Annapolis Police chief removed from command by mayor

Annapolis Police Chief Edward Jackson has been removed by command due to "differing approaches to management," Mayor Jared Littmann announced. Jackson has served as chief since August 2019. 

"I admire and respect his work on diversifying the force and command staff and his work on reentry and cold case investigations," Littmann said in a statement. "...Leadership transitions are never easy, but my goal is to maintain strong governance across all departments as we continue serving Annapolis." 

Littmann said the two disagreed on the best long-term plans for Annapolis. The mayor told WJZ he first asked Jackson to resign, but Jackson chose not to step down.

"I felt like I had to make that decision, certainly not one I take lightly," Littmann said.

Littmann appointed Capt. Amy Miguez as acting police chief. 

Former Police Chief Jackson responds

In an exclusive interview with WJZ, Jackson said it wasn't a surprise that he was removed from his duties.

"It didn't surprise me because he expressed that he was going to bring his own police chief in, and I understood that, but I wasn't going to voluntarily resign," Jackson said.

Jackson said he believes his removal is connected to a civil lawsuit involving two officers, after a police union alleged the department retaliated against officers for reporting mismanagement.

Jackson said he refused to sign a statement related to that case.

"I told him that the statement wasn't factual, number one, and I'm not going to sign anything, especially if I'm named as a defendant," Jackson said.

Jackson said he's proud of his time leading the department. He attributed his success to building diversity and strong community relationships, and balancing enforcement with addressing the root causes of crime.

"I always thought we struck a nice balance and I was really honored and proud of accomplishing that, along with my command staff," Jackson said.

Acting Annapolis Police chief 

Acting Chief Miguez is a 25-year veteran of the department and serves as Administrative Services Captain, according to Littmann. Miguez has held leadership roles across almost every major department, including patrol, investigations, community outreach and public information. 

She began her career as a police dispatcher in 2000, Littmann added. 

Known for her strong commitment to procedural justice, Miguez completed her master's in public safety leadership and administration at the University of Maryland, College Park, and graduated from the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police, according to Littmann. 

"I have full confidence in Acting Chief Miguez," Littmann said. "Public safety is a priority of my administration, and I want the public to know that APD will continue to serve our residents in the same dedicated and community-focused manner they expect and deserve." 

Littmann said city officials have been asked to prioritize the search for a new police chief. 

He said the search for a permanent police chief will include a diverse selection committee made up of law enforcement and community members, and chaired by the Anne Arundel County sheriff.

Littmann says he wants a strong emphasis on community policing, more data-driven strategies, and modernization, including the possibility of a drone program.

"The needs of yesterday or four years ago, six years ago, are different from the needs of today," Littmann said. "I think (Jackson) did a great job, was a great man for the moment, and now we're looking to the future."

Crime in Annapolis 

In 2025, violent crime, including homicides and shooting incidents, increased in Annapolis, according to data from the police department.

In 2024, the city recorded three homicides, nine shootings and 18 shots fired incidents. 

In 2025, the city saw four homicides, 15 shootings and 28 shots fired incidents, data shows.