July 20th 2023.
If all goes as planned, Miami Beach will soon have its first ever Black police chief. Wayne Jones, the current deputy chief, is the chosen one, and his promotion is awaiting the final decision of the city commission.
Mayor Dan Gelber and the police union both showed their strong support for Jones, praising his 27 years of service in the Miami Beach police department. Bobby Hernandez, the police union president, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming appointment. “We have come a long way, so it’s a very historical moment for Miami Beach. The union is very supportive. He has a great relationship with City Hall, with the Black Affairs committee, with the NAACP,” he said.
Hernandez also believes that Jones will be able to de-escalate the racial tensions between the community and law enforcement, as well as handle the heat Miami has been catching lately, especially during spring break. “I think we are going to see a big difference next year for spring break,” Hernandez said. “The chief of police sets the tone in the organization. When you have a clear, calm leader like Chief Jones, it’s a good thing in a scene that’s hot. Because when they are calm, everyone else is calm.”
Alina Hudak, the city manager, has recommended Jones for the position after he underwent an extensive interview process. The city commission will make the final decision on Tuesday, July 26, 2023. If the majority of the vote is in Jones' favor, his appointment as Miami Beach’s police chief will come into effect on September 1, 2023.
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