City Manager Recommends Rick Clements as Next Miami Beach Police Chief

City Manager Jimmy Morales is recommending Rick Clements, the current Deputy Chief of the Miami Beach Police Department, to become the next Police Chief, succeeding Dan Oates who is retiring at the end of the month. RE:MiamiBeach has seen a copy of the memo that requests City Commissioners approve the appointment when they meet on Wednesday.
 
In his memo Morales noted, “Chief Clements has been with the Miami Beach Police Department his entire law enforcement career.” He was appointed Deputy Chief in 2016.
 
“No candidate certainly has the depth of knowledge about this City and the Police Department that Chief Clements possesses,” Morales wrote. “Within the Department, he is a respected leader who has practically worked in every division and unit, as well as having participated on most, if not all, of the regional task forces in which the City participates. I can attest to the fact that he is a respected law enforcement leader among his peers in Miami-Dade County, as well as within the Criminal Justice system. Finally, it is my humble opinion that he commands the respect and trust of his Command Staff peers and the rank and file of the Department.”
 
“Most importantly to me, I have had the pleasure to work closely with Chief Clements these past six years, especially during his current tenure as Deputy Chief. I have witnessed his personal commitment to professionalism in the Department and I know how strongly he wants to take this Department to the next level. I do not think there is any candidate better suited to lead this Department and he has my full trust and confidence in that role. I also know that he is well known and respected among our residents and businesses. Finally, he is rooted in a family tradition of service, with three generations of Miami Beach Police Officers including his father and his son. This is not just a job to Rick; this is his passion and vocation. I proudly submit his appointment to you for your approval.”
 
Morales also addressed succession issues in his memo, noting Clements will be retiring in 4.5 years. “As such, and with a desire to have a higher likelihood of a smooth internal transition of leadership at that time, I am hereby appointing Major Wayne Jones to serve as the Deputy Chief of the Police Department. Like Chief Clements, Major Jones has a long and distinguished trajectory with the Department and has risen through the ranks based on his performance and leadership. He clearly possesses the aptitude and skills to serve as a Deputy Chief and can clearly be an outstanding candidate to lead the Department when Chief Clements retires. Obviously, that would be the decision of the city manager at that time, but my goal would be to make sure there would be strong internal candidates on such occasion.”
 
“Even though this Deputy Chief appointment is not subject to City Commission approval, I thought it important to include it in this memorandum to evidence the creation of a team that ensures continuity of leadership and professionalism,” Morales concluded.
 
Clements holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Utah, and has received professional certificates from Northwestern University, Boston University and the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy.
 
Update: Miami Beach FOP President Kevin Millan in a text to RE:MiamiBeach said, "We support the manager and commission's decision to keep the key leadership positions of the Miami Beach Police Department in house. The FOP congratulates both Chief Clements and Deputy Chief Jones."