MIAMI, FL – A high-ranking civilian official within the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) was arrested this week on charges related to driving under the influence, an incident prompting immediate action from the department.
Omar Fernandez, aged 50, who serves as the Civilian Division Chief for the MDCR, was taken into custody early Monday morning, July 7, 2025. He faces charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and a more serious count of DUI causing damage to property or a person. Fernandez was booked into the correctional facility early that morning and was subsequently released later the same morning.
Department Response and Internal Investigation
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department confirmed the arrest and issued a statement regarding Fernandez’s employment status. According to the department’s official communication, Fernandez has been placed on administrative leave. This action, the MDCR stated, is in accordance with established department protocol and will remain in effect pending the outcome of an internal investigation launched following his arrest.
Administrative leave is a standard procedure in many public safety agencies when an employee, particularly one in a leadership position, faces serious allegations or criminal charges. It typically means the employee is temporarily relieved of their duties, often with pay, while an internal review examines the conduct and its potential implications for their role and the department’s operations and reputation. The internal investigation will run concurrently with the criminal proceedings.
Understanding the Charges
The charges faced by Mr. Fernandez are significant. Driving under the influence (DUI) laws prohibit operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The additional charge of DUI causing damage to property or a person indicates that the alleged incident involved a collision or impact that resulted in harm to another individual or destruction of property. This second charge typically carries more severe penalties than simple DUI.
Given Mr. Fernandez’s position as a Civilian Division Chief, the allegations raise particular concerns. Officials in leadership roles within law enforcement and correctional agencies are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty, to maintain public trust and the integrity of the justice system they serve. The MDCR oversees the county’s jail system, a critical component of public safety, and its personnel are vested with significant responsibility.
The Role of a Civilian Division Chief
As Civilian Division Chief, Mr. Fernandez is part of the non-uniformed leadership within the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. Civilian staff play crucial roles in the administration, management, and operational support functions of correctional facilities, often overseeing critical areas like human resources, finance, planning, and logistical support. Their positions require significant trust and responsibility, contributing directly to the efficient and safe operation of the department alongside sworn personnel.
The arrest of a senior civilian leader on charges like DUI causing damage naturally draws scrutiny to the department and underscores the expectation that all employees, regardless of their specific role, adhere strictly to the law.
Legal Process Ahead
Following his arrest and release, Mr. Fernandez will navigate the standard legal process for these charges. This typically involves an arraignment hearing where he will formally be informed of the charges and enter a plea. Subsequent court dates will be set for pretrial conferences, evidence discovery, and potentially a trial. The specific timeline and outcomes will depend on the details presented to the court and the legal proceedings that unfold.
Simultaneously, the internal investigation initiated by the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department will assess whether Mr. Fernandez’s alleged conduct violated department policies or standards of conduct. The findings of this internal review could lead to disciplinary action, which could range from reprimand to termination, independent of the outcome of the criminal case.
Impact on Public Trust and Department Operations
Incidents involving senior public officials facing criminal charges can erode public trust in government institutions. Correctional agencies, by their nature, rely heavily on maintaining credibility and demonstrating accountability to the community they serve. The MDCR’s swift action in placing Mr. Fernandez on administrative leave is consistent with efforts to ensure accountability and allow for thorough investigation without the individual remaining in their regular duties.
The department’s statement emphasizes adherence to protocol, signaling a commitment to addressing the matter seriously and transparently. The outcome of both the criminal case and the internal investigation will be closely watched, as they will inform any long-term decisions regarding Mr. Fernandez’s employment and potentially influence broader discussions about conduct standards for public officials.
At 50 years old and holding a senior position, Mr. Fernandez’s arrest marks a significant event for the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. While the legal process is underway and the internal investigation is pending, the case highlights the challenges public agencies face when their personnel are involved in off-duty incidents that raise questions of judgment and legality, particularly when those incidents involve serious charges like driving under the influence causing damage.
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department has reiterated its commitment to its mission and the standards expected of its employees as it handles this matter through the established legal and internal review processes.
