Miramar police chief briefs commission after appellate ruling allowing open carry in Florida

Chief Delrish Moss gave an unscheduled presentation to the commission about a recent 1st District Court of Appeal decision that the department said removes the city's prior prohibition on open carry. He said the department is preparing training for officers and creating public outreach materials, including a video and neighborhood meetings, to explain where weapons remain prohibited and to advise businesses about their option to 'opt out.'

"We are on top of it," Moss said, adding that the department will work with community resource officers to inform homeowners associations and businesses. He noted certain locations — government buildings, detention facilities, courtrooms, polling places and many schools — remain off‑limits despite the ruling, and that private businesses may post trespass warnings to bar armed patrons. Moss also cautioned the commission that some individuals may 'test and challenge' officers and that training will include de‑escalation and constitutional considerations.

Moss told commissioners that citywide calls for service are down year‑to‑date in most categories but that aggravated assaults and batteries of a domestic nature have increased and are difficult to police. Commissioners asked how the city will notify residents and businesses; Moss said the department will publish a video for social platforms and use CROs (community resource officers) for direct outreach.

The mayor and vice mayor thanked the chief for the update and no formal action was requested or taken at the meeting. The department indicated it will return with periodic reports on crime statistics and the public education campaign.