Miami names Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez as city's next police chief after Manny Morales' retirement

Miami officials announced Friday that Edwin Lopez will become the city's next police chief, succeeding longtime Chief Manuel "Manny" Morales later this year as Morales prepares to retire.

Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins and City Manager James Reyes announced Lopez's appointment in a news release Friday, praising his decades of law enforcement experience and leadership in South Florida agencies.

"I am pleased to welcome Edwin Lopez as Miami's new Chief of Police," Higgins said in a statement. "Our City Manager, James Reyes, made a thoughtful decision in selecting Chief Lopez, a homegrown leader, dedicated public servant, and 28-year veteran who has spent his career serving our community with professionalism and integrity."

Higgins said the city plans to continue focusing on public safety and strengthening trust between officers and the community.

"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," she said.

The president of PBA praised the city's decision to nominate Lopez

Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), is praising the city's decision to name Lopez as the next police chief.

"I think it is great," Stahl said. "The city of Miami has upped its game by getting the chief of the quality of Edwin Lopez. He is going to bring what he brought to the School Board, which has a large diversity in its school system countywide, and he is going to bring what he brought to Doral, which was a great sense of pride among officers and community engagement. He is well known in the community."

Stahl continued, "Now he is going to the city of Miami. Whatever challenges will be tossed his way, he will hit the ground on day one and be a breath of fresh air, and I think the city of Miami made a great choice. It is already a good department. He will take it up to another level."

He said Lopez will face challenges.

Stahl said, "It is a different culture, a different community, and a different environment. The building needs to be revamped, but he is the right guy to step in, and he can get in there and identify problems and surround himself with good people and take it to the next level."

Stahl added that Lopez will coincidentally be honored next month for his leadership at the PBA's annual banquet.

Lopez previously led Doral and Miami-Dade Schools police departments

City Manager James Reyes said Lopez was selected because of his leadership background and commitment to transparency and community policing.

"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."

Lopez has more than 28 years of law enforcement experience. He has served as chief of the Doral Police Department since 2023. Before joining Doral police, Lopez spent 25 years with the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, including four years as the department's chief.

Doral Mayor Christi Fraga praised Lopez's leadership in Doral, calling him "an exceptional leader" who strengthened trust within the community and elevated the Doral Police Department during his tenure.

In a statement, Lopez said he is honored to succeed Morales and continue the department's legacy.

"I have tremendous respect for Chief Manuel Morales and the chiefs who served before him," Lopez said. "I am humbled by the opportunity to continue building on that legacy while working to keep our community safe and strengthen relationships throughout the City of Miami."

City officials said Lopez is known for his collaborative leadership style and efforts to improve morale within the departments he has led.

It is unclear when Lopez will start with Miami, but the Doral mayor says he will stay with the city for a couple of months 

A Miami city spokesperson said it was unclear when Lopez would start as chief. Police Chief Manny Morales started in February 2022 after serving as interim chief and is retiring in October of this year.

Fraga told CBS News Miami that Lopez should be with the city for another two months.

She said, "I am very proud of what he has done. He has done great work here, and it shows his leadership. I think first and foremost, the environment in our police department changed. There is a line of people wanting to work here because of the camaraderie, and there is an opportunity for officers that is going to continue. We also created new units impacting the concerns of residents."

About an hour before the announcement that Lopez was leaving, Doral Police announced a new headquarters to open within three years.