Miami Beach city manager recommends Wayne Jones as next chief of police

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The next top cop in Miami Beach could be making history as the city’s first Black police chief.

Deputy Chief Wayne Jones rose up through the ranks in the Miami Beach police department.

“He’s had almost every job,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “He’s performed in a very extraordinary fashion with integrity.”

Jones has been selected as the department’s next chief of police.

“He was the best selection for the job,” said Gelber. “I think the sign of a mature department is the ability to pick your leaders from within.”

Violence during high impact weekends like Spring Break is a top concern for the city, according to a memo from City Manager Alina Hudak, recommending Jones. The memo can be seen at the bottom of this story.

Neighborhood policing and improving technology are also priorities.

Jones has 27 years’ experience with Miami Beach police and was sworn in as the Deputy Chief in 2019.

On the job, Jones helped develop the Homeless Resource Officer Program, and created the Human Trafficking Unit.

He has his master’s degree from Florida International University.

“We will have to approve the manager’s recommendation which hopefully we will do at the next meeting,” said Gelber.

Current Police Chief Richard Clements, who has been with the department for more than 30 years, is being asked to help with the transition until his service is over in October.