J.D. Patterson Jr. named new Dade Police director

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has formally announced his pick for the next director of the county's police department.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be standing before you, and at the same time, it's humbling," said Patterson.

Gimenez held a news conference Friday morning to announce Patterson's appointment. "We all agreed. We kind of came to a census of what the right path was, and so I know we got the right person, and I think we also have the right plan for how to go forward in the future," said Gimenez.

Patterson has spent the past 30 years with Miami-Dade Police and was serving as the Acting Director. The 52-year-old replaces former Police Director James Loftus who retired in November.

Patterson was born and raised in Miami. He has a wife and two kids, and he is a minister at Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Miami. "I really do want to thank God for him being so much a part of my life and making this event come to pass because if it wasn't for him by my side, I wouldn't be standing here," he said.

Patterson said his biggest challenge is reducing violence with a lack of resources. But, he said he immediately plans to get to work by holding a meeting with staff, Friday afternoon. "The work starts today. The work continues for the next three years," said Patterson.

Patterson has to retire in three years because he put in for retirement two years ago and it's a five year program.

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