New police director announced in Miami-Dade County

MIAMI (AP) - Alfredo Ramirez is the new director of the Miami-Dade Police Department, officials announced Wednesday.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez introduced Ramirez, 49, in a packed conference room at police headquarters, the Miami Herald reported.

“I was inspired by his energy, his passion, his intelligence,” Gimenez said.

Ramirez has been with the department since 1995. He will officially take over Monday from Juan Perez, who is retiring. Ramirez said he wants to focus on gun violence and the health of his police officers.

“I am extremely humble for the opportunity to lead this agency and continue the legacy of my predecessors,” Ramirez said. “My top priority is to keep my officers and my community safe.”

After joining the agency as a patrol officer nearly 25 years ago, Ramirez moved up the ranks to leading the department’s training institute and serving in criminal investigations, homicide and narcotics. The University of Miami graduate had spent the past half-decade serving at Perez’s side and was named deputy director in 2018.

Ramirez’s time as director might be limited. The position has been appointed by the county’s mayor for years, but a state constitutional amendment passed in 2018 requires that all counties have an elected sheriff by 2024.