Chief Cherise Gause

Chief Cherise Giordani Gause is a veteran law enforcement executive with more than 30 years of progressive leadership experience in major urban environments. Throughout her career, she has led complex police operations and organizational transformation with a focus on reducing crime, strengthening accountability, building community trust, and delivering measurable public safety outcomes. Her leadership reflects a commitment to constitutional, community-centered policing and the development and advancement of women in law enforcement.

Chief Gause began her career with the Miami Police Department in 1993 as a civilian dispatcher and steadily advanced through the ranks, serving in Field Operations, Administration, and Criminal Investigations. She retired in August 2023 as First Assistant Chief of Police, the department’s second-in-command. That same month, she was sworn in as the fifteenth Chief of Police for the North Miami Police Department.

Chief Gause holds a Bachelor of Public Administration and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Her executive leadership training includes the FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police, Southern Police Institute’s Command Officer Development Course, and Police Executive Leadership Institute.

A longtime advocate for women in law enforcement, Chief Gause created an annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon in 2021 to provide women in the profession with opportunities to connect, share experiences, and grow personally and professionally. Her commitment to expanding those opportunities statewide led her to become a founding member of the Florida Association of Women Law Enforcement Professionals (FAWLEP), supporting both sworn and professional staff across Florida through mentorship, leadership development, professional education, networking, and collaboration.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Chief Gause is actively engaged in civic and community service through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She remains passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, strengthening community trust, and helping shape the future of the law enforcement profession.