Bahamas PM congratulates first black Chief of Miami Beach PD

The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Phillip Davis, took to social media to congratulate the first black, Bahamas born, chief of the Miami Beach Police Department, Chief Wayne Jones. He also added that Chief Jones’s rise was a testament to Bahamian excellence on the global stage.

He appreciated Chief Jones for his dedication and persistence, considering his distinguished 27-year long career with the Police Department. PM Davis called Chief Jones a shining example for the nation, who proved that the people of The Bahamas can achieve great heights through hard work, passion and integrity.

Chief Jones became the 21^st Police Chief of the Miami Beach Police Department. He assumed the role on the 1^st of September after serving with the Miami Beach PD exclusively. Over his 27 years with the department, he has served in many capacities including patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and major.

In 2019 he was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief, which ultimately led to his appointment as the Chief of Police in the beginning of this month.

As a sergeant for the police force, Chief Jones initiated the Homeless Resource Officer Program, which has received acclaim all over the US today. The program is especially appreciated for taking a holistic approach to outreach, engagement and enforcement.

As a major for the force, he was credited with taking strategic steps to increase the recruitment of female officers in his capacity as an overseer of support services. This led to a 6% increase in the hiring of female officers. He is also responsible for establishing the department’s Human Trafficking Unit during his time as a major in the criminal investigations unit. This unit went on to lead the county with the highest number of arrests based on sex trafficking offenses.

Chief Jones is an alumnus of the Florida Memorial University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in political sciences and public administration. He then went on to gain his masters in public administration from the Florida International University. He also holds an associate’s degree in professional piloting and technology from the Miami Dade College.

Chief Jones enjoys flying and puts his pilot’s license to good use. As if that wasn’t enough, Chief Jones also is a 2003 graduate of the Miami Fellows Initiative, which is a two year post graduate leadership program.

Hence it would be apt to say that Chief Jones is the perfect example of how an individual should continue to upgrade and invest in himself, regardless of age or responsibilities.