Miami Gardens Names New Police Chief
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The City Of Miami Gardens has a new police chief.
Miami Gardens City Manager Cameron Benson announced Tuesday that North Miami's city manager, and former police chief, Stephen Johnson would fill chief's position that has been open since Matthew Boyd resigned last December.
In recent months the city's police department was hit with accusations of racial profiling and civil rights violations.
Johnson, who was a 30-year veteran with North Miami, will take the helm of the Miami Gardens 221-member force in May, 2014.
"Chief Johnson will be a dynamic asset to the City," said Benson in a statement. "He joins our City with a vast amount of experience, knowledge and service in the field and we look forward to working with him."
Johnson's career in law enforcement began at the University of Kentucky Police Department in the early 80's. He joined the City of North Miami Police Department shortly thereafter, moved up the ranks to leadership positions including Major, Interim Police Chief and Chief. In 2010, he was appointed North Miami's Interim City Manager, and was subsequently named to the permanent position in 2011.
"My passion for and commitment to the cause of serving and protecting our communities has only allowed me to accept this position with much humility, honor and respect. It is a privilege to serve as the new Police Chief for the City of Miami Gardens," said Johnson in a statement.
Johnson earned both his Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Barry University. He is also a graduate of the prestigious F.B.I. National Academy - 216th Session.