appropriate prosecutorial authority.  The PCIB also works closely with other local, state, and federal agencies when warranted.

Since its inception in 1998, the PCIB has investigated over 1600 cases resulting in 500 arrests. 

The PCIB has also made numerous administrative recommendations to departments within Miami-Dade County government as a result of its investigations, and it has fostered an excellent working relationship with many other government entities countywide.

Paul Mendelson Citizens' Right to Honest Government Act

The creation of the Paul Mendelson Citizens' Right to Honest Government Act has enhanced penalties and created new laws to combat public corruption.  Investigators have aggressively utilized these enhancements to further root-out corruption and hold those in violation responsible. 

Things to do if Misconduct is Suspected:

1. Call PCIB at first indication that an allegation has arisen or conduct appears to be criminal in nature.

2. Cease any internal inquiries in order to prevent any possible conflict with a criminal prosecution.

3. Provide any new information or documents to PCIB investigators as soon as possible.

4. Do not divulge the reporting of an allegation or your contact with the PCIB. 

By following these guidelines, the investigators can effectively evaluate the information and conduct a thorough investigation.  If the investigator finds no wrongdoing on the part of the employee or entity, the information will be referred back to the appropriate department with a suggested course of action.

Excerpts from Florida State Statutes

838.014 Definitions.-As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) "Benefit" means gain or advantage, or anything regarded by the person to be benefited as a gain or advantage, including the doing of an act beneficial to any person in whose welfare he or she is interested, including any commission, gift, gratuity, property, commercial interest, or any other thing of economic value not authorized by law.

(2) "Bid" includes a response to an "invitation to bid," "invitation to negotiate," "request for a quote," or "request for proposals" as those terms are defined in s.287.012.

(4) "Corruptly" or "with corrupt intent" means acting knowingly and dishonestly for a wrongful purpose.

838.22 Bid tampering-(1) It is unlawful for a public servant, with corrupt intent to influence or attempt to influence the competitive bidding process undertaken by any state, county, municipal or special district agency, or any other public entity, for the procurement of commodities or services, to:

a. Disclose material information concerning a bid or other aspects of the competitive bidding  process when such information is not publicly disclosed.

b. Alter or amend a submitted bid, documents or other materials supporting a submitted bid, or bid results for the purpose of intentionally providing a competitive advantage to any person who submits a bid.

(2) It is unlawful for a public servant, with corrupt intent to obtain a benefit for any person or to cause unlawful harm to another, to circumvent a competitive bidding process required by law or rule by using a sole-source contract for commodities or services.
 
838.022 Official Misconduct.-(1) It is unlawful for a public servant, with corrupt intent to obtain a benefit for any person or to cause harm to another, to:

a. Falsify, or cause another person to falsify, any official record or official document;

b. Conceal, cover up, destroy, mutilate, or alter any official record or official document or cause another person to perform such an act; or

c. Obstruct, delay, or prevent the communication of information relating to the commission of a felony that directly involves or affects the public agency or public entity served by the public servant.

838.015 Bribery- (1) "Bribery" means corruptly to give, offer, or promise to any public servant, or, if a public servant, corruptly to request, solicit, accept, or agree to accept for himself or herself or another, any pecuniary or other benefit not authorized by law with an intent or purpose to influence the performance of any act or omission which the person believes to be, or the public servant represents as being, within the official discretion of a public servant, in violation of a public duty, or in performance of a public duty.

838.016 Unlawful compensation or reward for official behavior.-(1) It is unlawful for any person corruptly to give, offer, or promise to any public servant, or, if a public servant, corruptly to request, solicit, accept, or agree to accept, any pecuniary or other benefit not authorized by law, for the past, present, or future performance, nonperformance, or violation of any act or omission which the person believes to have been, or the public servant represents as having been, either within the official discretion of the public servant, in violation of a public duty, or in performance of a public duty.  Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude a public servant from accepting rewards for services performed in apprehending any criminal.