By Jada Ingleton
Source: M.I.A Media Group
After nearly three decades of commendable dedication, Miami Beach Deputy Police Chief Wayne A. Jones was appointed chief of the department effective Sept. 1. In a unit of over 400-sworn officers, the 54-year-old makes history as the city’s first Black police chief.
Since joining the agency in 1996, Jones has worked tirelessly to elevate himself and the name behind the Miami Beach police force. Preceding the most recent appointment, he held every rank in multiple areas of the department–from special operations to community affairs to criminal investigations. Notably, he was chosen to be the deputy chief in 2019.
“Chief Jones has demonstrated his commitment to excellent public service throughout his 27-year career with the Miami Beach Police Department,” said City Manager Alina T. Hudak when announcing the selection. “He began as a patrol officer and gained the respect and admiration of his superiors and peers as he moved up through the ranks. I am confident he will build on MBPD’s legacy and take the department to the next level.”
In May, the city’s Black Affairs Advisory Committee recommended Jones for the chief position, lauding his record dating to 1996 and his role in the creation of a “Goodwill Ambassador Program,” in which volunteers assist the police.
Using his many platforms, Jones has devoted a significant portion of his career to furthering and implementing initiatives that support diverse communities: He created the Homeless Resource Officer Program, which is now widely known, while working as a sergeant in community affairs. As a major, he developed a plan that prioritized hiring women police officers, which resulted in a 6% rise in the number of female cops hired. Jones also established the department’s human trafficking team, which later led Miami-Dade County in sex trafficking arrests and investigations. These are just a few of Jones’ accomplishments.
“This momentous opportunity represents a personal achievement and a significant step forward for our community,” Jones said. “My vision is one of unity, trust, and progress. Together, we will continue to build bridges between law enforcement and the people we serve, ensuring that justice and equality prevail for all.”
Chief Jones is a first-generation Bahamian, and a graduate of South Florida’s only HBCU–Florida Memorial University. He serves as a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
Jones will succeed Richard M. Clements, who will retire later this year after more than three decades of service.
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