safety
Miami Police's Edwin Lopez says becoming the city's newest Police Chief fulfills a "childhood dream"
By Peter D'Oench at CBS4 Miami
· June 16, 2026
· 3 min read
Edwin Lopez was sworn in Tuesday as Miami's 44th police chief, a role the 46-year-old described as a "childhood dream". The ceremony, held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, was attended by hundreds of family members, friends, colleagues, and law enforcement officials from across
Key takeaway Lopez succeeds Manny Morales in leading a department of 1,400 sworn officers and 400 civilian employees in a city of nearly 500,000 residents.
Why this matters in The Miami
As Miami's new police chief, Edwin Lopez will face unique challenges in a city prone to flooding and hurricane risks, which can exacerbate crime and public safety concerns. With his experience leading the Doral police department and his background in the Miami-Dade Schools Police, Lopez may bring valuable insights to addressing these issues. His emphasis on community engagement and crime reduction will be crucial in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood, where residents often have complex relationships with law enforcement. Lopez's commitment to leading from the front and understanding the culture of the city's communities may help build trust with the public, particularly in areas with high concentrations of Latin American and Caribbean residents. As he navigates the complexities of policing in Miami, Lopez will need to balance the needs of the city's diverse neighborhoods and populations, all while working to reduce crime and foster a sense of public trust.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 16, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Edwin Lopez was sworn in Tuesday as Miami's 44th police chief, a role the 46-year-old described as a "childhood dream". The ceremony, held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, was attended by hundreds of family members, friends, colleagues, and law enforcement officials from across
When was this published? This article was first published on June 16, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Peter D'Oench at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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