Miami's New Top Cop Says 'Reducing Gun Violence' Is #1 Priority
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - There's a new top cop in the City of Miami.
Jorge Colina was named the Chief of the Miami Police Department Thursday morning.
He'll head the 1,200 member force that's had four chiefs in the past nine years.
The new chief is a department veteran who says his number one priority is stopping gun violence.
Colina got a round of applause at Miami City Hall as new City Manager Emilio Gonzalez announced he had chosen the 28-year police veteran to replace outgoing Chief Rodolfo Llanes, who is retiring at the end of the month.
"I have selected and informed the mayor of my choice of Jorge Colina as the new Miami Police Chief," said Gonzalez.
Colina is currently Miami's Assistant Chief of Police. He's overseen internal affairs, criminal investigations, field operations and administration. He's also worked narcotics and anti-corruption details.
Flanked by community leaders, he laid out his vision for the job.
"Reducing gun violence is going to be my number one priority. Drugs and the opioid epidemic are things we need to address and we will," said Colina.
Colina remembered first putting on a badge as a patrol officer in 1990 and says he feels the same way with the same amount of energy but a greater sense of purpose.
"I want to ensure residents of Miami that I will give you everything. I will pour my heart and soul into this to make sure we bring residents the absolute best service that they deserve," said Colina.
Chief Colina will begin his new job on January 29th.