Miami-Dade County’s Corrections Department enters in compliance with Department of Justice Consent Agreement

Miami-Dade County’s Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) is proud to announce that it has successfully achieved substantial compliance with the Consent and Settlement Agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requiring Miami-Dade County’s jail system to improve conditions, including medical and mental healthcare and suicide prevention.  

The announcement comes after a Court Hearing that took place on Friday before the Honorable Beth Bloom at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Since the Agreements were initiated in 2013, this is the first time in a decade that the federal monitor appointed to evaluate conditions in the jails has reported full compliance on all requirements.   

 “Last year, I gave my unwavering commitment to justice reform, not only to satisfy the Consent and Settlement Agreements, but to make our County’s jails a model of care for those in our custody,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "This milestone signifies the dedication and hard work put forth by our Corrections and Rehabilitation Department in partnership with Jackson Health to ensure the highest standards of justice and rehabilitation in our community. This is a wonderful step in that direction, but we are not done and will continue to make improvements." 

Under Mayor Levine Cava’s leadership, the County hired national jail reform expert Sheriff Gary Raney who was appointed by the Court upon agreement by all parties as Independent Jail Compliance Director to direct compliance efforts and ensure that systematic changes occurred in County jails. Sheriff Raney implemented  a new jail classification system and incentives for good behavior, both of which resulted in significant reductions in harm. Sheriff Raney also identified local talent James Reyes from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, and Mayor Levine Cava appointed him as the new MDCR Department Director in January of this year.  

Director Reyes worked to improve morale in the Department, restructured its leadership within MDCR and worked with law enforcement partners to interdict the flow of illicit drugs into the jails, resulting in a safer environment for inmates and officers and a significant reduction in events related to fentanyl and similar drugs.   

"Our department has made substantial progress in adopting evidence-based and best practices. We have implemented numerous reforms and policies to enhance the safety and security of our jail facilities while improving the overall efficiency of our operations. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and tireless efforts of all of our MDCR staff," said Director Reyes. 

Independent Compliance Director Raney commented, "By working with MDCR staff, they were able to make substantial progress to ensure that the Consent Agreement's stipulations were met. I commend the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava for their commitment to reform, and I believe this is a positive step toward a more just and effective criminal justice system in Miami-Dade County." 

The Consent and Settlement Agreements require the County to maintain compliance for 18 months before the agreements can be terminated. As such, the Court set a follow up hearing for April 2025 with periodic updates to be filed with the Court.