MIAMI — Wayne A. Jones was sworn in Thursday as the new Chief of the Miami Seaside Police Section.
In a distinctive ceremony at the New World Centre surrounded carry household, friends, regulation enforcement and elected leaders, Chief Jones raised his ideal hand and took the oath of office administered by Mayor Dan Gelber.
“Right now I am humbled to stand before you as the very first black police chief in a person of America’s most legendary cities. I basically explain to persons this is the coolest town in The united states,” Main Jones mentioned.
He’s been with the division for 27 a long time. He started out on patrol and ultimately moved up the ranks, spearheading a undertaking power investigating human trafficking.
“In each individual occupation he is had, he is carried out in an remarkable fashion,” Miami Beach front Mayor Dan Gelber said. “It is that physique of perform that delivers him right here currently to be our main.”
A who’s who of elected officials showered Chief Jones with proclamations and praise, like a letter of support from President Joe Biden.
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Condition Senator Shevrin Jones among other people introduced Main Jones with accolades.
Jones’ household was in attendance. His father pinned him with his new badge, a complete-circle instant for the two guys.
“My father, who I’m honored is in this article nowadays to share this exclusive instant with me, to see me become the Law enforcement Chief of the office he as soon as warned me about when I was a teen studying to travel in this article in South Florida.”
Jones was born in the Bahamas. He moved to the South Florida and acquired an Associate of Science diploma in Aviation from Miami-Dade School and a twin Bachelor of Arts in General public Administration and Political Science from Florida Memorial College. He also gained a graduate diploma in General public Administration from Florida Intercontinental University.
He was most not long ago the Deputy Main in Miami Seaside, a metropolis where Black people make up fewer than 5% of the populace.
“Black Bahamian arms built this town,” said Glendon Hall, the Chair of the Miami Seashore Black Affairs Advisory Committee. “Black tradition created Miami Seaside amazing, from Ella Fitzgerald to Prince. Never allow anyone at any time notify you, you will not belong listed here.”
In his speech Thursday, Jones promised to tackle ongoing troubles with Spring Split chaos as very well as enhance diversity on the force by mentorship and education.
He vows 30% of the section will be ladies by 2030.
“I will not be a achievement on my possess. Right now is about you and me. It is about us. It is about what we as an business and a community can do with each other when we get the job done as a workforce and a family,” Jones stated.
Jones usually takes around for Richard Clements, who became Chief in 2019.
Jones’ to start with formal working day on the task is Friday, September 1st.
