Miami prepares to swear in new police chief Edwin Lopez

Edwin Lopez will be formally sworn in as the next chief of the Miami Police Department on Tuesday during a ceremonial event attended by city officials, community leaders and law enforcement partners.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on June 16 at the Ziff Ballet Opera House inside the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

Lopez was selected as Miami's next police chief by Mayor Eileen Higgins and City Manager James Reyes. He is expected to assume the role following the retirement of current Police Chief Manuel Morales.

In announcing the appointment previously, Higgins praised Lopez's leadership experience and emphasized the city's commitment to public safety.

“Miami is one of the safest big cities in America, and we are going to keep it that way by supporting our officers, strengthening community trust, and staying focused on what matters most: keeping every neighborhood safe,” Higgins said.

Lopez currently serves as police chief for the City of Doral, a position he has held since 2023. He brings 28 years of law enforcement experience to the role, including a 25-year career with Miami-Dade Schools Police. During his final four years with that agency, he served as chief.

Reyes described Lopez as a leader with a strong record of transparency and community engagement.

“Chief Edwin Lopez brings an exceptional record of leadership, a deep commitment to transparency, and a proven approach to community policing that has earned the trust of the communities where he has served,” Reyes said. “We are confident that he is the right leader to carry forward the Miami Police Department's proud legacy while addressing the evolving needs of our growing and diverse city.”

News of Lopez's appointment drew praise from Doral Mayor Christi Fraga, who highlighted his impact on the city's police department.

“Chief Lopez has been an exceptional leader for our city—someone who has led with integrity, strengthened trust within our community, and elevated the Doral Police Department in meaningful ways,” Fraga said. “During his time in the city, he strengthened our department, supported our officers, and helped build a strong foundation that positions us well for the future.”

Lopez said serving Doral had been “one of the greatest honors” of his career and expressed gratitude for the support he received from city leaders and residents.

“As I prepare to take on this new challenge, I look forward to meeting and working alongside the men and women of the Miami Police Department, as well as collaborating with the City’s leadership team, elected officials, and Mayor,” Lopez said in a statement.

He also paid tribute to Morales and previous Miami police chiefs, saying he was honored to continue building on their legacy while working to strengthen community relationships and maintain public safety throughout the city.