Opa-locka at a glance


Population by race and Hispanic origin


Cities in this database with the most similarly-sized populations

Full-time law enforcement staff, Opa-locka Police Department

This information is currently unavailable.

Federal grant funding for Opa-locka


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Military equipment transfers


We were unable to locate any military equipment transfers for this location using the LESO Property Transferred to Participating Agencies database published by the Defense Logistics Agency. It is possible that this location has acquired military equipment for policing via other sources or programs.

Local police misconduct data, consent decrees, and settlements

Data last updated December 9, 2025


Settlements

We identified 1 publicly reported settlement that resulted in $500,000.00 in monetary compensation to victims.

Settlements
Year Description Outcome
2024

In June 2024, the City of Opa-locka, Florida, agreed to pay $500,000 to former Police Chief James Dobson to settle his whistleblower lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, political corruption, and retaliation.

Dobson, who led the Opa-locka Police Department from 2016 until his dismissal in 2020, claimed that former city officials, including then-Mayor Matthew Pigatt and commissioners John Riley and Alvin Burke, attempted to influence police personnel decisions, interfere with investigations, and shield friends and relatives from law enforcement. Dobson alleged that he was threatened after resisting political pressure, and he filed multiple complaints. Dobson said the settlement helped restore his reputation, which was damaged by the public nature of his termination.

Compensation
$500,000.00