Manuel A. Morales, chief of the Miami Police, has stated that the downfall of the regime in Cuba could begin with an act of bravery from the Cuban police officers themselves.
In an exclusive interview with CubaNet, Morales, who has extensive experience in the field, discussed how the Police, rather than being a tool of repression, could become the driving force for democratic change on the Island.
The police chief of Miami drew a parallel with historical authoritarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany, where social control started through the Police, but also indicated that change can begin from within the security forces.
"The police play a key role in any society. If a police officer in Cuba today looks within himself and recognizes that what he is doing is not right, and decides to change, that can inspire others," he commented.
For Morales, that act of bravery could be the trigger for a chain reaction that might culminate in the collapse of the regime.
"If a police officer says 'this is not right,' that decision can spread; one officer can influence another, and eventually, we could reach the point where the police in Cuba say 'enough is enough,'" he added.
According to him, once the police distance themselves from their repressive role, the army would follow suit, as no oppressive system can sustain itself without the support of its repressive forces.
The importance of the police in a democratic society
The official emphasized the importance of the police in democratic societies, particularly in their relationship with the community.
Morales, who oversees more than 1,300 officers in the city of Miami, emphasized that the police should not only serve as a security force but also as a bridge between the government and the community. In a democratic model, their mission is to build trust, to be an integral part of the community's well-being, and not a tool of intimidation.
In Cuba, where the police model has historically been linked to repression, Morales believes that a change in the mindset of the officers could be crucial.
Through "community policing," a model that fosters closeness and empathy with citizens, the police can become a protective figure rather than an oppressive one.
This approach, which has been successfully implemented in cities in the United States, such as Miami, aims to encourage officers to actively engage with the community, fostering trust.
The influence of the Miami Police on the future of Cuba
Morales, the son of Cubans and with a career spanning over 30 years in law enforcement, expressed that the Miami Police, with its diversity and understanding of Cuban culture, could play an important role in the future restructuring of the police in Cuba.
With a significant Latin and Cuban-American community in the Miami Police Department, Morales noted that his team could be well-suited to train future generations of officers in Cuba, fostering a mindset change that promotes justice, respect for human rights, and the protection of the people.
"Sixty percent of our officers are Latino, and the majority are Cuban-Americans. I believe we would be the perfect department to train a new police force in Cuba, implementing strategies based on community engagement," he explained.
This type of approach in community policing, he added, not only promotes safety but also establishes a sense of responsibility among officers towards the people they serve.
A call for change and reflection
The head of the Miami Police also reflected on the concept of the "Lucifer effect," a psychological study conducted in the 1970s that demonstrates how an authoritarian environment can corrupt individuals, even if they have a healthy psychology.
In the case of Cuba, according to Morales, many police officers have been trained in a system of repression, but if they realize that their true mission is to protect society, the dynamic could change quickly.
"The key is for just one police officer to say, 'this is not right.' That can be the start of a wave of change. Change doesn't come through force; it comes through reflection and awareness," he concluded.
Morales, who has also witnessed the transformation of communities in Miami, emphasized that the change in Cuba is not just a matter of politics, but also of humanity.
"A police officer in Cuba who believes their mission is to protect, not repress, could be the spark that ignites a new era," he asserted.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Possible Change in the Cuban Regime
How could a change in the Cuban regime be initiated, according to the head of the Miami Police?
The chief of the Miami Police, Manuel A. Morales, suggests that the change in the Cuban regime could begin if Cuban police officers decide to dissociate themselves from their repressive role. Morales emphasizes the importance of a police officer in Cuba recognizing that what they are doing is not right and deciding to change, which could inspire others and trigger a chain reaction leading to the collapse of the regime.
What is the role of the Police in a democratic society according to Morales?
According to Manuel A. Morales, the police in a democratic society should serve as a bridge between the government and the population, not just as a security force. In a democratic model, the police are expected to build trust and be an integral part of the community's well-being, avoiding becoming a tool of intimidation.
What police model does Morales propose for Cuba?
Morales proposes the model of "community policing" for Cuba, an approach that promotes closeness and empathy with the citizens. This model, successfully implemented in cities like Miami, seeks for officers to actively engage in the life of the community, building trust and becoming a protective figure instead of an oppressive one.
What role could the Miami Police play in the future of Cuba?
The Miami Police, with its diversity and understanding of Cuban culture, could play an important role in the restructuring of policing in Cuba. Morales suggests that his team, predominantly made up of Latino and Cuban-American officers, could train a new generation of officers in Cuba, fostering a mindset shift that favors justice and respect for human rights.
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