Exposito named Miami Police Chief, Spence-Jones expected to run for seat

MIAMI (WSVN) -- City Hall officials have confirmed that City of Miami Police Major Miguel Exposito has been named the next police chief for the City of Miami.

Exposito currently oversees the property crimes section of the City of Miami Police Department. He was one of four people on the short list after Police Chief John Timoney announced his resignation last week, following the swearing-in of new Miami mayor Tomas Regalado, who made it no secret he wanted new blood at the head of the Miami Police force.

Exposito, a 35-year veteran, had been called the front-runner for the position. The 55-year-old joined the City of Miami Police Department at 19 years of age and rose through the ranks, heading internal affairs, special investigations and the criminal investigations department. Exposito also famously filed a whistle blower lawsuit against the department complaining of secret files kept on elected officials.

On day of the unofficial news, Deputy Chief Frank Fernandez also announced his resignation. He is a 25-year veteran on the force. He said in a statement, "It's no secret that my philosophy in police management is somewhat similar to Chief Timoney." Regalado never considered Fernandez as a replacement for Timoney precisely for that reason.

The 45-year-old Fernandez said he will stay on the force only as long as Timoney will. Timoney announced his last day at the helm as Jan. 15 to "ensure a smooth transition."

Miami Police Lt. Joe Schillaci was hopeful upon hearing the news. "He's a good leader," he said about Exposito. "He's a very, very professional individual ... I know he's going to continue to keep this department, in this city, in the right direction."

In talking to police officers with the city, most agreed a change is needed, and that Exposito is certainly the man for the job. "Things have to change," said Miami Police Sgt. Kenneth Griffen. "The average life, I believe, for a chief is three or four years, and Chief Timoney has been here, I believe, going on eight years, so things have to change, I think, every few years to keep the organization fresh."

Armando Aguilar, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police agreed on the quality of Exposito. "I think he's a great guy. He's got a world of experience, so I think he'll make a great chief."

Meanwhile, former commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones is expected to announce her future political plans at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Spence-Jones was arrested, and then suspended by Governor Charlie Crist for allegedly stealing county grant money. She is expected to announce that she will run for her open seat in January's special election.

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