Miami Gardens Swears In New Police Chief
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MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) -- Miami Gardens has a new top cop.
Chief Antonio Brooklen was sworn in Monday.
While the city has seen its share of crime and controversy in recent years, the man now at the helm of the police department says it's time for change.
"I am humbled and honored to be the third Chief of Police for this great city," Chief Brooklen said at his swearing-in ceremony, where he thanked the Mayor, council members and his family.
Brooklen was born and raised in Miami Gardens.
He remembers a time when his hometown looked very different.
"I was here when there wasn't a Walmart. I was here when there wasn't a Dolphins Stadium. I saw the stadium being built. My family was part of the family that took advantage when the Dolphins came in and parked vehicles in their yard," he said.
His family still owns the property where he grew up, he said in an exclusive interview with CBS4.
Brooklen started his law enforcement career with Miami Dade Police Department in 1994, and joined Miami Gardens as a major when the department was created in 2007.
In that time, the department has had three police chiefs.
Brooklen replaces Chief Stephen Johnson, who was arrested in February in a Broward Sheriff's Office prostitution sting.
"My emphasis is on building the trust. If you look at a lot of instances around the country, it involves the community against the police. The community did this. The police did that," he said.
Like other departments around the U.S., Miami Gardens has faced scrutiny over accusations its officers unfairly profiled young black men.
Earlier this year, controversy erupted when a Miami Gardens police officer shot and killed a mentally ill man.
Brooklen says transparency will be key in moving forward.
"In Miami Gardens, we want to take the approach of breaking down those barriers," he said. "So when things happen, and they will, we have a legitimate relationship… If we're at fault and we've done something wrong, we'll address it."
The chief says crime is down and community involvement is up.
He's a firm believer those two factors go hand-in-hand.
"We're in this together so let's get to work," he said as he wrapped up his speech Monday.
The chief also had a strong message for his officers. He said he not only expects them to refrain from misconduct, he expects them to prevent it.
