District Champions: Miami Police Department’s Bridge Between Innovation and the Field

When the Miami Police Department introduces a new technology, the process starts well before the tool reaches officers’ hands. Central to this approach is the role of the District Champion, a trusted field lieutenant selected to help implement innovation from the inside out.

Deploying Champions Early

District Champions are activated early in the implementation process. They test new tools, offer real-world feedback, and serve as a communication bridge between frontline officers, analysts, IT units, and even external vendors. What’s new here is not just the creation of an implementation lead; it’s the timing and scope of the role. These Champions are engaged before a single login is created or a mobile device is issued. They help shape the rollout by listening closely to concerns and ideas from end users, particularly officers in the field.

This early listening role is critical. Champions gather input and concerns and relay them to technical staff or vendors for adjustments before full deployment. They are empowered to speak on behalf of their units and are respected by their units as such. As a result, when a District Champion says, “This will help us,” the buy-in from fellow officers is stronger and faster because the message comes from someone who understands the job and has their trust.

Fostering a Culture of Collaboration

Beyond implementation, District Champions also improve communication and facilitate the sharing of new ideas. Though they are field supervisors, they routinely facilitate collaboration across units, such as officers, analysts, and IT personnel, by creating a space where people are comfortable sharing ideas beyond their official roles. For example, an analyst might not just present a crime trend but might also suggest strategies to respond to it. A field sergeant might propose adding a new data field to an incident report to help detectives connect cases. These interactions build a culture of shared problem-solving and innovation.

Finding Your Champions

What sets successful District Champions apart is their ability to listen, translate feedback into action, and lead from within (not above) their units. They are respected by their peers and adept at navigating between the field and the command staff. Their credibility on the street lends weight to the new tools they help introduce.

Champions are most effective when they are already known as problem-solvers who elevate others’ ideas. They are not just early adopters; they are early advocates, grounded in operational reality.

Signs of Success

One example captures the spirit of this role: In one Miami PD district, the officers awarded their District Champion a professional wrestling-style championship belt, declaring them the “best champion of implementation” for a new tool before the technology had even been deployed. The officers had such confidence in their Champion’s leadership and communication that they were already bought in. The message was clear: buy-in doesn’t have to wait until a product is in hand. It can start when the department commits to a new direction if the right people are trusted to lead.

Author

Commander Roger R. Jackson, M.A., Field Operations Division, Miami Police Department

Published June 4, 2025